Spotting Scope Showdown: B&L’s Premier Is A Best Buy

In our view, this $600 glass had a better mix of light weight, price, brightness, and sharpness than Nikon and Swarovski products.

We think the B&L scope was bright and clear enough for any competition purpose. It’s also more packable than some of the other scopes.

Optics play a high-profile role in hunting: binoculars, riflescopes, and red-dot sights all consume a big chunk of your field-destined dollar. Everyone realizes the role binoculars and riflescopes play in locating and shooting a trophy. But big-rack hunters also know there’s a crucial time between those events that determines whether a particular animal goes on the wall or not. It’s in this verification stage when you actually consider a hunting dilemma worthy of Hamlet: to shoot or not to shoot, that is the question.

Many hunters use binoculars to verify that their bucks are indeed wearing the right headgear, but binoculars are really intended to initially locate deer, not assess a buck’s total point count, his width, and his thickness. Likewise, some hunters use their riflescopes for this job, cranking up their variables to 9X, 12X, or 14X. Still, some of us who use lightweight 4X or 6X fixed-power optics use a riflescope as an aiming tool, and we don’t like to point a loaded rifle at a buck until we’ve decided to fire. That means we need another piece of glass to help us decide whether to fire.

I learned this the hard way two years ago. Hunting on a lease in Texas’ Trans Pecos area, I could only take a desert mule deer with an eight-point-or-better rack. Three hard days of hunting yielded no bucks of this quality, but on the last morning of the hunt, I had my chance. I was perched atop a 150-foot-tall bluff overlooking a dry riverbed when I saw a dark-bodied buck walking toward me. He could not see me, he couldn’t smell me, and I had plenty of time to check him out. Unfortunately, I only had a pair of 8X35 binoculars, and I could not be sure whether he had seven or eight points until he was practically underneath me. By the time I was sure, he walked below my line of sight and disappeared into the brush. I never saw him again.

Had I had a spotting scope set up that morning, that deer would be sitting on my wall now. I simply needed the magnification a good spotting scope could have delivered—and I didn’t have it. In Western hunting, along power line rights of way in the Midwest, or across the grainfields of the South, the spotting scope allows the horn hunter to be absolutely sure the deer he’s about to shoot satisfies the requirements of the lease or his personal standards.

We recently tested several medium- to high-priced spotting scopes that could have made the difference that morning. Though we plan to revisit this category in future tests to see if lower-priced items can also cut the mustard, we wanted to see how high top-line products set the field-performance bar. For this round, our test products included Bausch & Lomb’s Premier HDR 60-mm objective model (No. 61-6045, suggested list price $599.95), which comes with a 45-degree wide-angle eyepiece, and two Nikon Angled Field-scope ED bodies in 60-mm and 78-mm objective lenses. The 60-mm body is catalog number 7893, and it retails for $1298.40. The 78-mm body (No. 7899), retails for $2,169.60. These Nikon products are sold as bodies only, so we also acquired a 20-45X eyepiece (No. 7771, $317.80 list) and a 60X eyepiece (No. 7811, $160 list). We added to this mix a Swarovski AT-80 spotting scope, which comes with a 45-degree eyepiece and sells for $1,100 list. It must be joined with an eyepiece, and we chose the 20X-60X ATO-20-60X model, which retails for $327.78.

Overall, we thought these products’ quality ranged from good to superb—and because of their price tags, the hunter needs to determine what level of clarity and brightness he needs for a given application. Next, we’ve found that body integrity is the Achilles heel of these products. Unlike riflescopes, most of which are waterproof, spotting scopes and binoculars are anything but. In most cases, we found that the products fogged in high-humidity or variable temperature conditions, which rendered them useless. Based on these assessments, we liked the optical performance of the Swarovski AT-80 spotting scope. But we think the B&L Premier HDR 60-mm objective model is a best buy, because it combined good optics, a weatherproof nature, and a low price.

How We Tested
We tested most of the products over the span of a year, using them in a variety of conditions and situations to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Unlike riflescopes and handgun scopes, spotting scopes don’t present adjustment-accuracy issues. Instead, they primarily need to be sharp, bright, weatherproof, easy to use, and light.

Resolution (Clarity). To check for optical sharpness, we used an optometrist’s Snellen Scale Letter Chart For 10 Feet. The chart has seven rows of letters decreasing in size. The top letters (H, N) are 1.75 inches tall. The bottom row of letters (Z, D, N, P, T) is 0.187 inches tall. We mounted the scopes side by side on a rail and pointed them at the eye chart. Then we asked 10 panelists to rate subjectively which scope was clearer, following the same procedure as the optometrist does in prescribing glasses. After focusing two models to his eyes, a panelist would look at one scope and read as far down the chart as he could. Then he would perform the same routine on a second scope, assessing which glass was sharper. We noted the smallest line size all the testers could discern on a given model. Eye Alignment. Next, we placed the scopes side by side on a rail, and the test subjects viewed each one and rated it for ease of eye alignment.

Brightness. Using the same protocol as above, we had our testers view objects through the scopes, which were mounted side by side. We conducted this part of the test at dusk.

Glare. We pointed the scopes toward bright light sources (not the sun) and tried to see if we could detect glare or flare in the optics.

Waterproof/Fogging Test. Last, we checked the owner’s manuals for the scopes to see if they were waterproof. If they claimed to be waterproof, we dunked each scope in a warm-water bath for 10 minutes, then cooled the scope in a 0-degree freezer for 30 minutes. Water intrusion into the scope body would show up as fog or frost. We placed self-described water-resistant items in a shower for 10 minutes and then froze them.

Ease of Use. While conducting other parts of this test, we assessed how easily and positively focusing-and variable-power adjustments operated. Here’s how each of the products fared:

Bausch & Lomb Premier
HDR No. 61-6045
This 60-mm objective model, which has a suggested list price of $599.95, comes with a 45-degree eyepiece mount and the 15-45X zoom variable-power eyepiece. An optional 22X wide-angle eyepiece is $81.95; a 30X long eye–relief eyepiece is $128.95. A 20-45X long eye relief eyepiece is $181.95. The straight-body version in the Premier line is the 61-6000 model, which sells for $554.95. Both scopes occupy the midrange price level in the company’s line, one step down in price from the Elite products, such as the 78-mm objective 61-7700ED, which sells for $1,132.95, and the waterproof Elite 60-mm scope, model 61-1548P, which retails for $719.95. The Bausch & Lomb nameplate was retained for some scope models when Bausch & Lomb Sports Optics division was spun off from the B&L parent company in May 1995. Worldwide Sports and Recreation of Tulsa, Oklahoma, bought and renamed the division Bushnell Corporation, but Bushnell still sells optics under the B&L name.

Physical Description. The Premier weighs 38 ounces (1075 grams) and measures 13 inches (330 mm) in overall length. It can be focused to within 31 feet (9.4 meters). Dividing the lens objective diameter (60 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (15X to 45X) yields an exit pupil ranging between 4 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 125 feet at 15X and 68 feet at 45X. The scope has multi-coated optics, tripod thread (1/4 inch), a rubber objective-lens cover, bayonet-style eyepiece mount, and a built-in sighting device on the aluminum body.

Operation Evaluation. The B&L scope was sufficiently bright and clear for any competition purpose, when the lighting is generally good. However, it was not as bright as the 78-mm Nikon and the 80-mm Swarovski in low-light situations, we thought. In the field, it is possible to carry the Premier in a backpack. Its 2.5-pound weight is the lightest of the goods tested here, even when combined with a tripod like the 8-ounce Bogen 3009. Fitted with the 15-45X eyepiece, the scope can be dialed back to cover lots of ground, then zoomed in to verify a buck’s points.

We thought the binocular’s 4-mm 15X exit pupil was very easy to bring into eye alignment. We noticed no bothersome glare and flare when the glass was pointed toward bright light. The owner’s manual didn’t provide a warning about water intrusion, but since another product in the Elite series is touted as being waterproof, we assumed that meant the Premier was not. A shower and subsequent freezing didn’t cause the glass to fog, however. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece. The supplied rubber lens cover protected the objective from dust and scratching.

Nikon Angled Fieldscope
EDIIA 60-mm No. 7893
The Nikon Angled Fieldscope ED No. 7893 is a 60-mm objective model that retails for $1,298.40. Paired with the better of the two eyepieces suitable for the Nikon, the 20-45X zoom (No. 7771, $317.80 list), the package prices out at $1,616.20. The B&L Premier costs half as much at $599.95, and delivers much the same performance.

This Nikon 60-mm objective model has a 45-degree angled body to which a number of optional eyepieces can be mounted. Fixed 15X, 20X, 30X and 30X wide angle, 40X, 60X, and 20-45X zoom eyepieces are available. The straight-body version is the Fieldscope EDII model, and similar products which don’t have the ED series’ extra-low dispersion lenses sell under the Fieldscope II and IIA names.

Physical Description. The EDIIA 60-mm body weighs 42 ounces (1,190 grams) and measures 11.4 inches (290 mm) in overall length. It is 4.3 inches (110 mm) tall. It can be focused to within 16.5 feet (5 meters). It has a Schmidt’s prism internal design. Dividing the lens objective diameter (60 mm) by the eye piece magnifications (20X to 45X) yields an exit pupil ranging between 3 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 105 feet at 20X. The scope has multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses, which reduce chromatic aberration (color shifting) when light is bent inside the scope. It comes with a tripod thread (1/4 inch), screw-in eyepiece mount, a built-in sighting device on the body, and a nylon cover. The angled body housing can be rotated in a 180-degree arc for better viewing. The body is not waterproof.

Operation Evaluation. The EDIIA 60-mm was bright and clear, but testers couldn’t tell much difference between it and the Premier. However, it was not as bright as the 78-mm Nikon and the 80-mm Swarovski, we thought. In the field, the EDIIA’s 4-ounce-heavier weight wasn’t that noticeable, and its slightly smaller dimensions made it as packable as the Premier, we thought. Fitted with the 20-45X eyepiece, the scope can be used to canvas a large area, then zoomed in to focus on a more detailed spot or an animal.

On a tripod, the EDIIA has an edge over the Premier spotting bullet holes downrange. The hunter can change the eyepiece-housing angle by loosening a knob on the right-hand side of the scope and twisting the housing. There are detents in the 180-degree housing rotation, but the hunter can tighten the knob and fix the eyepiece angle at any position he wishes. We thought the scope’s 3-mm 20X exit pupil was easy to bring into alignment with the eye. The coated optics practically eliminated glare and flare. The owner’s manual urged the user to minimize focusing the scope in rainy weather, and cautioned the owner not to submerge the item in water. A shower and subsequent freezing caused its glass to fog. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece. Nikon sells 67-mm lens hoods and filters separately; they protect the objective lens from dust and scratches.

Nikon Angled Fieldscope
ED78A No. 7899
The 78-mm objective-lens body retails for $2,169.60. We tested the Nikon with a 20-45X eyepiece (No. 7771, $317.80 list) and a 60X eyepiece (No. 7811, $160 list), which makes the drive-out prices $2,487.40 and $2,329.60, respectively. Of the two eyepieces, we didn’t like the 60X model because it was too hard to bring the eye into alignment and see the target. We conducted almost all of our testing with the 20-45X eyepiece.

Like the Nikon 60-mm objective model, the ED78A has a 45-degree angled body to which a number of optional eyepieces can be mounted. Fixed 19X, 25X, 38X and 38X wide angle, 50X, 75X, and 25-56X zoom eyepieces are available. The straight-body version is the Fieldscope ED78.

Physical Description. The ED78 body weighs 54 ounces (1,530 grams) and measures 13 inches (332.8 mm) in overall length. It is 4.4 inches (113.5 mm) tall. It can be focused to within 16.5 feet (5 meters). It has a Schmidt’s prism internal design. Dividing the lens objective diameter (78 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (25X to 56X) yields exit pupil marks ranging between 3.1 and 1.7 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 101 feet at 25X. Otherwise, the scope has the same features as the 60-mm Nikon.

Operation Evaluation. The ED78A was rated as the brightest and clearest scope by many of our panelists. But good glass usually weighs a lot, and we noticed this extra bulk in the field. The ED78A’s 54-ounce weight was much more noticeable than the 60-mm models, we found. Also, fitted with the 25-56X eyepiece, the scope was somewhat less useful in gazing at a large area, but it excelled when zoomed in for detailed examinations at 56X.

The ED78A had a brightness edge over the 60-mm models in dim early-morning or late-evening conditions, our panelists thought. Like the EDIIA 60-mm unit, the ED78A’s eyepiece-housing angle is adjustable, which is a clear advantage over the other products. We thought the scope’s 3.1-mm 25X exit pupil was easy to bring into alignment with the eye. The coated optics showed next to no glare and flare. Nikon sells 82-mm lens hoods and filters separately. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece.

The ED78A’s owner manual warned against focusing the scope in inclement weather, and cautioned the owner not to submerge the product. Our shower and freezing test caused the ED78A to fog.

Swarovski AT-80
This 80-mm objective spotting scope comes with a 45-degree wide-angle eyepiece mount and sells for $1,100 list. It must be joined with an eyepiece, and we examined the 20X-60X ATO-20-60X model, which retails for $327.78. Thus, the unit’s total price is $1,427.78.

Other optional eyepieces include 15X, 22X, 30X, and 32X wide angles. The straight-body version is the ST-80. Similar bodies with high-density-glass, the AT 80 HD and ST 80 HD, sell for $1,543.33 plus eyepiece.

Physical Description. The AT-80 body weighs 51.8 ounces (1,470 grams) and measures 16 inches (406 mm) in overall length. It is 4.5 inches (114 mm) tall and 3.5 inches (89 mm) wide. It can be focused to within 6.6 yards (6 meters). Dividing the lens objective diameter (80 mm) by the eyepiece magnifications (20X to 60X) yields exit pupil marks ranging between 4 and 1.3 mm. Its field of view at 1,000 yards is 99 feet at 20X and 52.5 feet at 60X. Its feature set includes multi-coated lenses, an alloy body, and an integrated sunshield. The AT-80 is also waterproof with the eyepiece in place.

Operation Evaluation. Some of our panelists rated the AT-80 as the brightest and clearest scope. The AT-80’s 51.8 ounces weighed down a backpack, we thought, and its 16-inch length makes it cumbersome for most field work. The 20-60X eyepiece provided a good range of magnification to examine game-holding cover.

Mounted on a tripod, the AT-80 provided a sharp image when spotting bullet holes downrange—as good as the 78-mm Nikon, we thought. We thought the scope’s 4-mm 20X exit pupil was very easy to bring into eye alignment. The coated optics showed practically no glare and flare. Swarovski sells carrying cases and covers for the scope separately. The product’s focusing adjustment worked smoothly, as did the zoom eyepiece. The AT-80’s technical description said the product was waterproof, so we submerged it and froze it to see if we could induce lens fogging. We weren’t able to. This is a huge advantage in the AT-80’s favor, in our opinion.

Guns, Gear & Game Recommends
• The Bausch & Lomb Premier HDR No. 61-6045 fell behind the larger scopes in some low-light conditions, so it might be possible to justify the extra dollars the larger-objective scopes command. But we would be hard pressed to agree. If it’s too dark to see an animal with the Premier, then it’s probably too dark to shoot it. It’s lightweight, bright, compact, and affordable, which in our book makes the Bausch & Lomb Premier HDR No. 61-6045 a best buy.

• The Swarovski AT-80 is an excellent, affordable optical product. It’s bright, clear, versatile, and waterproof—a claim the other products can’t make. For some uses, including spotting roles when used out of a vehicle or blind, its weight and bulk aren’t problems. In the field, the Swarovski AT-80 and a tripod would be an ungainly load strapped to your back.

• Unquestionably, the Nikon Angled Fieldscope EDIIA 60-mm No. 7893 is a superb optical product. But for field use, we think it has some drawbacks. It’s about $1,000 more expensive than the Premier, but doesn’t deliver substantially better performance in any area except for its rotating eyepiece housing.

• Like its stablemate, the Nikon Angled Fieldscope ED78A No. 7899 is an excellent optical product, but it’s $2,000 more than the B&L Premier and $1,000 more than the AT-80. Also, it’s heavier than the B&L product, and not watertight like the AT-80. Despite the ED78A’s superior picture, we are hard pressed to find a use where other products don’t serve as well for less money.

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-By Todd Woodard