Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief Review

Let’s Talk About Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

For over a decade, I’ve been the go-to guy for all things outdoors and tactical, and in that time, I’ve peered through countless binoculars, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief caught my eye due to Bushnell‘s reputation for reliable optics at a reasonable price point, and the promise of a durable, all-metal chassis. These binoculars boast fully multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity and brightness, making them appealing for various outdoor activities from hunting to birdwatching.

My aging eyes needed a boost in magnification, especially for identifying game at longer distances. I wanted a pair of binoculars that offered a good balance between magnification, light gathering ability, and durability, all without breaking the bank.

Upon unboxing the Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief, I was immediately struck by the solid feel of the all-metal chassis encased in a textured rubber armor. They feel robust and ready to take a beating, a critical aspect for any serious outdoor gear.

Compared to my older Nikon Aculon A211 10×50 binoculars, the Bushnell offers slightly higher magnification. The Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 offers a clearer image, but at a significantly higher price. I chose the Bushnell for its promise of ruggedness and increased magnification at an affordable price.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed promising, but I was eager to see how the optics performed in real-world conditions and if the .39 inch eye relief would be sufficient for comfortable viewing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief on a recent scouting trip for whitetail deer in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The terrain is a mix of dense forest, open fields, and steep hillsides, providing a challenging testing environment.

The weather was damp and foggy, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The Bushnell binoculars held up well in these conditions, providing a decent view even in the low light of dawn and dusk.

The center focus knob was easy to adjust, allowing me to quickly bring distant objects into sharp focus, and I adapted quickly to the overall operation. However, the limited eye relief became noticeable after extended use, as I struggled to maintain a full field of view while wearing my glasses.

The image, while bright, did exhibit some chromatic aberration (color fringing) around the edges, and this was a minor annoyance that I didn’t notice with other higher-end binoculars.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief on various outdoor adventures, they’ve proven to be a reliable companion. Despite a few accidental bumps and scrapes, the rubber armor has protected the metal chassis well.

So far, I’ve noticed only minor wear and tear on the rubberized coating. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep them clean.

Compared to my older binoculars, the Bushnell offers a brighter image in low-light conditions, thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses. However, the narrower field of view due to the 12x magnification does make it slightly more challenging to track moving objects.

Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

Specifications

• Magnification: 12x – The 12x magnification provides a significant increase in detail for long-distance observation.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm – The 50mm objective lenses gather ample light, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
• Prism System: Porro – Porro prisms offer excellent depth perception and a wider field of view compared to roof prisms, though they tend to be bulkier.
• Prism Material: BK-7 – BK-7 prisms are a standard, cost-effective choice, providing good light transmission for a clear image.
• Eye Relief: 0.39 inches (10mm) – The 0.39 inch eye relief is a critical factor for eyeglass wearers and might cause issues.
• Exit Pupil: 4mm – A 4mm exit pupil provides sufficient light for comfortable viewing in most lighting conditions.
• Field of View: 265 ft at 1000 yds – This field of view is adequate for general viewing, but narrower than some competing models.
• Optical Coating: Multi-Coated – Multi-coated optics enhance light transmission and reduce glare, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
• Focus System: Center Focus – The center focus system allows for quick and easy focusing with a single knob.
• Close Focus: 7.32 m – The relatively long close focus distance makes these binoculars less suitable for observing objects at very close range.
• Water Resistance Level: None – The absence of water resistance is a significant drawback for use in wet environments.
• Length: 6.7 in – The 6.7-inch length makes these binoculars relatively compact for their magnification and objective lens size.
• Weight: 28.39 oz – At 28.39 ounces, they are reasonably lightweight for 50mm Porro prism binoculars.
• Finish: Black Rubber Armor – The rubber armor provides a secure grip and protects the binoculars from impact.
• Magnification Type: Fixed – The fixed magnification simplifies operation and eliminates the potential for mechanical failures associated with zoom binoculars.

Performance & Functionality

The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief performs admirably, delivering a bright and clear image, especially considering its price point. The 12x magnification allows for detailed observation of distant objects, while the 50mm objective lenses gather sufficient light for use in various lighting conditions.

The center focus system is smooth and precise, making it easy to achieve sharp focus. The main weakness is the narrow field of view, and the eye relief is insufficient for eyeglass wearers.

These binoculars largely meet expectations for their price range, offering a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability. However, serious users might prefer higher-end models with superior optics and weather resistance.

Design & Ergonomics

The all-metal chassis encased in rubber armor gives the Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief a solid and durable feel. While relatively lightweight, they are still substantial enough to feel stable in hand.

The textured rubber armor provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The learning curve is minimal, as the center focus system is intuitive and easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief are built to last, with their rugged metal chassis and protective rubber armor. With proper care, these binoculars should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief come with a basic carrying case and neck strap. There are limited customization options available for this model.

However, they are compatible with standard tripod adapters, allowing for stable viewing during extended observation periods.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

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Who Should Buy Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief?

The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief are perfect for budget-conscious hunters, casual birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable pair of binoculars for general observation. They also serve well as a back-up pair for more experienced users.

Those who require waterproof binoculars or wear eyeglasses should skip this product. Similarly, users who require a wide field of view for tracking fast-moving objects may find the Bushnell limiting.

A must-have accessory is a tripod adapter for stable viewing during extended observation sessions.

Conclusion on Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

The Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief offer a compelling value proposition for those seeking a durable and functional pair of binoculars without breaking the bank. While they have some limitations, such as the lack of water resistance and the limited eye relief, their solid construction, bright image, and high magnification make them a worthwhile investment for casual users.

At $81.79, the price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s a solid, general use optic that will likely last for years.

I would personally recommend the Bushnell PWV1250 Powerview 2 12x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable pair of binoculars for general outdoor use. If you’re ready to experience the outdoors with enhanced clarity, grab a pair of these Bushnell binoculars and see what you’ve been missing!