Birder model w/ "National Audubon Society" & a bird on right prism cover (1 Viewer)

[Charlie Yardbird]

What's the quality level of these? When were they produced? Where?

 

[lilcrazy2]

I bought and sold a few of these 10-12 years ago, both 8x36 and 10x40, and both Bushnell and B&L branded. They were the Custom series. Somewhat uncommon sizes for porros back then. The 8x36 were better than the 10x40's. They were all made in Japan.
They were pretty good porros. but I thought the Nikon Gold Sentinels and Criterions were much better in comparison. I also like the older wide angle B&L Legacy models - the 7x35 11* and the 10x50 7.5*

 

[Charlie Yardbird]

Thanks. Know how many different [ power x objective size ] were done? All the same "custom" quality?

 

[lilcrazy2]

IIRC, not counting the 6x25 and 7x26 reverse porros, Bushnell made the earlier Customs in 7x35 and 10x50. These have a blockier look and have Custom and other info on a ring around the front objective. Later Bushnell and Bausch & Lomb Customs were made in 8x36 and 10x40 with Custom on the focus knob plate, and have National Audubon Society and the bird on the right prism cover.

 

[Charlie Yardbird]

What about an 8x42WA? I'm seeing one here stamped "bushnell birding series" but not stamped National Audubon Society + the bird, but I have seen one so marked instead. Neither says "custom." In both cases the rings are rubber armored, no writing at all on them. Was the Custom word usually on one of the hinge cover plates? I cannot determine if the "birder series" (so marked) is a lesser quality, or what.

BUSHNELL 8 X 42 Model No. 13-2000 Binoculars 42Ft at 1000Yds in Carrying Case | eBay

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">BUSHNELL 8 X 42 Model No. 13-2000 Binoculars 42Ft at 1000Yds in Carrying Case. Binos in good but used/worn condition. Some discoloration, surface wear and tear on both the unit and the bag but the lenses themselves are in good shape with no...

www.ebay.com

 

[lilcrazy2]

What about an 8x42WA? I'm seeing one here stamped "bushnell birding series" but not stamped National Audubon Society + the bird, but I have seen one so marked instead. Neither says "custom." In both cases the rings are rubber armored, no writing at all on them. Was the Custom word usually on one of the hinge cover plates? I cannot determine if the "birder series" (so marked) is a lesser quality, or what.

BUSHNELL 8 X 42 Model No. 13-2000 Binoculars 42Ft at 1000Yds in Carrying Case | eBay

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">BUSHNELL 8 X 42 Model No. 13-2000 Binoculars 42Ft at 1000Yds in Carrying Case. Binos in good but used/worn condition. Some discoloration, surface wear and tear on both the unit and the bag but the lenses themselves are in good shape with no...

www.ebay.com

That one is not a Custom but from a later line called Natureview. Bushnell branded several different lines with National Audubon and Birding Series, but it doesn't mean quality. The 8x42 you link to on ebay is a later 13-2000 Natureview and is made in China.
Here is the earlier 7x35 Custom - you can see the markings around the objective ring. This is a similar look to the Rangemasters that many like.

Vintage Bushnell Custom Binoculars 7 x 35mm Field 8° Squint Pruf Lenses W/ Case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Bushnell Custom Binoculars 7 x 35mm Field 8° Squint Pruf Lenses W/ Case at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

All of the Customs were made in Japan.
Here is another earlier 8x42 13-2000 Natureview with the National Audubon Society markings that is made in Japan

NEW!! Bushnell 13-2000 8X42 WA 430 FT at 1000 YDS Binoculars | eBay

NEW!! Bushnell 13-2000 8X42 WA 430 FT at 1000 YDS Binoculars.

www.ebay.com

Here is another different model of an 8x40 Birder made in Hong Kong (China)

Bushnell 8x40 National Audubon Society Binoculars | eBay

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Bushnell 8x40 National Audubon Society Binoculars. 341ft at 1000 yds. Comes with over the shoulder carry bag, lens cleaning cloth, instruction booklet, and the National Audubon Society "A Selection of Familiar Birds of North America" book...

www.ebay.com

The use of the wording Birder or a NAS licensing branding is no indication of quality.
Of all the ones we have discussed I liked the B&L 8x36 Custom the best.
But I also liked a later model Bushnell 8x42 Legend - well built and good optics but hard to find

Bushnell Legend 8x 42mm Binoculars FOV 430 Feet | eBay

Bushnell Legend 8x 42mm Binoculars FOV 430 Feet.

www.ebay.com