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Binoculars review

Bushnell Elite 10x43

Bushnell Elite 10x43
3 May 2010
Optyczne.pl 
The Elite is the flag series of this American manufacturer, which consists of two roof prism models with the parameters of 8x43 and 10x43. The binoculars are equipped with the high quality optics – all the air-to-glass surfaces are covered by the antireflection multilayers. Additionally the outer lenses are covered by special coatings which protect them against dirt and rain. The BaK-4 prisms have PC-3 phase coatings and a special reflection layer so the producer guarantees that the transmission level will reach 90% for the whole instrument.

The sealed housing, made of ultra-light magnesium alloys, is nitrogen-filled water-resistant and dustproof.

Pictures
  • Lornetka Bushnell Elite 10x43
  • Lornetka Bushnell Elite 10x43
  • Lornetka Bushnell Elite 10x43
  • Lornetka Bushnell Elite 10x43
Manufacturer data

Manufacturer:

Bushnell
web site

Distribution / Sales:

Militaria
web site

Magnification Lens diameter Angular field of view Prisms Eye relief Weight Price
10 43 109/1000(6.2o) BaK-4/roof 17 mm 661 g 3849 PLN
Results of the review
Real front lens diameter Left:   42.8+/- 0.05 mm
Right:  42.85+/- 0.05 mm
7 / 8.0 pkt
Real magnification 9.95+/- 0.15x 3/3.0
Transmission 90+/- 3% 17.5/25.0
Chromatic aberration Slight. 6.5/10.0
Astigmatism Very low. 8.5/10.0
Distortion The distance of the first curved line from the field centre compared to the field of view radius : 61% +\- 6% 7/10.0
Coma Slight. 6.6/10.0
Blurring at the edge of the FOV The blur occurs in the distance of 88% +\- 3% from the field of view centre. 7.5/10.0
Darkening at the edge the FOV Negligible. 4.5/5.0
Whiteness of the image Minimal cream. 4.4/5.0
Collimation Exemplary. 5/5.0
Internal reflections
Left: Right:
Bushnell Elite 10x43 - Internal reflections - Left Bushnell Elite 10x43 - Internal reflections - Right
Average.
3.2/5.0
Housing The example of ergonomics and solidity- not big and very light! The click-stop eyecups can be accidentally collapsed at in-between positions. 7.8/8.0
Focusing Very big and comfortable central screw (639 degrees). Joystick with a blockade for individual focusing. Nothing moves outside. Very convenient. 4.8/5.0
Tripod Easily accessible but far from the centre of mass. 2/3.0
Interpupilary distance from 59.9 to 77.5mm 4.5/6.0
Closest focusing distance 2.0 m 2/2.0
Eyepieces FOV Apparent field of view of 61.7 deg (according to simple formula) and 56.6 deg (according to tangent formula). 11.5/20.0
Field of view Measured by us amounted to 6.2 +\- 0.03 degrees and was in accordance with the specifications. 6.5/8.0
Quality of the interior of the barrels Inner tubes and the bottom dark and matt. Copper screws near the prisms. Black glue. A tiny speck of dust on the left prism. 4.8/5.0
Vignetting
Left: Right:
Bushnell Elite 10x43 - Vignetting - Left Bushnell Elite 10x43 - Vignetting - Right
No.
OL: 0.0%, OR: 0.0%
8/8.0
Prisms quality High class BaK-4. 8/8.0
Antireflection coatings Green on objectives and prisms. Green-purple on eyepieces. Low intensity. 5/5.0
Warranty [years] 30 years 5/6.0
Final result
79.3%
7th place in the overall ranking of the 10x42 binoculars test.
150.6 / 190 pkt
Econo result 24 place in the econo ranking of the 10x42 binoculars test. 2.9pkt.

Summary


Pros:
  • very solid housing - handy and physically light in the same time,
  • high transmission,
  • wide IPD range,
  • very good blackening inside,
  • high quality of coatings and prisms,
  • slight distortion,
  • very low astigmatism,
  • coma and chromatic aberration quite well- corrected,
  • low brightness loss at the edge of the field,
  • good whiteness reproduction,
  • good sharpness at the edge of the field,
  • long warranty.

Cons:
  • tripod exit put in the wrong place.

To speak bluntly the Bushnell Elite’s score can be deemed a very successful attack on the leading positions of the main powers like Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss. The Elite 10x43 is an optically excellent instrument put in a small housing, compact and light at the same time. Even a simple comparison between pros and cons lists can be the best recommendation here. We found just one flaw – the tripod exit is in a wrong position as it is far from the device’s centre of mass so such a system will be vibration-prone. In all other categories the Elite 10x43 had very good or good results. A standing ovation!