Top binoculars from Bushnell reviewed & buying guide
Is time of the essence but you still want to find the best Bushnell binoculars for birding or any other activity? If that’s so, we believe that this paragraph can help you make an informed decision. After having gone through dozens of consumer reports, sales figures, and various surveys and forums, we’ve reached the conclusion that the unit worth considering is the Bushnell H2O. Even though this choice is one of the most budget-friendly ones out there, it’s made from resilient materials that enable it to last for a good deal of time and even put up with the abuse of the elements. This Roof Prism pair of binoculars can prove to be a friend in need for situations when you need it the most. With its 10x magnification and 42mm objective diameter, this model can allow you to analyze your subjects as best as possible. If the H2O is unavailable, the next best choice would be the Bushnell Falcon 133410.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
The Bushnell H2O is a model that has a lot going on for it. For starters, the optics performance is superior, and you will be impressed with the image clarity. Because it is completely waterproof, it is the ideal choice for hunters and other people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors. It is also resistant to shocks, and the textured grip ensures that you won’t be able to drop your binoculars that easily.
The binoculars are quite heavy, so you may experience fatigue when holding them for more than a few minutes.
An excellent pair of binoculars, backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.
2nd Best
Starting with the optics, this pair of binoculars is outstanding and will offer you the ability to watch wildlife or any other objects that are not in your close vicinity. The fully multi-coated optics ensure proper light transmission for bright and clear images, and the Instafocus feature make it a great companion for birdwatchers and not only. Outfitted with a 12mm eye relief, they are comfortable.
The accessories provided are poor quality compared to the binoculars, such as the nylon case, or the flimsy strap included.
A model that offers everything from optics performance to excellent comfort.
Also To Consider
These binoculars offer great light transmission and image clarity, due to the large objective diameter of 50mm, and the fully multi-coated optics. That means that they will behave well in low light conditions. Another thing you will like about these binoculars is that they come with an abrasion resistant finish so they will show no signs of wear and tear for a long time. The Instafocus lever comes in handy for birdwatchers.
The case and the strap seem to be of inferior quality, and these minor gripes take from the overall satisfaction this model provides.
A reliable pair of binoculars, ideal for use in low light conditions and bird watching.
Bushnell makes some of the most critically acclaimed products in the industry of optics, but that doesn’t mean that the brand isn’t present in other areas such as hunting and the making of various gear destined for outdoor activities. Some of the most popular alternatives from this company range from riflescopes and spotting scopes to GPSes for golfing.
So, if you aren’t limited in terms of the equipment you might want to use, especially if you’re a hunter, you may want to consider these pieces of gear, as well. However, since the topic of our article is Bushnell binoculars, we’ve decided to put together a comprehensive guide that’s packed with all the info you need to choose the right model for your requirements.
Think about your own requirements
Even before you start reading some of the best Bushnell binoculars reviews, you need to know your expectations and the purpose you have in mind. Not all models are constructed the same and have the same specifications, so they might not be useful in all situations.
While some binoculars can be used conveniently for stargazing, for example, others are virtually incapable of serving you in this sense. What’s more, the features of some alternatives might make it impossible for you to hold them in your hands in such a way so as to look at a stable image.
The point that we are trying to make is that you need to take a step back and examine the type of user that you are. Do you want a pair for birding, for hunting, for astronomy, or for whale watching and marine activities? Who’s going to use the product? If you’re getting one for kids, for example, it’s pretty obvious you need to focus on details like durability.
Jotting all of these factors down on a piece of paper can help you understand your needs and preferences and ultimately, assist you in finding the perfect pair of binoculars from Bushnell.
Objective lens and magnification
These two are the first factors you ought to mull over. The bigger the lens, the higher the odds of more light going into the binoculars, so the higher the chances for you to look at a bright image so that you actually understand what’s going on. Therefore, if you’re getting the unit for low-light situations, you need one that comes with a bigger objective lens diameter.
Keep in mind that larger aperture can be correlated with a bulkier design. So, your binoculars will be heavier and larger, and therefore, harder to carry around.
As for the magnification, it’s a matter of endless debates. You might think that more magnification is better, but it really isn’t if your purpose is going out and looking at birds. Lower magnifications can create stable images with a wider field of view. High powered binoculars often need some sort of systems like a tripod or monopod because you won’t be able to deal with the shakiness of the image and stabilize it with your hands.
Do you wear glasses?
If you do, you need to look at two things; the eye relief and the diopter adjustment. The general rule is that glass wearers have to consider models that come with an eye relief of at least 15mm. Anything under this will not allow the user to see the entire field of view.
Although they might cost a pretty penny in comparison with budget-friendly choices, better quality binoculars will come with a diopter adjuster
5 Best Bushnell Binoculars (Reviews) in 2024
As we cannot choose the right model for you, we’ve at least come up with a limited number of the popular units available for sale these days. Check out some of the reviews of Bushnell binoculars below.
Contents
1. Bushnell H2O All Purpose Binocular 150142 Pouch and Strap Included
Based on our research, the H2O is one of the most critically acclaimed alternatives that money can buy nowadays. It doesn’t cost a fortune, and the neat thing about it is that it can be found for less than one hundred at most online retailers.
The pair boasts a fog proof and waterproof design, which is why it is destined for people who like to spend time outdoors. It’s available both with a 10x and an 8x magnification, and so you can feel free to choose the one you are most comfortable with.
Also, the eye relief of this option measures 17mm, so it is more than fit to serve people who wear glasses. The multi-coated optics that this model has been outfitted with can make it possible for more light to penetrate the binoculars and thus ensure that the images you glance at are brighter and crisper.
Pros
This pair is quite affordable and doesn’t cost a fortune, much unlike many of its competitors.
Despite its user-friendly price, the unit boasts a waterproof and fog proof design, which means that it is more than suitable for outdoor activities.
The 17mm eye relief is a nice addition for people who wear glasses.
This model has acquired the appreciation of over seven hundred customers who were kind enough to provide favorable feedback.
The multi-coated optics that this unit has been outfitted with can make it possible for you to look at bright images that are clear and sharp.
Cons
Some of the buyers have complained about the weight of this binocular as it seems to be a tad too heavy for their personal taste.
First-time users may find it hard to focus on an object, which is to say that you might have to be endowed with some patience so as to learn how to use the device.
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2. Bushnell Falcon Binoculars with Case
If you are in the market for something just a little bit more affordable, perhaps the Falcon 133410 might be the right choice for you. It’s priced just under forty dollars at most online retailers, although this price point can, without a doubt, vary.
Unlike some of the other models we have showcased in our selection, this one comes with a magnification power of 7x, which means that it is excellent for outdoor applications such as hiking, birding, or hunting. It will enable you to look at a clear picture, so you won’t have to worry about your hands being too shaky.
The weight of this unit is just 21 ounces, so it isn’t overly heavy. As such, you can carry it conveniently in your hands or your backpack, or even on a neck strap. Something other that needs to be added in regards to this product is that it comes with rubber grip pads, so you can make sure that you never drop it.
Pros
The 7x magnification and the auto focusing Porro prism that this alternative has been outfitted with recommend it.
The model comes with fold-down cups, which means that glass wearers don’t have to worry about scratching their prescription glasses. The same goes for people who would appreciate using their binoculars while wearing sunglasses.
Both the magnification and the objective lens diameter make this choice perfect for hiking and a variety of other activities happening in nature, where you might not want to use a tripod.
Both a neck strap and a convenient carrying case are provided in the box, so you don’t have to purchase any of these two extras separately.
Cons
Some owners argue that this pair seems cheaply made compared to various high-end Bushnell alternatives that cost a pretty penny.
There have been complaints from people saying that the unit comes with a shallow eye relief, which makes it hard to use.
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3. Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle Binoculars Black
Although there aren’t too many differences as to the cost of these binoculars and others we have seen while doing our research, the 133450 stand out from the crowd mainly because of their magnification power. They are more than capable of increasing the size of your subject by ten times, so you might have to utilize a tripod if your hands aren’t particularly steady all of the time.
The 50-millimeter lens diameter allows more light to penetrate the insides of the binoculars; as such, you will finally have the chance to look at crisp and clear pictures that are also bright. Because of the size of the lenses, the model weighs in at 27 ounces, so it’s a tad heavier compared to others.
Additionally, it is worth noting that this choice comes with an eye relief measuring just 9mm, so it might not be such a good alternative for people who wear glasses on a regular basis.
Pros
If you’ve been looking for a pair of budget-friendly binoculars and have no idea which ones you should pick, the 133450 might make a good option.
The 10x magnification power is something worth considering, but you might have to use a tripod if you have shaky hands.
The 50mm lens diameter of this product allows more light to go inside the binoculars, which translates to clearer and brighter pictures.
Another detail that makes the difference between this unit and the rest of the crowd is that the interpupillary distance of this particular choice can be adjusted in accordance with the preferences of the user.
Cons
The eye relief is just 9mm, so in a sense, it might be a good idea to steer clear of these binoculars if you wear glasses.
It’s difficult to see any detail beyond 700 meters, even at full zoom. This has been a complaint expressed by several buyers, so it might be an issue you’ll have to accept and deal with if you choose to go for this option.
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4. Bushnell Poweview All Purpose Compact Binocular 132514
As noted in the buying guide, you will have to make a decision between a pair of binoculars that’s compact and easy to use but might lack the magnification you may desire, and one that’s a bit on the bulkier side of things but comes with all the features you might want from such a product.
The PowerView is a highly portable binocular that can be utilized conveniently under a variety of circumstances. Its 8x magnification makes a good choice for those who like to spend a lot of time in the heart of nature and have no intention of carrying hefty support systems like tripods. The unit comes with a center focus and boasts an armored rubber cover that enables owners to hold it properly.
The multicoated optics that the PowerView has been equipped with guarantee that the light transmission is on par and that the user enjoys bright images.
Pros
The 8x magnification and 21mm objective lens diameter of the PowerView make it a highly compact choice that needs a bit of mulling over if you want to get a compact and easy to use alternative.
The unit doesn’t cost a fortune, which is something that we can’t say with respect to other models available for sale these days.
With the help of the multicoated optics in this alternative, you will be able to glance at bright pictures of your subjects so that your birding, hiking, and hunting activities go exactly as planned.
The model has anything from a center focus to a rugged rubber armored cover, and the latter will enable you to get a good grip on the binoculars even if it’s raining.
Cons
Various owners have expressed their concerns in regards to the durability of this item as it seems to be a tad flimsy.
The neck strap isn’t particularly sturdy, so it might not last for a good deal of time.
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5. Bushnell Poweview All Purpose Binocular 132050 Pouch and Strap Included
Just like we were saying in the guide we’ve put together for your consideration, it’s often more important to look at your specific needs even before starting to prospect the market. For example, the 131056 is a model that’s mostly destined for surveillance purposes, so it does not address the needs of folks interested in spending time outdoors so that they watch their local flora and fauna.
The 50mm objective lens diameter of this choice can give you a pointer as to the amount of light received by the binocular and also let you know whether or not this choice is reasonably lightweight. The 20x magnification is, without a doubt, something to take into account, but it might not be the sole consideration if you’re looking for hiking binoculars, for example.
It’s also worth adding that the 131056 boasts multi-coated optics, so the light transmission will be on par.
Pros
In spite of their excellent features, these binoculars don’t cost a pretty penny and have been found to be one of the top choices of people looking for a model priced under seventy dollars.
The 20x magnification power and 50mm objective lens diameter are two details that recommend the 131056 for surveillance purposes.
Additionally, the model boasts multi-coated optics so that all of the images you will be looking at are bright, crisp, and clear.
The rubber armor that the unit has been outfitted with has two roles. One of them is to enable you to grab and hold the model with ease, and the other is related to protection as the armoring prolongs the life of the product.
Cons
The focus mechanism isn’t particularly reliable; this issue has been reported by a customer who works in the fire service.
People with narrow faces might be better off without this model because it doesn’t collapse enough to accommodate the exit pupils so as to align them with the user’s eyes.
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Bibliography:
2) bushnell.com
