Bushnell Prime 12x50

• 12x50 configuration: The combination of 12x magnification and 50 mm objectives is well suited to long-range observation, giving the user more reach for scanning open ground while still gathering enough light for dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions.
• Fully multi-coated optics with EXO Barrier: Bushnell pairs fully multi-coated lenses with its EXO Barrier exterior lens protection to improve brightness and contrast while helping water, oil, dust, and debris clear off more easily in the field.
• Roof prism design: The Schmidt/Pechan roof prism layout keeps the binocular slimmer and easier to carry than a bulkier porro design, which matters on long walks, hunts, and travel days where pack space and handling count.
• IPX7 waterproof and fogproof build: With IPX7 waterproofing and a nitrogen-filled interior, the binocular stays usable in rain, wet vegetation, and rapid temperature changes that can fog lesser optics.
• Tripod adaptable body: The binocular can be mounted on a tripod for steadier long sessions of glassing, which is especially useful with 12x magnification where extra support helps reveal more fine detail.

About the Bushnell Prime Series

The Bushnell Prime series sits in Bushnell’s binocular range as a practical roof-prism line built for general outdoor use, with models documented from 10x25 to 12x50. Introduced in Bushnell’s 2019 catalog, the series covers compact and full-size formats for hunting, birding, hiking, and everyday nature observation. Across the range, Bushnell uses a roof prism design to keep the binoculars relatively streamlined and easy to pack, while the optical system is built around fully multi-coated lenses for improved brightness, contrast, and color fidelity.

A defining feature of the series is EXO Barrier on the exterior lens surfaces. Bushnell describes this coating as repelling water, oil, fog, dust, and debris, which is especially useful for field optics that are handled in changing weather and dirty environments. Prime binoculars also use IPX7 water resistance and dry-nitrogen fog protection, giving the series a clear emphasis on dependable outdoor use rather than delicate, occasional viewing. In practice, the Prime family is aimed at users who want straightforward binoculars with weather protection, modern coatings, and a choice of magnification levels without moving into Bushnell’s more specialized premium lines.

About the Bushnell Prime 12x50

The Bushnell Prime 12x50 is the longest-reaching standard binocular in the Prime family, designed for users who need more detail at distance than an 8x or 10x model can usually provide. Its 12x magnification makes it a strong fit for open-country hunting optics, hillside observation, shoreline scanning, and bird watching where subjects are often well beyond close woodland distances. The 50 mm objective lenses help offset the higher magnification by gathering more light, so the image remains more comfortable and usable in subdued light than a smaller high-power binocular.

The optical layout combines a Schmidt/Pechan roof prism system with fully multi-coated lenses, supporting good brightness and contrast in a body that remains easier to carry than many bulkier alternatives. Bushnell also adds EXO Barrier to the exterior lens surfaces, which helps keep the view clearer in rain, mist, and dusty conditions by making contaminants less likely to cling to the glass. A 91.00 m/1000m field of view is naturally narrower than lower-power binoculars, but it is a sensible trade-off for the extra reach this model provides.

In use, the binocular is built around a central focusing system for quick general adjustment, with diopter correction on the right eyepiece to fine-tune the view to the user’s eyes. The 16.00 mm eye relief gives reasonable viewing comfort, while the tripod-adaptable body is a practical advantage for prolonged glassing sessions where a stable image helps extract more detail. With IPX-7 waterproofing, fogproof construction, and a 950.00 g full-size format, this model is configured for steady, long-range observation in demanding outdoor conditions.

About Bushnell

Bushnell was founded in 1948 by Dave Bushnell, who began selling optical products from a photographic shop in Pasadena, California. The company built its name around practical sports optics and outdoor equipment, with a product range that includes binoculars, riflescopes, red dot sights, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and trail cameras. Bushnell’s focus has long been on optics for hunting, target shooting, birding, and general nature observation, which makes the brand especially relevant in categories where durability and field usability matter as much as optical performance.

Within its lineup, Bushnell has developed recognizable families such as Legend, Prime, Elite Tactical, and AR Optics. One of the technologies associated with the brand is EXO Barrier, a lens coating formulated to repel water, oil, dust, and debris on exterior glass surfaces. Bushnell became part of ATK on November 1, 2013, adding the company to a larger group with strong ties to shooting and outdoor products.

Main Features

• Magnification: 12.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 50.00 mm
• Prism type: Roof - Schmidt/Pechan
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Field of view: 91.00 m/1000m
• Field of view (angular): 5.20 °
• Exit pupil: 4.17 mm
• Eye relief: 16.00 mm
• Close focus: 3.00 m
• Focusing system: Central
• Diopter adjustment: Right eye-piece
• Body type: Single hinge
• Length: 165.00 mm
• Width: 147.00 mm
• Height: 78.00 mm
• Weight: 950.00 g
• Housing material: Plastic
• Gas filling: Nitrogen
• Waterproofing: IPX-7
• Fogproof: Yes
• Tripod adaptable: Yes
• Color: Black

Warranty

Bushnell Prime 12x50 binoculars are covered by a 20-year warranty, giving long-term support for a full-size field optic intended for regular outdoor use.

In the Box

• Binocular
• Belt-mountable soft case
• Rear lens cap
• Neck strap