Overland Park, Kan. – Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in high-performance sports optics for more than 60 years, has redesigned its popular H20 binocular line. After 10 successful years on the market, Bushnell has refreshed key features, making the H20 one of the best waterproof binoculars for the money.

The H20 series binoculars are O-ringed sealed and nitrogen purged, offering outdoor enthusiasts 100 percent waterproof and fog-proof performance. The durable, rubber-coated chassis has been enhanced with a new soft-texture grip that provides added reassurance in inclement weather.

In addition, BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmission and bright, optimal clarity at any distance. Featuring a large center-focus knob for quick focus and twist-up eyecups that provide expanded eye relief, the Bushnell H20 is a well-rounded binocular.

Adventure tested, the H20 line will be available in January 2012 with 24 models in the product line. The H20 binocular is available in compact or full-size, and porro and roof prism models ranging from an MSRP of $69.95 to $173.95.

More Information

• All About Bushnell Binoculars

At their orriginal RRP price, these high quality optics were understandably firmly paced in our high value ($500-$1200 / £500-£1200) price bracket, but with these new price reductions you can now get these top of the range binoculars for about $399 – £465 / £399 – £430 (depending on the model), which now means that in terms of price are now regarded on my price scale as Mid-High Value Binoculars, which considering all their top of the range features is really impressive and in my opinion makes them great value for money.

Where to Get these deals:

In the USA
The new Bushnell Elites with ED Glass are  now available for $399 (8×42) and $465 (10×42) on Amazon, a massive saving when you consider they have a list price of  $677 and $699  respectively:
Click Here to Buy on Amazon.com

In the UK
The new Bushnell Elites with ED Glass are  now available for £399 (8×42) and £429 (10×42) at Warehouse Express, a massive saving when you consider they have a list price of  £740 and £800 respectively:
Click here to buy on Warehouseexpress

Sizes Available:

• Elite 10X42 ED Binoculars
• Elite 8X42 ED Binoculars
• Elite 7X26 ED Binoculars

Quality Features
These include the use of ED Glass (Extra low dispersion glass) that prevents chromatic aberration by concentrating and directing the wavelengths of light more effectively onto your eyes. High-quality, high-precision ED glass is able to do this because the glass has less air bubbles and glass deformities in them that are more likely to cause image distortion.

On top of that and as you would expect from a quality pair of optics, the Bushnell Elite Binoculars also feature fully multi-coated optical elements with what they call their XTR technology.

BaK-4 phase corrected high-reflection prisms are also used in all Elite models that give a sharp and high-contrast image over the full field of view.

More Information & Bushnell Elite Reviews
For more information on these great binoculars take a look at the section on Bushnell Elite Binoculars on my page about Bushnell.

I have already written a number of articles related to the subject, so I wont go into too much detail in this one:

• Best Digital Camera Binoculars
• Digital Camera Binoculars Vs Camera + Binoculars

But from these two articles above, I hope that you will agree that you are still far better off getting a separate pair of binoculars and a digital camera rather than combing them into one unit. The main problem is that it is technically very difficult to achieve and so at the moment the camera part of digital camera binoculars don’t not use the same lens as that of the binocular and so the zoom does not match that of the binocular and so you don’t actually take a photo of exactly what you see through the binoculars.

Camera vs Binoculars with Digital Camera on Safari

If you still do not believe me, and whilst the review is rather simplistic, the Gadget Show’s (a UK TV Review Show) Really Wild Challenge compared the suitability as a safari camera of the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 Superzoom Bridge Camera with the 8X30 Bushnell Compact Instant Replay binocular with digital camera with Sync Focus. This section of the show is really worth watching if you are still undecided as to what is the better option: Gadget Show’s Really Wild Challenge – Part 2 (sorry you will have to watch an advert before seeing that part of the show)

So as you can see, in my opinion and that of the Gadget Show, you are far better off getting your self even a half decent safari binocular and a separate digital camera.

I think that it is important for me to stress that whilst I have fully reviewed the Minox 8X33 and so can comment on the view through them, I have not reviewed the Bushnell Excursion EX’s and so cannot comment on them in terms of what it is like to look through them. We can however look and compare the main specifications and features between them, which I hope will help you to make up your mind.

Below is a table comparing the main specifications and features of the two binoculars, I have also included the 8X36 Bushnell Excursion EX as well as another alternative:

	Minox BL 8×33	Bushnell 7×36 EX	Bushnell 8×36 EX
Price (approx at time of comparison):	US$470 (£370)	US$140 (£120)	US$142 (£167)
Weight:	650g	576g	610g
Eye Relief:	17.5mm	19mm	17.8mm
Close Focusing Distance:	2.5m (8.2ft)	2m (6.5ft)	1.7m (5.5ft)
Field of View at 1000m:	140m	142m	142m
Field of View at 1000yards:	421ft	426ft	426ft
Exit Pupil:	4.1	5.1	4.5
Twilight Factor:	16.2	15.9	17
Tripod Adaptable:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Prism Glass:	BaK-4	BaK-4	BaK-4
Phase Correction:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lens Coating:	Fully Multi Coated	Fully Multi Coated	Fully Multi Coated
Waterproof:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fogproof:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Eyecups:	Twist Up	Twist Up	Twist Up

Stats
So as you can see from the figures above, the biggest difference is in the price. The Bushnell’s also have a slight edge in many of the other numbers including the weight, which may seem surprising considering that that the Minox has smaller 33mm objective lenses. I however often find that top of the range binoculars often weigh more than cheaper versions. I am not exactly sure why, but assume that it is down to the fact that they probably use better quality components rather than cheaper plastic ones.

So if you were going on statistics and price alone, I would opt for one of the Bushnell’s. This however does not always tell the full story and is why it can become confusing. Without looking through the Bushnell’s I cannot comment on the view, but I can say that the view through the Minox 8X33 BL was excellent and they are one of the best mid-size binoculars I have ever used. Which is something I expressed in my review of them: ” Overall I was extremely impressed with the view through these Minox BL Binoculars, the image was very bright and sharp. What is more is I could not see any colour fringing or softening of the image on the edge of the image that you find in poorer quality binoculars. Very Impressive.”

It is at times like this that having the two binoculars to compare next to each other would be ideal, but my gut feeling based on my experience of comparing binoculars in these two different price brackets is that the Minox would be slightly better. The main difference would probably be is in the amount of softening of the image on the periphery of the view. The Minox’s was almost none and was as good as or better than any binocular in their class.

So let’s go back to money, would the view through the Minox 8X33 BL’s be 3x better (a reflection of the difference in price) than that of the Bushnell’s? I doubt it. Instruments would probably tell you of a lot of differences, but to the human eye I bet it would be minimal especially considering that the Busnell’s like the Minox’s have quality Bak-4 prisms as well as coatings including phase correction. The fact is, the closer you get to the top, the more you have to pay for even the smallest differences.

Build Quality
Again without having the Busnell’s with me I am reluctant to comment too much on their build quality and overall feel, I can however again say that the Minox’s was first class. You really do feel like you are holding something special when you have them in your hands and I am not just saying that! My past experiences of Bushnell binoculars is that the cheaper versions can seem a little plastic. Things like neck straps and carry cases also are often much better on high end optics and I can say that these items on the Minox binoculars were very good.

Conclusion
The stats of the Bushnell’s are very good and have definitely piped up my interest enough so as to actively seek them out to review in the future. If I had to choose between the 7X and the 8X36 Excursion EX’s I would go for the 8X version as even though they are a little heavier with less eye relief, you will get closer to the action without sacrificing any field of view. The close focusing distance of only 1.7m (5.5ft) is also very impressive.

As for choosing between the Minox or the Bushnell, I have to say that even though they seem loose out in many of the stats, I can’t forget the excellent quality of the image that they produced and just how well they were made. I compare many top of the range binoculars and the image they produce is often equal to the human eye, they usually have all the same features and similar stats and the choice often comes down to aesthetics and which ones you just like the feel of.

I loved the Minox BL’s when I had them to review and so for me they would be my personal choice. I have to confess though that it is a hard decision based mainly on my positive feelings for the Minox’s and because I have not played with the Bushnell Excursion EX binoculars before, it may not be right choice for everyone, just me!

I am not sure if I should recommend doing this, but you could order both and return one pair after comparing them yourself?

Costs and Where to Buy

• List of Internet retailers (UK & US) selling the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• Bushnell EX Binoculars on Amazon.com (US)
• Bushnell EX Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk (UK)

Related Links

• Full Review of the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• Minox Binoculars
• Bushnell Binoculars

This weeks question comes from a South African, who often visits game reserves in South Africa and in particular the Kruger National Park:

Question

I live in South Africa and regularly go to game reserves and, in particular, Kruger National Park. I am looking to buy a decent pair of binoculars in the next few weeks as I am going to Kruger at the end of the month.

I have done some research and have basically narrowed it down to 2 options:
1) Bushnell Natureview
2) Nikon Monarch ATB

I see from your reviews that you like both of them but would like to enquire if you would have any reason to prefer the one over the other?

Also I have heard that 8x is better than 10x for game viewing use, would you agree with this?

Answer

First off let me just say that I really envy you, I have been to the Kruger a few times, it is a wonderful game reserve with an astounding amount and variety of game and birdlife. Also because it is so vast, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowds, where it gets truly wild.

Basically what you are after is a good wildlife observation binocular and If I had to choose between the Bushnell Natureview and Nikon Monarch ATB, I would probably go for the Nikon. They have a closer minimum focusing distance, longer eye relief and weighs less. In my opinion, they also have a nicer overall feel to them and just that little better build quality.

You may also wish to take a look at the Barr & Stroud 8×42 Savannah Binoculars that I have just reviewed, an excellent binocular at a similar price (actually cheaper). They also do a 10x version, but I am not sure if they will be available in SA?
Also worth looking at is the Minox 10×42 BV Binoculars, there is also an 8x version: Both are really good binos again in the similar price range to the Nikon Monarch ATB.

8x or 10x for Wildlife Observation?
I personally prefer a 10x magnification when I am in the bush.

Compared to 10x, you get slightly less “image shake” with an 8x binocular, although unless you have really shaky hands, this should not really be a factor.

8x binoculars also generally have a wider field of view compared to 10x ones. This can be useful for spotting and keeping in view fast moving objects, like birds for example, but for larger game, I just like the slightly bigger magnification that gets me as close to the animal as possible. This is just a personal preference and I am sure you will be fine no matter which you choose.

Full Size Binoculars
The fact that you are choosing binoculars with a 42mm objective lens, rather than a more compact size is good as they generally giver you a slightly brighter and often sharper image.

For safari binoculars, I usually recommend that most people should go for a more compact binocular. But then most people are travelling from overseas and carrying a larger binocular with all your luggage can be a little more difficult. Although if you plan on doing any walking safaris, and you also carry a camera with you, you may still consider a smaller binocular.

Photo Credit: Arno & Louise

A few days ago I was looking to review some Bushnell binoculars here in the UK, when I noticed that Jessops.co.uk were offering a deal that almost seemed too go to be true.

They have the Bushnell 12×42 AW Binoculars currently on sale as a web only deal at £45 (reduced from £139.99). Because they are a Jessops ‘Exclusive’ I had never heard of them before, but I decided to buy a pair and give them a full review. Now I am not going to say that these are the best binoculars in the world, but they are also far from being the worst and much better than their current £45 price tag suggests.

More Information
You can read my full review on the Bushnell 12×42 AW Binoculars
Or take a look at them on Jessops.co.uk

Question

I am going to Glacier National Park this summer with my inlaws, and I would like to get a decent pair of binoculars (<$100). I have found two options and have no idea which is better? Can you help? Which one would be better in a National Park?

Option 1: Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle 10×50 Binoculars

Option 2: Bass Pro has the Redhead Pursuit Binoculars 10×42

My Answer

I have not reviewed either binoculars that you mentioned, so I cannot comment on each individually, but I can just give you some thoughts on their general characteristics.

Firstly what I would say is that you are comparing a pair of binoculars for sale at $34 (The Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle 10×50 Binoculars), with one that is worth $100 (Redhead 10×42 Pursuit Binoculars) – and comparing a roof prism design with a porro prism.

So apart from the magnification, they are very different binoculars.

The Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle Binoculars are of a porro prism design, which in general have a wider and greater depth of view than roof prisms, the advert says that their field of view is 300.0, but does not give any more details and so I am guessing it is 300ft at 1000 yards. Which to be honest is not very wide at all, there are many 10x roof prism binoculars with a wider field of view.

The 50mm diameter objective lenses on the Bushnell binoculars should in theory let in more light than the 42mm ones on the Redhead Pursuit Binoculars and as such the image should be brighter. I would be cautious assuming this though as it also depends on the quality of the prisims and lenses and their coatings.

The Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle 10×50 binoculars will be bigger and probably heavier than the 10×42′s because of the larger objective lens and because they are of the more bulky porro prism design.

Whilst I have never used or seen a pair of Redhead Pursuit Binoculars before, so can’t vouch for their quality, I do like the fact that they use BaK4 high-index prisms – which is what you want in a good pair of binoculars. They are also have “fully multi-coated lenses” as apposed to the Bushnell’s that only have “fully coated lenses”.

The fact that the Redhead Binoculars are also fully sealed and nitrogen-filled that makes them 100% waterproof as well as fog proof is good, in two ways, the obvious advantage of them not fogging up or letting moisture in, but also this is expensive to do and does show that these are probably better quality than the Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle Binoculars

So on the whole, I would say that the Redhead Pursuit Binoculars are probably better quality and will as such perform better. (This is also reflected in their more expensive price).

Alternatives

Another pair of binoculars I would consider would be the better quality Bushnell 10×42 Nature View binoculars, that are available in both porro and roof prism designs and still at around $100.

Bushnell 10×42 Nature View Binoculars on Amazon

You can also read my full review of the Roof Prism 10×42 Bushnell Nature Views here: Bushnell 10×42 NatureView Binoculars

I hope this helps and please let me know which you decide to get and how you find them when you get them as I would love to get your views.

For those that don’t know, Bausch & Lomb are one of America’s oldest continually operating companies. They started as an optical shop in n Rochester, New York way back in 1853 with John Jacob Bausch a German immigrant. A little later on, Bausch needed more money to keep the business going and so he borrowed $60 from his friend, Henry Lomb. Thus the partnership was formed and became known as Bausch & Lomb.

An innovative company from the start, producing binoculars by 1893 and by 1903 Bausch and Lomb had already issued patents for microscopes, binoculars and even a camera shutter based on the eye’s reaction to light.

With the outbreak of World War II, Bausch & Lomb once again expanded its production capacities, making mirrors for searchlights and signal lights, gunsights, range finders, lenses for aerial mapping cameras, as well as microscopes and binoculars for the armed forces.

Bausch and Lomb then sold their binoculars company to Bushnell, who manufactured binoculars for many years under the Bausch & Lomb brand name. Even after becoming an independent company in the early 1990′s they continued to do so. Now all Bausch & Lomb Binoculars carry the Bushnell brand name.

Occasionally you may find B&L binoculars for sale, often on online auction sites like ebay and Amazon. Bausch & Lomb Binoculars on Amazon

To find more information on the model, you can compare them to current Bushnell models.

Bausch and Lomb Binoculars Repairs

If you have any Bausch Lomb binoculars that need a service or repairs, you are advised to contact Bushnell directly.

• Read more on Bushnell Binoculars
• Bausch & Lomb Binoculars on Amazon

I am not suggesting that the idea of combining a digital camera with a pair of binoculars is new, but it is only relatively recently that the more serious brands are beginning to get involved.

As yet none of the major camera manufactures that also produce quality binoculars (Canon, Olympus and Nikon) have produced a Digital Camera Binocular, but I feel that it is only a matter of time. Until then a Bushnell digital binocular camera is about as good at it gets. So lets take a look at their range and see exactly what they have to offer and see if  they can live up to expectations:

• Bushnell ImageView Binoculars with digital camera

• Bushnell Instant Replay Binoculars with digital camera

The Bushnell  instant replay binoculars are according to the manufacturer essential gear for team coaches and scouts, birders and wildlife observers, big-game hunters and anyone who enjoys recording photographs or movies. They say that you can easily view, download, edit and keep your favorite movie clips or stills. Bushnell also go on to say that they are powerful, easy-to-use and loaded with advanced features, the Bushnell Instant Replay binocular sets the standard for excellence in image-capturing binoculars!

Sounds great, but do they live up to the hype?

Within the Instant Replay range there are two models, the 8×30 and what I believe to be the discontinued 8×32 version as I can no longer find them on their website.

Bushnell Instant Replay 8×30 Binoculars

Costing about $200 – $300, (Bushnell Instant Replay Binoculars on Amazon.com) lets take a look at the main features and see what they mean:

Main Features

• 5MP still pictures - the latest version of these digital camera binoculars come with a 5 mega pixel digital camera, which is ok, but not great. For comparison my current Panasonic digital camera the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 comes with 10.1 Megapixels but costs around $500, but you can get many digital cameras for under $200 with far more than 5 megapixels, that will also shoot video.
• 8x magnification – good for general use
• SyncFocus™ system – is said to sharpen your subject simultaneously through the digital camera and the binoculars lenses and is a kind of auto focus system.
• 30mm objective lens – good size for a compact pair of binoculars
• BaK-4 roof prisms – This is good, meaning that the prisms are made from superior optical glass that produces clearer images. These are what you want in your binoculars.
• Fully multi-coated optics – Again this is good and means that all air to glass surfaces have received multiple layers of anti-reflection coatings, and this is what you want in your binoculars.

Other Features

• SD card slot (up to 2GB only)
• Neck strap and carrying case
• 1.5” flip-up LCD – very small LCD
• 5-60 second instant replay video loops or continuous video
• 16MB internal memory
• Table tripod included

Review from an Amazon.com customer says it all:

My review will be short and disappointed for the Bushnell Instant Replay 8×30 Binocular 5MP Camera.
Pros: compact and light, binocular optics are good, video is of middle quality, added SD card capable
Cons: camera optics very poor, it is not a true through-the-lens camera though advertised as so, relies on a separate focus free separate camera for photos and video, very hard on rechargeable batteries (mine lasted only 9-10 minutes), and LCD screen is too small (which is needed for many adjustment settings during shooting) and easily wasted out in sun light.
I cannot recommend this binocular and camera combo. I ended up sending it back, which the seller promptly refunded all but 10 percent of purchase price. I justified my return by stating, “The item had too many negatives to justify the expense.”

So my opinion is as compact binoculars they may just be acceptable, but as a digital camera that can record video, they fall way short of the mark and at $200 – $300, you can tell that these are never going to be a serious option for someone who would like to take quality photographs of whatever they are viewing through their binoculars (birders and sports fans) but as a novelty item, for a bit of fun they may be fine.

Bushnell 8×32 Instant Replay Binoculars

These received many poor reviews from customers and that is why I think that they have been discontinued, although I may be mistaken.

Bushnell Instant Replay Binoculars on Amazon.com