Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Review 2024

Binoculars are an outdoor essential if you enjoy activities such as hunting or hiking. However, finding a decent pair for an affordable price can be a challenge, especially with all of the different models on the market.

In our Bushnell Trophy binoculars review, we look at a series of advanced optics that achieves the impossible—delivering an excellent performance at a price that won’t break the bank. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Design Overview

If you’re strapped for cash, the Bushnell brand is the one you want to beeline for. For this Bushnell Trophy binoculars review, we are focusing on their Trophy Series, which consists of slightly different heavy-duty binoculars designed for outdoor activities.

The overall shape is heavier than we’d prefer for when out in the field, especially when your prey steps out of the shadows and you need to get an in-depth view pronto. However, this is balanced out by the fine optics within.

The clarity is top-notch for the price, which is all thanks to the BaK-4 multi-coated lenses and advanced roof prism design. They considered comfort with a rubberized Dura-grip armor that’s easy to hold, cutting down on slippage. 

It’s also user-friendly, with easily adjustable knobs to dial in your preferred visual settings with ease. 

Flip-up covers are available for the objectives, but bear in mind that this component has received some negative reviews from consumers as being flimsy, although it’s not a dealbreaker when you consider the price and performance.

Portability

As we mentioned briefly, for roof prism binoculars, we were surprised by how heavy the Bushnell Trophy binoculars are. While it’s still ideal for outdoor use, don’t expect the same kind of easy portability when carrying it into a packed sports stadium or vibing concert.

Durability

You can count on first-rate durability with any binoculars in the Trophy line. They are armor-plated, waterproof, and fog-proof to take whatever mother nature throws at them.

You won’t have to worry if it starts drizzling out in the forest or if it suffers a few bumps. The Trophy binoculars can hold their own.

Nitrogen is utilized inside the scope, alongside a tight O-ring seal, to protect interior optics from humidity or temperature changes. Even if you accidentally drop these binoculars in a puddle, water immersion shouldn’t do it any harm.

Next up, we introduce you to the different models in the Bushnell Trophy line and compare their features. 

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Binoculars 8X56 & 10X50

This popular model comes with two different magnifications/objective lenses, depending on what you want to use them for, but they share the same design and features.

These are rugged with multi-coated lenses, as well as an ergonomic shell that is waterproof and fog-proof.

If you’re looking for phenomenal clarity and brightness, then the larger 10x magnification is what you want. The larger 56mm objective lens is more suited for low light conditions to see your prey clearly while hunting at dawn or dusk.

Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 Bone Collector Binoculars 

The Bushnell Trophy XLT Bone Collector binoculars are another suitable option for outdoors enthusiasts, sharing many of the same heavy-duty features as the Trophy Xtreme collection.

They’re waterproof and fog-proof, with multi-coated lenses and improved objective lens covers that stay in place. 

It features a higher magnification for long-distance viewing and a 325 ft FOV that is considered top grade on the market.

The biggest difference we can see between the Bushnell Trophy XLT 10×42 Bone Collector binoculars and the Trophy Xtreme is that the latter comes with 3-step twist-up eyecups that enable a quicker adjustment. The Bone Collector offers two-step eyecups.

Also, the Xtreme Collection features larger objective lenses to be used in low light settings, while the Bone Collector is better suited for general purpose use in the daytime.

It’s certainly the more affordable model, though, especially since the differences aren’t that huge.

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars 8×32

These are the cheapest binoculars of the Trophy bunch, and although it offers a lower magnification and objective, the Trophy binoculars 8×32 is still a high-quality, durable piece of gear.

It comes with the same sleek BaK-4 roof prism design and fully multi-coated lenses for impeccable clarity and color.

These are also waterproof and fog proof, with an ergonomic textured rubber coating that absorbs shock when it gets hectic out in the field.

For first-timers on a budget, this model is certainly a quality choice, especially since it costs under $100.

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope

Spotting scopes are convenient, lightweight, and easy to carry around—if that’s a priority for you when you’re on the move outdoors. 

So basically, you get the exceptional durability that Bushnell is known for, but in a compact package. 

The Xtreme Spotting Scope boasts a 65mm objective lens for brightness and an adjustable magnitude between 20x and 60x. 

This is an ideal setup for viewing wildlife on the fly or if you’re hunting and need to rest your eyes on your prey while aiming your gun.

Bear in mind that this spotting scope is expensive compared to Bushnell’s Trophy Binoculars 8×32, but probably the biggest gripe about Trophy Binoculars is that heavy, bulky design.

If this is an issue for you, then the spotting scope might be just what you’re looking for.

Bushnell 334211 Trophy Binocular, Realtree Xtra, 10 x 42mm

The Trophy Realtree Xtra binoculars share the same features and design as the Bone Collector model, except it sports a stylish camo covering instead of green, like the other models.

This makes it more of a hunter’s set of binoculars for blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings, but you still get the same performance capabilities and weatherproof design.

The Trophy Realtree Xtra binoculars are slightly more expensive, so if the camo outfit doesn’t matter to you, we recommend saving a few bucks and going with the Trophy Bone Collector model.

	Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 8×56 Binoculars/Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 10×50 Binoculars	Bushnell Trophy Binoculars 10×42	Bushnell Trophy XLT 8×32 Binoculars	Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope	Bushnell 334211 Trophy Binocular Realtree Xtra 10x42mm
Close Focus	• 10/3 • 10/3	12ft	12ft / 3.6m	30ft / 9.1m	9.84 ft. / 3.0 m
Color	Green	Green	Green	Green	Camo
Exit Pupil	• 6.9mm • 5mm	4.2mm	4mm / 0.157in	3.1 – 1mm	4.2 mm
Eye Relief	17mm	15.2mm/0.06in	16.5mm / 0.650in	8mm/0.71 in	15.2 mm
Eye Cup	Twist-Up	Twist-Up	Twist-Up	Twist-Up	Twist-Up
Lens Coating	Fully Multi-Coated	Fully Multi-Coated	Fully Multi-Coated	Fully Multi-Coated	Fully Multi-Coated
Magnification X Objective	• 8X56 • 10X50	10X42mm	8X32mm	20-60x65mm	10X42mm
Prism Glass	BaK-4	BaK-4	BaK-4	BaK-4	BaK-4
Prism Type	Roof	Roof	Roof	Porro	Roof
Waterproof/Fogproof	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	• 38.1oz/1080g • 31.8oz/902g	25.3oz/717g	15.5oz / 439g	36.5 oz/ 1034.758g	25.3oz/717.3 g
FOV	• 300/100 • 315/105	330/1000	393 / 131	35m or 114.8 ft @ 20X 17m or 55.77ft @ 60X	330/1000
Price	• $199.99 • $144.99	$129.99	$84.99	$199.99	$134.19

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Performance Capabilities

Now that we’ve given you the low-down on each Trophy model Bushnell has to offer, let’s zero in on the features to see just how well these binoculars perform.

Magnification

Depending on the activity you want to do, Bushnell did a good job of providing a wide range of different magnifications within their Trophy line.

The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Binoculars 8X56 & 10X50 are ideal for hunting, hiking, and birding. The higher the magnification, the greater detail you’ll be able to see.

The quality of magnification is indisputable with this brand. You just can’t beat the price for the durability, precision, and masterful optics configuration. 

Clarity

We really don’t have any complaints about the clarity provided with any of the binoculars in this series. Thanks to the PC-3 Phase Coating on the prisms, resolution and contrast are superior.

Then you have the fully multi-coated lenses, which means that layers of anti-reflective coating are applied to every air-to-glass surface for improved light transmission that produces high-contrast images.

In short, you get surprisingly clear and crisp visuals that you’d expect from a more expensive model on the market, except what sets Trophy binoculars apart is quality at an affordable price.

Ease of Adjustment

What we like best about the adjustment setup Bushnell employs with their green roof Trophy binoculars is how user-friendly the knobs are to work with. 

The smooth focus knob is highly responsive, so you can switch the focus without missing a beat when your target comes into view.

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Pros vs. Cons

Bushnell Trophy XLT binoculars are a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re a newbie to the market or a seasoned optics pro.

The success of these binoculars is the simple offering of quality for a reasonable price. You get a heavy-duty design with all of the most sought-after features at a more affordable price compared to expensive brands that are similar.

Furthermore, the Trophy series offers a few different models to give users more magnification and objective diversity, so you can find a setup that better correlates with your needs.

The BaK-4 Roof Prisms are industry standard, with a special coating that enhances the overall brightness and clarity of the images.

However, though roof prism binoculars are known for being compact, this is one drawback for the Trophy series. Many reviews comment on the bulky, heavy size of these binoculars. This certainly isn’t ideal if you’re hunting, hiking, or birdwatching.

Still, there’s just no beating the price of these binoculars, especially since they put on a high-class performance that many consumers seem satisfied with. If you’re new to the world of binoculars or on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Trophy series.

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Warranty

Bushnell offers an exceptional lifetime product warranty for defects in workmanship or materials. 

For binoculars, a lifetime warranty is defined as 20 years of coverage. You can read the warranty fine print here.

Comparable Products to Consider

If you’ve made it this far in our Bushnell Trophy XLT binoculars review and still have questions, we’ve listed a few other similar models on the market for comparison. Let’s take a look!

This model comes in 8X42 and 12X42 models, and both are more expensive than Trophy binoculars. However, it’s lightweight with a polymer frame and extra low-dispersion (ED) glass. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and scratch-resistant—with multi-coated lenses for exceptional clarity.

This is another affordable and user-friendly choice for beginners and birders. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and compact for any type of outdoor activity. Phase-coated BaK-4 prisms ensure excellent contrast and resolution so you don’t miss any details.

We love the versatility of this model, with all of the weatherproof features for stress-free outdoor use and a variety of magnifications and objectives to choose from. If you love accessories, this model comes with tons of useful extras that you won’t have to pay for separately.

Bushnell Trophy Binoculars Review Conclusion

Trophy XLT binoculars are reputed for quality at prices that are affordable for most. The heavy-duty design features a rubberized coating for no-slip handling and waterproof/fog-proof construction to keep your view pristine—no matter the conditions.

To conclude our Bushnell Trophy binoculars review, this is a great model for beginners and seasoned users alike. It’s ideal to use for hunting, hiking, birdwatching, camping, and general-purpose use. 

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Official Manufacturer Support

Resources and References:

• Bushnell, Official Brand Website.
• Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Binoculars Owner’s Manual
• How to Choose Binoculars, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
• Top 10 Tips on Buying Binoculars for Bird Watching, Bird Watcher’s Digest.
• How to Use Your Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.