The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular Made a Bold First Impression
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular promises a powerful viewing experience in a durable, weather-resistant package. Humvee, known for rugged designs inspired by military equipment, aims to deliver quality optics at an accessible price point. These binoculars boast 20x magnification, 50mm objectives, and a ruby-red lens coating, seemingly making them ideal for various outdoor activities.
My aging eyes needed an upgrade from my old 8x binoculars for spotting game at longer distances. I was looking for binoculars that offered higher magnification without sacrificing too much light gathering ability. I unboxed the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular with a blend of anticipation and skepticism.
The black rubber armor provided a reassuring grip, and the weight felt substantial, conveying a sense of durability. However, the ruby-red lens coating gave them a slightly unusual look compared to the more common green or blue coatings I’m accustomed to. I also tested the Steiner Predator AF 8×30 and Leupold BX-1 Yosemite 8×30, but chose the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular for its higher magnification at a similar price.
The initial impression was a mix of intrigue and cautious optimism. The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular seemed ready for action, but the proof would be in its performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular on a scouting trip for deer season in the nearby Appalachian foothills. The weather was overcast and slightly drizzly, providing a good test of the rain resistance. I initially struggled to hold them steady enough for a clear image due to the high 20x magnification.
The image quality was noticeably dimmer than expected, especially in the already low light conditions. After some adjustments to the focus, I did eventually spot a few deer across a valley, which would have been impossible with my old binoculars.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular has proven reasonably durable. The rubber armor still looks new, although the included carrying case is starting to show some wear. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward with the provided cloth, although smudges tend to reappear quickly.
Compared to my previous binoculars, the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular offers a significant increase in magnification, but at the cost of brightness and ease of use. The need for steady hands or a tripod becomes crucial at higher magnifications.
Breaking Down the Features of Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular
Specifications
- Magnification: 20x. This provides a very close-up view of distant objects, making it useful for long-range observation.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. The larger objective lenses gather more light, which is theoretically better for low-light viewing.
- Lens Coating: Ruby Red. This coating is intended to enhance light transmission and reduce glare, although its effectiveness is debatable.
- Field of View: 58 meters at 1000 meters. This is a relatively narrow field of view, making it harder to scan wide areas.
- Construction: Rubber Armored. This provides a durable and non-slip grip.
- Features: Rain Resistant, One-Touch Center Focus, Neck Lanyard, Lens Covers, Carrying Case. These features add convenience and protection.
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited. This provides some assurance against defects.
- Weight: 34.4 Oz. The substantial weight can cause fatigue during extended use.
- Dimensions: 7.50 x 7.50 x 2.50 inches. The size is relatively compact for 20×50 binoculars.
These specifications combine to create binoculars designed for long-range observation in various weather conditions. However, the high magnification and ruby-red lens require careful consideration of usability and image quality.
Performance & Functionality
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular excels at providing a magnified view of distant objects. Spotting distant wildlife or reading signs from afar becomes significantly easier.
However, the high magnification makes the image susceptible to shaking, requiring steady hands or a tripod for optimal viewing. The ruby-red lenses don’t seem to significantly improve low-light performance and appear to affect the color fidelity slightly.
Design & Ergonomics
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular features a robust design with a comfortable rubber grip. The one-touch center focus is easy to use, even with gloves.
The weight can be a drawback during extended periods, but the overall ergonomics are reasonable for its size and magnification. The included neck lanyard is a welcome addition.
Durability & Maintenance
The rubber armor appears durable and capable of withstanding bumps and scrapes. The rain resistance provides adequate protection in light showers.
Cleaning the lenses is straightforward, but the ruby coating seems to attract smudges easily. Regular cleaning is necessary for maintaining optimal image quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular comes with a basic set of accessories. These include a carrying case, neck lanyard, lens cloth, and rubber lens covers.
There are no readily apparent customization options for this model. It would be beneficial if it had tripod mounting capabilities for extended viewing.
Pros and Cons of Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular
Pros
- Provides powerful 20x magnification for long-range viewing.
- Features a durable rubber armored coating for protection.
- Includes a convenient carrying case and neck lanyard.
- Has an easy-to-use one-touch center focus.
- Offers a relatively low price point for high-magnification binoculars.
Cons
- High magnification requires very steady hands or a tripod.
- Ruby-red lenses don’t significantly improve low-light performance.
- The narrow field of view limits scanning ability.
Who Should Buy Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular?
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular is perfect for budget-conscious wildlife observers or hunters who need high magnification for spotting distant objects in good lighting conditions. It can also be suitable for casual stargazing.
This product may not be ideal for users who prioritize low-light performance, wide fields of view, or ease of handling. Those with unsteady hands should consider lower magnification options. A tripod adapter would be a must-have accessory to fully realize the potential of the 20x magnification.
Conclusion on Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular
The Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular offers a compelling combination of high magnification and affordability. While the ruby-red lenses might not be a game-changer, and the narrow field of view presents challenges, the binoculars deliver on their promise of powerful long-range viewing.
The price is justified for those who prioritize magnification and are willing to work with the limitations. I would cautiously recommend it to users who understand its strengths and weaknesses, especially if they can utilize a tripod. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to bring distant objects into sharp focus, the Humvee Field 20x 50mm Binocular is worth considering.