The Bushnell Legend line might be the top-of-mind thought in this brand, but Bushnell Engage has its own market share! Besides price advantage, Bushnell Engage X 10×42 is designed just nicely to please a certain number of people. In this review, let’s dig into the pros and the cons, and analyze who shouldn’t miss this binoculars.
Technical data of Bushnell Engage X 10×42
| Tech specs | Bushnell Engage X 10×42 | Bushnell Engage X 8×42 |
| Magnification | 10x | 8x |
| Objective diameter | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Field of view (1000 yards) | 305 ft | 426 ft |
| Close focus distance | 15 ft | 6.5 ft |
| Exit pupil | 4 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Eye relief | 16 mm | 19 mm |
| Weight | 21.86 oz | 21.86 oz |
| Dimension | 6x4x1 (inch) | 6x4x1 (inch) |
| Lens coating | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Protective lens coating | EXO Barrier | EXO Barrier |
| Prism | Bak-4 | Bak-4 |
| Prism Type | Roof | Roof |
| Tripod adaptable | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Fog resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Lead free glass | Yes | Yes |
The most popular color in the market of the Bushnell Engage X is black. The 10×42 binoculars are priced at around $130. However, during our observation, there are usually promotions for this product all the time (usually on Amazon). So the price is usually 20% lower (around $110).
Above are technical data of Bushnell Engage X 10×42 vs 8×42. However, in terms of availability for stocks in the market, the 10×42 binoculars are more available. Therefore, in this review, we would focus mostly on the 10×42 version.
Bushnell Engage X 10×42 – the good
Field of view
305 feet is quite good for most basic purposes like birding and hunting. Remember, the Nikon Monarch ATB 10×42 is just at 290 feet, and the Nikon one is around $100 more expensive. So this Bushnell’s field of view is a real bargain to us.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8.5/10
Light transmission
We experimented with these binoculars quite several times before. Look at the statistics above, we think that you’ll all have some expected outcomes for it. The Bushnell Engage X will not bring a very outstanding result for sure. It is not phase corrected, no dielectric prism coatings.
However, the brightness is still there and it is more than enough. This Bushnell 10×42 is still bright, clear, the vision is quite clean to us, no complaints. Apparently, the Bak-4 prism and exterior protective coatings of the glass did a good job.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Basic image quality criteria
One of the most prominent strengths in this section is the contrast. We just simply say that the contrast is high enough to enjoy a hunting session. Animals detecting might not be a concern.
Moreover, the color fidelity and crisp resolution is really good. Everything was witnessed in a natural image. These strengths of these binoculars for hunting shouldn’t be missed out.
Moreover, humidity, fog, dropping water wouldn’t be a big obstacles in your trip. The EXO barrier of the Bushnell Engage would keep your oculars clean and remain clear-shape images. This water-resistant ability is something we wouldn’t expect a low-tier option to be this amazing.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Weight and size
To us, this product is quite neat in our luggages. But the highlight is weight. Just nearly 22 oz is among the lightest in the 10×42 binoculars world, even the Bushnell Legend is heavier. Plus, we believe that this Engage X is lighter than quite many other Bushnell products. Maybe this is the deal closing point to many Bushnell consumers.
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Durability
We’re fully satisfied with the durability that this cheap option brings. The outer cover (rubber) is thick enough to suffer sudden shocks and also feels confident in the palm. This Bushnell 10×42 is also texturized to add more grippiness, so that slippery wouldn’t be a problem. Even though the binoculars are water-resistant, it is a safer feature to have.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Environmental-friendly
Nothing much to discuss. The lead-free glass proved it. If you’re environment-friendly supporters, consider this Engage X.
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Bushnell Engage X 10×42 – neutral factors
Low-light performance
It’s not bad at all. At dawn, the image is still fine, we didn’t find it too difficult to follow. However, we wouldn’t take it as strength, not special enough to be considered.
- For this characteristics, we rate 7/10
Bushnell Engage X 10×42 – the bad
Close focus distance
Obviously the number is not good. If you’re planning to use it regularly for observing objects like flowers, insects,… then forget it! The Bushnell Engage X 10×42 is not designed to serve that.
- For this characteristics, we rate 3/10
Edge-image
The physical focus system and focused image of this Bushnell binoculars is great, but that’s all they can perform. We’re not happy about the image at the edge of the vision area. It’s…, basically not good.
- For this characteristics, we rate 4/10
Uses ratings
Birding: 4/5 stars
Hunting: 4.5/5 stars
Sports enjoyment: 4/5 stars
Marine: 2/5 stars
Astronomy: 2/5 stars
With a good field of view, good image quality, birding and hunting is definitely easy to go with. As for its lightweightness, sports speciation is totally enjoyable with this Bushnell Binoculars. Especially considering using these binoculars for hunting, the high contrast is a plus for hunters to think of this option.
For other purposes of use above, the ratings speak for themselves.
The verdict – who would Bushnell Engage X 10×42 satisfy?
It’s easy – the beginners. Certainly, the Engage X has weaknesses, but let’s analyze them:
- Close focus distance: we highly doubt that when someone starts using binoculars, they would go for such purposes like watching flowers, insects,… regularly. Usually, birding, hunting and nature observation are more familiar choices to use. Therefore, we don’t think that this con would affect much of the enjoyment.
- Edge-image: no doubt, this is a weakness. However, we would consider this to disappoint professionals (or at least from mid-level people upwards) rather than beginners. We used to be newbies, by that time, we didn’t take notice of the edge-image quality, and still kept satisfied by that time.
In conclusion, what do we have here? Binoculars with good field of view & brightness and great images viewed, being lightweight, durable and eco-friendly. Apparently, this Bushnell binoculars passes all the basic criteria’s tests, and it’s CHEAP! So if you’re new to this binoculars’ world, we totally recommend to go for it!