Additional Comments:  Anyone who has looked into the optics market lately probably realized very early on that there is no shortage of choices in binoculars out there.   From bargain bin cheapies for as little as $10.00, on up to exotic imports costing well over $1,000.00, the optics shopper can easily become overwhelmed if he or she doesn't know what they are looking for.

 

Having been a user of bargain bin binoculars for years, I had finally decided to look into an upgrade.  While I don't spend hours at a time behind the glass like some folks do, I did want something that would be easier on the eyes than bargain bin binocs.  After doing some research, I came to the conclusion that you could get a lot of bang for your buck with a Porro Prism design, even though this design generally makes for an overall larger pair of binoculars.  As a general rule, a Porro Prism design can provide an equal image quality for less money than a Roof Prism design, everything else being equal.  I also knew I wanted a fully multi-coated lens design for maximum light transmission and image clarity.  Bargain bin binocs usually use lower quality glass as well as less coatings, which equates to lower quality images and more eye fatigue.

 

Being how I often hunt and fish in inclement weather, I needed binoculars that could be used in any weather condition or while out on the boat, without fear of them fogging up, or worse yet, having water permeate them.  That meant o-ring sealed, nitrogen purged optics were going to be a must.  Reaching for your binoculars when you need them most, only to find them fogged to the point where they are unusable, is a frustrating event to say the least.

 

A couple more features I felt would be important were a large focus knob that could be manipulated even while wearing heavy gloves, as well as complete rubber armor protection to absorb shock and keep incidental noise to a minimum.  And of course, price was an important consideration as well.  I couldn't justify spending several hundred dollars on binoculars that I would likely look through less than 10 hours total each year. 

 

What I found after some research was the Bushnell H2O series binocular.  There was nothing in the criteria I had set forth they did not meet or exceed.  They had fully multi-coated lenses, utilized a Porro Prism design, were completely water and fog proof, had a large, easy-to-use focus knob, complete rubber armor coating, and a reasonable price.  After having put these binoculars through the paces in my hunting, fishing, and outdoors excursions over the past 2 years, I believe it is safe to say that they are built to deliver.  They have withstood numerous rain storms, uncounted bumps, drops, and bruises, and have remained as clear and dependable as they were on day one.  With their BaK-4 prism glass, I get a sharp image each and every time, and even after viewing through them for extended periods, eye fatigue is a non-issue.  I have had the opportunity to view through more expensive binoculars from other manufacturers and I am convinced that you would be hard pressed to find a better value for your dollar.  While higher quality optics certainly exist, expect to pay near twice as much or better to get them. 

 

In closing, I believe these Bushnell H2O binoculars were one of the best Christmas gifts I have ever received, and certainly the best binoculars I have ever owned.  Anyone looking for a high-quality pair of binoculars for a reasonable price would be well served to check these out before they buy.       

 

Changes You Would Like To See Made To Product:  The availability of a camouflage model in this series would have been nice, and a better made carry case would have made the package near perfect.

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