• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Bushnell 7x26 Elite Custom vs Elite e2 Custom (1 Viewer)

nice work-around

Bushnell sells a replacement eye cup (w/ part number BN05) that is a nice work-around for the out of stock eye cups for the Bausch & Lomb custom compact 7x26 (mn: 61-7261) and works very well.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for posting. I know a few here treasure that model (though I went for the newest version).

On a separate note, Brigadier mentioned the Monk 7x26. They came up in a conversation with the owner. He confirmed they were from one of the 4 companies that have historically manufactured the B&L/Bushnell customs, but he couldn't (wouldn't?) say if they were the same as the Customs. I forgot to ask about the ocular lens configuration. I thought the Customs had a Kellner eyepiece but that may be a bit of misinformation. It's stated the Monks have a Plossl.

David
 
Bushnell sells a replacement eye cup (w/ part number BN05) that is a nice work-around for the out of stock eye cups for the Bausch & Lomb custom compact 7x26 (mn: 61-7261) and works very well.

Now THAT is great information. I will be inquiring at Bushnell immediately! Have you tried it yet? Close fit, or need cutting or trimming, etc.?

I hope to post a photo chronology of various Custom Compacts soon. Took a series of photos, but not happy with them, so I will re-do soon. (It is tough to get good photo detail on all black objects!) I have 6 metal Custom Compacts encompassing 4 distinct variations out of 5 that I know, and that fifth is a combo of two features found on 2 of the other 4, as well as the polycarbonate one and the latest Elite version, so I hope we can make some sense of it all. The polycarb one is all the same, except for branding, Bausch & Lomb until 2004 and Bushnell afterwards. But the metal ones have three different eye cup variations, two, possibly three ocular lens variations, three neck strap variations, two lens coating types plus several branding variations.
 
Mike,

That sounds terrific. I've seen bits and pieces posted here and elsewhere but it would be great to have a more complete story.

David
 
Bushnell sells a replacement eye cup (w/ part number BN05) that is a nice work-around for the out of stock eye cups for the Bausch & Lomb custom compact 7x26 (mn: 61-7261) and works very well.

Hi Misanthorpe, I called Bushnell and they told me that BN05 is just the generic code for eye cups. You also need to tell them what model it is for. I told him, and he advised none in stock for the metal Custom Compacts. Did you order one that was for a different Bushnell/B&L model that you were able to fit, as you said it was a work-around?
 
Bushnell sells a replacement eye cup (w/ part number BN05) that is a nice work-around for the out of stock eye cups for the Bausch & Lomb custom compact 7x26 (mn: 61-7261) and works very well.

Hi Misanthorpe, I called Bushnell and they told me that BN05 is just the generic code for eye cups. You also need to tell them what model it is for. I told him, and he advised none in stock for the metal Custom Compacts. Did you order one that was for a different Bushnell/B&L model that you were able to fit, as you said it was a work-around?
 
The Elite Custom 7 x 26 - Model 62-0726, is fully rubber armored with twist up eye cups and was successor to the Custom Compact 7 x 26 - Model 12-0726. Bushnell's Model 12-0726 had a polycarbonate body and partial rubber armor on the top and sides only, with soft roll down rubber eye cups. This version was made from 1993 to 2004 as the Bausch & Lomb Custom Compact - Model 61-0726, and from 2004 until 2008, as the identical Bushnell Custom Compact - Model 12-0726, when the Elite Custom replaced it. There has been only one model of Elite Custom 7 x 26 made, and it is still the one in production, Model 62-0726. It says Elite on the left body side and Elite Custom in the center of the focus wheel and has a round inset logo on top of the right body that says Bushnell Birding Series. It is said these are magnesium bodied under the rubber armor, but I can't tell by comparing my Elite Custom to my polycarbonate body B&L one. They look awfully similar just peering inside!

The 1993 and earlier Custom Compacts were metal & leatherette bodied, the final one being marked as Bausch & Lomb, model 61-7261, and this last metal one had green multi-coating (my 1993 one is as bright as my newest Elite one). The earlier metal ones had blue coatings and were marked as Bushnell, model 10-7261. There are several minor variations of the old metal ones as well. These are as sharp as the newest B&L metal ones, but they are not as bright. The later Bushnell 1980's thru the Bausch & Lomb 1993 metal ones had improved eyepieces and diopter adjustment, and can focus a bit closer than older original Bushnell 1960's thru 1970's vintage ones. These are the later ones with neck strap eyelets on the outer sides of the body rather than the inner sides of the body in the middle of the eyepieces. This version began as Bushnell marked but was changed in the last few years of production to the Bausch & Lomb with better coatings before the 1994 complete (and unfortunate) polycarbonate re-vamp.


Mike V.

Okay guys. I finally got a series of photos up on a web hosting site and can put some photos together to show the various Custom Compact models over the years.

Let's start with the classic metal and leatherette Custom Compacts. There are four main variations with a few additional marking changes. There are three eyepiece/ocular designs.

Version One Metal Bodied Custom Compact, "The Project Gemini" model:
Here is the earliest Custom Compact I own and am aware of. I bought my first ones in 1972, for the then princely sum of $129- a lot to a high school senior in those days. Work it out to today's dollars and it is lot more than Elites sell for now. These have served me faithfully for decades, still clear and sharp as a tack. The original style eyepiece and ocular adjustment is a column shaped ocular housing with adjustment on the left side and the markings are visible in a little window. Adjustment is by turning the rubber eye cup. It is friction lock only and tends to drift if handled, so I often use a little square of black electrical tape to hold it where I want it. Close focus on this design was to 16 feet. The eye cups are thick heavy rubber that lasts well. Main issue with these early ones is the black paint on the back plate will come off if you look at it funny. Early on, I had an otherwise mint binocular with a beat up brassy chipped back plate, which really bugged me. Being a model builder, I whipped out my airbrush, masked off the back plate and sprayed it with black epoxy paint. Problem solved, still good thirty years later, but a bit too glossy black!) I recently acquired a mint in box copy of this version, which is higher numbered than my first. I suspect this as mid to late 1970's production. Same binocular, same box, same paperwork but the box and carry case have a little double circle logo added. The black back plate finish looks more durable, so Bushnell changed it along the way. The neck strap on both of these is a thin shoelace style strap, permanently attached to heavy metal lugs located beneath the prism housing, close to the hinge. The clear inset on the focus wheel is often missing on beat up examples of this version.
My first 1972 7x26:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231132736.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231254645.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231250530.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231236566.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231158072.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231132366.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

My slightly newer, mint in box, recent acquisition, same as my first but a bit higher serial numbered. Back plate has better finish than the less durable one my first 1972 one had. I estimate it is from mid to late 1970's production. The slight flared ends of the eye cups are the result of having sat in the box for decades in folded down position, resulting in a permanent set. They should be column shaped, but the flare did not harm them and actually is a nicer shape. Note the OO logo added to the mid/late 1970 version's case:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231221771.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231227214.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231211855.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231154134.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822231144329.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/


Version Two Metal Bodied Custom Compact. The "Push-Pull" model:
I acquired this one recently and it is very minty. It has the second design ocular housing and eye cup style. I call it the Push-Pull. The eye cup is polyurethane plastic, not rubber, so no deterioration concerns. The eye cups pull out or push in for eye relief adjustment. There are two variations of the Push-Pull. One has the neck strap attached to the front hinge screw cap, which is enlarged and can be unscrewed allowing removal of the strap. The other has the same neck strap with central under body lugs like the version one has. I don't know which came first, or if there was switching back and forth on this strap style by Bushnell. Ocular lens is wider and close focus is now 8 feet. Adjustment is still on left side, with a larger window than version one. There is a lug on the left eye cup for adjusting, and while still friction locked, it is tighter than version one.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232502173.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232432938.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232532716.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232431621.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232525676.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232515662.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232501044.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

Version Three Metal Bodied Custom Compact - The Micrometer model:
This is the final physical variation of the Bushnell metal Custom Compact.
The eye cups are now flared and roll down. They are less durable than those on version one. If found in rolled down condition, they are usually shot, and no longer replaceable as the parts are unavailable. (Shame on Bushnell.) Close focus is 8 feet (although several of mine will go to seven feet). The focus adjustment is now on the right ocular housing and is a micrometer twist ring with very fine click stops. The last batches of these, before the Custom Compact was re-branded as Bausch & Lomb, have metal embossed Bushnell brand name logos on the right housing, like the later B&L ones do, as well as the National Audubon Society marking. They also have a stylized Bushnell B on the front hinge screw cap. These were 1980's production until the switch to B&L, which I believe was early 1990's. The neck strap lugs are now on the outer edge of the prism housings, and this is the final location on the metal Custom Compacts
Last Bushnell version (left) alongside the metal Bausch & Lomb version of 1993 (right):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232932688.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232947109.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
The Bushnell Version Three with the Bausch & Lomb metal version. All Bushnell metal Custom Compact's have blue coatings. The B&L has green coatings. The B&L has the gold triangle logo on the hinge screw cover:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232943774.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
Last Bushnell production of version three had embossed logo:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232547930.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232550702.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

Version Four Metal Bodied Custom Compact, The Bausch & Lomb model:
This was the ultimate metal bodied Custom Compact, and was changed in 1993 to the polycarbonate bodied B&L version. In physical layout, the body and ocular design is carried over from previous Bushnell marked production. Focus is to 8 feet, mine will do a bit better. The main difference from the prior Bushnell version is the lens coatings, which are now green. My metal B&L's were purchased new in early 1994 and have remained in NIB condition since. They are as sharp as any of my others, including the latest Elite, and are noticeably brighter than the Bushnell metal bodied ones with blue coatings. They are as bright as the polycarbonate B&L version that followed them from 1994 to 2004, and I am unable to detect any real difference between the later version B&L. Even the newest Elites do not seem to have any real edge I can detect. They are the only metal bodied ones I have that came with four lens covers. These are my personal favorites of my Custom Compact collection.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232615840.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232623548.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232631414.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232655323.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232646732.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232710702.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232713843.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232607508.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
The final B&L metal version with the polycarbonate B&L successor:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232959213.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
The coatings on the metal B&L and the polycarb B&L are very similar:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822233013986.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

The Polycarbonate Bausch & Lomb Custom Compact. "The Plastic Fantastic" model:
I purchased this one new in 1994. It is optically the equal of the metal B&L I purchased earlier that year. It feels a tiny bit bigger in the hand and it is more bulky than the metal ones. I personally prefer the feel of the metal ones in the hand, but it's a personal preference. It is less bulky than the newest Elites. These were made from 1994 until 2007, but the brand logo was changed in 2004 to Bushnell when B&L lifted it's licensing rights to the name. The Elites succeeded this version.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232725038.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232740308.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232739184.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232754884.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232756781.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232808844.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232810848.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232725148.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

The latest Elite version. The Elite Custom 7x26:
Take careful note. It is labelled Elite Custom, not Elite Custom COMPACT! It has grown a bit tubby over the years, has it not? The optics however, are impeccable. I have two pair of these, and they are identical. I bought one a few years back and, one was purchased a few months ago. The only change is the serial number. They are still (as all have been) made in Japan. The eye-cups screw up and down, so no deterioration issues. The only change I see on the newest one is a smaller box and the carry case has been simplified and improved by removing the goofy magnetic catch and flap in addition to the zipper. The size and bulk of these cases are approaching silly when compared to the trim little zipper cases the earlier ones came with. My only complaint is the bulk of the cases, in addition to not adding waterproofing to them.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230611329.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230609820.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230627106.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230641986.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230652539.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
The neck strap seems a bit more than is really needed here:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230656083.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
Latest case is on the right:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230558508.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822230706180.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
Plastic Fantastic and the Elite:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232912552.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232855015.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
You can get a sense of how much more trim in the hand the metal version is here:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232912332.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
The three main generations of Custom Compacts, metal, polycarb and Elite:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822233004172.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...0130822232824291.JPG/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/

There you have it folks. I have many big flashy binoculars to play with, but the little Custom Compacts have a special place in my heart I cannot explain. No other compact rivals their view and clarity. They are not fussy and hard to deal with, like my Swaro 8x20 compact roofs, which are so tiny, I can't hold them steady enough or get the double hinged pupils lined up, let alone focus. The exit pupil is big enough to not drive you crazy and the eye relief is good enough that I do not need to roll down the eye cups with glasses on. They always deliver, and at a reasonable price. Hope you enjoy the photos.
 
Last edited:
Indeed, that's a nice archive Mike.

As you say, the latest version has grown a little "tubby" (pushing 15 ounces I think--I'll weigh it) but it's good to see Bushnell's long-term commitment to the model.

You might mention that the latest version has gone back to a metal housing, magnesium this time if I'm not mistaken.

Although mine hasn't been getting much use (I may sell it) it is certainly one of the best compacts available, and always was.

Mark
 
Indeed, that's a nice archive Mike.

As you say, the latest version has grown a little "tubby" (pushing 15 ounces I think--I'll weigh it) but it's good to see Bushnell's long-term commitment to the model.

You might mention that the latest version has gone back to a metal housing, magnesium this time if I'm not mistaken.

Although mine hasn't been getting much use (I may sell it) it is certainly one of the best compacts available, and always was.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I deliberately did not mention that the Elite has a magnesium body because I have no hard proof yet that it is. I have seen posts claiming it is so, but until somebody gets under that rubber armor and confirms it, it remains uncertain. My main reason for remaining uncertain is this. When I look inside the objective ends of the Elite and compare to the "plastic fantastic" that preceded it, the innards look identical.

Mike
 
Hi Mark,

I deliberately did not mention that the Elite has a magnesium body because I have no hard proof yet that it is. I have seen posts claiming it is so, but until somebody gets under that rubber armor and confirms it, it remains uncertain. My main reason for remaining uncertain is this. When I look inside the objective ends of the Elite and compare to the "plastic fantastic" that preceded it, the innards look identical.

Mike

Mike,

To me, the black, unarmored portion of the Bushnell (and there's quite a bit of it) seems like metal. Tapping on it, for example, doesn't quite sound/feel like plastic. Just too "hard" or "metallic" somehow. Also, on Bushnell's website they claim the 7x26 is "built around a tough, lightweight magnesium chassis for reliability in the most extreme conditions."

That's what I was going on. I suppose you could scratch the surface and see if it bleeds metal. You first though.;)

Mark
 
Mike,

To me, the black, unarmored portion of the Bushnell (and there's quite a bit of it) seems like metal. Tapping on it, for example, doesn't quite sound/feel like plastic. Just too "hard" or "metallic" somehow. Also, on Bushnell's website they claim the 7x26 is "built around a tough, lightweight magnesium chassis for reliability in the most extreme conditions."

That's what I was going on. I suppose you could scratch the surface and see if it bleeds metal. You first though.;)

Mark

Trouble is that all the parts on the Elite that seem to clearly be metal are also clearly metal on the polycarbonate version (like the hinge). The Bushnell website transfers a lot of information meant for the two full size Elites onto the 7x26 page, and I'm not convinced it really applies to all three.
Mike
 
I hadn't used the Bushnell in a while so I took it outside and gave it a look. The housing could very well be plastic after all. But it's hard enough and textured enough to file a fingernail. Maybe that's why I remembered it as metal. ;)

It's also 13.5 ounces, not "pushing 15" as I remembered it. Very sharp, bright, contrasty.

You're right about the website. Bushnell's webmaster is sometimes not a stickler for facts. I'd guess aluminum, not magnesium, accounts for some of the weight.

Mark
 
I hadn't used the Bushnell in a while so I took it outside and gave it a look. The housing could very well be plastic after all. But it's hard enough and textured enough to file a fingernail. Maybe that's why I remembered it as metal. ;)

It's also 13.5 ounces, not "pushing 15" as I remembered it. Very sharp, bright, contrasty.

You're right about the website. Bushnell's webmaster is sometimes not a stickler for facts. I'd guess aluminum, not magnesium, accounts for some of the weight.

Mark

Mark, Good news on the Elite 7x26. I figured what the hell, I have two of them. I just wiggled the rubber armor around the objective housing and exposed enough of the lens barrel underneath to see that it indeed looks like it is metal. I see machining marks along the edge, which is very sharp. If it is not metal, then it is the most metallic plastic I've ever seen. BTW, the rubber snapped back with no issues. I'll await any further evidence either way, but it does seem to be metal.

Mike
 
A couple of comments to further clarify (or muddle) things.

The B&L 7x26 Customs (polycarbonate body) were 61-0726, not 12 series. According to my 1997 Eagle Optics catalog their list price was $450.

Also, I have a pair of 9x26 B&L Customs (61-0926). Externally identical to the 7x26 model. Unfortunately I can't comment on their optical quality because their prisms were badly etched when I received them (something the eBay seller had failed to mention). They are an extension of B&L's Audubon endorsed series, but I've never been able to find much else about them. Would appreciate any info.

Charlie
 
A couple of comments to further clarify (or muddle) things.

The B&L 7x26 Customs (polycarbonate body) were 61-0726, not 12 series. According to my 1997 Eagle Optics catalog their list price was $450.

Also, I have a pair of 9x26 B&L Customs (61-0926). Externally identical to the 7x26 model. Unfortunately I can't comment on their optical quality because their prisms were badly etched when I received them (something the eBay seller had failed to mention). They are an extension of B&L's Audubon endorsed series, but I've never been able to find much else about them. Would appreciate any info.

Charlie

Charlie, see my original post where I had the changes to the model numbers laid out:

"This version was made from 1993 to 2004 as the Bausch & Lomb Custom Compact - Model 61-0726, and from 2004 until 2008, as the identical Bushnell Custom Compact - Model 12-0726."

The 61- series was for the B&L version of 61-0726, the polycarbonate body one introduced in 1993. When Bushnell had to re-brand the B&L models to Bushnell branding in 2004, the model series changed to 12- series. Otherwise identical, save labeling.

NOW, a 9 power custom compact? (The early 6x25's are well known, but a 9 power, I've never heard of it!!!) This is entirely new information to me, and I have been a fan of them for forty plus years! Can you post photos?

PS: Never-mind the photos. I just googled and it came up, looks exactly like the polycarb 7x26 as you said. Not much out there except confirmation of the model number and a thumbnail photo, but they apparently existed. Wow. How did I not ever hear of this before? You learn something new everyday!
 
Last edited:
No other compact rivals their view and clarity.

The B&L 7x26 is a little gem of engineering. I got a pair of the metal bodied version 4 in mint condition off ebay for a good price.

I have to say that my Olympus 8x25 PC I are a bit sharper though. That's not a criticism of the B&L's - they are sharp - it's just that the Olympus really defies belief for a cheapo bin.

If you can put up with the plastic body, give them a try.
 
The B&L 7x26 is a little gem of engineering. I got a pair of the metal bodied version 4 in mint condition off ebay for a good price.

I have to say that my Olympus 8x25 PC I are a bit sharper though. That's not a criticism of the B&L's - they are sharp - it's just that the Olympus really defies belief for a cheapo bin.

If you can put up with the plastic body, give them a try.

That's interesting. When I was scouting around for a compact I compared the Olympus PCI 8x25 to the current Elite 7x26 and a number of others. Those were the stand out pairs from the number I tried but I thought the Elite slightly brighter and sharper. Worth the price difference to me. In error I ordered the previous polycarbonate version and it just didn't impress me like the Elite I'd tried so they were returned and replace. The Elite's are definitely a favourite for summer walks.

I've mentioned it before, but I was told by someone in the trade that 4 different Japanese companies made versions of the 7x26 Bushnell and B&L over the years. Anyone know who made what?

David
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top