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Bushnell H2O 10×42 Waterproof binoculars series are just that: completely waterproof and fog proof. They are made for tough outdoor conditions where things can get wet. Water stays out even when taking them on a boat, kayaking, or even in high-humidity environments such as rainforests.
The housing is O-ring sealed to prevent water ingress and additionally, nitrogen purged. Being filled with nitrogen means there is no residual moisture inside so there can be no condensation of moisture even when going through extreme temperature fluctuations.
The Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof binoculars are “coated” in a non-slip rubber that can absorb shock while providing safe grip and handling.
The Bushnell H2O series is available in a wide range of models, the most popular is the:
Bushnell H2O 10×42 Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars
Features of Bushnell H2O Binoculars
| Optical Glass | HD Glass |
| Lens Coating | Multi-coated |
| Prism systems | BaK4 |
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective diameter | 42 mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm |
| Eye relief | 17 mm |
| Field of view | 102m/1000m 305ft/1000yrd |
| Close focus | 4m 12 feet |
| Twilight factor | 20 |
| Water resistance | Water + Fog proof |
| Weight | 709gr/25 oz |
Advantages Bushnell Waterproof Binoculars 10×42
The Bushnell H2O 10×42 looks good, makes a robust impression, feels handy, and is well-balanced in the hand.
The rubber-coated exterior provides a good grip even with wet hands or with gloves. It should also provide adequate protection if the binoculars are dropped accidentally from not-too-great heights.
The 10x magnification of the instrument corresponds to a field of view of 102 m at a distance of 1,000 m. This allows distant objects to appear close enough to see detailed, high-contrast images.
The multi-coated objective lens with an aperture of 42 mm in combination with the BAK 4 roof prisms offers good light transmission and sufficient twilight performance so that you can use the binoculars in poor light conditions, such as at dusk or at dawn.
The eyecups are made of soft rubber rotatable and the focus works flawlessly. The eye relief is 17 mm, so most wearers of glasses can use the Bushnell H2O 10×42 without restrictions. Another positive feature is the weight, which is relatively low at 25 ounces/ 709 grams for binoculars of this format.
Bushnell guarantees the binoculars have a hermetically sealed housing. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, they are completely waterproof and tested to IPX7 standards. Even when being submerged, no water can enter and they stay dry on the inside. Fogging and condensation of moisture and mold will be no issue with this model.
Disadvantages
Prisms do not have a phase-correction coating.
Experts users may notice slight spherical aberration near the edge of the projected images. However, this is normal in budget binoculars.
Verdict of the Bushnell H2O 10×42 Binoculars
The quality, precision, and durability of Bushnell binoculars and their range of models for beginners and professionals alike have made Bushnell one of the most popular binocular brands in America, but also in many other parts of the world.
The Bushnell H2O series offers good optical performance. Impressive for binoculars in this price class are the crisp images with high contrast and the good twilight performance.
Unfortunately, the prisms do not have a phase-correction coating, which would provide enhanced resolution and contrast. But to keep the binoculars affordable the manufacturer has to cut costs somewhere. For top performance, you might need to spend a bit more.
If you going to use your binoculars on a boat or where exposure to water is frequent, the Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars will serve you well. Their O-ring sealed, and nitrogen-purged tubes will keep moisture out and lense fungus away, thus you can enjoy years of trouble-free viewing whether it be in humid wet conditions or in extreme temperature fluctuations.
Let’s summarize
These 10×42 Bushnell waterproof binoculars are a real bestseller among waterproof binoculars. The optical performance is excellent when you consider the very affordable price of these binoculars. Of course, there are always better models if you demand higher image resolution and more light transmission, but they also cost a lot more. For budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, the Bushnell H2O will be a good choice, be it for bird watching or general use.
