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Pros - Compact and lightweight - Open bridge design - Budget-friendly 16X binoculars Cons - Uses BK–7 prism glass - Not waterproof or fogproof - No tripod adapter

Welcome to my review of the Bushnell PowerView Compact Folding Roof Prism 16×32 Binoculars. Bushnell is known for quality optics, but it’s sometimes hit or miss with them. The PowerView binoculars are economical and compact, but how well do they perform? Let’s find out.

What Comes in the Box?

One of the first things you should know is what comes along with your new optics, and what you’ll need to buy separately. Every box for the Bushnell PowerView Compact Folding Roof Prism 16×32 Binocoulars includes the following:

• The binoculars themselves
• Carrying case
• Neck strap
• Instruction manual

The neck strap is very thin and difficult to remove and replace. This might be okay, since the binos are so lightweight, but it would be nice if a good quality padded neckstrap came with the kit. The case strap easily attaches to a belt, and is protective with decent quality.

How Powerful Are the Binoculars?

The model reviewed features a 32mm objective lens with 16X magnification. Clarity and resolution rivals some of the more expensive models I’ve reviewed, and the binoculars do an excellent job of color reproduction and crispness.

What Type of Optics Does This Model Use?

The roof prism optical system on this model utilizes BK–7 glass, unfortunately. I get that these are budget binos, but BaK–4 prism glass isn’t that much more expensive than the inferior alternative these days. Bushnell doesn’t mention dielctric coating, so I’d assume it’s either non-existent or nothing to write home about.

The lenses are fully coated, but not fully multicoated. You’ll get good light transmission out of this model, but not as much as if the optics were fully multicoated.

Close focus range on the Bushnell PowerView 16×32 binoculars is 20 feet, and the field of view is a mere 180 feet from 1,000 yards. I’ve definitely seen better close focus as well as fields of view.

The center focus wheel is easy to operate, with or without gloves on, and moves smoothly but with still enough friction to prevent accidental movement. The eyecups fold down for use with or without glasses, but the eye relief is a bit on the short side – a mere 12mm. I’ve seen my own eyelashes in the view on a couple of occasions, but that’s truly to be expected with such compact binoculars.

What’s the Body Like On These Binos?

The body of the Bushnell PowerView 16×32 is coated in rubber armor to provide shock resistance while also giving you a firm grip on the binos. The convenient open bridge design makes it easy to hold the glass one-handed, and the binoculars weigh in at a mere 12.4 ounces for easy transport.

Unfortunately, this model does not include a tripod mount, which would have been nice to see included. Using a tripod or monopod while birdwatching or viewing other forms of nature makes it easy to share your view with others or just keep a steady gaze on your subject.

How Durable Is the PowerView?

Durability is questionable with these binoculars, unfortunately. They’ll stand up to bumps and falls, but this model is neither waterproof nor fogproof. The lenses aren’t O-ring sealed, and the optical chamber hasn’t been nitrogen purged.