Bushnell’s H20 Series
Bushnell’s H20 marine binoculars are the latest development from the company. There are seven pairs of binoculars in Bushnell's new H2O range and each one has specialized features, catering for all types of boaters.
Bushnell’s H20 marine binoculars are all O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to prevent moisture & contaminants from entering the devices. The H20 series products have robust outer shells to provide shockproof capabilities and a sturdy grip on your binoculars when you’re out on the water.
There are many differences between marine binoculars and standard devices. Marine binoculars have exceptional magnification, a robust exterior and they’re waterproof. Some binoculars may even have a built-in compass.
Marine binoculars are designed for harsh weather and they have built-in stabilizer technology. The stabilizer technology within the binoculars ensures you can see far distances clearly while your boat is moving.
We’ll be reviewing the Bushnell H20 series which are among the best marine binoculars on the market at the moment. We will also be giving you a short overview of what you should look for in marine binoculars
Bushnell's Top 7 H2O Marine Binoculars
1. H2O Binoculars, 8x42mm - Roof
The Bushnell H20 8x42mm roof binoculars have strong exterior construction to protect the internal components. These binoculars are manufactured with non-slip rubber armor that provides a sturdy grip on your device. The rubber grips on the side are soft so they don’t irritate the skin on your hands.
Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm device is completely waterproof so it’s able to withstand heavy rain and it won’t get damaged if you drop it in water. These binoculars are also fog proof to protect the lenses from becoming murky in humid conditions.
The 8x42mm H20 binoculars have extended eye relief and twist-up design cups for those who wear spectacles: it provides an ergonomic fit.
Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm binoculars are compact and lightweight. This makes them easy to store and travel with. The device has clips on the side to attach a strap so you can keep them on you at all times.
Specs
The magnification is 8x42mm with an eye relief dimension of 17mm. The exit pupil is 5.2mm for a clearer view of whether you’re in low light or bright conditions. The lenses are multicoated to reduce reflective loss and improve light transmission. You can adjust the close focus up to 18ft.
Prism System and FOV
The Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm is manufactured with a roof prism system with Bak-4 glass which provides enhanced optical precision and offers a more compact design. Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm field of view at 1000yds is 409ft which is an excellent field of view because you can see wider landscapes.
2. H2O Binoculars, 8x42mm - Porro
The Bushnell H20 8x42mm Porro binoculars offer the same robust construction as the roof design. It also has a durable rubber armor to provide shock absorption and a non-slip grip. It’s a fog proof & waterproof device that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The O-ring seal protects the inner components even when the binoculars are submerged in water.
Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm Porro binoculars have twist-up eyecups for those who need a comfortable eye relief when wearing spectacles.
It’s a center focus device so you can adjust the clarity of both lenses simultaneously. The center focus is easier to use and once the lenses are adjusted it will stay that way until you readjust them.
Specs
The Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm Porro binoculars have an eye relief diameter of 17mm and an exit pupil of 5.2mm. The lenses are multi-coated for improved light transmission and the color of the lenses are blue to enhance the contours around objects & increase color perception.
Prism System and FOV
The prism system is a porro design with Bak-4 glass that decreases light loss and offers an enhanced depth of field. Bushnell’s prism system shows improved image contrast. The field of view for the Bushnell’s H20 8x42mm Porro binoculars at 1000yds is 410ft which gives you a wider viewing of a landscape.
3. H2O Binoculars, 10x42mm - Porro
The Bushnell’s H20 10x42mm Porro model has a streamlined exterior with a durable rubber coating for a non-slip grip and shock absorption. The rubber indents on the sides are soft so they don’t cause calluses on your hands.
These binoculars are adjustable to accommodate people with wider or smaller framed faces. The Bushnell H20 10x42mm Porro binoculars are center focused so you can change the clarity on both of the optics simultaneously.
The binoculars have twist-up design eye reliefs to provide comfort when you’re looking through the lenses.
Specs
These Bushnell binoculars have a 10x42mm magnification with a 16mm wide eye relief. The exit pupil is 4.2mm which is wide enough to provide an exceptional field of view in low light and bright scenarios. The close focus can reach 15ft.
Prism System and FOV
The Bushnell 10x42mm H20 binoculars have a porro prism system with Bak-4 glass for improved magnification at further distances. Bushnell’s field of view at 1000yds is 341ft which makes these binoculars better suited for seeing objects in far distances. You’ll enjoy the high magnification.
4. H2O Binoculars, 10x42mm - Roof
The H20 10x42mm roof binoculars model displays a more compact design with a non-adjustable frame. They’re coated in non-slip rubber to provide a sturdy grip when you’re tracking. The armor is durable so it won’t crack or tarnish even in the harshest weather conditions.
These binoculars are waterproof and fog proof. The O-seal prevents water from entering the prism system even when the device is submerged in water. The H20 10x42mm roof binoculars also feature hook rings on the sides so you can attach a floating strap.
Specs
The H20 10x42mm roof binoculars have 17mm eye reliefs and a 4.2mm exit pupil to provide optimal viewing of an area in any lighting condition. The magnification is 10x42mm so you can see objects clearly at a further distance. It also provides a close focus of 12ft.
Prism System and FOV
These binoculars have a roof prism design with higher magnification. The lenses are multicoated to minimize lens reflection. The field of view for the H20 10x42mm roof binoculars at 1000yrds is 305ft which is ideal for seeing objects at further distances.
5. H2O Binoculars, 10x25mm
The H20 10x25 binoculars have a wider frame that has a 4.1" long construction. It’s coated with durable rubber armor that protects the internal parts of the device and provides a sure grip of your binoculars. It’s a waterproof and fog proof application.
These binoculars have a large center focus mechanism so you can adjust the clarity of the lenses according to your eyesight.
Specs
The H20 10x25 binoculars have 13.5mm eye relief with twist-up designed cups. The exit pupil is 2.5mm so it’s suitable to use in brighter conditions. The close focus is 15ft with a 10x25 magnification.
Prism System and FOV
Bushnell’s H20 10x25 binoculars have a roof prism system with Bak-4 multi-coated glass to increase image brightness and improve light transmission. The field of view for the Bushnell’s H20 10x25 is 342ft at 1000yds which has a narrower field of view but with a higher magnification allowing you to see at further distances.
6. H2O Binoculars, 12x42mm
The Bushnell H20 12x42mm binoculars are bulkier because the frame can be adjusted for a wider field of view. They’re still lightweight and come with the same rubber armor casing to protect the binocular prisms from damage.
These binoculars are waterproof and fog proof so no moisture can enter the prisms even in extreme weather conditions. It’s a center focus application so you can adjust the clarity of both lenses simultaneously.
Specs
The Bushnell H20 12x42mm binoculars have a 15mm eye relief with adjustable cups for comfort. The exit pupil is a large 3.5mm in diameter which provides clear images of objects at further distances. The close focus can be adjusted to 15ft with a magnification of 12x42mm.
Prism System and FOV
These binoculars have a porro prism system with Bak-4 glass and blue-tinted lenses for improved contrast & light transmission. The field of view for the 12x42mm binoculars is 267ft at 1000yds. The field of view is narrow but you’ll be able to see further with these binoculars because of the high magnification.
7. H2O Binoculars, 8x25mm
The 8x25mm H20 Bushnell binoculars have a compact straightforward configuration with the same robust exterior that all Bushnell binoculars have. They’re waterproof and fog proof binoculars with a durable O-seal around each lens.
These binoculars have a center focus mechanism that allows you to adjust both lenses simultaneously. The outer design comes in a camo green color.
Specs
The 8x25mm H20 Bushnell binoculars have an eye relief diameter of 13.5mm with an exit view of 3.2 mm. You can adjust the close focus to 15ft. These binoculars have a sharp magnification of 8x25mm which allows you to see objects at further distances.
Prism System and FOV
These binoculars have a roof prism system with Bak-4 glass and multicoated lenses. The field of view for the 8x25mm binoculars is 341ft at 1000yds so you can see more landscape when tracking.
What to Look For When Buying Marine Binoculars
Porro vs. Roof
Porro prism binoculars are widely spaced and they have a bulkier design compared to roof optics. The porro system provides a greater field and depth of view. Roof binoculars are compact devices that make them more comfortable to hold but generally provide viewing for further distances.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the eyepiece. If you wear spectacles then this is the part of your binoculars that will be important to you. Some marine binoculars have collapsing eyecups to accommodate people who wear spectacles.
If you don’t wear spectacles the eye relief should feel comfortable to look through. Ensure your marine binoculars have the correct eye relief dimensions for your eyes.
Individual Focus or Center Focus
Binoculars come with focus mechanisms that allow you to adjust the clarity of your device. Most marine binoculars allow individual focus where one lens can be adjusted as opposed to both of them being attuned simultaneously.
The center focus is a traditional design where a mechanism is placed in between the lenses so you can adjust the clarity of both optics simultaneously. It depends on your personal preference but once the optics are adjusted they’ll stay that way until you readjust them.
Field of View
The field of view or FOV is the observable view an individual can see through an optical device. With binoculars, the FOV image you see will be measured by 1000yds. The measurement of view is equal to 52.1ft at 1000yds. If the FOV is too narrow it will affect your ability to track because you won’t have a wider view of the area.
The field of view can have a major impact on eye relief too. Wider eye relief dimensions will provide improved FOV. But it can affect clarity. Marine binoculars have an angular FOV between 6° and 8.3° to accommodate clarity as well as a wider viewing of an area.
Stabilizer Technology
As mentioned before, quality marine binoculars will come with integrated stabilizer technology so users can have a steady view when the boat is moving. With stabilizer technology, you’ll be able to see at further distances with crisp clarity.
Bushnell Overview
Bushnell was founded in 1948 by David P. Bushnell. The company is situated in Overland Park, Arkansas, USA and it’s now a large developer of outdoor products and sporting optics. Bushnell provides reliable and affordable optics for various types of outdoor hobbies & professions.
All Bushnell optics are of the highest quality to provide crystal clear viewing for hunters, boaters, bird watchers and trackers.
FAQ
Do they float?
The airtight construction allows all Bushnell binoculars to float when dropped in water.
Do they come with a case and strap?
Yes, the H20 series comes with straps and carry cases.
Can they be mounted on a tripod?
The H20 series doesn’t come with tripod adaptors.
Final Thoughts
Although these binoculars are for marine use, they are impressively versatile because you can use them for any form of tracking or landscape viewing.
So which Bushnell H20 binoculars are you going to buy?
We hope our guide and review helped you make a decision. Good luck and happy shopping!
