By Charles Francis · Sound Survival Tactics · Updated May 2026

The short answer: For $36, the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 punches well above its price. It's not a premium birding or hunting optic — but for camping, hiking, stargazing, road trips, and general outdoor use, it's hard to beat at this price point. Here's everything you need to know.

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The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 at a Glance

What You Get for $36

The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 is a full-size binocular at a budget price. A few things stand out right away:

Instant focus lever — instead of a focus wheel you have to dial in, the Falcon uses a lever on top. Move it back and forth and you get near-instant focus. For tracking moving objects — birds, animals, players on a field — this is a genuine advantage over similarly priced binoculars.

Large 50mm objective lenses — the 50mm lenses let in significantly more light than compact 25mm or 30mm models. This matters at dusk, dawn, or in low-light conditions like a forest trail. You'll notice the difference immediately compared to cheaper compact models.

376 ft field of view at 1,000 yards — that's a wide field, which makes it easier to find and track moving subjects. Great for wildlife, sporting events, and scanning terrain.

The trade-off: size and weight — at nearly 2 pounds and with a bulky case, these are not light hiking binoculars. If you're going to be holding them up for extended periods — at a concert, a long sporting event, or on a long trail — the weight adds up. For those situations, a compact model is worth considering instead.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional value at ~$36
• Instant focus lever is faster than a wheel for moving subjects
• Large 50mm lenses perform well in low light
• Wide field of view makes it easy to track subjects
• Good for stargazing — you can clearly make out craters on the moon

Cons

• Heavy at 1 lb 13 oz — not ideal for extended handheld use
• Bulky case takes up significant pack space
• Not waterproof or fog-proof at this price point
• Not suitable as a primary hiking binocular for long trips

What I Use These For

The obvious uses — birdwatching, camping, hiking, sporting events, road trips — are all solid. But a few less obvious uses are worth mentioning.

Stargazing — this is genuinely one of my favorite uses. The 50mm lenses and 10x magnification give you a clear view of the moon's craters on a clear night. Not telescope-level detail, but surprisingly impressive for the price.

Survival situations — this is where the Falcon gets interesting. The lenses have utility beyond just looking through them:

• Fire starting — in a survival situation, you can remove one of the lenses and use it to concentrate sunlight, the same way you'd use a magnifying glass. It works.
• Mirror signaling — the lens surface can reflect sunlight to signal aircraft or rescuers at a distance.

These aren't reasons to buy binoculars, but they're worth knowing if you keep a pair in your car, pack, or emergency kit.

Who Should Buy These

Buy the Bushnell Falcon 10x50 if you:

• Want a capable all-purpose binocular under $40
• Use them for stationary or low-movement activities (stargazing, camping, birdwatching from a blind)
• Want to keep a pair in your car or emergency kit
• Are buying your first pair of binoculars and don't want to overspend

Look elsewhere if you:

• Need lightweight binoculars for long hikes
• Plan to hold them up for hours at concerts or sports
• Need waterproofing for wet conditions
• Are a serious birder or hunter who needs precision optics

The Bottom Line

The Bushnell Falcon 10x50 is the right binocular for a specific person: someone who wants a capable, all-purpose pair without spending more than $40. The instant focus lever, large lenses, and wide field of view are features you typically pay more to get. The weight and bulk are the real trade-offs.

For casual outdoor use, stargazing, keeping in your vehicle, or as a first pair of binoculars — it's an easy recommendation at this price.

Check the current price on Amazon →

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links — if you purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices may vary.