Bushnell 7x26mm Elite Custom Compact Binoculars

Comments about Bushnell 7x26mm Elite Custom Compact Binoculars:

I would have expected that there would be some compromises due to their compact size, but I was surprized to find very few when compared to fine roof prizm binocular I own.

Comments about Bushnell 7x26mm Elite Custom Compact Binoculars:

I have made a living as a professional wildlife enforcer and biologist and have depended on binoculars for work and a life time of recreation (hunting, birdwatching, wildlife, sporting events.) This is my third set (work and personal). There are better glasses available but they cost twice as much. The clarity and light gathering make it competitive with larger bulky quality glasses of similar $$ and they fit easily in your shirt/coat pocket (not always banging around your neck) and can be held with one hand ... for a long time ... like in a rocking boat. This is the best compact you can get for the money and unless you reeeeally need an 8x or 10x (my first was the 6x27), why buy something else when compact convenience adds to your outdoor experience? I have rarely, if ever, felt at a lesser advantage compared to companions with glasses of greater power or more $$.

Comments about Bushnell 7x26mm Elite Custom Compact Binoculars:

Just Bought two pairs as gifts for friends, I've been using mine for 12 years.
The new ones have better coatings but are just as compact and rugged.
Mine have been used and abused for their whole life and I love them. You might be able to spend $80.00 less and go down from a 97% to a 65%, or spend $500.00 more and go up from a 97% to a 98% but for quality, value, performance these can't be beat.

Comments about Bushnell 7x26mm Elite Custom Compact Binoculars:

I also have the Nikon 8x20 LX which are very nice but sometimes a little "tight" when I wear sunglasses over my regular glasses. These 7x26 Elites are larger but not much heavier and they have more eye relief.

Optically they are about equal to the Nikons (which is very good) and the focus is smooth and tight with no slop but they are not waterproof. One sign of a good binocular is that you can focus on the first pass with no hunting around. These fit that description.

If you wear glasses (of even if you don't) these are great compacts for the money. They are very comfortable to look through. I have a lot of good binoculars and I think these are going to be favorites.