Review: Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 Binoculars​

29 July 2021 
By James Hamilton

​Most people will recognise the Bushnell brand. A household name in the sports optics industry worldwide, with more than 60 years of experience earning a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of binoculars.

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
​
Tremendous 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 bins.
​
★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Testing scores
  • Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Performance: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Weight: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
  • Value: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10

📞 Contact: transcontinenta.co.uk/bushnell.html
🏷 SRP: £439.99
 
The Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42 binoculars are available to buy from all official stockists now.
OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ: