REASONS TO BUY
Light
Compact
Spectacular clarity
Great design
Easy to focus
REASONS TO AVOID
Washes out in direct sunlight
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x25 Review
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 x 25
Credit: Bushnell
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Our Verdict
The Bushnell Legend is hands-down one of our testers' favorite binoculars. Ranked the lightest of all binoculars tested, at 8.1 ounces, the Legend is a compact binocular that can hold its own in most conditions. It is incredibly easy to adjust both the focus and the width of the binoculars to fit anyone's face. The Legend was put to test when it was passed around to approximately fifteen people while looking at the Nohokomeen Glacier on Jack Mountain in North Cascades National Park. Each tester was able to easily adjust the binocular, and then focus it to bring into view one of the most spectacular glaciers in North Cascades National Park.
The Legend is an incredibly versatile binocular, and can be used as an “all-around” pair regardless of the activity you are engaged in. Two of the key short comings of this pair are color washing out in direct sunlight and the high price tag of $274. Other then that, the Legend is a phenomenal binocular that can perform in multiple lighting situations while being used for a wide range of activities.
Our Analysis and Test Results
A lightweight and compact, versatile binocular, the Bushnell Legend retains a high magnification power and is sold at a reasonable price.
Performance Comparison
Clarity
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x25 has a crisp and clear image in nearly all settings except direct sunlight. The Legend performs outstandingly, but the Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 edges it out, solely because the Legend washes out in direct sunlight.
Magnification
With a power of 10x, the Bushnell Legend is comparable to some of the bigger, stronger binoculars we tested, such as the Olympus Trooper 10x50 DPS. However, with an optical lens size of 25, it will not perform as well as some of the larger binoculars tested. The Bushnell Legend is designed for someone who wants a high powered binocular that is still compact enough to fit in their pocket or backpack easily.
Ease of Adjustment
With an easy to reach focus knob and facial adjustment, the Legend is incredibly easy to use and adjust for either the beginner or expert binocular handler. With its lightweight design, weighing merely 8.1 ounces, it is even lighter then our Best Buy,compact binocular, the Nikon Trailblazer, which weighs 8.9 ounces.
Durability
The Legend is incredibly durable, but like most of our binoculars, its failure is that the lens caps that do come with the Bushnell Legend are not attached to the binoculars. As a result, it scored poorly in the durability department. With lens caps that fall off easily and are not attached to the binocular, and at a price of $273.95, we expect extra features to ensure the safety and high price-tag of the lens.
Portability
The Bushnell Legend 10x25 fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and your pocket. Its design allows it to be lightweight while still providing a powerful image. On par with the similarly sized Nikon Trailblazer but just a few ounces lighter, the Legend was designed to please the “ultra-light” crowd while still meeting the needs of those that demand a high performance.
Best Application
Due to its small size, the Bushnell Legend 10x25 is perfect for someone looking for a high-performing yet lightweight binocular that can travel anywhere. With that in mind, it is great for wildlife viewing, hunting, boating, concert / sports viewing and birding.
Value
At $273.95, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x25 can seem like an investment. However, it is inexpensive for what you get. Compared to the also compact Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB the legend has a higher magnification power but similar clarity and portability. For those who choose to purchase this binocular, you will not be disappointed.
—
Stephanie Bennett
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