As a whole, the Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars is considered to be the best balance to Bushnell fans. Specifically, it is said to be the best mid-price 10×42 binoculars in the market. We think the price is a great deal, but for performance, let’s find out in this review.
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars – General information
The L-Series is a sub line from the Bushnell Legend family. Detailedly, there are 3 categories in that family:
- The E-Series line: This is the lowest tier of this family, or you could say it’s a starting point. The performance really worths the price, but as a cheap product, you might be gritty to want something more.
- The L-Series line: This is the middle tier of this product family. It is updated both in terms of viewing performance and built materials. Not the best of course, but it is just enough to be satisfied and not to want to ask for anything more.
- The M-Series line: This is the highest tier of this family, and of course, the most complete version. It seems that the M-Series is not very available in the market. Compared to the L-Series, changes are not much. But definitely you would feel the higher value.
As for price, this Bushnell Legend L-series 10x42mm binoculars varies from $170-$400. Price on Amazon is around $175, while on Bushnell homepage is $279.55. This is still very affordable in the binoculars world, but who gets the best deal wins.
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars: Technical information
| Technical aspects | Bushnell Legend L series 10×42 | Bushnell Legend L Series 8×42 |
| Magnification | 10x | 8x |
| Objective Diameter | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Field of view | 340 feet | 426 feet |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Eye relief | 18 mm | 19 mm |
| Close focus distance | 8 feet | 6.5 feet |
| Weight | 23.5 oz | 23.5 oz |
| Length | 5.5 inch | 5.5 inch |
| Prism glass | BAK-4 prism | BAK-4 prism |
| Lens-coating | Fully Multi-coated | Fully Multi-coated |
| Glass type | ED glass (HD glass) | ED glass (HD glass) |
| Prism | Roof prism | Roof prism |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Adaptable | Yes | Yes |
These information are generated from Bushnell homepage. We want to talk about the Bushnell 10×42 because the 8×42 is not available enough to find in the market.
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars: Pros
Field of view
The 340 feet field of view is among the high figures in the market. With this field of view, ability to look in far distance is not a concern for this Bushnell Legend. In fact, this is more impressive than the Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×42 (325 feet).
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Optics quality
Brightness is the strength of this Bushnell Legend. We’ve already had a test in our sightseeing trip. The viewing image was bright, clear and sharp while it still remains in good shape. We could quite foresee it when analyzing the technical information. The fully multi-coated allows high light-transmission performance. While the BAK-4 prism, ED glass guarantees for good shapes of the viewing experience.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Image quality
We had quite a few tests and the contrast is more than good. However, we only took a quick picture while we were viewing from the 21st floor of a building. It was a foggy day but the scenes were clear enough to fully capture every detail. The picture may not show the real characteristic because of the fog and quick shot. But it is enough because from the 21st floor, it was very impressive. This contrast might excite hunters quite a lot.
For color reproduction, the strength of these Bushnell Legend binoculars is neutrality. The color was vivid enough, just enough to keep it natural.
Finally, the ED glass contributes a lot to resisting chromatic aberration. We could hardly find any color fringing. Definitely, it would take you serious effort to realize that tiny amount occasionally.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8.5/10
Low-light performance
It’s really good to have binoculars that remain good viewing performance in low-light conditions. That’s what we feel with this Bushnell Legend L series 10×42. In dark conditions (we tested it in nearly sunset), it stayed bright and the details were still sharp.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Durability
One great characteristic about this Bushnell Legend binoculars is the magnesium chassis. It is the material used in high-class binoculars. Hence, it shows the good optimization of the Bushnell to combine high-class details and cost-cutting factors. Therefore, you could be fully pleased about the inside interiors.
To us, the rubber cover feels thick enough to endure sudden shocks for a long while. Furthermore, it is non-slip rubber, so you won’t have to worry about dropping off.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8.5/10
Eye relief
The 18 mm is good for eyeglasses wearers. No complaints at all
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Waterproof
It is advertised by the manufacturer that this Bushnell 10×42 is fully waterproof. To us, it is just simply that it’s safe when we have to face a sudden rain.
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars: Neutral factors
- Weight: 23.5 oz from Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars is a little bit heavier than Nikon Prostaff 7s. It’s fine for us to carry this all the way sightseeing, on the palm and on the bag. But it’s not the ideal lightweightness. After all, weight depends much on each individual’s physical balance to assess. Hence, we consider this as a neutral factor, not so good, but still acceptable to quite a lot of people.
=> For this characteristics, we rate 6/10
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars: Cons
- Bad eyecup: this is just like a common weakness of Bushnell in general. We have experienced many Bushnell products and they are nearly all in bad quality for eyecups.
- Eyepiece rubber cover: we found out that it was a little bit loose.
- Close focus distance: With 8 feet close focus distance, it’s nearly impossible to enjoy insects watching.
- Lack of consistent product information: this is a characteristic as a consumer point of view. Bushnell binoculars don’t bring enough public product information though of course it is still enough to make a decision. But after all, having all the information (dimension for example) is still the best way to make a move.
Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars: The verdict
Is it the most impressive mid-price binoculars? To our personal experience, maybe not. But is it worth your money? Definitely it performs even much better than what you could expect based on the price tag. To us, Bushnell is always a brand that specializes in balancing the great features and cost-cutting factors to give a complete product. The “best of both worlds” Bushnell 10×42 Legend L-series binoculars is an example. So, how it is suitable to different purposes:
- Birding: The optics and image performance is good to fully enjoy. However, there are some people who choose the 8×42 model to sacrifice a bit of magnification for a better field of view. We rate 8/10 for this.
- Hunting: The Bushnell Legend L-series 10x42mm binoculars is exactly what you would need. Great contrast, great magnification, comfortable enough for carrying, simply a top-choice for casual hunters. We rate 9/10 for this.
- Astronomy: Good brightness, contrast and little chromatic aberration are what make this good for casual astronomy. However, if you use it occasionally, that would be great. For more frequent uses, we recommend the 10×50 for better magnification. We rate 7/10 for this.