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Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42

*Est. $300
Reviewed
August 2010
by ConsumerSearch
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42

Best-value binoculars

Pros
  • Excellent value
  • Waterproof and fogproof
  • Good performance in low-light conditions
Cons
  • Eye relief is just average
  • Stiff focus dial

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42 aren't the cheapest binoculars around, but experts say they offer great optical quality beyond their price point -- making them a value that is hard to beat. The binoculars are waterproof and fogproof, and have a 340-foot field of view, 15.2 mm eye relief and 4.2 mm exit pupil. Reviewers call the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars some of the best of the year, thanks largely to their generous field of view and bright, crisp images. The binoculars excel in low-light environments, according to reviews, and the images produced look like they come from binoculars costing much more. Users have few complaints, although some think the eye relief could be longer to prevent eyestrain. We also saw one complaint that the focus dial is stiff and hard to adjust. If cost is a concern, the Nikon Travelite VI 10x25 (*Est. $100) is the top pick in the budget category. These binoculars are not waterproof, but they are compact and very lightweight.

Outdoor Life magazine has the best review of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42. The magazine tests more than 20 binoculars using a variety of testers, and each is rated on value and image quality. Outside magazine also has an excellent test-based review, although the binoculars are not rated. There are also a few user reviews available at Amazon.com, Buzzillions.com and Cabelas.com.

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NIKON 7278 Travelite VI Binoculars (10 x 25mm)
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Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 x 42 Binocular Camo

 (118 reviews)
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Our Sources

1. Outdoor Life

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars earn a 3-star rating (out of 4) from Outdoor Life magazine. Optical quality is very good and the binoculars are comfortable to hold. The rugged design and easy-to-use diopter adjustment also get high marks. However, editors would like to see longer eye relief.

Review: Bushnell Legend Ultra-HD 10x42, Editors of Outdoor Life, May 26, 2010

2. Outside

After testing numerous new binoculars, Outside magazine recommends the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD. They're impressed with the generous field of view and excellent performance in low light. Other pluses include a "near hurricane-proof" design and comfortable grip.

Review: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD, Ryan Krogh, Summer 2010

3. Buzzillions.com

Nearly 10 reviewers give the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars a high overall rating at Buzzillions.com. Most owners are impressed with the optical quality and durable construction, but there is one complaint about a stiff focus dial.

Review: Bushnell Legend Ultra Binoculars, Contributors to Buzzillions.com

4. Cabelas.com

A handful of owners review the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars at Cabelas.com, an online retailer. The binoculars enjoy a 4.6-star rating, and users say they work just as well as binoculars that cost much more. We saw one complaint that the binoculars don't perform well in low-light conditions.

Review: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Binoculars, Contributors to Cabelas.com

5. Amazon.com

Only a couple reviewers comment on the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42 binoculars at Amazon.com, but opinions are positive. Users say these binoculars are a good value, especially for those who can't afford high-end binoculars. However, one owner wishes they had flip-up lens covers.

Review: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 x 42 Binocular, Contributors to Amazon.com

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