Monday, December 23, 2024

Binoculars: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Pros
Great value with limited lifetime warranty; good optics; relatively compact and lightweight; fog proof and waterproof down to 50 m; made with materials typically found in higher priced binoculars; available in camouflage; fully multi-coated lenses
25-year no-fault warranty; powerful optics deliver crisp, clear images even in lower light; waterproof and fog proof; detachable and adjustable eyecups are shaped to block light and enhance comfort; features ED glass; fully multi-coated lenses; open bridge design makes them comfortable to hold
Inexpensive with 25-year no-fault warranty; great quality optics for the price; compact and exceptionally lightweight
Cons
Flimsy strap; detached lens cover is easy to lose; focus dial is stiff; eye relief somewhat short
Expensive; relatively heavy; some complaints about adjustable rain guard being more difficult to use than a one-size-fits-all model
Not waterproof or fog proof; very short eye relief
Price
$259.95
$2,499.95
$94.98
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
25-Year Full Warranty
25-Year Full Warranty
Best Use
They are excellent binoculars for general outdoor activities like hunting, wildlife viewing, bird watching, etc.
They are well suited for general outdoor activities including wildlife viewing, hunting, bird watching, etc.
They are great binoculars for activities like watching a sporting event, concert or play.
Binocular Type
Full-Size
Full-Size
Compact
Binocular Size
The binoculars are 5.5" x 5" (L x W) and weigh 24.7 oz.
The binoculars are 5.9" x 5.6" (L x W) and weigh 27.9 oz.
The binoculars are 4.3" x 4.6" (L x W) and weigh 8.8 oz.
Magnification
10x
10x
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
42 mm
25 mm
Exit Pupil
4.2 mm
4.2 mm
2.5 mm
Twilight Factor
20.5
20.5
15.8
Field of View at 1,000 yds
340 ft
341 ft
262 ft
Angular Field of View (Real)
(not available from customer service)
6.5°
Angular Field of View (Apparent)
(not available from customer service)
59.2°
47.2°
Close Focusing Distance (ft)
6.5 ft
9.8 ft
9.8 ft
Focus System
They have a central focusing knob.
They have a central focusing knob that is integrated with the diopter adjustment.
They have a central focusing knob.
Eye Relief
15.2 mm
18.0 mm
11.1 mm
Diopter Adjustment
± 2 dpt (locking)
± 4 dpt (locking)
± 4 dpt (locking)
Interpupillary Distance
57 - 76 mm
56 - 72 mm
56 - 72 mm
Prism Type
They have a roof prism system with BaK-4 glass.
They have a roof prism system with BaK-4 glass.
They have a porro prism system with BaK-4 glass.
Lens / Coating
They feature fully multi-coated ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Prime Glass lenses and an ultra wide-band custom coating that helps to maximize available light.
They feature fully multi-coated ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses designed with Nikon's field-flattener lens system.
They feature multi-coated aspherical lenses.
Water / Fog Proof
Yes, they feature RainGuardHD, Bushnell's patented permanent water-repellant coating, and are fog proof and waterproof up to 50 meters (according to customer service).
Yes, they are nitrogen-filled and are fog proof and waterproof down to 9.8 ft for 10 minutes (confirmed with customer service).
They are not waterproof or fog proof.
Rangefinder
N/A
N/A
N/A
Exterior
They are made from a lightweight magnesium and are rubber-armored for durability, shock-resistance and comfort. They are available in a matte black or camouflage finish.
They have a magnesium-alloy, rubber-armored body that is lightweight, durable, shock-resistant and comfortable to hold. They are only available in a matte black finish.
They have a carbon fiber body and a rubber armor, which enhances their durability and provides a comfortable, secure grip. They are only available in a matte black finish.
Eyecups
They have twist-up eyecups.
They have horn-shaped adjustable and detachable eyecups with detents.
They have adjustable and detachable eyecups with detents.
Tripod Adaptable
Yes, they are tripod adaptable.
Yes, they are tripod adaptable.
No they are not tripod adaptable.
Accessories
They come with a carrying case, neck strap, microfiber lens cleaning cloth and a harness.
They come with a travel case, an adjustable soft touch neck strap and rubberized objective frames.
They come with a Nikon travel case, a neck strap and lens covers.
 
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