Exceptional performance and value!!! - Bushnell Elite 10x50 Binoculars w/ BaK-4 roof prisms, Rainguard PC-3 phase coatings 621050

As a long time birder and a die-hard Leica 10 x 42 BN user (I'll always have Leica's highest end model as my primary binoculars), I decided to try a pair of the Bushnell Elite 10 x 50's as a pair of backup bins and for feeder watching at home. I was attracted to the price, stylish design and weight of the 10 x 50's compared to higher end bins costing hundreds more.

My first impression is WOW!!! They'll never be Leica's, but I'd put these up there with the best as far as optic performance. The view is astoundingly bright, the colors are true and vivid and the weight is amazing, even with 50 mm objective lenses. They are comfortable in the hand, with a well-design thumb rest under each barrel, the armoring feels durable and the focusing is easy. The magnesium housing creates light but steady handling. And Bushnell finally got a case right...hard shell with some soft accents and LARGE enough to actually fit the bins comfortable without using your foot to cram them into their case! Unlike a lot of 50 mm models, these bins aren't significantly longer than their 42 mm sisters.

A few areas for future worry. Bushnell has employed the best quick snap strap engineering I've seen yet. However, the tab and mechanism on the strap that attachs to the metal hole in the body are plastic and I wonder if they might not snap off after years of use. Only time will tell. Also, the armoring on this bin doesn't surround the barrel, a way to save money and weight. I wonder if the armoring might not dry and curl at the edges. Again, only time will tell. This is not a nitrogen purged bin but employs an "O-ring" seal instead. I could care less in our dry desert southwest here in Arizona.

I am overall very impressed by these bins which perform better than higher priced competitors. I suspect if other birders tried them, they'd be happy they saved a $1000 compared to Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Leupold and Brunton. They have a few low-end design features as noted above, but you gotta save money somewhere. The weight savings compared to Leupold and Swarovski is substantial and I would recommend these for anyone as a first birding bin or a backup set. They are actually quite "handsome" as well and I expect them to draw a few nods just for style.

Try them out...that's the best advice.

Clifford A. Cathers
Economy Birding Services, Inc.
Vail, Arizona
http://www.economybirding.com
February 13, 2009
Pros: Cost, Weight, Optical Performance
Cons: Platic Strap Attachment, Slow Focusing

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.