The Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 represents the latest evolution of the initial Powerview series, which is no longer in production by Bushnell. Comprehensive improvements have been made across the board, encompassing optical components, design, ergonomics, and performance.
With its all-aluminum chassis, multi-coated lenses, rubber coating, and a lifetime warranty, the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 combines efficiency with a lightweight and robust design. For less than $100, the Powerview 2 10×42 displays an advantageous price compared to its capacities.
Here is our complete opinion on this pair to help you choose!
Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 Binoculars Review
Technical Specifications:
- Magnification: 10
- Lens diameter (mm): 42
- Perceived linear field at 1000 meters (m): 88
- Brightness index: 17.6
- Exit pupil (mm): 3.4
- Eye relief (mm): 15
- Minimum focusing distance (m): 6.1
- Dimensions (mm): 149 x 120 x 56
- Weight (g): 630
- Interpupillary distance (mm): 54 – 76
- Waterproofing: No
Advantages:
- Sharp image with low distortion
- Corrected lens astigmatism
- Good daytime brightness
- Limited vignetting
- Ergonomics and good viewing comfort
- Aluminum chassis that improves sturdiness
- Good quality accessories
- Lifetime warranty
Disadvantages:
- Reduction of sharpness at the edge of the image
- Chromatic aberrations present especially in the periphery
- No waterproofing or anti-fog treatment
- High minimum focus distance
- Field of vision restricted in width
Optical quality and compact
The Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 offers good image quality. We distinguish fairly well the details of a subject such as a bird or an animal for example. The field of vision is not very sensitive to distortion, which makes it possible to enjoy an image without line curvature at the periphery. Astigmatism is well corrected on the lenses and the focus is therefore homogeneous in all directions.
Some comas are visible. They become quite pronounced at the edge of the image and give a fan-like appearance to the points of light. They do not necessarily represent a big disadvantage since they are limited to the outer third of the field of vision. Also, chromatic aberrations appear in the image.
Initially moderate in the middle of it, their size increases a little more on the periphery. We see them in the form of predominantly blue and green colored fringes following the contours of objects. We also notice a slight curvature of the field: the sharpness decreases on the outer quarter of the image when the development is done in relation to the center. This drop is not very strong but it can complicate the observation of certain details in this area. In general, the definition of the image is satisfactory.
Good brightness and absence of vignetting
The lenses have a multi-coated coating. However, its application is limited to eyepieces and objectives that obtain a bluish tint when held up to the light. The prisms are coated with a layer of aluminum which gives them better reflectivity. With these elements, light transmission reaches a maximum of about 81%. It’s a score that is average. Color rendering is not fully balanced. The orange hues dominate very slightly over the other shades, but you don’t realize that all the time.
Roof prisms are in the most common Schmidt-Pechan configuration. BK-7 glasses are used for these, and not BaK-4 glasses, which are more efficient. As a result, the exit pupil cannot be circular, but then it becomes truncated in the shape of a diamond. However, this is compensated by the virtually absent vignetting whether horizontal or vertical.
Image brightness is poorer at night or dusk. The prisms do not manage to restore as much light. This is the limit of the BK-7 lenses. We therefore recommend the Powerview 2 for daytime use.
Efficient focusing
Focusing is done with a central wheel between the two eyecups. It rotates smoothly and its notched outline ensures all the precision necessary for focus. The diopter correction wheel is placed behind the right eyepiece. It corrects any difference in visual acuity between each eye. It is not possible to keep it in position by locking it, but its rigidity normally prevents it from being unintentionally disturbed.
The “Twist-Up” eyecups are extendable, you just have to turn them. Depending on whether or not glasses are worn, you can also adjust the spacing between the eyes and the eyepieces. The interpupillary distance is adjustable over a range of 54 to 76 millimeters, which is sufficient for the vast majority of people.
Optimized ergonomics
The new Powerview 2 series benefits from the latest ergonomic improvements from Bushnell. This notably involves reducing the weight by using an aluminum chassis structure, which is less dense than steel. The Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 weighs only 630 grams, which will make handling them less tiring.
The tubes are coated with a rough rubber coating that offers better grip in addition to being comfortable. The top of the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 has a rectangular shape which leaves more space for finger placement. With a firm grip, there is little chance of dropping the binoculars.
The 15-millimeter eye relief is large enough to take advantage of the full field of vision without having to focus too much. To keep a stable image, you can mount this device on a tripod using an adapter. Alternatively, a neoprene lanyard is provided in the set to tie the binoculars around the neck. Its thick foam texture will prevent friction on the skin.
Build quality that only lacks a water seal
If both the Porro prism models of the Powerview 2 series are not waterproof because they are too difficult to achieve for the price, it is surprising to see that the 10×42 roof prism model is also without it here. Although a few splashes of water will not cause problems, you will have to be careful not to submerge them. Also, the tubes are not purged with nitrogen and are therefore susceptible to internal fogging.
The finishes are excellent. We see that Bushnell pays attention to the external appearance of all its binoculars regardless of the price range. The aluminum frame has better longevity than the plastic usually used. It deforms more easily than metal and can cause misalignment of optical components.
The rubber coating effectively protects the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 from bumps and light drops. The moving components are assembled without mechanical play, and they all turn smoothly. The inside of the tubes is not totally matte, some reflections appear outside the exit pupil.
Among the accessories supplied with the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 are a nylon storage case, a neoprene strap, a “Spudz” cleaning cloth for the lenses, and protective covers for the latter. With minimal maintenance, you’ll have a pair of binoculars that will last a long time. Bushnell’s “Ironclad” lifetime warranty is also a good sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in its products.
The focus distance is a bit high
The minimum focusing distance reaches 6.1 meters. This is a value that is higher than on competing pairs of binoculars. Below this distance, the focus will be almost impossible to achieve. Normally, binoculars with a magnification of 10 are mainly used over long distances. It is therefore not a priori a very embarrassing point.
Weak visual field
As on other models of the same series, the horizontal range of the field of view only extends to 88 meters at 1000 meters distances. It is unfortunately much weaker than on other 10×42 pairs which easily exceed 100 meters. Observations will be made at a smaller angle.
The Verdict!
For less than $100, the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 is doing very well. The changes from the first version are a real improvement. It is an ideal pair for beginners or for observing nature on an occasional and economical basis. If chromatic aberrations still appear on the image, distortion and astigmatism defects are almost absent. This makes it possible to achieve relatively correct sharpness.
For daytime use, the optical performance reaches a satisfactory level. The design of the aluminum chassis significantly increases robustness, and the manufacturing quality is neat. We just regret the absence of IPX7-type water resistance, as well as the width of the field of vision which is rather small.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What activities are suitable for the Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42?
The Bushnell Powerview 2 10×42 display has good versatility. The optical performance is especially interesting during the day. We prefer other binoculars for astronomy. On the other hand, it is an ideal pair for practicing ornithology and observing animals in the wild. With the absence of waterproofing, we will avoid outings in heavy rain or on small boats such as kayaks, boats, etc. On the other hand, it is a pair that will be easily transported in a backpack.
How is the image clarity of these binoculars?
These binoculars, while not exempt from the clarity issues common in budget models, offer better clarity than most inexpensive options. They are perfectly usable for everyday purposes.
Are they suitable for bird watching?
Yes, they are a great value for bird watching. They are easy to focus, have a good range, and even a 5-year-old found them easy to use for observing distant ducks and deer.
Are they large or can fit in a jacket pocket?
Yes, they are on the heavy side and large, which is expected for this style to ensure adequate light for focusing on distant objects. However, they are not too large to fit in a jacket pocket.
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