Author Topic: Bushnell Elite 3200 vs. 4200 (Read 1711 times)

DannoBoone · « **on:** January 26, 2003, 01:43:48 PM »

Just checking the eabco site price differences between the two. Other than
apparent light transmission qualities, just what is the difference between
these two scopes to justify putting out an extra $150 (approximate)

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2003, 04:09:08 AM »

Quality.

The Elite 4200s are tested to the equivalent of 10,000 rounds of a 375 H&H magnun, whereas the Elite 3200s are tested to only 1,000 rounds.

Also, your comment about the 4200's light transmission makes it sound like it's not that big of a deal when, in fact, it is. The glass that is used in the 4200 is superior to that of the 3200. Granted, you probably can't tell the difference in the store at first glance, but you will notice it during low light conditions. Also, you will notice that the resolution is better on the 4200 than the 3200. It takes more time, and money, to ground and polish the glass on the 4200 than it does the 3200.

Yes, the law of diminishing returns applies to scopes as anything else. However, that notwithstanding, the 4200 is worth the extra money!

Zachary

DannoBoone · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2003, 04:30:08 PM »

Well, unfortunately Zach, they won't allow us to hunt by moonlight here.

Put a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40/AO on a new VVCG 209x50 barrel this
winter just prior to 2d ML Season. It's light gathering qualities probably
couldn't compare to even the 3200. However, at one point 15 minutes
before close of season one day, I looked through it into a grove of pines
about a hundred yards away. There was a small clearing, and to the
naked eye, the clearing appeared black. Looking through the scope, the
brown colors could still be discerned to the point an object could be targeted
with the crosshairs.

Now, a 3200 obviously has to be better than the Banner, and if a 4200 is
that much better yet -- snow cover + moonlight + light gathering qualities
of the 4200 = targetting an object at night???

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2003, 03:37:00 AM »

I wouldn't quite say that the Elite 4200s are "bright enough" to hunt during illegal night-time, but it probably comes close.

The thing is, however, that no one, including myself, advocates having great optics so that we can hunt at night. Rather, I like such optics because, if they are "bright" during illegal shooting times, then they will be "brighter" during legal shooting times. I like bright and sharp images, and it doesn't hurt to have super great optics during legal shooting times. :grin:

Zachary