[barshnik]

Got my 20+ year old Swarovski SLC 8x30's back a few days ago from a complete rebuild, and am waiting patiently for the new 10x32 Swarovision EL's to come out in May. In the mean time, reading through the forums here, I decided I'd like an inexpensive binocular as kind of a beater for hiking, desert shooting, biking, etc.

Amazon has a couple of 'used, like new' Bushnell Legend Ultra-HD 10 x 42 for $172.30. If you pay with Discover, you get free overnight shipping, so I'll have them tomorrow. I'm a 'Prime' member of Amazon, and my experience tells me these will be not 'like new', but 'new'.

Never been so excited about a inexpensive optical purchase! It'll be fun comparing them to my old (but upgraded and rebuilt in every way) SLC's. I'll let you know how the comparison works out.

Really, $173 for some decent glass? Hey, if I decide they aren't worth it, it is no hassle to send them back, but I have a feeling I'll like them...

John F

[Alexis Powell]

Originally Posted by barshnik

Really, $173 for some decent glass? Hey, if I decide they aren't worth it, it is no hassle to send them back, but I have a feeling I'll like them...

Given the quality control issues with these, one wonders if they might be more likely to be returned lemons. Regardless, you could return them to Bushnell for warranty repair/replacement. Best of luck.

--AP

[barshnik]

Originally Posted by Alexis Powell

Given the quality control issues with these, one wonders if they might be more likely to be returned lemons. Regardless, you could return them to Bushnell for warranty repair/replacement. Best of luck.

--AP

Yes, I know they have potential QC issues, but it might be just as likely to get a lemon new as well as used.

Got them a couple hours ago, and have been playing with them. Optically, they look quite good - fairly sharp, consistent focus, reasonably contrasty. In the darkened house, they look fairly bright, too. (Keep in mind, I'm comparing them to my 20+ year old Swaro SLC 8x30's.)

Mechanically, about what I expected - the eye pieces have one detent about halfway out, and there is a little bit of wiggle to them.

However, I happened to shake them in my hand, and there is a rattle that sounds very much like loose glass. Oddly, they look quite good, better than I was expecting. But, I don't think bins are supposed to make any noise when shaken slightly, so it is pretty obvious something is wrong with these.

They are going back, I'll try one more used set before giving up on these.
I'm not sure what kind of QC issues they have had, but I know something isn't quite right with these.

Have you heard of similar problems with these? It is a little odd, because despite something being loose inside, they look really good!

John F

[Alexis Powell]

Originally Posted by barshnik

However, I happened to shake them in my hand, and there is a rattle that sounds very much like loose glass. Oddly, they look quite good, better than I was expecting. But, I don't think bins are supposed to make any noise when shaken slightly, so it is pretty obvious something is wrong with these.

I guess you probably haven't read my review of the 8x42 version in this thread http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=213464

I can almost guarantee you that the rattle is not a problem, and not coming from inside the binocular. It is very likely the little black plastic disk on the back (from the perspective of looking at the labeled side) of the focusing knob. The solution is simple--cut a short bit of rubber band and use a thin metal instrument (like a thin knife blade or chemistry spatula) to wedge it between the rubber disk and the bridge to one side of the central hinge or the other (doesn't matter). It will silence the rattle, will not interfere with the focus or IPD adjustment at all, and will last until the rubber band material crumbles. This fix takes about 3 seconds to do once you have a rubber band, scissors, and a thin metal instrument.

If the unit you got has no optical or focusing or other mechanical issues (apart from the rattle, which is normal for this model), I think it would be a mistake to return it.

--AP

[barshnik]

You, my good man, are exactly correct about the source of the 'rattle'. I'm now going to keep these binoculars, and not even do the simple fix you suggest, but just use the noise as a reminder that perfection is not achievable for <$200.

I've been looking carefully, and it is amazing how even the focus is from side to side (yes, it becomes soft at the top and bottom), which makes panning very comfortable to the eyes.

I paid $175 for these (the 10x42 Legend Ultra HD) from Amazon, and no, I won't be returning them. They are really quite amazing. And, not just 'for the money'. I love the sound they make, now that I know it is nothing serious. Thanks,

John F

[barshnik]

I did return the used Ultra HD's. I looked at the same glass at a local store and realized the used ones were substandard both optically and mechanically.

The new ones are really good (optically anyway, mechanically you can tell they are an inexpensive binocular.)

Thanks for your help.

John F