Celestron
Celestron Nature DX 8x42
$179.95
Best Binoculars · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bushnell Engage X 10x42 is cheaper at $149.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Celestron
$179.95
Bushnell
$149.95Cheaper
Released 2020
The Bushnell Engage X 10x42 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bushnell Engage X 10x42 is the cheaper at $149.95. The Bushnell Engage X 10x42 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $179.95 MSRP per celestron.com | $149.95 |
| Brand | Celestron | Bushnell |
| Released | — | 2020 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Objective lens (mm) | 42 | 42 |
| Field of view ft 1000yd | 388 | 305 |
| Eye relief (mm) | 17.5 | 17 |
| Weight (oz) | 22.2 | 21.8 |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Prism type | Roof | Roof |
| Release | — | 2020 |
Sources — Celestron Nature DX 8x42: celestron.com (verified 2026-06-15). Bushnell Engage X 10x42: bushnelloutdoors.com (verified 2026-06-15).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Two whitelisted outlets (Switchback Travel and Field & Stream) reviewed the Celestron Nature DX 8x42 hands-on, and both rank it as a top budget/entry-level pick: tough, easy to use, and strong value with clear-enough images for the price. Both caution it won't satisfy serious or experienced users. Neither reported lab measurements for this model. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Excellent value at a budget entry-level price; Tough, durable build; Clear images / good resolution for the price.
Flagged: Comfort/ergonomics weak spots — 'not as comfortable to use' and flimsy eyecups; Limited for serious/experienced birders and specialized use.
One whitelisted tester covers this exact model: Outdoor Life's 2020 nine-binocular hunting optics test, where the Engage X 10x42 won the Great Buy award for value at $130. The panel split sharply — versatile entry-level optic versus flimsy, disappointing glass. No per-model lab figures were published; other whitelisted outlets lack hands-on reviews. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Outstanding value at $130 — Outdoor Life's Great Buy award winner for binoculars; Extremely useful, versatile entry-level optic for most viewing purposes; Fully transferable lifetime warranty that provides a new binocular if this one breaks.
Flagged: Flimsy build, a couple steps below Bushnell's Legend and Elite lines; Disappointing glass with edge-of-image blur that can cause eye strain; Spongy focus; four-position eyecups adequate but unremarkable.