Bushnell Legend 10 x 50 vs. Nikon 10 x 50 ATB - Both Porro-prisms

[turumti]

Dear Friends,

As perhaps some or most of you might know, I have been searching for a good pair of 10x50 binoculars for observing raptors. Since most of my bird watching is done out in the wilds, in hilly areas with fickle weather and slippery rocks all around. I need binoculars that are rugged, and that will also work well in low light.

Going by the advice that I have received on this forum, I have narrowed my search down to two binoculars that suit my needs and fit my budget ($100-$200) , and my primary concern is optical performance.

The binoculars are the Bushnell 10x50 /Waterproof Fogproof Porro and the Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme ATB Waterproof Wide Angle.

Bushnell 10x50 /Waterproof Fogproof Porro
http://binoculars.com/products/bushnell-10x50-waterprooffogproof-porro-14119.html

Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme ATB Waterproof Wide Angle
http://nikon.binoculars.com/products/nikon-10x50-action-extreme-atb-waterproof-wide-angle-23741.html


So which one of these two would you reccomend keeping optical performance (specially in low light conditions - dawn & dusk), ruggedness and longevity in mind.

Furthermore, is the higher price of the Nikon Binoculars worth the difference in the performance of these glasses as compared to the Bushnells.

I will greatly appreciate your expert opinions and input, and look foward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,

Salman Ali

[Tero]

Sorry, we are not ignoring you, but I think they are much the same. I do not remember the Bushnels well enough, but both have a bridge that you can see moving. The Action EX bridge is sturdier than regular Action. But you can still bend it with your finger. It moves back and forth as you focus. There are porros with an internal mechanism, but it can break down too.

[Tero]

Also, there are somw 10x42s, like Leupold Cascades 10x42 Porro. I am no expert on Leupolds, though, and fov is a poor 270ft. They would be lighter to carry. And there are othe 10x porros. See this thread:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=70479