Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars Review

Let’s Talk About Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars

As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen a lot of optics come and go, from high-end European glass to budget-friendly options. Today, we’re diving into the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars, a compact and seemingly versatile binocular aimed at bridging the gap between portability and magnification. This model promises a robust all-metal chassis, multi-coated optics, and a textured grip, all at a price point that raises an eyebrow – can it really deliver?

I was looking for a pair of binoculars that would be light enough to carry on long hikes, yet powerful enough for wildlife observation at a distance. Many binoculars either sacrifice magnification for weight or vice versa, so I was intrigued to see if the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars could offer a decent compromise. Upon unboxing, the build quality immediately stood out – the metal chassis feels solid and reassuring, especially compared to the flimsy plastic housings often found in this price range.

Compared to my old 10×25 compact binoculars (lighter but less powerful) and a bulkier 12×50 pair (better light gathering, but a pain to carry), the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars seemed to offer a potentially better balance. My first impression was surprise – pleasantly surprised by the heft and apparent sturdiness for the price, but also slightly apprehensive about whether the optical quality would live up to expectations. Time to put these to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars on a recent backpacking trip into the Desolation Wilderness. The diverse terrain, ranging from dense forest to open granite peaks, offered ample opportunity to test their performance in varying conditions. While not waterproof, I did encounter a brief rain shower, and the binoculars held up without any noticeable internal fogging, though I wouldn’t recommend prolonged exposure.

The 16x magnification was immediately noticeable, allowing me to spot birds and small mammals I would have otherwise missed. The center focus knob was easy to use, even with gloves on, although the image quality did require a bit of tweaking to get just right. One initial issue I noticed was the rather tight eye relief, making extended viewing slightly uncomfortable for those with eyeglasses, like myself.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars have proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve tossed them in my pack, strapped them to my chest while mountain biking, and generally subjected them to the bumps and scrapes of outdoor life. Aside from a few minor scratches on the rubber armor, they’ve held up remarkably well.

Cleaning is straightforward – a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth removes dust and fingerprints. Compared to my higher-end binoculars with ED glass, the image isn’t as crisp or bright, but for the price, I’m impressed. They’ve become my go-to pair for quick scouting trips where weight and portability are paramount, outperforming my older, bulkier binoculars in those scenarios.

Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars

Specifications

• Magnification x Objective Lens: 16x32mm. This provides a decent balance between magnification and light gathering ability, making them suitable for various viewing conditions.
• Prism Type: Roof. Roof prism designs are more compact and streamlined than Porro prism designs, contributing to the binoculars’ portability.
• Prism Glass: BaK-7. BaK-7 glass is a common and affordable prism material, but it doesn’t offer the same light transmission as higher-end materials like ED glass.
• Lens Coating: Multi-Coated. Multi-coating improves light transmission and reduces glare, resulting in brighter and clearer images compared to uncoated lenses.
• Field of View: 180 ft at 1000 yds. A narrower field of view can make it more challenging to track moving objects or scan wide areas.
• Eye Relief: 0.472″ (12mm). This relatively short eye relief may pose issues for users who wear eyeglasses.
• Exit Pupil: 1.8mm. A small exit pupil means less light reaches the eye, which can affect image brightness, particularly in low-light conditions.
• Close Focus: 5.49m. This is not ideal for observing objects at very close range (butterflies, flowers etc.).
• Weight: 310g. The low weight is a good selling point of this product.
• Water Resistance: No. It is important to keep them dry to avoid damaging the product.
• Waterproof/Fogproof: No. The product doesn’t have the build to resist these weather conditions.
• All-Metal Chassis: Ensures durability and resistance to damage from extreme temperatures.

Performance & Functionality

The Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars perform admirably for their price point, delivering usable images in various lighting conditions. The 16x magnification allows for detailed observation of distant objects, while the 32mm objective lenses provide sufficient light gathering for daytime use. While not ideal for low-light scenarios, they still offer a reasonable viewing experience at dawn or dusk.

The binoculars’ primary strength lies in their compact size and lightweight design, making them easy to carry on long hikes or backpacking trips. However, the narrow field of view and tight eye relief are definite weaknesses. Despite having multi-coated lenses, there is room for improvement.

Design & Ergonomics

The all-metal chassis of the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars provides a solid and durable feel, while the textured rubber armor ensures a secure grip, even with wet hands. The compact size and streamlined design make them easy to handle and carry. The fold-down eyecups accommodate users with or without eyeglasses.

However, the relatively short eye relief can make extended viewing uncomfortable for eyeglass wearers. The center focus knob is easy to use, but the diopter adjustment is a bit stiff. Overall, the design prioritizes portability and durability over maximum comfort.

Durability & Maintenance

The all-metal chassis and rubber armor of the Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars contribute to their overall durability. They’re built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and can handle bumps and scrapes without significant damage. While not waterproof or fog proof, they can tolerate light rain and humidity.

Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth removes dust, dirt, and fingerprints. With proper care, these binoculars should last for years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars do not come with a wide array of accessories, but they do include a basic neck strap and lens caps. They are also tripod-adaptable, allowing them to be mounted on a tripod for steadier viewing, especially at higher magnifications.

There aren’t many customization options available for this model, but the standard size makes them compatible with some aftermarket straps and carrying cases.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Powerview 2 2-16x32mm Roof Prism Binoculars