Bushnell has a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, user-friendly optics at competitive prices, and the Legend Ultra HD 20-60X 80 mm spotting scope does just that. It features a porro-prism design that offers a wide field of view (110 ft. at 1,000 yds. on 20X magnification) and good depth perception while keeping cost to a minimum. The BaK-4 barium crown prism and ED low-dispersion glass offers high color resolution and minimizes color-fringing, which is important when trying to focus on a distant object. The optical system also provides clear edge-to-edge viewing, yielding an accurate picture of every item in the scope’s field of view. The Legend HD features fully multi-coated lenses, which means that the exposed lenses have multiple anti-reflective layers. This, in turn, allows for premium color quality with minimal eye strain. The RainGuard HD lenses are hydrophobic, scattering moisture into smaller droplets, which prevents rain and condensation from blurring the image.
In the field, the Legend Ultra HD performed very well. The glass yielded a clear, crisp, color-rich image. Tests were conducted from 50 to 900 yds., and the image quality was superb throughout. The Legend HD was primarily designed for long-range work, and it excelled in that area, providing crisp views with little color-fringing. To test that, a white cardboard square was lined with strips of black tape, and the image clarity was evaluated at long range. Low-quality optics have a tendency to allow the colors to blend, and the clear black and white lines fade together at long range. At a half-mile, the lines were still visible and easily discernible. Low-light conditions or very bright environs often test the claims of optics manufacturers, especially at long range, and in both the Bushnell performed very well.
To test Bushnell’s claim that its spotting scope is waterproof and fogproof, we left the Legend Ultra HD in a deep freeze overnight and then submerged the scope in water the next day. When the lenses’external fog disipated, the image was as clear as it was prior to the test, so Bushnell’s claims held true.
Coarse- and fine-focus knobs are located on the top side of the scope’s angled body, and magnification adjustments are located at the bottom of the eyepiece. The Trophy HD’s magnification adjustment ring is well-positioned, but adjustments required a strong grip and relatively heavy pressure. The adjustable eyepiece is a nice touch, and the bottom mounting bracket allows for easy securing and removal.
The Legend HD is a well-designed and useful optic, but with a weight of 80.1 ozs. it isn’t insubstantial. For stationary shooting at the range or in the field, though, it is ideal, and it comes with a lightweight protective case that protects it from the elements. At a price of $835, it offers superb optical quality and high magnification at a reasonable price, and it is a standout in the realm of affordable high-powered spotting scopes for serious long-range work.
