Buying Guide for the Best Bushnell Binocular
Selecting the right binoculars is all about finding a model that matches how and where you’ll use them. Binoculars are popular for birdwatching, hiking, sports, and even stargazing, but different features and specs make some pairs more suitable for certain activities. Understanding a few basics will ensure you get the most satisfying view without unnecessary features that can add weight or complexity. Focusing on what you’ll use them for—like portability, light-gathering, or field of view—will help you make a confident and informed choice.MagnificationMagnification is the first number you’ll often see in binocular descriptions (like 8x42 means 8x magnification). It tells you how much closer objects appear compared to the naked eye. Lower magnifications like 6x or 7x give a wider and steadier view, ideal for tracking moving animals or sports, while higher magnifications like 10x show more detail but can magnify hand shake and reduce the area you see at once. Choose lower for wide, steady views and higher if you want more detailed observation—but make sure you can keep them steady.
Objective Lens DiameterThe second number (in 8x42, it's 42) tells you the diameter in millimeters of the lens at the front. Larger lenses gather more light, which makes the image brighter, especially useful at dawn, dusk, or in forests. However, bigger lenses make binoculars heavier. For everyday daylight use, 25mm to 32mm is usually enough. For low-light situations or stargazing, go for lenses 40mm or larger.
Field of ViewThis spec tells you how wide an area you can see through the binoculars, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards or meters at 1,000 meters. A wider field of view makes it easier to follow movement or scan scenes, while narrower views are better for focusing on single details. If you watch birds or sports and want to keep action in sight, look for a wide field; if you're observing distant, stationary objects, a narrower field can be fine.
Weight and SizeBinoculars can range from compact and easily pocketable to large and heavy. Lightweight and compact binoculars are easier to carry for long hikes or travel, while larger ones can sometimes be steadier or gather more light. Think about how much you'll be carrying them—if you want all-day portability, go for lighter, but if you're mostly stationary or need more performance in low light, a bigger model may suit you.
Prism TypePrisms inside binoculars flip the image right-side-up. There are two main types: roof prism and porro prism. Roof prisms make for slimmer, straighter binoculars that are lighter, while porro prisms give a wider image and often are less expensive for the same optical quality. Compact, travel-friendly models usually use roof prisms. If size isn’t as important and you want good depth and image quality, porro prisms work well.
Waterproof and FogproofWaterproof and fogproof features mean the binoculars are sealed to keep out moisture and often filled with special gas to prevent the lenses from fogging up. If you’ll use your binoculars outdoors where they might encounter rain, humidity, or sudden temperature changes, these features are essential. For strictly indoor use, they’re less important.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance you can hold the binoculars from your eyes and still see the full image. If you wear glasses, longer eye relief (usually 15mm or more) is important for comfort, while shorter eye relief is fine if you don’t wear glasses. If you do need glasses, check this feature to avoid a restricted view.