Customer Reviews

Bushnell Perma Focus 12x50 Wide Angle Binocular

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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

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!

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.

These binos are AWESOME! My right eye and left eye are quite a bit different, and I have always had issues getting binoculars to focus to both eyes (I usually just end up closing my left eye), but with these, they both focus perfectly! A few people have complained about not getting them to focus at close distances, these are 12X binoculars, they are not meant to do that. If you want a closer look at things that are already close, get some 4X binoculars, if you want to count the tines on that buck 30-800 yards away, these are great!

I normally wear glasses for distance...I don't need them when using these...Everything is always perfectly in focus--instantly--no knobs or adjustments to mess with. Great wide angle for sporting events, 10X power brings everything in real close...
Yes, I agree with the folks who claim these won't focus on things within a few feet (using them at the Rose Bowl, the effective limit seems to be about 15-20 rows in front of me or closer), but who uses binoculars to look at things close to you? At the Rose Bowl, my seats are in Row 40 and, from where I sit, these are incredible...I can follow the referees' first down measurements on the field almost down to the number of chain links...But, again, what really makes these is the lack of any required adjustment and the uncanny way they instantly adjust to my eyes--or to anyone else's regardless of whether they wear glasses or not...
I will never buy any other type of binoculars again.

We just got these for a trip to Alaska. I LOVE them! They are so easy to share. The sharpness of the image is AMAZING! My Dad wears glasses and I don't. No problem. We can both see CLEARLY! The amazing part is he doesn't need to have his glasses on! My husbands eyesight is completely different than mine, same story.Very cool item! Very well constructed. Highly recommended!

If you want to catch something in the binoculars quickly without fooling around trying to focus... this is it. We live on a lake and we always have something in the wild to catch our eye. This has been very beneficial to have the focus there at all times. They are a bit bulky and somewhat heavy but an excellent pair of binoculars. The "shake" with the power is not bad like we thought it would be. I can not say enough about Bushnell as a company. They support and back their products like I have never seen in ANY other company. I will ALWAYS buy this brand from now on because of this.

I just bought the Bushnell Perma-Focus and I am actually very satisfied. This technology is amazing, and they're high quality considering I only paid $50.00 for them. I especially like that they are small and handy. I highly recommend the 8 X 25 pair if your going to buy these. I have never been unhappy with anything by Bushnell.

Works the way you expect them to work, which is not true with all binoculars: Good magnification, clear view, in focus, and not necessary to tinker with a bunch of adjustments to get the perfect match for every different user. Not compact, but I didn't expect them to be.