Month: September 2016

Bushnell is the leader in sports optics categories and is continuously exploring new technologies to maintain their dominant market share. The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD L Series binocular is where quality and style meets function and performance. The latest generation of Bushnell binocular incorporates many outstanding and unmatched features of today’s technology.

We tested the Bushnell Legend L Series 10x42mm, which includes these specs:

• Close focus: 8 ft
• FOV @ 1000 yd/m: 340/113
• Eye relief: 18mm
• Exit pupil: 4.2mm
• Weight: 23.5 oz

And these features:

• ED Prime glass
• Ultra Wide Band coating
• RainGuard® HD water-repellent lens coating
• Waterproof/fogproof

Design

Right out of the box you can see that the rugged construction of the L Series Legends contains precise mechanical details. The eyecup design combined with tethered objective lens covers assures accommodation for any user. The diopter adjustment is lockable, and the center focus wheel adjusts seamlessly.

Overall, we like the feel of these binoculars, though they are a bit heavier and slicker than some comparable models.

Bushnell’s patented Rainguard assures you will have the clearest view possible even in troubled weather due to the HD lens coating. These do a nice job of staying fogproof, and are weatherproof.

Target Users

These are another mid-price binocular targeted to bird watchers, hunters, and hikers. It comes in two color options (black or Realtree camo).
Given the clarity and color resolution, these are great binoculars for any of those target users. Many purchase these binoculars as their first pair, or first “good” pair, and are impressed by the quality and details. These are built to last, so you shouldn’t worry about needing to replace them anytime soon – these will definitely last.

Comparison

We tested these alongside some more expensive binoculars with similar specs. One of the key differences between the Bushnell Legend L Series 10x42mm and some of the other mid-range binoculars is price – the L Series is typically under $200. If you have that kind of budget, these are absolutely great binoculars.
If you can spend a bit more, there might be better options (we like the Monarch 5). The Bushnells have great clarity and quality, but some of the other brands focus a bit better and have even better quality. These are also a bit heavier than some of the other mid-range binoculars, though not by much.

Our Verdict

The Bushnell Legend L Series 10x42mm is a good buy, any way you look at it. Plenty of reviewers out there say these are the best in comparison to some of the other similarly-priced brands, so (as always) it’s a matter of preference. We really like these and probably would’ve rated them a bit higher if we weren’t comparing them to binoculars that are a bit more expensive. With binoculars, like all optics, higher price does make a difference.

If the Bushnell Legend L Series 10x42mm fit into your budget, you will not be disappointed. And, if this is your first pair of binoculars, or the first pair you’re putting money into, these will be everything you could hope for.

Check the current price of the L Series 

Binoculars are a great source of entertainment for anyone who likes to sightsee or bird watch. If you climb a mountain you can see further into the valley by looking through a good pair of binoculars. If you are bird watching, you will most likely need a pair to help you spot the bird that you hear. The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD M Series Binoculars are a great option for anyone who is looking for a full-feature observation experience. Let’s take a look at what makes it stand out from the rest.

Durable Build

This pair of binoculars is lightweight, which makes is very convenient to carry around when you are trekking through the forest. In fact, it only weighs in at about 26.5 ounces. It is also a compact unit that is easy to pack in your backpack until you reach your destination, as it is only 6.5 inches in length. It is constructed with a magnesium alloy chassis that is designed to be resistant to rust and corrosion, which means that if you get caught in a rain storm, the binoculars will not be damaged.

These binoculars feature an open bridge design that is perfect for storing your device in a compact manner. It also makes the unit easier to hold for extended periods of time. The exterior of the Legend M Series is also coated with a convenient non-slip coating to allow you to keep a firm grip on the device. If it does happen to make contact with the ground, the rubber exterior is designed to protect the device against impact damage.

The RainGuard HD lenses are coated with a repellent that is designed to bead water and moisture that finds itself in your viewing area. That means that it will also repel oils from your skin in the event that you accidently touch a lens. In addition to being water resistant, each lens is filled with nitrogen to make it fog proof as well. No matter what adverse weather conditions you run into, the image through these binoculars will still be crystal clear.

Optical Performance

This pair of binoculars features 42 millimeter objective lenses that offer a ten times magnification level that will help you zoom in on your target. The BAK4 roof prism system utilizes a highly reflective coating that is designed to enhance the overall quality of the image by enhancing the contrast and brightness levels that are available to you. In addition, to help create the best resolution, the fluorite glass of the lenses is designed with extra low dispersion to create a clear image.

The lens is also anti-reflective, so if you are looking into the morning sun to spot a bird, you will still be able to see clearly through the binoculars. It also helps to ensure that the color of the bird you see is the same through the lenses as it would be if it were spotted with the naked eye.

The Bushnell Legend M Series features a wide field of view to help you see more at once. In fact, you can see a 340 foot range at a distance of 1,000 yards. That means that you will have a 65 degree angle of view that will help to give you a fully immersive observing experience, which is a pretty large viewing area, especially when compared to some similar binoculars that are sold in the same price range.

Insofar as eye relief is concerned, this device has quite a long one; in fact, it is 22 millimeters long. That gives you more than enough room to comfortably wear glasses and still see clearly through the lens. In addition, the diameter of the exit pupil is 4.2 millimeters, which is a pretty decent size. That large exit pupil allows more light to enter the viewing area, which bathes the image in a beam of light that enhances the quality of what you are looking at.

Not everyone has the same eye shape, so the eye cups can be adjusted to give you a comfortable fit. Simply twist them to the desired level and click them into place for comfortable viewing. In addition, the diopter is designed with an easy to use thumb adjustment tab so that you can make minor changes while you are viewing.

Focusing quickly is imperative if you are going to catch a glimpse of the bird you just heard. To make this easier, a large focus wheel is located in the center of the device that is easy to maneuver with gloves on, and all of the focusing aspects of the Legend M Series can be locked in place to avoid accidental adjustments from occurring.

Additional Features

There is a tripod adaptor available for this unit if you prefer. Lens covers, a neck strap, and a carrying case are all included with the packaging to help prevent damage as well as a microfiber cloth to keep the lenses clean from dust and debris.

If you are looking for a great pair of binoculars that offer a great value to hunters and bird watchers alike, then the Bushnell Legend M Series may be a great option for you.

Made in Germany with the top-notch quality of Zeiss, the Conquest 10×42 binoculars are the best of the entry-level premium binoculars on the market. They are made using only the very best of construction materials and carry Zeiss’ reputation for long-term use, durability, and reliability. Should they ever break or need replacement, however, they are backed by a lifetime, transferable limited warranty and a five-year non-transferable repair policy that allows the owner to send the binoculars back for repair or replacement without service charge for the first five years after they register within sixty days of purchase. With the binoculars comes a premium carrying case with comfortable neck strap, lens covers, and a lens cleaning cloth. Many people have said that the lens covers don’t stay on very well, however if adjusted on the lenses properly, they stay put.

Exterior

The chassis of the Conquest binoculars is aluminum, which is lightweight and sturdy. It also resists corrosion. Over the aluminum is rubber armor with a soft, non-slip grip that is sure to please. The rubber also provides a non-reflective surface that is great for observing timid animals in their natural setting.

Tripod Mounting

The ability to mount these binoculars on a tripod is a major plus, as it allows you to steady the binoculars better than you could with just your hands. However, you have to get a Venofix tripod adaptor, sold separately, in order to mount them.

Twist-up Eye cup and Eye Relief

The rotating and lockable eyecups of these binoculars were designed to be usable by eyeglass-wearers and non-eyeglass-wearers alike. Adjustable according to the desire of the user, they are comfortable on the face, though some say the eyecup is not long enough. Zeiss solved this by offering a longer eyecup to anyone who feels they have a need for it. At 17mm, the eye relief is long enough for any eyeglass-wearer, without being cumbersome for non-eyeglass-wearers.

Focusing

The focus wheel protrudes naturally from the center of the binoculars and is large enough to easily find without having to look. Good for lefties or righties, the center wheel means you can adjust the focus with either index finger with ease, making zooming out to a more landscape view quick and smooth

Looking

Diopter Adjustment

Located by the right eye piece, the diopter adjustment wheel allows you to adjust the individual barrels separate from each other. Unfortunately, the wheel is only wide enough for one finger, so it’s not as easy to turn. Also, it doesn’t lock, meaning a slight bump can mess up your barrels’ focus.

Weight

Built for comfortability in the field, the Zeiss Conquest 10×42 binoculars weigh just 1.75 pounds. That’s certainly something you can easily hang around your neck all day while hunting, birdwatching, or doing most any outdoors activity, since it’s hard to imagine any outdoors activity where these binoculars wouldn’t be useful

Weather Proofing

The lenses that are exposed to the air are sealed with O-rings, preventing dirt, debris, and moisture from entering the binoculars. The interior is also nitrogen-purged, preventing fogging.

Optical System

The amazing clarity and sharp image of these binoculars partially derives from the dialect mirror coating. This mirror improves light transmittance and encourages an excellent field-of-view.

ED glass and HD lenses

The extra-low dispersion glasses and high-density lenses enhance resolution, color, and contrast, creating an image that is sharp and precise.

Lens Coatings

The lenses on these binoculars are fully multi-coated for all-weather use. They have a LotuTec water shedding outer coating, as well as being fully armored and waterproof.*means water rolls right off the This means that dirt and smudges are easily removed, and the chance of scratching is greatly reduced.

Roof Prism and Coatings

Zeiss binoculars are made with the very best of BAK-4 prisms.

The first coating on these prisms is a phase correction coating. Necessary because roof prisms cause phase shift, phase correction coating enhances resolution and contrast. This leads to a better, sharper image that is easy to distinguish from non-coated roof prisms.

The second coating, as mentioned earlier, is a dielectric multi-layer Prism Coating. Roof prisms have one side that is does not have total internal reflection, creating a light transmittance problem. Some roof prisms get a metallized mirror surface to help prevent this problem, but the best quality binoculars have a dielectric mirror, as it can transmit 99% of light. This creates a brighter, clearer image.

Field of View (FOV) and Near Focus

A field of view of 354 feet at 1000 yards allows you to get up close and personal with whatever you’re viewing, even if your target is a great distance away! On the other hand, the near focus of these binoculars is a close six and a half feet, creating the perfect image for viewing nearby wildlife, such as insects just a bit over two yards away and deer within hunting range of your tree stand.

Quality of Image

Image Tracking

If wildlife is your target, image tracking is a must-have for you. These binoculars’ sharp image tracking allows you to see an animal as it takes off or blurs past you, without the blur of course. This is especially useful for tracking and watching timid animals.

Image Contrast and Color Reproduction

These binoculars have one of the sharpest image contrasts on the market. They are certainly no exception to the golden rule of Zeiss products. They can pick out distant objects with strong contrast and a clear, precise image. The color reproduction is almost flawless, as well, and this means that from a great distance, you can see what species of bird you are viewing and whether it’s male or female.

Overall, you cannot go wrong with these Conquest 10×42 binoculars from Zeiss. They are a great entry-level premium pair that has all the quality and sharpness of the other Zeiss products. Lightweight and sturdy, they will not break easily, but a limited lifetime transferable warranty is there to back them up in case they do break.

Features and Benefits of the Vortex Viper 10x42mm Binocular:

• O-ring sealed: These binoculars are sealed with o-rings, ensuring that no moisture, dust, or debris gets into the housing, disrupting vision from the inside of the lenses. These seals keep the path of vision cleared at all times and allow for users to have these binoculars out even in the rainiest weather conditions.
• Fog and waterproof: Argon gas purging makes these binoculars resistant to fog and waterproof. This allows users to be able to see clearly without the lenses fogging up in humidity or from body heat.
• Coated lenses: These lenses are coated for increased light transmission, which allows for clearer vision, color accuracy, and for the lenses to be anti-reflective. Regardless of sun glare, users of these binoculars will see everything clearly and in realistic color. This is especially important for those using this pair of binoculars for pleasure reasons such as hiking or bird watching.
• High density and extra low dispersion glass: These lenses are constructed with high density and extra low dispersion glass, meaning that all images seen will be high resolution. Users will be able to make out even the smallest details or movements in the distance. This feature benefits users who rely on accuracy and stealth, like hunters.
• Tethered lens covers: Lens glass can be protected when binoculars are not in use with tethered lens covers. This allows users peace of mind when traveling and needing to transport binoculars in a bag or when leaving binoculars unattended. The lenses themselves are already scratch resistant, but the extra layer of protection is a nice bonus.
• Lightweight: At only a little over 2 lbs., these binoculars are the lightest full-size pair currently on the market. This makes them easy to transport and wear comfortably around the neck with the included neck strap. It also makes them more comfortable to hold up and use for longer periods of time without arms growing weak or tired.
• ArmorTeck coating: The exterior lenses on these binoculars are protected with an ArmorTeck coating, which makes them resistant to scratches and oil for clearer vision. This will prevent oily fingerprints from affecting the quality of vision through the lenses.
• Rubber armor: The body of these binoculars is wrapped in a protective rubber coating. This makes them extremely durable and able to withstand significant shock or impact without any signs of damage. This rubber coating also gives the binoculars a non-slip grip so users are less likely to drop them, even in rainy or slippery conditions.
• Adjustable eye-cups: The eye-cups on these binoculars are fully adjustable. This makes them comfortable for all users despite anatomy. It also makes use of this product easy for glasses wearers, so they don’t have to impair their own vision before use of this product..
• Center focus wheel and a locking diopter: This pair of binoculars features an easy to use focus wheel directly in the center of both lenses. This allows for both sides to be focused at the same time. However, if users have different vision in each eye then the lenses can be focused separately, and the difference can be locked in place for their later convenience.
• Tripod adaptable: These binoculars are tripod adaptable and can also be dashboard-mounted in a vehicle. This allows for convenient hands-free use and the ability to multitask.

Drawbacks of Buying the Vortex Viper 10x42mm Binocular:

Every product on the market right now is going to have drawbacks. As far as the Vortex Binoculars are concerned the benefits far outweigh any negatives and make them more than just a worthwhile purchase.

• Field of view: These binoculars are high quality in every possible way, but could possibly benefit from a wider field of view. While the one on this pair isn’t at all bad, other pairs on the market have a wider field of view that some users might prefer.

Who Should Buy the Vortex Viper 10x42mm Binocular:

The Vortex Viper Binoculars are among the best currently on the market, and would be a great purchase for anybody that needs a pair. They aren’t overly complicated to adjust and focus, making them easy for people new to binocular use to handle. The adjustable eye-cups allow this pair of binoculars to be used comfortably by people wearing glasses, so vision doesn’t have to be impaired. Additionally, they are lightweight, durable, and high performance, making them the obvious option for users who need a rugged pair of binoculars to take out onto a rougher terrain. They are great for birdwatchers, hikers, hunters, and anybody else who often finds themselves in the great outdoors. No matter what weather conditions a user will find themselves in, they can always rely on these binoculars. They are resistant to even the heaviest rain and can be effective even in low light conditions.

Do you like to hunt, watch wildlife, or explore the great outdoors? If so, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular was made with you in mind. Designed to help outdoor enthusiasts see the beauty of the world around them, these premium binos are ideal for birdwatching, hunting, traveling, or spending the day trackside and checking out all of the action.

Product Highlights:

The Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular features a top-notch rubber-coated magnesium chassis and the premium optics we’ve all come to expect from the Bushnell brand. It’s sleek and fashionable yet rugged and more than capable of providing superior performance in any situation or environment. It is a decent option in the crowded field of binoculars.

• Fully multi-coated optics
• Lead-free glass
• BaK-4 Roof Prisms
• Water and fog-proof
• Comfortable and easy to adjust eyecups
• Open bridge design
• Extra-wide 340-foot field of view
• Carrying case, microfiber lens cloth, lens covers, and neck strap included

What Makes them So Special?

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular delivers premium features specifically designed to ruggedly withstand the wear and tear of any outdoorsman. With Bak-4 phase corrected prisms and a fully multi-coated lens system with extra-wide band coatings, it produces extremely bright and crisp images with perfect color rendition. Thanks to its waterproof housing and Bushnell’s proprietary RainGuard HD technology as well, there’s no other bino out there as trail-ready as the Legend E-Series.

Still not convinced? Here’s a closer look at these features and all that the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular has to offer:

Waterproof Design

With these Bushnells around your neck, you’ll never be afraid to take your binoculars to the beach, river, or jungle ever again. Like all Bushnell Legends, these binos are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for unhindered performance rain, snow, or shine.

RainGuard HD

In addition to its tried and tested waterproof housing, the Legend Ultra HD E-Series also features Bushnell’s patented RainGuard HD water-repellent coating for superior waterproof protection. Unlike other so-called “waterproof” binoculars, the RainGuard HD technology of the Legend Ultra HD E-Series causes the water to bead on the lenses, thus not affecting their sharpness or contrast. This makes the Legend truly unique.

Premium Lead-Free Optics

For ultimate brightness, incredibly sharp viewing, and the truest of colors, every air-to-glass surface of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular features several layers of anti-reflective, ultra-wide band coatings. The result is a fully multi-coated optical system that delivers incredibly bright and sharp high-contrast images. To top it all off, this Bushnell features top-quality phase-coated BaK-4 prisms and lead-free glass lenses as well, making it eco-friendly and even more dynamic.

Durable Rubber-Coated Magnesium Body

As noted above, the rugged Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binocular has a noticeably lightweight magnesium chassis in a modern and super tough roof prism design. The impressive chassis is coated in rubber armor, providing you with the protection and comfort you need for regular outdoor use. The rubber-coated bino also features a textured grip and an oversized ridged focus knob, both of which add to its comfort and ease of use.

Comfortable and Easy-to-Adjust Eyecups

Proving they’ve truly thought of everything, the good folks at Bushnell also designed the Legend Ultra HD E-Series with twist-up eyecups that are surprisingly easy to adjust. With an eye relief of 17.2mm, the popular binocular is also very comfortable for your eyes as there’s plenty of room even for those wearing eyeglasses. Of course, there’s an adjustable diopter as well, allowing you to make on the fly vision adjustments for your left or right eye.

Lifetime Warranty

Thanks to Bushnell’s new and unheard of no questions asked lifetime warranty, you have absolutely nothing to worry about when you purchase these amazing binos. Whether they’ve been totally crushed, suffered minor accidental damage, or they’re defective in any way, Bushnell will replace or repair your Legend Ultra HDs for no additional charge. Simply send them your proof of purchase and you’ll have a new or repaired pair of binoculars in no time at all.

Dimensions & Specifications:

• Weight – 23 ounces
• 10x magnification
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• 42mm lens diameter
• 17.2mm eye relief
• 4.2mm exit pupil
• Lead-free glass
• BaK-4 roof prisms
• Eight-foot closed focus
• Water and fog proof
• Tripod adapter included

Making the Decision

In an effort to provide you with years of crystal clear nature gazing, Bushnell’s Legend Ultra HD E-Series Binoculars are specifically designed with strength and performance in mind. Whether you like to hike, hunt, birdwatch, or partake in any number of other outdoor activities, these top-of-the-line binoculars won’t let you down.

With strong optics for super bright and clear images, a lightweight rubber-coated magnesium chassis, water and fog proof construction, and comfortable eyecups with plenty of relief, there’s arguably no better binocular on the market today.

So, if you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast in search of the best binocular in the business, look no further than the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD E-Series. Rugged yet refined and designed with performance in mind, these best-in-class binos won’t let you down.