Sport, work or hobby, Bushnell binoculars are a must-have item for every birdwatcher and nature lover.
From hunting to stargazing there it’s a Bushnell device for every activity!
Even if it’s located in Kansas, the Bushnell optics are imported from Japan and sold worldwide. It has become one of the most recognized companies specialized in binoculars, scopes and other outdoor devices with the mission “To develop and market superior optical products that enhance the experience of outdoor and sports enthusiasts”.
Comparing to other brands, Bushnell has a wide range of binoculars that are well known for their affordable high quality.
Best Bushnell Binoculars of 2020
Features to consider before buying your binoculars:
Magnification power
The magnification power is the multiplier factor that brings the object closer. If an object has the size of 1 inch, a binocular with 8x magnification power will make it 8 times bigger resulting in an object with a size of 8 inches.
Depending on the needs, you may want a binocular with higher magnification power (for activities such as hunting) or with a lower magnification power 5x (for activities such as sightseeing).
Lens size
A larger lens will capture more light that will result in a brighter image. Comparing two binoculars with same features but different lens sizes (for example x25 and x50) the smaller one (x25) will gather less light and will result in a darker image while the bigger one (x50) will result into a clearer and brighter image.
But having a binocular with larger lens has its downstairs. The larger the lens are, the heavier the binoculars will be, so if you need a compact binocular that can be easily carried around you may opt of one with smaller lens.
Eye relief
The eye relief represents the distance between the eyepiece (the end of the binocular closer to the eye) and the point where the eye can obtain the full view. A shorter eye relief will require the eye to be closer to the eyepiece, therefore making the binocular difficult to use while wearing glasses.
Therefore if you are wearing glasses you may need to look for a binocular that has an eye relief larger than 16 millimeters.
Weight and size
Weight and size can be an important feature of a binocular if you use it for a long time. As a big binocular is not just difficult and tiresome to carry around it is also pretty hard to use for long periods because your hands will get tired really fast and focusing on the object (especially moving objects) will become a nearly impossible task.
Bigger and heavier binoculars may require bags to carry them around as wearing them around your neck with straps would turn them into a bother.
Cost
The cost of a binocular can vary from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars (sometimes even more). Usually, the better features the binocular have, the more expensive it will be. But that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a small fortune to get a good binocular, you can find high-quality binoculars to a fair price, affordable for most of the people.
Based on your needs you may not even need binoculars with features that may highly increase the price such as higher magnification power, you may be fine with 10x or 12x but that depends on your needs or such as night vision if you are only using them during the day (this will make you lose money for a feature you don’t need).
Therefore taking into consideration what type of activity you will use the binoculars to have a high chance to help you save some money.
1. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fog-proof Roof Prism Binocular
Regarding money versus quality, the Bushnell H2O is one of the world’s top binoculars. They are also one of the customers best-reviewed binoculars. They are excellent to use even in extreme weather conditions including heavy rainfall and foggy weather without damaging the binoculars due to their resistant construction.
Due to their non-slip rubber pads and armor, you don’t have to worry about your binoculars slipping out of your hands. Their multicoated glasses make them perfect to use even under low light conditions, also the BaK-4 prisms will optimize your viewing experience by improving the clarity and producing vibrating colors.
Even if you wear glasses there is no need to fear since their eye relief measures 17mm. Suits both professionals and beginners. In term of magnification, both 8x and 10x it’s available, so you can choose what suits you best.
Specs:
- Lens size: 42mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Field of view: 305ft
- Eye relief: 17mm
- Exit pupil: 4.2mm
- Size: 7 x 6 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Pros:
- Large focus knob that makes it easy to adjust even with gloves.
- Waterproof and fog-proof design.
- Covered in a rubber armor that ensure a good slip-free grip and act as a shock absorber and increase its durability.
- Great quality for a fairly cheap price.
Cons:
- Quite heavy and require a backpack/storage case to transport, therefore it may be inconvenient for long trips.
2. Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
As the name suggests, The Falcon binoculars are great, mainly, for birdwatching but also a great choice for nature observers, campers and hikers.
As they are very easy to use, it makes a good choice for kids and for beginners, also for people who wear glasses as their eye relief is 12mm.
Their drawback is that they are not water and foggy proof, even if they are strong and durable with a rubber coating which prevents slipping, therefore they cannot be used on extreme weather situations.
Specs:
- Lens size: 35mm
- Magnification: 7x
- Field of view: 420ft
- Eye relief: 12mm
- Exit pupil: 5mm
- Size: 8 x 6.2 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Pros:
- Storage case with straps included.
- Covered with rubber pads to ensure a good slip-free grip.
- Fast focus system for moving targets.
- Shockproof design concept.
- Right lens can be adjusted separately so you can focus with just one eye.
- Good price-quality ratio.
Cons:
- Not waterproof & fog-proof (not usable in extreme weather conditions).
- Quite heavy and require a backpack/storage case to transport, therefore it may be inconvenient for long trips.
- Due to its low eye relief of 12 millimeters may not be a good choice to use with glasses.
3. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
Legend Ultra HD is another great outdoor use binocular, exceptional for unpleasant weather made to resist to water and fog, furthermore their hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coating are great against oily fingerprints.
The ED Prime glass elements in their lenses help to improve the color and the contrast in imagines. Bushnell also offers a limited lifetime warranty on their Legend Ultra HD binoculars.
Specs:
- Lens size: 42mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Field of view: 370ft
- Eye relief: 15.2mm
- Exit pupil: 4.2mm
- Size: 6.8 x 5.2 x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Pros:
- Water and fog resistant, making it a great choice for using in extreme weathers.
- Generous eye relief, easy to use with glasses or sunglasses.
- Rugged housing that provides a good grip.
- Works excellent in the dark twilight environment.
- The focus knob is quite big making it easy to adjust the focus while using gloves.
Cons:
- Fairly expensive.
- Quite heavy and require a backpack/storage case to transport, therefore it may be inconvenient for long trips.
4. Bushnell Green Roof Trophy Binoculars
If you are struggling to find the perfect hunting binoculars then fear no more! Approved by the founder of ’’Bone Collector’’, Michael Waddell, Green Roof Trophy Binoculars is the perfect fit as hunting binoculars. Without spending a lot of money you can find the performance needed for high-quality images.
Due to BaK-4 roof prims(which are also multi-coated) system, the imagines are sharp, bright and very clear. Green Roof Trophy binoculars benefit of a waterproof and fog-proof design. Due to its 15 millimeters eye relief, Green Roof Trophy, can be used while wearing glasses or sunglasses. They come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Specs:
- Lens size: 42mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Field of view: 325ft
- Eye relief: 15.2mm
- Exit pupil: 4.2mm
- Size: 7 x 6 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Pros:
- This binoculars benefits of Dura-Grip rubber armor that ensure a slip-free grip.
- Fully multi-coated optics.
- Easy to focus on moving objects due to the fast focus.
- Waterproof and fog-proof so it can be used in harsh weather conditions.
- High eye relief makes it easy to use with glasses/sunglasses.
Cons:
- Quite expensive if you are a beginner and you are buying your first binocular.
- Flip covers may come off, exposing the lens to potential danger.
- A bit heavy and may not be a good choice for long term usage.
5. Bushnell Marine Binoculars
As the name suggests, Bushnell Marine binoculars are mainly created for marine situations. Whether it’s about oceans, seas or lakes, without a doubt with marine binoculars you don’t have to worry about water, fog or corrosion.
As the 7x50mm configuration is Coast Guard recommended for the safety and for the usability these binoculars are perfect for spotting small objects even hundreds of feet away. Spotting sharks, fishes or even rescuing humans, this binoculars won’t disappoint!
If you are looking for a gift for a dedicated sightseer then you might want to take into your consideration these binoculars.
Specs:
- Lens size: 50mm
- Magnification: 7x
- Field of view: 382ft
- Eye relief: 18mm
- Exit pupil: 7.1mm
- Size: 7.4 x 7 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 2.25 pounds
Pros:
- Great compact design despite its weight.
- Corrosion-resistant and waterproof making it a perfect choice for marine environments.
- Good choice for people that uses glasses or sunglasses due to its 18 mm long eye relief.
- Rubber armor that ensures a good slip-free grip.
- A generously sized lens that allows you to see in darker environments.
- Individual focus system that allows you to focus on each side.
Cons:
- Based on users reviews, due to the strap length, it may be uncomfortable to wear them around your neck.
- Compared to other binoculars with same specs, Bushnell Marine is quite heavy weighting with almost half a pound more, making long term usage almost impossible.
6. Bushnell Spectator 4x30mm Extra-Wide Compact Binoculars
If you are looking for a low-price, multi-use binoculars, also waterproof which can see almost 6 km ahead, then maybe this is suitable for you.
Whether it’s about indoor shows like theatres or outdoor activities like hiking, these glasses are a great choice. Their design is not tripoded adaptable, but because they are lightweight it reduces the handshake so you won’t need a tripod. Unfortunately, they are not fog proof.
They are suitable for beginners and for kids as they don’t have a focus system or a diopter to adjust before looking through them, therefore are very easy to use.
Even if they are not shockproof and they are made of plastic they are durable enough in case of accident drop.
Specs:
- Lens size: 30mm
- Magnification: 4x
- Field of view: 900ft
- Eye relief: 10mm
- Exit pupil: 6mm
- Size: 5.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 0.9 pounds
Pros:
- Light and compact with a unique design.
- Great for focusing on moving objects due to its focus free system.
- A good fit for long time usage due to its weight (less than 1 pound)
Cons:
- Impossible to use them during extreme weathers as it is not waterproof or fog-proof.
- Cannot be used on a tripod.
- Magnification power is quite low, thus limiting the usage to sightseeing or sports and events watching.
- Not suitable for using wearing glasses or sunglasses, due to its low eye relief (high chance of scratching the glasses lens).
7. Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Roof Prism
If you are looking for multi-purpose binoculars, this top customer reviewed, Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Roof Prism binoculars are one of the best choices among beginners and kids.
Weighing less than half a pound, its compact design makes them suitable for activities such as hunting, hiking and even watching sports and events as it is easy to carry them around your neck, in a small bag or it may even fit in your pocket.
Bushnell Powerview has a great price-quality ratio compared to similar products. These binoculars can be a perfect gift for kids or adults that are in love with outdoor activities.
Specs:
- Lens size: 21mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Field of view: 378ft
- Eye relief: 10mm
- Exit pupil: 2.6 mm
- Size: 8 x 6 x 5 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Pros:
- Small and light, easy to carry around or wear around the neck.
- Benefits of rubber armor designed for a good grip and shock-resistant making it a good choice for heavy and rough use.
- Affordable for everyone as it is fairly cheap.
- Easy to use for beginners.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Not suitable for low light environments (small lens gather less light making them unusable during the night).
- Not suitable for harsh environments as it is not waterproof or fog-proof.
- Impossible to use on a tripod.