Optical performance

BUSHNELL HAS A higher profile on the other side of the Atlantic than it does here. Their binocular range is extensive and includes the Legend E, L and M series. Each of these is available as an 8x42 or 10x42. I took delivery of a box of three – a 10x42 Legend E, L and M, to compare them to each other. They all have some features in common, and some differences – which are reflected in the price. Could I see much difference between them? Is it worth the extra outlay to get the M? The E is the entry-level option, with an RRP of £310. The most expensive is the M, at £495, and in between is the L, at £375. All have a magnesium chassis and water-repellent lens-coating, are made with lead-free glass, and have fully multi-coated optics. So what are the differences? enough for glasses wearers, but try it out to make sure. Focusing is very similar on the E and L. The wheel is 1.5 fingers deep, moves anti-clockwise towards infinity, reasonably smoothly and moderately stiffly, with between 1.5 and 1.75 turns. It’s different on the M. It’s a bigger wheel – two fingers deep – which moves very smoothly, with more resistance, perhaps a little too much. There is the same number of turns, but in the opposite direction. You’d expect any optical differences to be most obvious in poor light, but that wasn’t my experience. My ‘beyond sunset’ test took place in early March until 45 minutes after sunset, by which time it was pretty dark. All did OK, even at the end, though there may have been some minor differences. But I could see some difference in good light. To cut to the chase, the M is the best. It’s the most expensive, with the best spec, so you’d expect it to be and it is. The E is perfectly functional, but suffered from colour fringing more than the others. The view through the L is easier on the eye than the E, but the M is the best. Sharpness is good on the E, but better on the L and the M. Brightness was good on all three, with, in good light, the M a tad brighter than the others. There was no obvious colour cast on any, but colour fringing was more of an issue on the E than the L, and better again on the M. I had to search a bit for best focus at distance on the E, and perhaps slightly so with the M, but not the L. All have the same field of view, an impressive 6.5 degrees, and in theory, all have the same close-focus of 1.9m, but don’t believe everything you read! I measured the L at a bit under 1.9m, the M at 1.99m, but close-focus on the E approached 2.5m, much less respectable. So, if close-focus is important to you – check it out.