Bushnell 10x42mm Excursion Binoculars: A Surprisingly Good Deal for Birders on a Budget

The Bushnell 10x42mm Excursion Roof Prism Binoculars might not be the flashiest pair on the market—but they’re the kind of affordable, rugged, and reliable optics that I genuinely enjoy recommending to fellow birders and outdoor enthusiasts. At just $25, they’re offering far more than you’d expect in this price range, especially from a trusted name like Bushnell.

As someone who’s spent years outdoors—from early birdwatching walks as a kid to hands-on professional fieldwork—I know how difficult it can be to find entry-level binoculars that actually perform well without stretching your budget. That’s why I take product reviews seriously and only feature budget-friendly gear that I believe offers real value and reliability for everyday use in the field.

If you’re just starting your birding journey, looking for a solid backup pair, or want something simple and waterproof for hikes, safaris, or camping trips, this model is absolutely worth considering. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Excursion 10×42 a smart choice for everyday adventure.

Clear, Powerful Views for Birding and Wildlife Watching

The 10x magnification is a strong feature for binoculars in this price range. It allows you to zoom in on far-off subjects—birds in treetops, deer across the field, or even planes in the sky—with enough clarity to enjoy the moment. This makes them especially useful for beginner birders and anyone interested in wildlife watching or scenic views.

The 42mm objective lenses help pull in more light, which is key for early morning or late afternoon birding when lighting is often dim. In real-world use, the image is surprisingly bright and sharp, especially in well-lit conditions. You won’t get the crisp edge-to-edge detail of high-end ED glass optics, but what you do get is perfectly usable and better than many cheap no-name models.

If you’re the kind of birder who enjoys watching garden birds from your porch or takes your binos on casual weekend hikes, these are more than up to the task.

Durable Design for Real Outdoor Use

One of the best things about the Bushnell Excursion is that it’s made to survive the elements. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it’s sealed tightly enough to handle heavy rain, humidity, and even accidental drops in water. That means if you’re out on a misty morning or kayaking along a wet shoreline, your view won’t fog up and the binoculars won’t fail you.

The body is covered in green rubber armor, which adds impact protection and gives you a slip-free grip. I’ve used similar armored binos in muddy wetlands, snowy forests, and even on rocky trails, and I can say from experience—this kind of build really helps. It makes these a worry-free option for camping, traveling, or tossing into your daypack.

Simple, Compact Design That’s Easy to Carry

These binoculars use a roof prism system, which helps keep the design slim and more lightweight than old-fashioned porro prism models. They also feature an open-bridge design, which not only looks sleek but makes the binos easier to grip with one hand—great if you’re holding a guidebook, camera, or trekking pole in the other.

At around 1.5 pounds, they won’t weigh you down, making them suitable for long walks, casual day hikes, and family outings. They’re not pocket-sized, but they fit comfortably in a standard binocular harness or backpack side pocket.

This makes them ideal for travelers heading to national parks, wildlife safaris, or birdwatching tours. For just $25, they’re also an excellent “leave-in-the-car” or “always-packed-in-the-camping-gear” pair.

For the price, you’re getting surprising optical performance. It’s not on the level of $300+ premium optics, but it’s more than good enough for casual wildlife viewing, scenic overlooks, or birding in your local park.

Good Optical Quality for the Price

TLet’s be honest: at this price point, you can’t expect premium HD optics. But what Bushnell delivers here is honest, reliable performance. The fully coated lenses help reduce glare and increase image brightness and contrast. In real-world conditions, colors appear natural, and there’s a good level of detail when looking at birds, mammals, or distant landscapes.

Focusing is smooth and easy using the center knob. The close focus distance is decent—fine for larger birds or animals but not ideal if you want to examine butterflies or very small birds up close.

And that sums up the experience pretty well. For the money, you’ll be surprised by what you see.

What You Might Miss (But Probably Won’t Care About)

What you don’t get are fancy extras like ED glass, phase-corrected prisms, image stabilization, or twist-up eyecups with long eye relief. If you wear glasses, you might find the eyecups a little short for extended viewing. And there’s no tripod mount, which limits your options for digiscoping or hands-free use.

But none of that is a dealbreaker for the average user. This binocular was built for field reliability and day-to-day outdoor use, not for technical photography or high-end optics comparisons.

Bushnell Binoculars Comparison: Excursion vs. H2O vs. Trophy XLT vs. Legend Ultra HD

Bushnell Excursion 10x42mm

• Best for: Beginners, casual birders, campers, or anyone needing an affordable, waterproof backup pair.
• Why choose it: At $25, it offers excellent value for anyone just getting into birding or looking for a tough travel-friendly pair.
• Limitations: Basic optics, short eye relief, not suited for eyeglass wearers or close-up detail.
• Verdict: The ultimate budget binocular—lightweight, waterproof, and ready for your first birding walk or outdoor adventure.

Bushnell H2O 10x42mm

• Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, and weekend hikers who want a weather-resistant, affordable binocular with better image quality than basic models.
• Why choose it: Waterproof, fogproof, and equipped with multi-coated lenses and a solid grip.
• Limitations: Slightly bulkier and heavier; not as bright or sharp as higher-end models.
• Verdict: A reliable mid-range option for all-purpose use in wet or humid environments.

Read more: Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof 8×42 Full Review

Bushnell Trophy XLT 10x42mm

• Best for: Birders and hunters who want sharp, clear views in rugged conditions, with better performance than the H2O.
• Why choose it: Fully multi-coated lenses, RainGuard HD coating, and a fast focus system. Closer focus than H2O, wider field of view.
• Limitations: Slightly shorter eye relief may not be ideal for glasses.
• Verdict: A great upper-entry-level choice for serious hobbyists who want sharper optics and long-term durability.

Read more: Bushnell 10×42 Trophy XLT Full Review

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42mm

• Best for: Experienced birders, nature photographers, and anyone seeking top-tier optical clarity without the premium-brand price tag.
• Why choose it: ED Prime Glass, ultra-wide field of view, RainGuard HD, and long eye relief for eyeglass wearers. Close focus lets you view butterflies, birds at feeders, or fine plumage detail.
• Limitations: Higher price, more advanced than casual users may need.
• Verdict: An excellent semi-professional birding binocular, ideal for those ready to upgrade from mid-range models. Offers serious performance at a still-reasonable price.

Read more: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Binoculars Full Review

Which Bushnell Binocular is Right for You?

• 🟢 On a tight budget or new to birding? Start with the Bushnell Excursion—waterproof, lightweight, and only $25.
• 🔵 Want waterproof reliability and decent performance? Go with the H2O for balanced all-around use in any weather.
• 🟢 Looking for better optics and rugged performance for regular birding or wildlife viewing? The Trophy XLT steps things up nicely.
• 🔴 Ready for sharp, professional-quality views? The Legend Ultra HD delivers impressive clarity and comfort for advanced birders and photographers.

Where the Bushnell Excursion 10×42 Really Shines

These binoculars may come at an entry-level price, but they’re built to keep up with your outdoor lifestyle. Here’s how they can fit into your birding and adventure routine:

Backyard Birdwatching

Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful morning with coffee on the porch or tracking feathered visitors in your garden, these binoculars offer enough magnification and clarity to identify common species like finches, robins, chickadees, and woodpeckers. They make a great daily companion for those who find joy in the simple moments close to home.

Weekend Hikes

The Bushnell Excursion is light and compact enough to carry in your daypack without adding bulk. The rugged rubber armor helps protect it from bumps and scratches, making it a dependable choice on rough terrain. You can stop at a scenic overlook, scan the treetops, or spot a hawk soaring high—all without missing a beat.

Nature Walks & Tours

For nature centers, birding clubs, or guided tours, this is a fantastic first pair of binoculars. Whether you’re a student learning about ecosystems or a nature lover joining your local birdwatching group, these offer a perfect introduction to optics without the intimidation of high-end gear. They’re also a smart, affordable option for children getting started in outdoor exploration.

Camping Trips

When you’re sitting around the fire or waking up to birdsong, you’ll want something close at hand to spot wildlife. These binoculars are great for scanning treelines, observing deer or squirrels at dawn, or catching a glimpse of owls at dusk. Durable enough for the unpredictability of the outdoors, they belong in every camping gear kit.

Travel & Safaris

If you’re heading on a safari, national park tour, or nature trip abroad, these binoculars give you confidence without the stress of traveling with expensive optics. They’re reliable, waterproof, and won’t be a huge loss if damaged or misplaced during your journey. Great for airplane carry-ons, backpacks, or glove compartments.

Rainy Conditions & Wet Environments

Thanks to their IPX7 waterproof rating, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a downpour or early morning mist. The internals stay dry, and the lenses won’t fog up, which is essential when you’re birding in damp forests, kayaking along shorelines, or walking through foggy hills. They’re built for real-life weather, not just dry, sunny days.

Specs Recap

Pros and Cons

Pros
✔️ Excellent value at $25
✔️ Waterproof and rugged
✔️ Compact and lightweight
✔️ Good brightness and clarity
✔️ Backed by Bushnell’s limited lifetime warranty

Cons
❌ Not suitable for eyeglass wearers due to shorter eye relief
❌ No advanced coatings or ED glass
❌ No tripod mount or case included

Final Thoughts on Bushnell 10×42 Excursion Binoculars

For birders, hikers, or outdoor lovers on a budget, the Bushnell 10×42 Excursion binoculars are a fantastic deal. They’re tough, weatherproof, and provide more than decent optical performance for the price. If you’re just getting started with birding or want a second pair to toss in your glovebox, these are an easy yes.

And right now, at just $25 (was $59.99), this is a rare chance to grab a pair of binoculars from a respected brand at a nearly 60% discount. Deals like this don’t come around often—and they don’t last.

Where to Buy

You can order them now at Adorama.com while supplies last.