This is somehow something unique of the Bushnell. Bushnell Legend in general, and Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 is that kind of thing. It is like Nikon Prostaff from Nikon, Swarovski EL from Swarovski, Zeiss Victory from Carl-Zeiss. In this article, let’s go in depth of how this Bushnell Legend performs, what to consider to make a decision.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – overview
This Bushnell binoculars price is around $160-200, it is in the low-medium segment. Of course, you cannot buy it so comfortably like Bushnell Falcon or Bushnell H2O. But definitely the price of this Bushnell Legend binoculars is low in the binoculars world.
With features like fully multi-coated lens, ED glass, phase correction, the performance of viewing wouldn’t let you down. The most common uses from this Bushnell Legend are outdoor activities. Specifically, bird watching, hunting, and nature sightseeing,… are ideal.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – technical specification
Let’s jump into the actual technical statistics to see a rough idea of performance:
| Technical specification | Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 | Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8×42 |
| Magnification | 10x | 8x |
| Objective diameter | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm | 5.25 mm |
| Eye relief | 15.2 mm | 17.2 mm |
| Field of view | 340 feet | 426 feet |
| Close focus distance | 6.2 feet | 6.5 feet |
| Twilight factor | 20.49 | 18.33 |
| Weight | 22.5 oz | 22.4 oz |
| Dimension | 5.28 x 4.02 x 6.89 inches | N/A |
| Lens coating | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Glass type | ED glass | ED glass |
| Prism type | BAK-4, roof prism | BAK-4, roof prism |
| Chassis | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod adaptable | Yes | Yes |
Above are the 2 models of this Bushnell Legend Ultra HD. In terms of availability in the market, we pick the Bushnell 10×42 one. However, each model has its own strength.
*Please note that the information above is extracted based on our contact with the Bushnell team.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – Pros
Field of view
340 feet is simply a good figure. If you need something to compare with, this is very close to the Vortex Diamondback’s (345 feet). Hence, birding, hunting,… no problem at all.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Optics quality
Our experience with the optics test was nothing out of expectation: it was amazing as we thought it should be! The image shown in the ocular was bright, sharp and crystal clear.
Apparently, the fully multi-coated lens cover and phase correction system did well what it was supposed to do. Light transmission, clear detail presentation are not something to be worried about this Bushnell Legend binoculars.
- For this characteristic, we rate 9/10
Image quality
As for basic requirements, this Bushnell Legend does well. The contrast, as we have viewed, was just enough to enjoy. Colors shown up were vivid. However, we found that experience very natural.
Moreover, we found one characteristic that could even make you feel more than satisfied. This bushnell legend ultra hd roof prism binocular was good at avoiding chromatic aberration. Anti-color fringing is the feature that makes good perfect.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Low-light performance
We tried these bushnell legend ultra hd roof prism binocular on sunset, and the result was good. They retained the brightness and clarity quite well. Actually, that was the only condition we tested. However, sunset is quite a standardized criterion for any low-light performance test. Therefore, we believed it would perform more than well for this feature.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8/10
Built quality
This feature shows the dedication of the Bushnell team in Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42. Magnesium is the material for high tier products’ chassis in the market. Although $200 is not a completely cheap price, it is still out of expectation.
Therefore, you would be totally pleased with the in-built quality. Plus, the durability is added with a quite thick rubber cover. To us, this thick outer cover is efficient for anti-sudden shocks. The barrel is designed with large textures to prevent slipperiness, which will contribute to the longevity of the product.
- For this characteristic, we rate 8.5/10
Waterproof
It’s always good to have waterproof binoculars. Unexpected bad weather won’t be so much a concern with this Bushnell Legend Ultra HD.
- For this characteristic, we rate 9/10
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – Neutral factors
Dimension
The size is not ideally lightweight as many other products. But after all, it won’t be among the heavy 10×42 binoculars in the market. For personal experience, we didn’t have any physical problem holding it in the palm. However, we would consider this Bushnell 10×42 weight as average.
- For this characteristic, we rate 6/10
Close focus distance
Approximately 6 feet is not a bad close focus distance figure. But to be honest, you won’t completely enjoy activities like flowers, insects watching. If you don’t intend to use this Bushnell Legend Ultra HD frequently for those kinds of purposes, then no need to concern so much. At the end of the day, the strength of this Bushnell 10×42 is birding, hunting,… Therefore, we would take this feature as average rate.
- For this characteristic, we rate 6.5/10
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – Cons
- The eye caps are quite loose
- The neck strap is not good
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 – The verdict
Do we recommend and what is the suitable audience? We highly recommend it for casual birders, hunters, travelers. If you’re looking for a high performance bino of optics and image quality, without strict requirement for size and dimension, then this Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 is the real deal. Actually, the size and dimension of this line is better than most of the other Bushnell 10×42 binoculars. And for sure the experience is still very acceptable.
The most considerable of this Bushnell 10×42 binoculars might be the eye caps. It will be quite uncomfortable while moving. Neck strap, on the other hand, might not be too much of a concern. You can always tell when a neck strap will be completely off to have preparation before that. And good alternative neck straps are not too hard to find either. But of course, with this Bushnell binoculars price, you definitely won’t be disappointed.