Bushnell Legend Porro Prism 8 x 42 Binocular

by Bushnell

Product Features

• BaK-4 porro prisms, Fully multi-coated optics allow maximum light transmission for optimum brightness
• Heavy-duty, 100% waterproof/fogproof construction, Rainguard
• Pop-up eyecups on compacts, Large center focus knob for precise focusing even when wearing gloves
• Trim, ergonomic shape for easy, all-day use, Textured, non-glare, non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock
• Diopter adjustment for precise and reliable adjustments

Product Description

8 x 42mm 19-0842 A versatile, all-purpose choice with a wider field-of-view. For those who prefer the traditional style of a porro prism bino, this Legend™ lineup is a crowd pleaser. Like the Legend roof prism models, Rainguard® and premium BaK-4 prisms top the list of features to brag about – delivering crisp, clear images in rain, snow and fog. The textured, grippy rubber-armored housing not only stands up to hard use but provides a firm grasp in wet conditions. Offered in three magnifications, from powerful, long-range 12 x 50s to compact, wide-angle performers. Fully Multi-Coated, BaK-4 Porro Prisms: Like our Legend™ roof prism models, Legend porro prism binoculars feature fully multi-coated optics, so every lens surface – on the inside and out – is specially treated to reduce light reflection and significantly increase brightness and image clarity. Our wide-angle porro prisms are made from premium-quality BaK-4 glass, which delivers a significantly brighter and clearer image – from edge to edge.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0018EXR20
• Item model number: 190842
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,159 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bushnell Legend: The Better Budget Binocular, June 13, 2007

By 

The One-Man Swarm (Aurora, IL) - See all my reviews

As I removed my new optical instrument from its box, I noted the slogan, "How the World Looks." The Bushnell Legend 8x42 porro prism binocular lives up to that billing.

Optically, this binocular compares favorably with several competitors that sell for much more. At this specific price point, nothing touches it. With a complement of Bak-4 prisms and fully multi-coated lens surfaces, the Legend's views are crisp, sharp, bright, colorful, and incredibly detailed. Objects do appear slightly blurred toward the far edges of the viewing range, but with a ridiculous 430 foot field-of-view at 1000 yards, the sweet spot is quite massive and leaves very little to be desired.

While the Bushnell Legend porro is not as light as more expensive roof prism models, its weight should not be a deterrent for the average consumer. I have worn it around my neck for hours at a time without discomfort. Furthermore, with its ergonomically-pleasing design and comfortable pop-up eye cups, I have also held it to my face for long periods of time without muscular or ocular fatigue.

The Legend does not focus as quickly as more responsive (and expensive) binoculars such as the Nikon Monarch. However, very little focus is required when viewing objects at a distance, and with practice, the entire range from close to infinity can be quickly covered by employing a two-finger step technique. Frankly, unless you count yourself among the most discriminating consumers, focus speed (or lack thereof) should not deter you from purchasing this binocular.

Eye relief is listed as 15mm, which seems to be accurate. I have lent this binocular to several eyeglass wearers, and with a simple twist of the eye cups, they can see the full field-of-view. I enjoy this option on especially bright days when the sunlight is simply too bright to allow comfortable viewing without sunglasses.

Some critiques mention the inexpensive nature of the objective lens covers. As my binocular came without lens covers in the box, I cannot comment on their quality. However, one call to Bushnell resulted in the delivery of some very nice tethered lens covers, which I find to be not just suitable, but really quite wonderful.

If the tremendous optical performance isn't enough value at this price point, the Legend 8x42 porro is also waterproof and fogproof. I have used it in the rain and in a kayak, and it is none the worse for wear. The Rainguard does seem to have a beneficial effect, as the binocular remains effective, even during a driving rain.

Ultimately, the Bushnell Legend 8x42 porro prism binocular is an excellent entry-level optical instrument. If you are hunting big game in the Savannah or taking a once-in-a-lifetime birding trip to the rainforests of Indonesia, you might consider dropping some extra dough for luxury glass. However, if you are a burgeoning birder, a hometown hiker, or a ho-hum hunter, then you need not look further for virtuoso viewing at a peerless price. If you're like me, you'll find yourself wishing that the world looked this good without them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exceptional product, January 11, 2010

By 

bethany "birds and more birds" (SALEM, NH, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bushnell Legend Porro Prism 8 x 42 Binocular (Sports)

i ordered this after returning a defective barska pair (the return was fast and very easy to process)
after using these a few days i can see a major difference between this pair and any i have owned, the multi coated optics, eye relief (i wear glasses full time) and porro prism rock! i love the feel of these binoculars, the grip is awesome and they feel very comfy in the hand (a few of my friends tried them and love them also)
i truly recommend reading up on the basics of binoculars and then checking out the specs on these,they are what they say they are and that is amazing for the price!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Legend 8x42 Porro, October 19, 2011

By 

hiphopforever - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bushnell Legend Porro Prism 8 x 42 Binocular (Sports)

This bino is now discontinued which is a bit strange as I believed it to be either a replacement for or an upgrade to the Bushnell Legacy 8x42 porro.
According to Bushnell's website only the 10x50 is officially still listed as current. (12 AUG 2011)

The reason for its retirement may be the badly engineered focusing arrangement that is so stiff I managed to disconnect the focus wheel from the rubber finger grip, such is the pressure required to operate the focusing mechanism.

An easy fix with super glue and a good soaking of the ocular tubes with Teflon based lubricant marketed by "finlube", so now we have corrected the main fault with these binos how do they shape up!

On axis sharpness is astounding given the 8.2 field of view the fall off to the edge of view is very acceptable, these binos are up a gear to the Legacy I tested, they are as good on axis as the Pentax WP II 8x40 and handle much better.

Unfortunately they cannot compete with the Pentax coatings and reflection control neither can they even come close to there build quality, never the less as a birding glass they really do shine and for me are preferable to the better made Pentax because of that beautiful wide bright view.

Had it not been for the focusing mech I would have given top marks to the Legend, shame on you Bushnell!

Regards, FH