Bushnell 7x26 vs Terra 8x25 (1 Viewer)

mtar925 · Apr 28, 2017

I've had the Bushnells for a few years now, after comparing them to several low- and mid-priced compact roof binoculars and finding the 7x26 porro bin to be the clear winner optically. But for a compact, they are bulky. I don't carry them often, especially since I got an 8x32 that is only a few ounces heavier and - with the more streamlined roof design - about the same bulk.

The Terra 8x25 were not available when I made my choice, but judging by reviews are better than anything I compared the Bushnells to a few years ago. The weight advantage of the Zeiss is only a couple of ounces but the roof design is handier to carry, making the Terras attractive. And I find that I see field marks more easily in my 8x32 than in the 7x26, under all conditions. (My 8x32s are Cabela's Guide Series roofs - very decent Japan-made optics, but not alphas. About 19oz with caps and strap.)

Thoughts on replacing the Bushnell 7x26 with the Terra 8x25, as a compact travel/hiking binocular for birding?

WJC · Apr 28, 2017

mtar925 said:
I've had the Bushnells for a few years now, after comparing them to several low- and mid-priced compact roof binoculars and finding the 7x26 porro bin to be the clear winner optically. But for a compact, they are bulky. I don't carry them often, especially since I got an 8x32 that is only a few ounces heavier and - with the more streamlined roof design - about the same bulk.

The Terra 8x25 were not available when I made my choice, but judging by reviews are better than anything I compared the Bushnells to a few years ago. The weight advantage of the Zeiss is only a couple of ounces but the roof design is handier to carry, making the Terras attractive. And I find that I see field marks more easily in my 8x32 than in the 7x26, under all conditions. (My 8x32s are Cabela's Guide Series roofs - very decent Japan-made optics, but not alphas. About 19oz with caps and strap.)

Thoughts on replacing the Bushnell 7x26 with the Terra 8x25, as a compact travel/hiking binocular for birding?

Hi Matt:

Just as there is no definitive dividing line between green and yellow on the spectrum, there is no dividing line between what some deem as an “alpha” binocular and the few hundred that fall slightly beneath in perceived quality.

What I would like to see is the EXACT definition of an “alpha” binocular. If 20 people wrote an independent definition, there would probably be 20 of them. It’s just an exercise in futility. In reality, there is a huge chasm of optical and mechanical performance between the walls of alpha-ism and it’s virtually all related to individual subjectivity.

Too many people on bino forums seem to make a life quantifying the unquantifiable and stressing differences that are either below their threshold of recognition or in some way inconsequential. :cat:

Bill

Bushnell 7x26 vs Terra 8x25 (1 Viewer)

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mtar925

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