Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular

by Bushnell

Product Features

• Wide-angle, Perma Focus binoculars with 12x magnification and 50-millimeter objective lenses
• Fixed-focus operation dials in focus at any distance automatically
• Fully coated optics for improved clarity and light transmission
• Ergonomic rubber housing for a secure grip and shock resistance
• Designed for sporting events and nature observation; limited lifetime warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com

Never lose focus on the action again--the Bushnell Perma Focus Binoculars keep you dialed in on your target at any long-distance range with no adjustments necessary. Simply raise them to your eyes and catch the action instantly.

With 12x magnification and 50-millimeter objective lenses, these wide angle binoculars provide the large field of view you need to enjoy sporting events and catch the action in nature. On cold days you will appreciate not having to take your gloves off to adjust the focus. With precision-crafted, BK-7 prisms and fully coated optics, the binoculars offer bright, crisp images even at low light. And the ergonomic rubber housing provides a secure grip--even with gloves on. Built to last, the Perma Focus 12x50 Binoculars carry a limited lifetime warranty from Bushnell.

Key Features:

• Unique "Focus-Free" operation--focuses automatically on subject. Please note: Focus-free models are designed for viewing distant subjects. The close-focus limit is subjective and dependent on the user's eyesight.
• Fully coated optics for improved light transmission and brightness
• Non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock while providing a firm grip
• Porro prism system for a wide field of view with edge to edge clarity and great depth perception

Specifications:

• Magnification: 12
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 millimeters
• Lens Coating: Fully
• Field of View: 265 feet at 1000 yards / 88 meters at 1000 meters
• Tripod Adaptable: Yes
• Eyecups: Fold Down
• Eye Relief: 9 millimeters
• Focus System: Free
• Exit Pupil: 4.2 millimeters
• Prism Glass: BK-7
• Prism System: Porro
• Weight: 31 ounces / 879 grams
• Size Class: Standard

Product Description

Don't miss the action! Affordable PermaFocus« Binoculars offer preset focusing-just aim, and your subject comes into view through quality optics. A wide angle of view delivers more of your subject. Rubber armored for durability and a slip-resistant grip.

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Product Details

Product Manual [40kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 3.7 inches ; 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005AXIW
• Item model number: 175012
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good only if more than 100 yards, February 22, 2005

By 

Steve - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular (Electronics)

The Bushnell Permafocus 12x50s do not show as much detail as a pair of 7x35 binoculars for objects less than 100 yards away because the 12x50s are not in good focus at 100 yards, and uselss at less than 50 yards. Bushnell deserves a "booo-hisss" for hiding this information from customers. The minimum usable distance probably varies with the ability of the user's eye to focus (this decreases with age) but mine are probably about average. Also, the inside instructions indicate Permafocus binocs are good at less than 100 ft, depending on the model. This is not true for the 12x50s. Most inexpensive 7x35s will give a better view at 300 feet and less.

But if objects are over 200 yards, the 12x50s are in focus and flawless as far as i can tell. I can easily recognize people at 700 yards. I can read license plates at 350 yards (it helps if the binoculars are resting on something to prevent vibration).

Without a support, there's probably too much shaking for 16x50 binocs to do much better than 12x50s.

The eyepiece rubber does not stay rolled back (if you try to use them with glasses) for more than 1 second, so you can't wear glasses while using them, but as with other binoculars, you do not need to wear your glasses. I don't know the science behind it, but whether or not you wear glasses does not seem to make a difference with the Permafocus. The rubber around the eyepieces cannot be removed unless it's cut.

In summary, the normal Bushnell 12x50s are probably much better than the Bushnell Permafocus 12x50s because they can be used at much shorter distances and focusing on objects greater than 200 yards should not be too much of a pain. These 12x50s are no good unless your typical viewing distance is greater than 150 yards and you don't plan to use them on less than about 60 yards. I'm returning them due to "manufacturer's defect".

But concerning the Permafocus idea: I love my old pair of "total focus" 7x35's for bird-watching and carrying in the car. Being free of focus is a different experience almost as big as going from monocular to binocular. But you need a pair that can focus down to 50 yards.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Perma-Focus is almost perma blur..., June 10, 2005

By 

S. Taggart (USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular (Electronics)

I agree with reviewer Steve - anything less than a few hundred feet and these binocs are worthless. The paper works says the "may" focus down to 35'. Maybe some will but not certainly not my pair. I am returning them since they are not good for simple viewing around the yard. And no, the rubber eye caps ABSOLUTELY will not stay back making these binocs almost unusable by people with glasses (like me).

Scott

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Permafocus is Miraculous!, August 11, 2004

By 

Birdland (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular (Electronics)

I actually have a less powerful binocular than this one, but it is the Bushnell Permafocus technology. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is to never have to focus your binoculars. You just look through, and whatever you're looking at, regardless of distance (except very close-up), is in focus! It's like a camera auto-zoom. My husband wears glasses with a rather strong prescription, and he can see perfectly clearly through these binoculars without his glasses. He just takes them off, and it's as if he never wears them!