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nemo
sage
Reged: 06/09/03
Posts: 388
Loc: Eugene,Oregon
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Friends,
I have a pair of 7x26 Bushnell Custom Compact binoculars that my wife bought me around 28 years ago. These binoculars have a 7-degree field of view and despite their small aperture provide an excellent view. I am just curious. These little bino's seem to have a much higher build quality and better optics than many small binoculars of a more recent vintage. Was there something special about these when they were made? They are great to just throw in my pocket for a grab and go bino. Still have the little oval "passed" sticker on them along with a leather case. I would enjoy any input from anyone who has some knowledge about these little binoculars.
R/S,
Dan
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"Humility is not thinking less of your self-it is about thinking of yourself less."
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Erik D
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 2573
Loc: Central New Jersey, USA
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Hi Nemo,
I think the same model is still offered under the Bausch & Lomb label. It's a reverse porro design with 16mm eye relief and 8 ft close focus. Wt. 12 0z. This pair has been mentioned on the Astromart birding optics forum as more desireable than low cost pocket-sized roof prisms. Street price is $220. This model is NOT waterproof.
I took a good look thru a pair at a birding show last NOV. Built qulaity and optics are quite good. Almost bought a pair on the spot but decide to hold out for compact 8X32mm waterproof, roof prisms instead.
Erik D
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nemo
sage
Reged: 06/09/03
Posts: 388
Loc: Eugene,Oregon
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Erik,
Thanks for the information. I know what you mean about waterprof roof prism bino's. I have a pair of Swarovski 10x25 that are little gems. If they only had that 7 degree FOV....
Dan
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"Humility is not thinking less of your self-it is about thinking of yourself less."
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10163
Loc: Lancashire UK
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As is the case with Tasco , not ALL Bushnell binoculars are fit only for removing the glass to enable accomodation of candles for that special candle-stick holder on the fireplace.
A bonus with this model is that 7 x 26 is actually a potentially very useful if rare specification for daylight applications particularly.
One thing about Japanese binoculars is that to "earn" that little oval "export" sticker , they all have to pass pretty stringent QC tests for "durability".
I own a pair of 10 x 50s that are 39 years old -- optically flawed beyond justifiable explanation-- but tough as old boots.
I am only saddened that the 7 x 26 instrument under discussion is not included in Dan's most impressive signature list !
Regards -- Kenny.
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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moynihan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/22/03
Posts: 1517
Loc: Wisconsin
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I have a pair of these (Bausch and Lomb audubon custom compact 7x26) and they are still the best "compact" binos i have used. In the 1980's B&L also had an 8x36 and a 10x40 (regular porro)in the same line. Bsically all designed for birders who did/could not want to pay for German glass prices. The 7x26 are still available new. Very popular among those who watch dragon and butter --flies. Had 8x36 ones where very good. Do have the 10x40 ones yet (stored), do not use really anymore.
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"Gosh, you've... really got some nice toys here"
Dual mount/ambient temperature Hominid Widefield Photon Collectors®
Pleistocene™ ˝ watt Wetware Integration Unit.
entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem
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nemo
sage
Reged: 06/09/03
Posts: 388
Loc: Eugene,Oregon
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Kenny,
You know how it is perhaps. One always likes to wear his Sundays best when at church. I confess that given the Bushnell name and my own lack of knowledge I was less than enamored with putting my little dirty secret binoculars on the signature list. Not sure who I was trying to impress beside myself. I have half a dozen binoculars that I have categorized as my expendables. Just throw them in all my vehicles and do not get unduly worried if they walk away. One example is a pair of Meade 10x26 Safari Pro that have something like a 5.2 degree FOV which is not bad for a 10x. I like these little binoculars and think for the money they are a good bargain (picked them up on E-bay for $22.00 NIB). Thanks Kenny for your kind comments.
Dan
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"Humility is not thinking less of your self-it is about thinking of yourself less."
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