Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief Review

Let’s Talk About Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

The Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief are a testament to Bushnell’s commitment to providing accessible optics. These binoculars boast a rugged all-metal chassis, multi-coated lenses, and a high 20x magnification, promising a blend of durability and performance for a budget-conscious consumer.

I needed a set of binoculars that could reach out and touch distant objects, be it spotting game on the far ridge or identifying birds in the canopy. I wanted maximum magnification without sacrificing too much light-gathering ability.

Unboxing the Bushnell Powerview 2 20x50mm, I immediately noticed the substantial feel of the metal chassis. The textured rubber armor provided a reassuring grip, suggesting that these binos were built to withstand some abuse.

Compared to my older 12×50 binoculars, the Bushnell’s offered a noticeably narrower field of view, a necessary trade-off for the increased magnification. Against a pair of compact 10×25 binoculars, the difference in light gathering and image brightness was striking, proving the value of the larger 50mm objective lenses. I chose the Bushnell because I wanted the magnification to find far targets.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed solid, and the promise of a bright, highly magnified image was enticing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test took place during a scouting trip for deer season in the high desert of Nevada. The conditions were dry, dusty, and sunny, with visibility stretching for miles.

The Bushnell Powerview 2 performed admirably in these conditions, allowing me to pick out potential bedding areas and game trails at distances that were impossible to discern with the naked eye. However, the high magnification made them difficult to hold steady without support, leading to noticeable image shake. I had to use a makeshift rest (leaning against a tree) to get a stable view.

The binoculars were relatively easy to use, although the central focus knob required a bit of fine-tuning to achieve a sharp image. The twist-up eyecups were a welcome feature, allowing me to customize the eye relief for comfortable viewing with or without my glasses. However, the extremely short .39 inch eye relief will make this binocular very difficult to use for eyeglass wearers.

The biggest surprise was how much eye strain the high magnification and narrow field of view caused after extended use. It became necessary to take frequent breaks to avoid headaches.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Bushnell Powerview 2 binoculars have proven to be reasonably durable. The rubber armor has protected the metal chassis from minor bumps and scratches, and the lenses have remained relatively clean despite exposure to dust and grime.

While there are no major signs of wear and tear, the focus knob has become slightly stiffer over time, requiring more effort to turn. I always pack these in a soft case to keep them from damage while backpacking.

Maintenance has been minimal, consisting mainly of wiping down the lenses with a microfiber cloth and occasionally cleaning the rubber armor with a damp cloth. The lenses can be hard to keep clean if you are in extremely dusty environments.

Compared to my previous pair of mid-range binoculars, the Bushnell’s offer comparable image quality in good lighting conditions, but they struggle in low light. Their robust build and high magnification are definite advantages, but the narrow field of view and short eye relief are significant drawbacks.

Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

Specifications

• Magnification: 20x. This high magnification allows for detailed observation of distant objects, but it also amplifies image shake and reduces the field of view.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. The large objective lenses gather a substantial amount of light, providing a bright image even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
• Prism Type: Porro. Porro prisms offer excellent image quality and depth perception, but they also contribute to a larger, heavier binocular design.
• Prism Glass: BK-7. While not as high-end as BAK4 glass, BK-7 prisms still deliver good image clarity and light transmission at an affordable price.
• Eye Relief: 0.39 inches. This is an extremely short eye relief, making these binoculars difficult to use for anyone who wears eyeglasses.
• Exit Pupil: 2.5mm. The small exit pupil means that the image brightness will be limited in low light conditions.
• Field of View: 165 ft at 1000 yds. A narrow field of view makes it more difficult to track moving objects and can lead to eye strain during extended use.
• Optical Coating: Multi-Coated. Multi-coated lenses reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in a brighter, clearer image.
• Close Focus: 9.45 m. A relatively long close focus distance means that these binoculars are not ideal for observing objects at close range.
• Water Resistance: None. These binoculars are not water-resistant and should be protected from moisture.
• Weight: 28.39 oz. The all-metal chassis contributes to a relatively heavy weight, which can be tiring during extended use.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and usability of the binoculars. High magnification and large objective lenses can provide a detailed and bright image, but they also come with trade-offs in terms of weight, field of view, and eye relief.

Performance & Functionality

The Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 binoculars perform best in bright, daytime conditions where their high magnification and large objective lenses can be fully utilized. They offer a clear, detailed image that is suitable for long-range observation.

However, the binoculars struggle in low light, where the small exit pupil limits image brightness. The narrow field of view and short eye relief also make them less comfortable to use for extended periods. The extreme shakiness at this level of magnification requires a tripod or other support.

The Bushnell Powerview 2 meets expectations for a budget-friendly, high-magnification binocular, but it does not exceed them. Its strengths are its rugged build and powerful zoom, but its weaknesses are its limited low-light performance and ergonomics.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bushnell Powerview 2 features a classic Porro prism design with a durable all-metal chassis and a textured rubber armor. The build quality feels solid, and the binoculars have a reassuring weight in hand.

However, the ergonomics are not ideal. The narrow field of view and short eye relief can be uncomfortable, and the focus knob is somewhat stiff. The Bushnell is difficult to hold steady and use for long periods of time.

There is a slight learning curve associated with using high-magnification binoculars, as it takes practice to hold them steady and track moving objects. The short eye relief limits who can use this binocular.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bushnell Powerview 2 binoculars are built to last, thanks to their all-metal chassis and rugged rubber armor. However, their lack of water resistance makes them vulnerable to damage from moisture.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses and rubber armor. I would expect a long service life from these, assuming I do not drop them or get them wet.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 binoculars come with a basic carrying case, neck strap, and lens cloth. They are also tripod-adaptable, allowing them to be mounted on a tripod for increased stability.

There are no other readily available customization options for these binoculars. The tripod mount is an important feature.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

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Who Should Buy Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief?

The Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 binoculars are perfect for budget-conscious hunters, birdwatchers, or stargazers who need high magnification for long-range observation. Those who don’t need to wear eyeglasses.

These binoculars are not ideal for users who require a wide field of view, need water resistance, or wear eyeglasses. This is not for viewing fast moving objects.

A must-have accessory is a tripod to stabilize the image.

Conclusion on Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief

The Bushnell PWV2050 Powerview 2 20x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars, .39 Eye Relief are a solid choice for those seeking high magnification on a budget. The Bushnell’s rugged construction and decent image quality make them a worthwhile investment for casual users.

While the short eye relief, narrow field of view, and lack of water resistance are significant drawbacks, the low price point makes these compromises acceptable for many users.

I would recommend these binoculars to anyone who needs high magnification but doesn’t want to break the bank. This is an entry level binocular that can do the job.