12 Best Bushnell Binoculars Worth the Money (2022)

When it comes to optics equipment, high prices are often the norm. Good quality equipment can come with seriously steep price tags, sometimes in the range of thousands of dollars. Binoculars, though, are a tool for the outdoors. They need to be portable, rugged, and handy. For those reasons, the Bushnell brand is a fantastic resource for birders and outdoorspeople who crave high quality optics without breaking the bank. Most of Bushnell’s binocular lines cost less than $200 with many offerings available in the double digits.

For lower priced binoculars, build quality is key. On that front, Bushnell excels. Known for its exclusive “molecularly bonded EXO Barrier Protection,” a lens coating that molecularly bonds to glass lenses and repels water, oil, and dust, Bushnell equipment is very durable. The EXO Barrier helps deter scratches and allows Bushnell lenses to remain in top condition.

The best of Bushnell’s product line are binoculars that perfectly meet the needs of the outdoor explorer. They are durable, easy to use, lightweight, and provide sharp and accurate images. In this list we’ll go over a few of our favorite picks from the Bushnell line up of binoculars!

We Recommend

Best Bushnell Binoculars

1. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10X42mm Roof Prism Binocular

These Bushnell HD binoculars come with a BaK-4 Roof Prism system for superior image quality with a sleek but rugged design. Each of the two objective lenses uses ED Prime glass, meaning “extra low dispersion.” This glass is both Phase Coated and Multi-Coated. The coatings resist changes in light, temperature, and humidity to provide sharp quality images in a variety of different conditions. 

The Bushnell Legend Ultra comes with a rain guard and a comfortable rubber grip to allow comfortable even in harsh weather conditions.

The eyecups can be twisted up for better comfort. And the entire body is covered in rubber armor to maximize grip. With a relatively wide field of view of 340 m @ 1,000 yards, the Bushnell Legend Ultra is perfect for following a bird’s flight path without moving your binoculars too much.

Magnification: 10 x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 340m at 1000 yards
Eye relief: 15.2 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 22.56 oz
Available sizes: 10×42, 10×50, 12×50, 8×42
Best for: Hunting, birdwatching, sightseeing

2. Bushnell Engage ED 8X42 Roof Prism Waterproof Binocular

The Bushnell Engage is a highly rugged binocular with shock resistance. It can withstand extreme fluctuations in temperature and high levels of humidity. The durability of the Engage is owed to its lightweight but extremely tough magnesium chassis.

To protect against glare and distortions, the lens is Fully Multi-Coated. This also keeps the lens safe from water, oil, abrasions, fogginess, and debris. The Engage ED has a very nice long eye relief of 19 mm which is more than enough to accommodate a glasses wearer like yours truly.

The close focus distance is minimal, approximately 6 feet. So, it’s excellent for close-range observation, birding, and hunting. A low close focus means sharp images at close ranges as well as long distances. Like the previous set, the Engage ED also boasts a fairly wide field of view @ 1000 yards, perfect for following moving targets at a distance.

The exit pupil is relatively tiny, at just 5 mm, making this model suitable for low-light situations. However, at a magnification of 8x, long distance uses like boating may not be as well suited to this set. Fortunately, the Engage ED comes in a few different sizes with the highest magnification available in the 12X50 model.

Magnification: 8 x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 426 ft. at 1000 yards
Eye relief: 19 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 23.5 oz
Available sizes: 8×42, 10×42, 10×50, 12×50
Best for: Hunting, spectating, birdwatching

3. Bushnell Legacy WP 10-22X50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars

These Bushnell Legacy come with BaK-4 prisms in a Porro configuration, which is known for its excellent light transmission. This binocular has a variable magnification of 10x to 22x. This makes the Legacy a popular choice amongst users who crave long range magnification.

Once again, the Legacy’s lenses are fully Multi-Coated, resulting in vibrant colors and excellent light transmission. The objective lens has a wide diameter of 50 mm, which results in extremely high light transmission and unbeatable low-light performance. 

Furthermore, the exit pupil is about 5 mm at 10x and gets smaller at higher magnifications, capping out at 2.3 mm. This results in a clearer image.

The use of rugged rubber armor coating gives you an anti-slip grip in wet conditions and resists damage from an impact if it falls.

The Legacy WP is 100% waterproof. Despite being slightly heavier than some of the other options on this list, the Legacy is still a strong choice for the explorer on the go. At just 14 mm, the eye relief on these binoculars is quite short and not likely top comfortably accommodate glasses wearers.

Magnification: 10-22
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 314 ft. at 1000 yds
Eye relief: 14 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof
Weight: 34.2 oz
Available sizes: 10-22×50, 10×50
Best for: Close and long-range hunting, spectating, birdwatching, boating

4. Bushnell Forge 10X42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

This Bushnell Forge is one of Bushnell’s best offerings when it comes to clarity. This product has a 42 mm objective lens with EXO Barrier protection and Multi-Coated lenses. Both coatings deliver splendid colors and sharp contrast ratios. The roof prism is made from BaK-4 glass that enhances image clarity by amplifying the reflectiveness of the surface. All of these coatings also contribute to excellent light transmission. This, in turn, enables low-light applications. The Forge line comes in several different sizes, so if the 10X42 does not suit your needs, other options are available.

The body of the Bushnell Forge has an IPX7 rating, meaning that these binoculars will continue to function after up to thirty minutes submerged in shallow water. This rating is perfect for rain protection. The prisms are coated with a PC-3 Phase Coating that produces clear and high contrast images throughout your viewing session.

The Bushnell Forge is among the best of the Bushnell product lineup for light transmission and image clarity. Predictably, it is one of the pricier options available from Bushnell.

Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 340 ft. at 1000 yds
Eye relief: 18mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 30.4 oz
Available sizes: 10×42, 15×56, 10×30, 8×42
Best for: Hunting, spectating, birdwatching

5. Bushnell H2O 10X42mm Roof Prism Waterproof Binoculars

For those who are looking for a “Jack of all trades” at an affordable price, the H2O line from Bushnell is a great option. The Bushnell H2O is lightweight, sturdy, and waterproof so that these binoculars can be trusted in almost any situation. What’s more, the Bushnell H2O line is a great value at a low price. Most of the binoculars in this line are under $100, and all products in this line are below $110.

The Bushnell H2O is waterproof and its lenses have been nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. This treatment prevents condensation from entering and keeps images clear of fog. The entire chassis has been sealed to keep water from entering the body. 

These Bushnell binoculars have a long eye relief, of 17 mm for those who wear glasses. This is not quite as long as some of the other products in the Bushnell lineup, but it is sufficient to allow most glasses wearers to use these binoculars comfortably.

To facilitate a custom fit, the eyecups on the Bushnell H2O can be twisted up. This keeps the eyes comfortable and reduces impact. Bushnell has applied rubber armoring coatings to guard the binoculars against damage from impacts. All in all, the H2O is rugged, affordable, and provides a solid value for its low price.

Magnification: 10 x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 305 ft. at 1000 yds
Eye relief: 17 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 25 oz
Available sizes: 10×42, 8×42, 12×42, 10×25, 8×25
Best for: Anything water/moisture related

6. Bushnell Trophy 10X42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

The Bushnell Trophy has fully multi-coated lenses that ensures maximum light transmission and generates high color quality. It means you can see the sharp and crisp images.

To prevent fogging, it has been nitrogen-purged. It is also coated to prevent dust and oil from building up. To focus the Bushnell, you can use the center focus dial that locks onto the prey. You can also use the diopter focus to adjust parallax.

The Bushnell Trophy also features a moderately wide field of view of about 330 feet at 1,000 yards. This allows moving objects to be tracked at considerable distances. The eye relief is 15 mm long. This is on the shorter side of the spectrum for this particular list, but still long enough for some glasses wearers. As a glasses wearer myself, I find 15 mm to be a bit short.

The Bushnell trophy is a mid-priced mid-range binocular which delivers clear images at modest pricing.

Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 330 ft. at 1000 yards
Eye relief: 15.2 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 25.3 oz
Available sizes: 10×42, 8×42, 8×56, 10×50
Best for: Hunting, spectating, birdwatching, low-light applications

7. Bushnell Marine 7X50mm Roof Prism Binoculars

The Bushnell Marine binoculars come with an integrated illuminated compass. This feature lets you know where you’re going, especially if you’re out boating. In fact, the aptly named Bushnell Marine is extremely well suited all around for boating and other aquatic applications.

To prevent water from getting into the system, the Bushnell has been completely hermetically sealed. And the rubber grip is intended to keep the body from becoming slippery in wet conditions. 

The Bushnell Marine has been nitrogen-purged to reduce fogging. Additionally, the Bushnell Marine has a long eye relief of 18 mm. Since these are for wayfinding at sea, they double as a rangefinder. Unlike most other Bushnells, the Bushnell Marine is specially treated to resist corrosion from saltwater.

As for their drawbacks, these binoculars have a larger exit pupil of around 7.1 mm. This means that the Bushnell Marine is not quite as well suited for low-light applications. Additionally, the magnification power of this product is relatively low, which is ironic considering it’s made for marine use. Fortunately, with a wide field of vision and built in navigational tools, the Bushnell Marine is able to deliver in both quality and affordability.

Magnification: 7x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 350 ft. at 1000 yards
Eye relief: 18 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 37 oz
Available sizes: 7×50
Best for: Boating, wayfinding, and marine use

8. Bushnell Spectator Sport 10X50mm Porro Prism Binoculars

The Bushnell Spectator Sport is a Porro prism binocular that features PermaFocus technology which keeps views in focus at long ranges without the need for constant focusing and adjustment. Thanks to this feature, these binoculars automatically lock onto distant objects.

Moreover, this binocular is 100% waterproof and temperature-proof. It resists temperature changes and does not deform. The Bushnell Spectator Sport is nitrogen purged and fog proof.

The lens has a large diameter of 50 mm, and the exit pupil is only 5mm. This ensures good low-light performance. In addition to that, the lens is fully Multi-Coated to enhance light transmission and contrast ratios. 

These are the best Bushnell Auto Focus binoculars, making it easy for you to track objects at long distances. This is ideal for following birds in flight. These binoculars are manufactured for a long-range viewing session, so you don’t miss any action. But if you’re used to using a traditional center focus, these binoculars will be a bit of an adjustment.

Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 305 [email protected]
Eye relief: 15 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof/Fog proof
Weight: 31 oz
Available sizes: 10×50, 10×40, 8×32, 8×25, 4×30, 7×35, 12×50
Best for: Wildlife observation, birdwatching, long distance view finding

9. Bushnell Nitro 10X42mm Roof Prism Binoculars

The Bushnell Nitro is again one of the slightly more expensive offerings from the Bushnell product lineup. For the price tag, though, the Nitro product line delivers on image quality, durability, and portability.

The Bushnell Nitro features an EXO Barrier Protection that actively repels dust and oil and deters scratching. The body is also protected against the water with its sealed IPX7 rating, allowing this product to be submerged in shallow water for up to thirty minutes, optimizing it for rainy weather conditions. 

Moreover, these are Bushnell roof prism binoculars, which means that they are much more compact than many other prism arrangements. The prisms are BaK-4 type and known for their low-light performance. 

The prism has been coated with PC-3 Phase coating, which preserves color information, making the image reflected in these binoculars as vibrant and colorful as nature itself.

The use of ED Prime glass in these binoculars delivers high contrast, high resolution, and sharp images even in low-light conditions. For someone looking for a well-rounded set of trustworthy binoculars who would like to upgrade from the more inexpensive options, the Bushnell Nitro is worth considering.

Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 340 ft. @ 1000 yds
Eye relief: 17 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof
Weight: 24.4 oz
Available sizes: 10×42
Best for: Hunting, spectating, birdwatching

10. Bushnell Powerview 2 12X50 Binoculars

The Bushnell Powerview 2 is a tank. With sizes ranging from 10X25, to 12X50, and even including a whopping 16X32, when it comes to magnification, the Powerview 2 is a beast. More shocking, still, is the fact that the entire Powerview 2 product line does not exceed $80 in price.

With a positively massive objective lens of 50 mm, the Powerview 2 lets in plenty of light resulting in a nice clear image. This lets in more light, resulting in a clearer picture.

These Bushnell wide angle binoculars feature all-metal housing. This can withstand extreme temperatures. The construction also maintains even weight distribution. However, it doesn’t fare well against water, which will eventually make it rust. 

Despite having a small exit pupil, this pair isn’t the best for low-light applications. This is because it uses Bk-7 prisms instead of the usual Bak-4. Furthermore, the close focus of the Powerview 2 is a staggering 24 feet, which means that these binoculars are not remotely suitable for close distances. The intense magnification for some models of the Powerview 2 also requires a tripod for stabilization.

Magnification: 12x
Lens diameter: 50 mm
Field of view: 265 ft. @1000 yds
Eye relief: 10 mm
Weatherproof: Not Waterproof
Weight: 28.39 oz
Available sizes: 12×50, 20×50, 10×50, 10×25, 10×42, 16×32
Best for: Hunting, spectating, sight-seeing

11. Bushnell Prime 8X42 Binoculars

This Bushnell Prime is a great product for birders, hunters, and outdoorspeople. This product line offers quality optics at competitive prices that, while not quite as affordable as some of the cheapest of Bushnell’s products, are much less expensive than most competitors. The Bushnell Prime has an IPX7 rating. It can be submerged in shallow water for up to thirty minutes. To prevent oil buildup, dust, scratches, and micro-abrasions, the Bushnell’s lenses are coated with EXO Barrier Protection.

The Bushnell Prime’s optical components are fully Multi-coated to provide the best color reproduction possible. 

The Bushnell Prime has a close focus of 10 feet, however some of the other models in this product line have a longer close focus. In any case, these binoculars are ideal for mid range activities.

The Bushnell Prime in the size 8X42 has a long eye relief of 24 mm, making these extremely easy for glasses wearers to use. All in all, the Bushnell Prime line is compact, very lightweight, and makes an especially great option for the active outdoorsperson who likes to travel light.

Magnification: 8x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 350 ft. at 100 yards
Eye relief: 24 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof
Weight: 23.3 oz
Available sizes: 8×42, 10×42, 12×50, 10×25, 10×28, 8×32
Best for: Hunting, birdwatching, spectating

12. Bushnell Fusion ARC 10X42 Laser Rangefinder Binoculars

The most expensive of Bushnell’s binoculars by several hundred dollars, the Bushnell Fusion ARC 10X42 Laser Rangefinder Binoculars is a state of the art piece of equipment which merges high end optics with cutting edge technology to become a hunter’s best friend.

With incredible built-in range-finding technology, the Bushnell Fusion features a “Rifle Mode” that provides angle, bullet drop, and line-of-sight info. The Fusion also includes a “Bow Mode” that provides angle and true horizontal distance. In addition, the Fusion includes line-of-sight from 10-99 yards/meters as well. It seems that “Fusion” is the perfect name for this tool which blends new technologies into one handy piece of equipment. 

Each prism has a PC-3 Phase Coating that greatly enhances the color resolution and contrast ratio. The Bushnell Fusion features a Matrix Display Technology that enhances the resolution and contrast, enabling quick transmissions. The use of XTR® technology brings high light transmission and produces brighter image during low light conditions.

The body features a RainGuard HD, which resists rain and dust. These binoculars also have a comfortably long 18 mm of eye relief to accommodate users with glasses. However, there is no active image stabilization, which may result in shaky outputs. Many of the Fusion’s features are no more than distractions for non-hunters and I find it hard to believe that birdwatchers and nature lovers would get much utility out of “Rifle Mode,” but for a hunter in search of the best Bushnell binoculars around, the Fusion is unbeatable.

Magnification: 10x
Lens diameter: 42 mm
Field of view: 305 at 1000 yds
Eye relief: 18 mm
Weatherproof: Waterproof
Weight: 31 oz
Available sizes: 10×42, 12×50
Best for: Hunting with rifles, Bowhunting

The Bushnell Brand

The Bushnell brand is renowned today as one of the largest and most sophisticated sports optics manufacturers. But that wasn’t always the case. 

Bushnell was founded by David P. Bushnell in 1948. Bushnell, while on his honeymoon in Asia, met a trader in Shanghai who sold him a pair of Japanese manufactured binoculars. Intrigued by the quality of the product in question, Bushnell ordered several hundred to be imported to the United States where he promptly began selling them. The success of this initial product inspired Bushnell to expand his line with more lightweight and beginner-friendly binoculars as well as rangefinders and rifle scopes. The rest is history.

Currently, the Bushnell brand is owned by Vista Outdoor, a U.S. based parent company which oversees several smaller brands mostly selling outdoor equipment and sporting goods.

Bushnell specializes in a wide range of products. These include binoculars, telescopes, riflescopes, and spotting scopes. It also manufactures night-vision and gaming cameras as well as rangefinders and GPS devices. 

Subsequently, the company owns a few smaller subsidiaries, including Bushnell Golf. It also owns Tasco, which makes telescopes for astronomers and microscopes for biologists. 

Bushnell Warranty

How do you know if a brand is confident in the quality and durability of the products that they deliver? A good warranty, of course! All Bushnell products carry Bushnell’s proprietary “IronClad” Warranty. All products have a product lifetime warranty, meaning that the product is covered for the number of years that said product is expected to endure without defect.

For binoculars, this means 20 years of warranty benefits. And for riflescopes, the lifetime can be as long as 30 years. This Bushnell binoculars warranty covers a wide range of damages. The only exceptions are cosmetic faults, problems caused by lack of maintenance, theft, intentional modification resulting in damage, or botched amateur repairs. 

Depending upon the condition of the product, Bushnell may offer repair or replacement services.

Best of all, there is no requirement that you keep track of a receipt or a warranty card. Simply check whether your Bushnell optics warranty is eligible for a claim and file a request on their website.

How To Choose Bushnell Binoculars?

Bushnell has so many binoculars on offer that choosing the correct pair can be a daunting task. Below are some of the criteria to keep in mind if you’re still not sure what to get.

Model

Bushnell has many different binocular models, too many to go over individually. That said, here’s some advice to get you started. 

The Powerview and Powerview 2, along with the Prime, Engage, and Forge, is perfect for hunting. For spectating concerts and life events, consider the Spectator Sport binoculars. 

For boating, the H2O and Marine lines are best. There’s also the Bushnell InstaVision. Most models have a few different options available which may vary in size and price.

Magnification

Magnification is no doubt the most critical aspect of a binocular. The magnification you want depends on what you want to do. For close-range use, such as hunting, birdwatching, and spectating, a magnification of up to 10x is suitable. For low intensity birdwatching outings, I tend to choose an 8x or 10x model.

For uses that require a slightly longer range, up to 20x magnification may be appropriate. For longer-range use, such as when boating, target practicing, and traveling, consider anything from 20x up to 30x. 

Lens Diameter

The diameter of the objective lens is crucial as it decides how much light is being let in. This will, in turn, determine how clear the image is and how much information it carries. 

Typically, the lens diameter should be between 30 and 50 mm. Larger objective lens sizes not only mean more information but also affect low-light performance. You’ll want large diameters if you’re into stargazing. For birders and explorers on the go, however, smaller lenses mean lighter equipment. For cases where portability matters, I tend to choose lenses between 32 mm and 42 mm.

Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the maximum distance from the eyepiece lens to the eye throughout which the image remains clear. 

If you don’t wear glasses, an eye relief of 12 to 15 mm is suitable. For people who wear glasses, consider longer eye reliefs of 18 to 19 mm in length. Removing glasses to focus binoculars can be tedious and time consuming in situations where seconds count. Long eye relief is vital in such cases. Keep in mind that eye relief tends to decrease as the magnification power and field of view increase.

Weight

Finally, consider how much the binoculars weigh. This is important because most binoculars are handheld, and you wouldn’t want them straining your wrist.

Anywhere from 20 to 30 ounces (1.25 to 1.875 pounds) is a suitable choice. If you’re going for a heavier binocular that suits your needs, you may need to invest in a tripod or another accessory to assist you.

Note that not all binoculars are compatible with tripods, though. So, be careful of the model you choose. If you intend to use accessories, be sure to select a set of binoculars that are compatible with what you have in mind.

FAQ

Where Are Bushnell Binoculars Made?

While Bushnell is based in Overland Park, Kansas, most of its products are manufactured in Japan. Some of the Bushnell binocular product line are made in the US, though.

Is Bushnell A Good Brand Of Binoculars? 

Bushnell is a recognizable brand that optics enthusiasts generally trust. There are much higher end brands available, but Bushnells are well suited to beginners because they offer high quality at low prices.

Are Bushnell Or Nikon Binoculars Better? 

Bushnell binoculars have a wider product category, and they’re primarily for entry-level use. The price of Bushnell binoculars makes them extra appealing to beginners.

Nikon binoculars are advanced, more expensive, and much better suited to experienced users.

Both brands have great equipment available and can be the best option depending on the needs of the purchaser. 

Who Owns Bushnell? 

Bushnell is owned by Vista Outdoor, an American firm that deals with outdoor equipment and sporting goods. It has over 40 brands under its name, including Bushnell and Bushnell’s subsidiaries. 

What Are The Best Bushnell Binoculars For Bird Watching? 

We concluded that the Bushnell Forge line is the best option in the Bushnell product lineup for birdwatching because of its all around fantastic image quality and ruggedness.

What Are The Best Bushnell Binoculars For Hunting? 

The Bushnell Fusion ARC Laser Rangefinder Binocular is the number one choice for hunting. It doubles as a rangefinder and provides essential stats for hunting.

Which Bushnell Binoculars Are The Best? 

While each of the Bushnell binoculars that we reviewed have their own individual strengths, we concluded that the Bushnell Prime 8×42 is the best in show for combining high quality with affordability!