A big rival for Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×42, it’s the Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 binoculars. This Bushnell Trophy binoculars is in the low range of the mid price segment. One good feature of the Bushnell is that despite being affordable, the performance still goes beyond your expectation. For this Bushnell Trophy binocular, let’s analyze whether it stays the same.
Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 – overview
Around $100-$200, this Bushnell Trophy Roof binoculars doesn’t cost you much. At first sight, we think the design is larger than most other binoculars in its segment. However, the performance of the viewing experience will not let you down.
For the purposes of use, you could have it for birdwatching, hunting, nature sightseeing,… In general, this Bushnell binoculars 10×42 is useful for nearly all daily nature activities. For sports spectation and casual astronomy, we’ll discuss downwards.
The most frequent option we witness in the market is Green binoculars. The code for this Bushnell binoculars 10×42 is 233410, also known for being in Bushnell Bone Collector (Micheal Waddell Bone Collector edition).
Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 – technical aspects
| Technical aspects | Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 | Bushnell Trophy XLT 8×42 |
| Magnification | 10x | 8x |
| Objective diameters | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Field of view (FOV) | 325 feet | 393 feet |
| Close focus distance | 8.2 feet | 7.5 feet |
| Eye relief | 15.2 mm | 17.5 mm |
| Weight | 26.98 oz | 25 oz |
| Dimension | 7 x 6 x 3 inches | N/A |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Outer cover | Rubber | Rubber |
| Prism type | Roof, BAK-4 | Roof, BAK-4 |
| Prism coating | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Tripod adapted | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes | Yes |
| Nitrogen filled | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental-friendly factor | Lead-free glass | Lead-free glass |
In this article, we focus on the Bushnell binoculars 10×42 because it’s mostly likely to be the only option left in the market. The 8×42 is not very available currently.
These data were mostly collected from Amazon. If you want to have a look at the 8×42 option, check out our more review of Bushnell binoculars here.
Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 features
Pros
Field of view
Let’s compare to the 2 products of Nikon in the same segment: the Prostaff 7s and Monarch ATB. This Bushnell binoculars 10×42 has larger far viewing ability than the Monarch ATB (288 ft), and equal the Prostaff 7s (325 ft). Those 2 from Nikon are also the top options in terms of field of view.
In general, 325 feet field of view from Bushnell Trophy binoculars 10×42 is a top number in any market range.
- For this characteristics, we rate 9/10
Optics quality
Apparently, the fully multi-coated prism of the Bushnell 10×42 helps a lot in delivering high quality lights. Moreover, the high quality BAK-4 prism type perfects optics by adding plenty of sharpness.
In reality, we test the optics completely enjoying the viewing experience, bright, crystal clear and edge-to-edge sharp. This optics quality from Bushnell Trophy binoculars deserves a high rank in the binoculars world.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8.5/10
Low-light conditions performance
We were really impressed by how things remain so clear in low light conditions. To our actual experience, watching by sunset would not be a problem at all.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Durability
We feel the rubber outer cover from this Bushnell Bone Collector is quite thick. As personal experience, it would be enough to stand by sudden shocks.
Despite being quite tough, the Bushnell Trophy XLT binoculars cover have soft-touch thumb grips. The grippiness is there to avoid being slippery really well. However, it feels quite soft when holding in your hand. To us, it’s the best of both worlds from these green binoculars.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8.5/10
Fast focus
The smooth focus knob contributes to the fast focusing performance. However, what we think deserves the compliment the most is the fast switching focus ability. The speed of switching objectives focus is very impressive.
This would help casual terrestrial hunting a lot as it would be the best sidekick for concentrating fast moving animals.
- For this characteristics, we rate 8/10
Waterproof/ fogproof
We talked about the construction durability before, but being waterproof/ fogproof would contribute a lot more to the longevity. It’s sure that Bushnell 10×42 wouldn’t slip out of your palm easily, but bad weather conditions are unexpectable. Plus, accidentally dropping into some puddles is unmanageable. Being waterproof would help keeping Bushnell 10×42 in good conditions longer.
Apparently, we can’t do such tests like dip the Bushnell Trophy roof binoculars into deep water for a while or something. Therefore, we can’t rate specific points for this. However, we did bring it under rainy conditions (it rained unexpectedly then we took several minutes to cover it), so it is truly waterproof.
Neutral factors
Image reproduction
In this category, we want to discuss features of contrast, color reproduction. To us, they are more than fine for Bushnell Trophy roof binoculars. However, they are not unexpectedly amazing. The contrast of this Bushnell 10×42 makes the image a bit more vivid, colors were quite neutral. But they are not simply outstanding, that’s all.
In this category, we would answer one of the concerns in the beginning: use for casual astronomy. The magnification and FOV of this Bushnell Trophy binoculars 10×42 is ideal to enjoy stargazing. However, there might be a bit of a lack of contrast for full enjoyment. Instead of using Bushnell Trophy binoculars , we prefer the Falcon line of Bushnell 10×42.
- For this characteristics in general, we rate 7/10
Eye relief
15.2 mm is not the perfect number for eye relief. However, it would be still comfortable for a certain quantity level of eyeglasses wearers to use. If your degree is high, make sure to have a test first. If you don’t use eyeglasses or the degree is low, feel free to use this Bushnell Trophy 10×42.
- For this characteristics in general, we rate 6.5/10
Cons
The front lens cap
It is quite bad. This has been experienced by not us but many other customers. Actually, this is not a very big concern of the Bushnell Trophy binocular in general. Lens cap is not too much a decisive requirement for cheap binoculars.
- For this characteristics in general, we rate 3/10
Size and weight
The design is quite bulky. It’s quite surprising for us because Bushnell Trophy binoculars have roof prisms. Hence, it should be more compact. Let’s compare the Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 to its direct opponent in the hunting category – the Nikon Monarch ATB 10×42.
Dimension from Nikon Monarch ATB is 5.7 x 5.7 (inch). While that of Bushnell Trophy 10×42 is 7 x 6 inch. That’s quite a significant difference.
For weight, it depends on the physical condition of the person to say something heavy or light. So let’s compare to another rival of this Bushnell Bone Collector – the Nikon Prostaff 7s. The Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×42 is nearly 23oz, while the Bushnell Trophy 10×42 weighs nearly 27oz. That’s also a significant distance.
Also, we’ll guide you to the other concern in the beginning: using for sports spectation. The viewing performance and FOV of this Bushnell Trophy roof binoculars can totally handle that use. But being in a crowded stadium would make you think of using a compact, lightweight binocular. Therefore, take a look at the size and weight figure to make up your mind.
However, since we’re in social distancing period, sports watching could only be done at home. You won’t have to worry so much in a short time.
- For this characteristics in general, we rate 5/10
Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 – the verdict
Is it worth it? Yes. compared to the price, the optics performance and durability is awesome. For casual nature sightseeing, birdwatching, hunting, you could completely trust the Bushnell Trophy XLT binoculars 10×42. For sports watching and casual astronomy, please read our guideline again before you buy.
So what is the main concern. To us, it’s the size and weight of it. Like we said above, being heavy or bulky depends on the physical ability of each person. Do check out and think of this figure again to make a decision. Anyway, the Bushnell Trophy XLT binoculars 10×42 fits our bag, so it’s not a too big problem.