29.6.2013

I'm no expert in binoculars, I'm not a birder, I'm just a guy who is looking for binoculars that work well for hikes in the local forests. So I want good light sensitivity, good weather proofing, and good value for the dollar.I compared specs for the Bushnell H20s and the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD's, both 8x42, booth roof prism. I paid about $240 for the legend, vs. $105 for the H20 + Harness. On the Bushnell website you can compare specs, and these look really similar.In terms of physical size, the two are about the same. The image is adjusted the same. Both have right eye adjustment and eye relief adjustment. The grips on the H20s are a little bit thicker and softer,and I think have an edge in friendliness.The major stated difference:Close Focus (ft/m): 18ft vs 6.5ftis strange because on my hands-on testing, I found it be more like 10ft for the H20 vs 6.5 ft for the Legend. So although the legend is better, it isn't that much better, to me.The HD's have a slightly larger field of view, which I did notice, and which was nice.In theory the H20s don't work with the screw-in tripod adapter, but it sure looks like they both have the same screw-in area for that. I didn't try a tripod adapter with either though.Both have eye-side lense protectors that can attach to the strap, and both have the same rubber loop to keep the other side lense protectors attached.The Legends come with a harness, which otherwise you can buy for about $20 separately. The harness won't work out of the box with the H20's, but with a little imagination you can get it to attach.OK so most importantly--how is the image? From reading the marketing materials, I was expecting that the Ultra HD Legend would be much better than the H20. In terms of the image difference, to my eyes the Legend's definitely have an edge, but it's just that--an edge. They are slightly brighter in low light, slightly clearer, but the H20's are still pretty darned good. I kept switching between one and the other and asking myself "are the legends worth twice the price?" Yes the image was slightly more appealing, slightly brighter. In bright light in particular, the Legends have more "pop," but this isn't as obvious in low light. In low light the HDs are a bit brighter, which is nice. Both had a really nice image, I thought, in both daylight and dawn light.I've been looking through both of these for a few days now, in bright light and in dim light, and it's a tough call. "Do I spend a bunch more money to get a bit brighter, a bit wider image?"One strike against the HD is that some people are saying that the focus adjustment lock that's on the right eye has split on them. On a related note, Bushnells overall have a 2 year limited warranty, which nudges me towards the less expensive model. In any case the H20s don't have this adjustment lock, which in my experience is fine.This might be one of those cases where if you are heavy into binoculars, and you are using them constantly, and the thought of spending $500 on binoculars doesn't phase you, that the Legends at $220--which have great quality--would be a good move. From other reviews they seem to be a good value. And maybe there is a ruggedness story to tell, although to me the H20s seem plenty rugged. But for the casual user, the H20s seem like a really good value. It is a tough call--is it worth the extra money?I looked and looked for a head to head comparison of the two products. If you've *actually used* both and can tell the rest of us what the substantive difference regarding image is, or something else that matters, that'd be great. For now, the H20s with a harness, at less than half the price, would seem to be the way to go for a casual user.

29.12.2015

I am a casual user, wanting binoculars for outdoor hikes and birdwatching at home. I had purchased a Bushnell Insta Focus 7x35 and was really happy with the performance. They were convenient, affordable, easy to use and gave clear vision every time. I found the kids (age 6 and 8) kept picking mine up instead of their cheap kid binoculars so thought I would invest in the more expensive H2O 8x42 for the added durability, greater range, and waterproof/fog proof lenses.Although these are fine binoculars, and the image is crisp and clear, I am surprised to find I actually prefer the cheaper Bushnells and reach for them more often. These are a bit more difficult to use. First of all,the case is actually snug to the point of having a hard time getting them in or out of the case without popping off the lens caps, meaning I have to leave them out of the case when storing if I want to be able to grab and use them quickly. Also, one of the lens cap straps (the plastic band that goes around the eye piece to hold the cap) is actually loose and the cap will fall off. Another annoyance is that the plastic holding the caps is rather rigid, so that moving your head to follow a moving bird the lens caps will bounce in front of you, resulting in blocking your view, or an ever present annoying black edge in your view. I've tried twisting and adjusting but the only way to be certain that they don't bounce around is to take them off the binocular which negates the design of the band to keep the caps with the binocular. I am a glasses user and the eye pieces have to be twisted up to give the right depth so that I can see through them. The cheaper pair has a soft plastic ring that works perfectly without adjustment for glasses. These are hard plastic with a satin finish so they won't scratch glasses but it is a rather hard feeling when they're actually touching your glasses, or if you aren't perfectly square with your face when you raise them up and they push one side of your glasses around. Lastly, and perhaps this is user error, but I find them harder to focus. The Instafocus pair has a flat toggle piece on the top so you can slowly push one direction or the other for quick fast focus. These have a dial by your nose which is stiff and hard to move. Perhaps with time it will loosen up but it has the feel of a screw that's been turned too tight and won't loosen, no simple single finger focusing on this one, I have to use my finger and thumb to twist it.So that's it for criticism . . . now the likes. I like the ridged plastic casing, makes it feel very secure in your hand. Weight is good, slightly less than my instafocus but still substantial enough to not feel like you're holding plastic junk. It is indeed fog free, and I've walked from inside out without any problems, while my camera and other pair will fog up. There is no denying that the distance is further and the range of view is wider, I see more through these than I do the others.Lastly, I did see another review that talked about color changes and a purple line edging what he was looking at. I played with them some and what I've found is that if the lenses are pulled too tightly they feel comfortable but I do end up with purple or pink edging along white things but that is easily removed when the binoculars are adjusted slightly wider. I will say that my cheaper pair does not have this problem.All in all, I think I would have been happier with a second cheaper pair, but these are not bad enough to warrant sending back to exchange.

25.10.2013

After using the 10X42 version of this instrument for 3 months, and having been delighted by everything but the less-than-bright view in dull or twilight conditions, I decided to purchase an 8X42 for use when the sun is not shining. If you have read my review of the 10X42, (and you will find additional information there, if you have not already read it), you may now like to consider my further thoughts on the Bushnell H20 8X42 roof prism:The 8x42's field of view is of course somewhat wider than that of the 10X42, but what really strikes one is that in dull conditions the 8x42 is noticeably brighter. (The 8X42 lets in 25% more light with an exit pupil of 5.25mm as opposed to the 10X42's exit pupil of 42mm,and I can assure you that on a dull day you will notice the difference.) So in a nutshell, if you are buying only one pair, my advice is to get the 8x42. You will find that because it gathers more light it can be used effectively both earlier and later in the day than the 10x42. If you buy the 10x42 instrument first, you will probably find, as I did, that you also need the 8x42. On the other hand, if you buy the 8x42 first, it is quite possible that you will never feel the need of a 10x42. (Incidentally, I use both instruments about equally; each is suited for different purposes and each functions optimally in slightly different conditions. On a dull day the 8X42 will show you more than the 10X42; On a bright day, the opposite is normally the case.)Some reviewers criticise these H2O roof prism binoculars on the grounds that they lack they lack the brightening effect of "phase-correction" and "fully" multi-coated optics. This may indeed be a point to consider if for some reason your heart is set on a 10X42 instrument and nothing else will do. But as far as the 8X42 is concerned: judge the instrument on its merits, I say! For the money, it represents excellent value to the casual user. (Before deciding to purchase the Bushnell 8x I made it my business to look through entry-level Swarovski binoculars. Phase-correction, full multi-coatings......the lot! Were they preferable to the Bushnells? Of course they were! They were also ten times the price! Are they ten times better binoculars? Hmmm.....Well, let's just say that for one quarter of the Swarovski price I was able to become the more-than-satisfied owner of two "not-quite-top-of-the-range" and undoubtedly less aesthetically pleasing, but (for my purposes) better than adequate, instruments - and thereby save myself £600!)One small concern -it may never become a problem- about both purchases is the lack of accompanying UK warranty information. The documentation included in the box is not very helpful about where UK residents should turn in the event of a fault developing.

10.1.2015

IMPORTANT UPDATE AT THE ENDPocketable (my M65 jacket breast pocket will take the bins in their case comfortably) or belt mountable using the good quality case. Very easy to carry.The light and soft padded neck strap folds into the case with the bins and seems strong enough for the job, and can be adjusted relatively easily for length with loads of extra strap.If like me you keep it short and want to chop the extra off, the webbing can be sealed to stop fraying by the application of heat (from a cigarette lighter or candle) very easily, but like my carpentry teacher always said - "You can take it off, but you can't put it back on" - which equates to "Measure twice, cut once".Lenses are good.Focal range is good. Twist up eyecups are good.Rubber armour is good, and they feel really well made; solid and tough.Plus an individual focus on one side to balance the view (as there should be).Looking forward to using in tomorrow's daylight, but am pleasantly able to say that the image is very clear and not dark even in quite low artificial light.For a comparatively small objective lens, these do very well in delivering the available light to the eye.SINCE TRYING IN DAYLIGHT:Great performance even if not considering how easy they are to carry. Side by side, the image is easily as bright as my 10x50s which are not remotely pocketable, and the clarity is crystal.Wide enough FOV for comfort, good enough magnification for usefulness.I'm chuffed :-)NOTE (YMMV): Temporary double vision. Takes a minute to adjust to and recover from use.UPDATE (June 10, 2016): In my note above, I mention the temporary double vision; I have discovered that I can fix the issue in use by applying a light twisting action to the body. This unfortunately requires two handed use, and is somewhat frustrating. I simply don't know if it's my eyes that are wonky or the bins. If I ever find out which, and it turns out to be the bins, I'll come back and knock a star off.UPDATE (September 3, 2016): My friend and I were out walking and he used my bins to watch a heron in flight. I asked if the image was doubled for him, and he reported that it was. I asked him to try twisting the frame as I have to, and apparently that cured the issue.From this, I can safely conclude that my bins were manufactured wonky. I have knocked only one star off, as this kind of minor manufacturing error shouldn't be held against the product, as this could be a one off. If I had contacted the seller earlier, I may have been refunded or had my bins replaced. The one star off indicates only that the bins should be carefully checked for faults on receipt, as QA appears to be lax.Other than this possibly rare manufacturing error, I still consider these bins to be excellent.

8.9.2014

Bushnell, a Proud USA Company, that's what it says on the box, supply the Chinese made 138005 H2O 8x25mm Roof Prism Binoculars in a cardboard box which contains, the binoculars, a soft case, a neck strap, lens cleaning cloth and a basic set of instructions in 10 languages, including English.This is compact set of binoculars using the now common and popular system of Roof or Dach prisms. This type of optic system, although more complicated to manufacture has benefits, mainly that the case is easier to seal so making a waterproof set, (such as these) easier to make and also maintain the gas seal so keeping the internals clean, so no more spots in your vision that you can't remove without getting your binoculars serviced.

22.11.2013

Binoculars just arrived today as a gift for my wife, a birder. Item was defective. The barrels of the binocular were not aligned. Example, if you looked at a bird at 20 yards, you saw 2 birds, one about 6 inches above the other. I tried several adjustments but nothing helped. Just looking through one side or the other showed a pretty sharp image so the actual optics were pretty good. I am returning for replacement and hoping for a better pair. Btw, I am familiar with how binoculars work, over the years I have had quite a few. Right now I mostly use my Leupold 10x32. a good medium sized waterproof binocular. I will try to remember to update this after it arrives.Amazon returns were easy so far,

6.8.2019

Picked up these 7x50 poro prism's for night and marine use. Here's the good and the bad.........GOOD POINTS:Very good value as these 7x50's cost about the same as the bargain Nikon Aculon lines but are more rugged, waterproof and nitrogen filled (no fogging). To get this in top lines like Nikon you're looking at up to twice the price.Excellent armour coating and appears very tough. Eye and lens caps fit nice and tight and the twist up eye cups give excellent eye relief which I need. Multi-coating is also very good and bright at night and being a 7x50 poro prism there's a superb depth of field (the further the front of the lenses are apart,

1.7.2012

Think about where you want a set of binoculars: in the field, on a boat, watching the stars, camping, etc. The presence of water is the common denominator which makes these binoculars all the more practical and valued. The Bushnell set may not be the most powerful binoculars on the planet, but they are good for birdwatching, hiking and taking in the scenery. Those wanting more powerful magnification should buy a more powerful set.We have had several binocular sets in the past, including one that took pictures of what you saw. All of them felt light, cheaply made and stayed in the house rather than being taken into the field. This set, with its rubber coating and study construction tells you that its ready to go and that means they will get used.

7.11.2013

Decent binoculars for the price. Took them elk hunting with a broad spectrum of weather. Most of the sight lines were under 300 yds with occasional vistas. Snow, freezing mist, drizzle then sunny with temps in the teens warming to the 40's. They never fogged up or allowed moisture inside. The field of vision, brightness and clarity are quite good for the price. They felt solid and sturdy without being too heavy. The rubberized outer covering felt comfortable and provided a secure grip. I wore these with a chest harness. The included neck strap is just okay and the attachment points are very narrow which meant using split rings to attach the harness.

16.9.2017

The optics are very good, and they appears to be waterproof. This offers real peace of mind going out on the water. As well, hiking in the rain or fog is not a concern. It is not that unusual for binoculars to get fogged up without actually being wet as in the rain. These binoculars are, however, quite heavy. It says clearly their weight, and it may for some people be too much. To be lighter and still waterproof makes binoculars considerably more expensive. I made the strap shorter so they hang down and rest on my chest, which reduces the strain on my neck and swinging around hitting my body. This might not work for women or some men for that matter. To me they were still completely satisfactory,

7.7.2015

I compared the Bushnell Marine 7x50 binoculars with compass ($127) the Baraska 5x50 Marine binoculars with compass ($116) and these Bushnell Waterproof binoculars ($75) side by side. I rejected the Baraska out of the box, just in shipping something had knocked one of the prisms loose and the could not be aligned. (And focus on the Baraska seemed funky to me) In research it turns out that all of these lower end binoculars are subject to alignment problems if they take a hard shock, so take care of all models not to let them fall hard. It appears this is NOT covered by manufacture's guarantee and basically make them either trash or a monocular. I really wanted the in lens compass, as a mariner,

18.7.2012

My initial reaction to opening the package was very impressed. I like lightweight products because I have a lot of pain issues and the lighter the better. Although, I didn't get the range that I was hoping for but it isn't a big disappointment. I might buy a more powerful pair when I do some traveling like to the Grand Canyon or Alaska (however, presently my budget has not extras for those trips).My primary objective in finding binoculars that work for me were: not heavy; reasonably priced; and clumsy proof (if anyone is going to accidentally have their binoculars fall into the big drink, it will be me). Since, I live near the ocean and many lakes, I have friends with boats,

16.8.2016

I noticed that these reviews are missing pictures, so I attached some here. As you can see, these are nice and compact (dollar bill for size comparison in pictures), very lightweight, and seem durable. They don't unfold easily, which I like... you don't want the thing folding and unfolding while you're trying to look through them. Also included is a strap, case, lens cleaner, and manual. The strap and case are not top of the line or anything. but they get the job done. As described, the eyecups twist up and down - I included a picture of one eyecup fully extended, the other twisted all the way down.Supposedly, porro prism binos are inherently brighter than roof prism binos.

16.2.2015

Firstly, I am not an optics expert. From a layman's perspective, these binoculars are much better than expected. I bought these for scouting ahead when I am hiking and camping by myself (routing). That said, I have also looked at wildlife at my rest stops (birds, deer, squirrels), and these have served me very well. I have used $1000 military binos with everything under the sun in them when I was in the service. Maybe if you need excellent low light capability, or a wide FOV for scouting areas for combat situations these may not fit the bill. But honestly these are alright. They are bright (although I live in Southern California), compact (not a monocle but come on), give a clear image,

21.12.2013

I use Binoculars for my voluntary work with two conservation groups and Identification of wildlife is a need for both roles, I have had a number of makes of binocular over the years and when I had dropped my latest pair and found one of the lens had moved I needed a replacement pair quick, I had intended spending quite a bit on a new pair when I eventually replaced the present ones but with only days before Christmas my budget was limited so I decided to go for a cheap 'stop gap' pair.As I used to own a Bushnell Spacemaster Scope I knew how well that was made and decided to look at these, after reading the reviews I decided to go for the 8 x 40 (even though I had always had 10 x 40 ),

Bushnell H2O - Reviews

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