Bushnell

My husband loves his binoculars - easy to use and lightweight

These compact binoculars are extrememly durable and come with a nice soft side case. The clarity is fabulous relative to the cost vs. much more expensive models and manufacturers in the same performance range. There are smaller compact units out there (flatter and less bulk in the optical barrels, but the size difference is worth the cost savings. The only negative I could find is that the eye cups have to be "screwed" open or "up" in order to use the binoculars. You can not just pick them up and start viewing without first making that adjustment. I had never seen this feature before and can not really determine what this action does functionally. I just know that if you don't "unscrew" the eye pieces, you can not see very well and there appears to be some obstruction until you "unscrew" the eye pieces into the "open" or "up" position. The manual really does not explain it either. Furthermore, when you do screw the eye pieces into position, they really do not lock securement, although there is a "slight indent feel" that there is a locking position so that when your eyes press up against the cups, the eye cups do not retract on their own. Other than that, the clarify of the lenses is very good and for a small pair of binoculars at a good price, the Bushnells are a winner.

For the past several years the only binocs I have used on my boat have been 10x Canon image stabilizers. These are good but still handicapped by excessive power and difficulty holding steady on a rocking boat. I bought these 5 power Bushnells to see if they would work on the boat and find that for most circumstances they are easier to use than the image stabilzers. The extremely wide field of view and light wieght makes them very easy to keep on the bridge. We used them for whale watching last week and they were excellent. Of course I will keep the imaage stabilizers and also a set of traditional Nikon 7x50 marine binocs on board, but I have a feeling that these will be the "go-to" binocs for most viewing. I wish I could find a good 5x50!

I got these some time ago with the intent of sight seeing fish from a distance without spooking them before moving in to fish. They are a bit heavy, but the weight provided stability. With all the other gadgets I carry, the extra ounce or two weren't noticeable. The wide view allow me to see more of the stream or pool to catch the rises. The exit pupil of 5 gives good light, and the 12mm eye relief is great for the eyeglass wearer.

Hunting

I wanted binoculars good for overall use. Something to keep in the car to spot wildlife or birds or take along to an outdoor concert. These glasses however are really very specific in their use, the wider range makes them handy for viewing a sporting field. As for narrowing in on a single animal or person in the distance; these are not ideal for those types of uses.

Never got to see how good the lenses were because the protective cover over the end of the scope could not be manipulated out of the way. The tripod was not very sturdy.

The small size makes these Binoculars very travel friendly and they have just enough power to make you feel closer to the action.

Great for watching deer. Like the handy tripod.

Product came with slight defect on lens.