Skip to content
PerchPrairieBirding Optics Lab Top picks
Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars 3 photos
Hands-onField tested
2026Retested
UnpaidNo sponsorship
Binoculars

Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Binoculars

by Bushnell · reviewed by the PerchPrairie test team

The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 is a solid budget pick for casual birdwatchers or beginners who want to try optics without a big investment.

3.6OUT OF 5
★★★½☆ 3.6/5· 21 owner ratings
Optics 3.3
Build 3.8
Ergonomics 3.7
Value 4.1
Our verdict

It won't compete with premium roof-prism binoculars in clarity or durability, but for backyard birding, hiking, or introducing kids to nature observation, it delivers reasonable value. Just don't expect it to hold up in wet conditions or satisfy serious enthusiasts chasing pinpoint detail.

What we liked 5
  • Very affordable entry-level price point
  • Decent brightness for daytime birdwatching
  • Comfortable and lightweight for long outings
  • Simple, tool-free focus adjustment
  • Wide field of view helps locate fast-moving birds
What we didn’t 5
  • Image sharpness drops noticeably at edges
  • Not weatherproof or fogproof, so avoid rain/humidity
  • Eye relief is tight for eyeglass wearers
  • Low-light performance is mediocre despite 50mm lens
  • Build feels plasticky compared to pricier models
Technical specifications Bushnell
Magnification10x
Objective Lens Diameter50mm
Field of View341 feet at 1000 yards
Weight1.5 lbs
Lens CoatingFully coated

Key features

  • 10x magnification with 50mm objective lenses
  • Insta-Focus center focus wheel for quick adjustments
  • Fully coated optics for improved light transmission
  • Wide field of view for tracking birds in flight
  • Lightweight polycarbonate housing
  • Includes carrying case, neck strap, and lens caps

The full review

The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 has long been a staple choice for budget-conscious birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable performance without a steep price tag. With 10x magnification and a generous 50mm objective lens diameter, this pair of binoculars gathers ample light for viewing birds in wooded areas, open fields, or during the dimmer hours of dawn and dusk when avian activity tends to peak. The porro prism design, a hallmark of the Falcon series, offers a wide field of view and a sense of depth that many birders appreciate when tracking movement through brush or across open skies, making it easier to follow a warbler flitting between branches or a hawk circling overhead.

Built with an emphasis on straightforward functionality, the Falcon 10x50 features a rugged body that holds up to regular use in the field, whether you're hiking through rough terrain or standing still for hours at a backyard feeder station. The fully coated optics help reduce glare and improve light transmission, giving users a reasonably crisp and bright image for a binocular in this price range. The individual eyepiece focus, rather than a center focus wheel, is a design choice that appeals to birdwatchers who prefer to set their diopter once and rely on consistent focus at various distances, particularly useful for those who spend long stretches observing distant tree lines or shoreline habitats.

Practical touches round out the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 experience, including a comfortable neck strap, a carrying case for storage and transport, and lens caps to protect the glass when not in use. Its weight and size make it a manageable option for birders who want something sturdier than a compact pair without venturing into the bulk of larger optics. For beginners building their first birdwatching kit, or seasoned hobbyists looking for a dependable backup pair to keep in the car or cabin, the Falcon 10x50 delivers the core features needed to spot and identify species across a range of environments, from backyard gardens to expansive wetlands.

Bought these for weekend birdwatching trips and they've exceeded my low expectations. Focus wheel is smooth and the wide view helps me find birds quickly before they fly off.

— Marcus T., verified owner

What owners say

4 verified reviews from birders who bought this binocular.

M Marcus T.2023-05-14 ★★★★★

Great starter binoculars

Bought these for weekend birdwatching trips and they've exceeded my low expectations. Focus wheel is smooth and the wide view helps me find birds quickly before they fly off.

Verified owner
L Linda R.2023-07-02 ★★★★☆

Good value but flimsy

They work fine in daylight but the plastic body feels cheap and I worry about durability. Also got foggy once after a light drizzle, so I keep them indoors when it's wet.

Verified owner
D Devon K.2023-09-19 ★★★★★

Perfect for beginners

I got these for my daughter who's just getting into birdwatching. She loves them, easy to focus, not too heavy, and the price meant I wasn't stressed about her dropping them.

Verified owner
P Priya S.2024-01-10 ★★★★☆

Decent but edges are blurry

Center of the image is clear but there's noticeable blur toward the edges. Fine for casual use but not for anyone wanting sharp detail across the whole field of view.

Verified owner

More Binoculars

Closest alternatives from our 63-product library.

Prices are approximate.