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Review: Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 Binoculars
7 October 2021
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
Content powered by the new KOWA TSN-99 series
Founded in 1948, Bushnell have been learning their optical craft for a long time. Our first Bushnell binoculars test on Wildlife24/7 comes in the form of the popular Engage EDX.
What's in the box?
The view...
The wide field of view really jumps out. I was watching some common terns and at 426ft/142m wide I thought this is really impressive and is sure to please many birders and wildlife watchers looking for the widest views possible from a sub £500 pair of binoculars.
The 'lead-free' environmentally friendly ED prime glass let in some vivid, extremely bright colours and given it was a low-light sort of day, this was tremendous. Upon reading the marketing material the EDX came with, the brand say the dielectric prism coatings allow 92% light transmission for bright images and I couldn't argue at all.
This particular model also comes complete with Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier protective lens coating. This superior coating, which bonds molecularly to the glass, effectively repels debris, fog, oil, water and has scratch resistance capabilities. It is one of the best and most innovative protective lens coating technologies in the industry today.
Focus, images and handling...
The close focus of the 8x42 EDX's is excellent and the focus wheel responsive, as is the eye-relief. For your money, you also get a lockable diopter adjuster. What does this mean? Well, once you have taken the time to set the binoculars up to match your particular vision, you can lock this setting in place for present and future use. Whilst this is a small feature to most people, it is always a sign of a quality optics build.
The EDX body is made from Magnesium and feels great to the touch. The use of this material in optic builds is preferable, as not only is magnesium the lightest of all metal elements, it is strong and very resistant to corrosion. Usually, magnesium is more robust than a polycarbonate binocular body and is also far less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes which would affect the alignment.
Verdict
Fantastic binoculars in this price category. Very nearly scored a 9 overall with the lightweight material used, dielectric coatings and a stellar view all major selling points on a sub £500 pair of binoculars.
★★★★★★★★★ 8.5/10
Testing scores
Contact: transcontinenta.co.uk/bushnell.html
Pricing: £439.99 RRP
The Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 binoculars are available to buy from all official stockists now.
What's in the box?
- Bushnell EDX Engage 8x42 Binoculars
- Soft Case x 2
- Rain Guard
- Comfort Carrying Strap
- Rubber Objective Lens Covers
- Microfibre Cloth
The view...
The wide field of view really jumps out. I was watching some common terns and at 426ft/142m wide I thought this is really impressive and is sure to please many birders and wildlife watchers looking for the widest views possible from a sub £500 pair of binoculars.
The 'lead-free' environmentally friendly ED prime glass let in some vivid, extremely bright colours and given it was a low-light sort of day, this was tremendous. Upon reading the marketing material the EDX came with, the brand say the dielectric prism coatings allow 92% light transmission for bright images and I couldn't argue at all.
This particular model also comes complete with Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier protective lens coating. This superior coating, which bonds molecularly to the glass, effectively repels debris, fog, oil, water and has scratch resistance capabilities. It is one of the best and most innovative protective lens coating technologies in the industry today.
Focus, images and handling...
The close focus of the 8x42 EDX's is excellent and the focus wheel responsive, as is the eye-relief. For your money, you also get a lockable diopter adjuster. What does this mean? Well, once you have taken the time to set the binoculars up to match your particular vision, you can lock this setting in place for present and future use. Whilst this is a small feature to most people, it is always a sign of a quality optics build.
The EDX body is made from Magnesium and feels great to the touch. The use of this material in optic builds is preferable, as not only is magnesium the lightest of all metal elements, it is strong and very resistant to corrosion. Usually, magnesium is more robust than a polycarbonate binocular body and is also far less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes which would affect the alignment.
Verdict
Fantastic binoculars in this price category. Very nearly scored a 9 overall with the lightweight material used, dielectric coatings and a stellar view all major selling points on a sub £500 pair of binoculars.
★★★★★★★★★ 8.5/10
Testing scores
- Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Performance: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Weight: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
- Value: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
Contact: transcontinenta.co.uk/bushnell.html
Pricing: £439.99 RRP
The Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 binoculars are available to buy from all official stockists now.
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Next article: Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney
Next article: BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour
Next article: The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) competition has announced the 2018 winners
