By Charles Francis · Sound Survival Tactics · Updated May 2026
The short answer: For $36, the Bushnell Falcon 10×50 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.
View the Bushnell Falcon 10×50 on Amazon →
The Bushnell Falcon 10×50 at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x |
| Objective lens diameter | 50mm |
| Field of view | 376 ft at 1,000 yards |
| Weight | 1 lb 13 oz |
| Focus type | Instant focus lever |
| Price | ~$36 on Amazon |
What You Get for $36
The Bushnell Falcon 10×50 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 10×50 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 10×50 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.