Bushnell FALCON 133450 Binocular
- Binoculars Type: Binocular
- Max Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Coated
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BUSHNELL FALCON 10x50 BINOCULARS 133450
Pros
These are an adequate pair of entry level binoculars.
Cons
They are neither waterproof or fog proof.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
These binoculars represent a reasonably good value for the money, and are an adequate entry level pair of binoculars.
BUSHNELL FALCON 10x50 BINOCULARS 133450
If you are in the market for an entry level pair of binoculars, that are on the inexpensive side, and offer a good value for your money, then you may wish to take a look at the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars, model number 133450. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a list price of $46.95, but one can readily find them selling at a discount from some of the better Internet retailers for about $25.99. Read on and see if the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have some of the traits that you are looking for in a pair of inexpensive entry level binoculars.
If you are new to the world of binoculars, there is a lot of technical information to consider before making a purchasing decision, and there are a number of various factors to consider. There are actually so many different factors, that at first, the whole idea of deciding which is the right pair of binoculars for your particular individual needs can seem a bit overwhelming. Since the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are entry level binoculars, I am going to assume that most of the readers of this review are relatively inexperienced when it comes to the world of binoculars, and I shall do my best to present some of these factors for your consideration in simple and easy to understand terms. I hope that this review is of assistance to you in being able to make an informed buying decision.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are made by Bushnell, which is a company that is a leader in the world of sporting optics. However do not take this to mean that I am saying that the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are a great pair of binoculars. Actually a really very good pair of binoculars will cost upwards of $500 Dollars to considerably more, so please keep this point in mind when reading this review. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are entry level binoculars that are designed for casual viewing. On the other hand these binoculars are well designed, relatively durable, and will perform adequately for casual viewing situations. In short, they are a reasonable choice for an entry level pair of binoculars for certain outdoor activities such as casual bird watching, nature viewing, and for use at sporting events and concerts, and they function adequately well even under low light conditions. However, they also have some weaknesses as well, and I shall also be discussing them below.
I would like to discuss some of the features of the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars that make them appealing for certain uses. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a magnification factor of 10 times. That is what the "10" in the descriptor "10x50" refers to. A magnification of 10 is just about the upper limit that one can hope to have in a hand held set of binoculars. Once you go above a magnification of 10 times, the natural hand shake of the user causes a noticeable wobble of the image, and this is a factor that must be considered in making a purchasing decision. Even a person who has very steady hands will find it very difficult to keep their hands steady enough to avoid shaking when the object that they are viewing is quite distant. This is something that is pretty much universally accepted among people who are familiar with binoculars. As such, if you are considering purchasing a pair of binoculars that has a magnification above 10 times, I would obviously recommend a pair that has an image stabilization feature, or that can be mounted on a stabilization device such as a tripod. Given that entry level binoculars are often considered as a gift for a child, it would not be advisable to go above a magnification of 10 for the reasons that I outlined above. Children often do not have the steadiest of hands, and asking them to carry around a tripod is unreasonable, as it can curtail the spontaneity and enthusiasm of a young viewer. A potential drawback of the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars, at least for some people, is the fact that they are not able to be adapted to use with a tripod.
One of the many features that I like about the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars is that the objective lenses are 50 mm. For the novice reader, the objective lens is the lens that is at the wide end of the binoculars, and is not the part that you look through. All other things being equal, a set of binoculars with larger objective lenses will enhance the ability of the binoculars to give a sharp, bright, clear, image, especially in lower light conditions. A point to bear in mind, is that in bright clear light, a pair of binoculars with a significantly smaller pair of objective lenses, such as 36mm, will produce a bright image as well. It is in less well lit conditions that having a larger set of objective lenses helps the object that is being viewed to appear to be brighter to the viewer. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars also have an adequate field of vision, which is 300 feet at 1000 yards, and the close focus distance is 25 feet.
However, when it comes to getting a bright, sharp, clear image, in low light conditions, the most important feature that a pair of binoculars can have is the quality of the coating on its optics. I think that just about everyone reading this probably already knows that light tends to be reflected off of glass, or just about any polished surface for that matter. That bit of information will come as no surprise even to the novice reader. However, the more light that is reflected by the optics of a pair of binoculars, the less light is available to reach the eye of the observer, and thus the image being observed will appear to be less bright and less defined the greater the percentage of light that is being reflected. How is this tendency to reflect light dealt with or compensated for, the novice reader may ask? The answer is by coating the lenses, as well as the other optics inside of the binoculars, with a material that assists in the absorption of light, and thus reduces the unwanted reflection of light. The better the coating, the less light that will be reflected, and all other things being equal, the brighter and clearer the image in the binoculars will appear to the observer. This information is very important to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of binoculars. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have "fully coated lenses." A pair of binoculars with fully coated lenses," will mean that there is a single layer of antireflective coating on all of the surfaces of the glass that come into contact with the air, and this results in a higher percentage of light reaching the eyes of the viewer, which results in a brighter image. However, it is important for the reader to know that there are some other binoculars, which cost a bit more, that have "multi-coated optics," or even some with "fully multi-coated optics," and binoculars with these types of optical coatings are capable of delivering an even brighter image. However, these features will of course cost more.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a porro-prism design. Prisms are used in binoculars to reduce the size of the body of the binoculars, as compared to a telescope, and they also re-orient the inverted figure that would otherwise be seen by virtue of the effects of the objective lenses. There are two internal prisms that reflect the image three times, and this serves to correct for the image being right-left shifted and upside down. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars use BK-7 porro prisms, and these are made from borosilicate glass. It is generally agreed by most users of binoculars that BAK-4 porro prisms, which are made from barium crown glass, will yield a brighter and sharper image than a pair of binoculars that use BK-7 porro prisms like the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars use. However, these are entry level binoculars, and using BK-7 prisms are both adequate and reasonable for binoculars in this price range.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are neither waterproof and/or fog proof. Personally, I have a very big problem with this. In my opinion, you must consider having binoculars that are fully waterproof and fog proof. Here are a few reasons why. Imagine it is a hot day, and you are drinking a glass of cold ice tea on your deck. You will quickly notice water vapor condensing on the outside of your glass. That is what happens when warmer moist air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Think of what could potentially happen on the inside glass surfaces of your binoculars if they were cooler than the surrounding air. Fog and condensation could potentially build up and obscure your vision. Now imagine that you are out with your children on a nature hike or out looking at birds, and the internal optics of your binoculars begin to fog up or have water vapor or some mist beginning to collect on them. This is a recipe for disaster, as the day of viewing could be ruined by this occurring. Personally I would always recommend a pair of binoculars that are completely sealed, and are completely fog and water proof, and thus you will not encounter that problem. Typically binoculars that are waterproof are also "Nitrogen purged." This means that the chambers of the Binoculars are fully sealed, and the air inside of them as been replaced with an inert gas that contains no water or water vapor. Having a pair of binoculars that is waterproof also makes them very easy to clean and maintain. You can actually rinse the dirt off of them under the tap in your sink, and dry them off with a soft cloth. That makes maintenance a simple and safe chore.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have another big plus, and that is that they are fairly light in weight. They weigh in at just 27 ounces. This makes it possible to carry them around all day without any serious undue fatigue. Because they are relatively light in weight, it is also fairly easy to quickly move them around and position them to view the object that you are interested in seeing. These binoculars also have rubber padding, which makes them easier to grip, and also provides a bit of shock absorption, should they happen to slip and fall on the ground. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars also have a reasonably good field of view, which is 300 feet at a distance of 1000 yards.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have an InstaFocus focusing system. Depending on your point of view and your needs, this can be a good thing or a negative thing. Typically a pair of binoculars will have a focus wheel that one turns as they are looking through the binoculars, and by turning the center dial or wheel, one can bring an object into focus. However, the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a different focusing system. There is a flat rocker panel or bar where one would typically expect to find the focus wheel. By rocking the bar to one side or the other, one is able to rapidly bring an object into focus. Some viewers like this feature, especially for bird watching, as they can more quickly bring an object into focus. Personally, I have never been a fan of this type of focus system, and I prefer a large center focus wheel.
Well who are the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars best suited for? These binoculars are a good choice to consider for someone who is interested in purchasing a pair of entry level binoculars that would be suitable for casual outdoor viewing, bird watching, and for viewing sporting events and concerts. Because these binoculars are neither water proof or fog proof, I would not recommend them for any type of serious hunting, boating, a day at the beach, or serious bird watching. For under $30.00, these are certainly acceptable binoculars for a beginner, but they are not something that a serious user would want to consider.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review, but now if you will excuse me, I must get back to practicing my guitar. I wish you good luck, and good viewing.
If you are in the market for an entry level pair of binoculars, that are on the inexpensive side, and offer a good value for your money, then you may wish to take a look at the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars, model number 133450. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a list price of $46.95, but one can readily find them selling at a discount from some of the better Internet retailers for about $25.99. Read on and see if the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have some of the traits that you are looking for in a pair of inexpensive entry level binoculars.
If you are new to the world of binoculars, there is a lot of technical information to consider before making a purchasing decision, and there are a number of various factors to consider. There are actually so many different factors, that at first, the whole idea of deciding which is the right pair of binoculars for your particular individual needs can seem a bit overwhelming. Since the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are entry level binoculars, I am going to assume that most of the readers of this review are relatively inexperienced when it comes to the world of binoculars, and I shall do my best to present some of these factors for your consideration in simple and easy to understand terms. I hope that this review is of assistance to you in being able to make an informed buying decision.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are made by Bushnell, which is a company that is a leader in the world of sporting optics. However do not take this to mean that I am saying that the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are a great pair of binoculars. Actually a really very good pair of binoculars will cost upwards of $500 Dollars to considerably more, so please keep this point in mind when reading this review. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are entry level binoculars that are designed for casual viewing. On the other hand these binoculars are well designed, relatively durable, and will perform adequately for casual viewing situations. In short, they are a reasonable choice for an entry level pair of binoculars for certain outdoor activities such as casual bird watching, nature viewing, and for use at sporting events and concerts, and they function adequately well even under low light conditions. However, they also have some weaknesses as well, and I shall also be discussing them below.
I would like to discuss some of the features of the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars that make them appealing for certain uses. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a magnification factor of 10 times. That is what the "10" in the descriptor "10x50" refers to. A magnification of 10 is just about the upper limit that one can hope to have in a hand held set of binoculars. Once you go above a magnification of 10 times, the natural hand shake of the user causes a noticeable wobble of the image, and this is a factor that must be considered in making a purchasing decision. Even a person who has very steady hands will find it very difficult to keep their hands steady enough to avoid shaking when the object that they are viewing is quite distant. This is something that is pretty much universally accepted among people who are familiar with binoculars. As such, if you are considering purchasing a pair of binoculars that has a magnification above 10 times, I would obviously recommend a pair that has an image stabilization feature, or that can be mounted on a stabilization device such as a tripod. Given that entry level binoculars are often considered as a gift for a child, it would not be advisable to go above a magnification of 10 for the reasons that I outlined above. Children often do not have the steadiest of hands, and asking them to carry around a tripod is unreasonable, as it can curtail the spontaneity and enthusiasm of a young viewer. A potential drawback of the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars, at least for some people, is the fact that they are not able to be adapted to use with a tripod.
One of the many features that I like about the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars is that the objective lenses are 50 mm. For the novice reader, the objective lens is the lens that is at the wide end of the binoculars, and is not the part that you look through. All other things being equal, a set of binoculars with larger objective lenses will enhance the ability of the binoculars to give a sharp, bright, clear, image, especially in lower light conditions. A point to bear in mind, is that in bright clear light, a pair of binoculars with a significantly smaller pair of objective lenses, such as 36mm, will produce a bright image as well. It is in less well lit conditions that having a larger set of objective lenses helps the object that is being viewed to appear to be brighter to the viewer. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars also have an adequate field of vision, which is 300 feet at 1000 yards, and the close focus distance is 25 feet.
However, when it comes to getting a bright, sharp, clear image, in low light conditions, the most important feature that a pair of binoculars can have is the quality of the coating on its optics. I think that just about everyone reading this probably already knows that light tends to be reflected off of glass, or just about any polished surface for that matter. That bit of information will come as no surprise even to the novice reader. However, the more light that is reflected by the optics of a pair of binoculars, the less light is available to reach the eye of the observer, and thus the image being observed will appear to be less bright and less defined the greater the percentage of light that is being reflected. How is this tendency to reflect light dealt with or compensated for, the novice reader may ask? The answer is by coating the lenses, as well as the other optics inside of the binoculars, with a material that assists in the absorption of light, and thus reduces the unwanted reflection of light. The better the coating, the less light that will be reflected, and all other things being equal, the brighter and clearer the image in the binoculars will appear to the observer. This information is very important to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of binoculars. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have "fully coated lenses." A pair of binoculars with fully coated lenses," will mean that there is a single layer of antireflective coating on all of the surfaces of the glass that come into contact with the air, and this results in a higher percentage of light reaching the eyes of the viewer, which results in a brighter image. However, it is important for the reader to know that there are some other binoculars, which cost a bit more, that have "multi-coated optics," or even some with "fully multi-coated optics," and binoculars with these types of optical coatings are capable of delivering an even brighter image. However, these features will of course cost more.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a porro-prism design. Prisms are used in binoculars to reduce the size of the body of the binoculars, as compared to a telescope, and they also re-orient the inverted figure that would otherwise be seen by virtue of the effects of the objective lenses. There are two internal prisms that reflect the image three times, and this serves to correct for the image being right-left shifted and upside down. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars use BK-7 porro prisms, and these are made from borosilicate glass. It is generally agreed by most users of binoculars that BAK-4 porro prisms, which are made from barium crown glass, will yield a brighter and sharper image than a pair of binoculars that use BK-7 porro prisms like the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars use. However, these are entry level binoculars, and using BK-7 prisms are both adequate and reasonable for binoculars in this price range.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars are neither waterproof and/or fog proof. Personally, I have a very big problem with this. In my opinion, you must consider having binoculars that are fully waterproof and fog proof. Here are a few reasons why. Imagine it is a hot day, and you are drinking a glass of cold ice tea on your deck. You will quickly notice water vapor condensing on the outside of your glass. That is what happens when warmer moist air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Think of what could potentially happen on the inside glass surfaces of your binoculars if they were cooler than the surrounding air. Fog and condensation could potentially build up and obscure your vision. Now imagine that you are out with your children on a nature hike or out looking at birds, and the internal optics of your binoculars begin to fog up or have water vapor or some mist beginning to collect on them. This is a recipe for disaster, as the day of viewing could be ruined by this occurring. Personally I would always recommend a pair of binoculars that are completely sealed, and are completely fog and water proof, and thus you will not encounter that problem. Typically binoculars that are waterproof are also "Nitrogen purged." This means that the chambers of the Binoculars are fully sealed, and the air inside of them as been replaced with an inert gas that contains no water or water vapor. Having a pair of binoculars that is waterproof also makes them very easy to clean and maintain. You can actually rinse the dirt off of them under the tap in your sink, and dry them off with a soft cloth. That makes maintenance a simple and safe chore.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have another big plus, and that is that they are fairly light in weight. They weigh in at just 27 ounces. This makes it possible to carry them around all day without any serious undue fatigue. Because they are relatively light in weight, it is also fairly easy to quickly move them around and position them to view the object that you are interested in seeing. These binoculars also have rubber padding, which makes them easier to grip, and also provides a bit of shock absorption, should they happen to slip and fall on the ground. The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars also have a reasonably good field of view, which is 300 feet at a distance of 1000 yards.
The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have an InstaFocus focusing system. Depending on your point of view and your needs, this can be a good thing or a negative thing. Typically a pair of binoculars will have a focus wheel that one turns as they are looking through the binoculars, and by turning the center dial or wheel, one can bring an object into focus. However, the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars have a different focusing system. There is a flat rocker panel or bar where one would typically expect to find the focus wheel. By rocking the bar to one side or the other, one is able to rapidly bring an object into focus. Some viewers like this feature, especially for bird watching, as they can more quickly bring an object into focus. Personally, I have never been a fan of this type of focus system, and I prefer a large center focus wheel.
Well who are the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars best suited for? These binoculars are a good choice to consider for someone who is interested in purchasing a pair of entry level binoculars that would be suitable for casual outdoor viewing, bird watching, and for viewing sporting events and concerts. Because these binoculars are neither water proof or fog proof, I would not recommend them for any type of serious hunting, boating, a day at the beach, or serious bird watching. For under $30.00, these are certainly acceptable binoculars for a beginner, but they are not something that a serious user would want to consider.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review, but now if you will excuse me, I must get back to practicing my guitar. I wish you good luck, and good viewing.
