The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 was a compact roof-prism binocular designed primarily for general outdoor use, combining 10× magnification and 42mm objectives with ED glass and fully multi-coated optics.
This version of the Legend Ultra HD 10×42 has since been discontinued by Bushnell. This review is retained as a reference for readers researching the binocular second-hand or looking for information about the older model.
Although it was not designed specifically for astronomy, the familiar 10×42 configuration remains useful for casual stargazing, particularly for scanning brighter star fields, large open clusters and the Moon.
ED Glass and Fully Multi-Coated Optics
One of the more notable features of the Legend Ultra HD 10×42 was its use of ED Prime (extra-low dispersion) glass, designed to reduce chromatic aberration. Bushnell also used fully multi-coated optics and phase-corrected BaK-4 roof prisms to improve light transmission, contrast and resolution.
These features are useful for maintaining a clean, high-contrast image, including on bright astronomical targets such as the Moon. The 42mm objectives are considerably smaller than those of dedicated large astronomy binoculars, however, so the Legend Ultra HD is better suited to casual handheld stargazing than pursuing faint deep-sky objects.
Compact 10×42 Design
At around 25 oz (710g), the Legend Ultra HD 10×42 was much lighter than large astronomy binoculars and practical to use handheld. Its 10× magnification provides noticeably more image scale than 7× or 8× binoculars while remaining manageable without a tripod for many observers.
The binocular provides a field of view of around 340 ft at 1,000 yards (6.5°), wide enough to make locating objects relatively straightforward and to retain plenty of surrounding sky when observing larger star patterns and clusters. Its 42mm objectives produce a 4.2mm exit pupil, providing a useful balance between aperture and a relatively compact body.
That combination makes the Legend Ultra HD more of a portable, general-purpose binocular that can also be used for astronomy than a dedicated astronomical instrument.
Waterproof and Fogproof Construction
The Legend Ultra HD 10×42 was built for outdoor use, with a waterproof and fogproof construction designed to protect the internal optics from moisture. Bushnell also used its water-repellent RainGuard HD lens coating, designed to reduce the disruptive effect of water droplets on the external lens surfaces.
A rubber-armored exterior provided additional protection and grip when handling the binocular outdoors. These features don’t improve its astronomical capability directly, but they make it well suited to the damp and changing conditions that can accompany observing sessions.
Limitations to Consider
The main limitation for astronomy is the 42mm aperture. Although useful for the Moon, brighter star fields and large clusters, it gathers substantially less light than 50mm, 56mm or 70mm astronomy binoculars and is therefore less capable on faint deep-sky objects.
Its 10× magnification can also make hand movement more noticeable than at 7× or 8×, although its relatively modest weight makes handheld use considerably easier than with large astronomical binoculars.
The Legend Ultra HD therefore makes most sense as a general-purpose binocular with useful stargazing capability, rather than as a binocular chosen primarily for deep-sky astronomy.
Who Is the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Best For?
The discontinued Legend Ultra HD 10×42 is most relevant today to second-hand buyers wanting a portable, high-quality general-purpose binocular that can also handle casual stargazing. Its 10× magnification, 6.5° field and 42mm objectives suit the Moon, brighter star fields and large open clusters, while its waterproof construction also makes it versatile for daytime outdoor use. Observers primarily interested in faint deep-sky objects will benefit more from a larger-aperture astronomy binocular.
Specifications
- Magnification: 10×
- Objective Diameter: 42mm
- Prism Type: Roof, BaK-4
- Field of View: 340 ft at 1,000 yd (6.5°)
- Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
- Eye Relief: 15.2mm
- Close Focus: 6.5 ft (2.0m)
- Weight: 25 oz (710g)
- Glass: ED Prime
- Optical Coatings: Fully multi-coated
- Prism Coating: PC-3 phase coating
- Weather Protection: Waterproof and fogproof
- Exterior Lens Coating: RainGuard HD
- Tripod Adaptable: Yes