24hourcampfire.com
24hourcampfire.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hop To
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
B
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
I've been hearing good things about the Bushnell Elite 7x26 Custom Compacts:

http://bushnell.com/products/binoculars/elite-e2/620726/

Was thinking of giving them a go for a compact backpack set of binos. But also on my list are the well-touted Yosemite 6x30 that many here seem to really like (especially for the $), and the Vortex Fury 6.5x32.

Anyone play with the Elite 7x26?

Last edited by BlackFrog; 10/28/09.
BP-B2

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,211
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,211
The Elite 7x26 is one of the "best buys" in the binocular world IMO.


“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
B
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
hmmmmm... I just might have to try them to. Bushnell has an offer going on until the end of the year that if you buy any binoc or scope with Rainguard HD or Rainguard (the 7x26's qualify), you get a windproof/waterproof microfleec camo pullover for free.

Well, you gotta pay $15 for shipping of the garment. Not bad though, usually those things are $75 or more.

http://bushnell.com/downloads/rebates/Bushnell_Jacket_Rebate.pdf

Last edited by BlackFrog; 10/29/09.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,769
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,769
Blackfrog,

I don't know if you have seen my post about how wonderful my Nikon binocs are. They are. But when I compared them side by side with the Elite 7-26 Bushnells mine came a close second. The 7X26, to me, were slightly better than the Minox 8-44 porroprisms for clearness.


"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation."
Everyday Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
B
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
thanks for the input! I've read how much you like your Nikons, but I'm leary of the variable power in binocs. I can be pretty rough on equipment at times. I'm clumsy.

To me, having that variable power mechanism in there is just more to 'go wrong' for a guy like me. I like simple, rugged, and foolproof. So I'd prefer to stick with fixed power, in the 6x to 8x range.

IC B2

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
S
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
S
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
The Bushnell 7x26 is the best affordable small binocular in existence. The Yosemite is one of the true bargains in the optics market. The optics are really pretty comparable, but the Yosemite is a lot larger than the Bushnell. So the ultimate choice will be the size of the binocular. The Yosemite is small enough to be easily packable and large enough to be comfortable to use all day. The 7x26 has superb optics, but it is small enough to be difficult to hold and do much long term glassing with. The 7x26 is a little too large to be pocket size.

I have both and they are really an apples to oranges comparison. I guess if I had to choose just one it would be the 7x26.


Steve

Theodore Roosevelt: "Do what you can where you are with what you have"
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
B
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
Thanks Steve! Appreciate the input.

I have use for a couple of pairs of binocs in this range, like leaving a cheap pair in the truck, one for the backpack, etc..

From many years ago I have a some Nikon Sportstar II's 10x25 that were my first pair of compacts. They had decent optics for the price point, but wished I would've got the 8x instead. I didn't know better at the time.

So now that I have this new compact binoc kick going, I ordered a bunch to compare all at once. Probably end up sending a few back, but most likely keeping three pair. Here's what I ordered:

Bushnell 7x26 Elite
Nikon Trailblazer 8x25
Nikon Sportstar 8x25 (new model)
Yosemite 6x30
Vortex Fury 6.5x32

Should have in a few days and give them a good comparison side by side.

Last edited by BlackFrog; 10/29/09.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,908
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,908
These started out as the Bushnell 6x25 Custom compact and went through many small evolutions and re-naming and often wore the B&L logo. I have owned and used many sets in 6, 7,8 and 9 powers and everyone was top notch. Over the years I compared them with all the little Zeiss, Leica and Swaro roof prism binos and optically they always the best.
Depending upon the version some were and some were not waterproof but all are great, useable binos.


Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master Guide,
Alaska Hunter Ed Instructor
FAA Master pilot
www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

Anyone who claims the 30-06 is not effective has either not used one, or else is unwittingly commenting on their marksmanship.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,453
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,453
I believe this is the one that started it all. I still have these, a Bushnell Custom Compact 7x26 with the B&L stampings. I bought these back in the late 70's after being very disappointed with a Zeiss 8x20 BG/A compact that had lots of glare issues. These were far better.

[Linked Image]

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
S
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
S
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
Well, that should give you something to look at. I personally have not seen an 8x25 Trailblazer I would keep if it was given to me. They have all been fuzzy and dim and the focus action sucks, but I hope you get one better than the ones I have looked at. The Sportstar is decent, but not in the league with the 7x26. I also have the 6.5x32 Fury and it is a real decent binocular. Very close to a CF version of the Minox IF. I don't think most people could separate the Minox and the Fury on the basis of the image alone. Same thing with the Eagle Optics Raven/Vortex Raptor in 6.5x32.


Steve

Theodore Roosevelt: "Do what you can where you are with what you have"
IC B3

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884
D
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
D
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884
I don't think the Bushnell 7x26 is waterproof, if that matters to you.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
S
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
S
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,581
No it is not supposed to be waterproof. I have used mine a lot irrigating and they have gotten pretty wet several times, no problem, but if real reliable waterproof is probablay not them.

Last edited by SteveC99; 11/02/09.

Steve

Theodore Roosevelt: "Do what you can where you are with what you have"
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
B
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,427
My box came the other day, and all my binos are in for me to compare:

Bushnell 7x26 Elite
Nikon Trailblazer 8x25
Nikon Sportstar 8x25 (new model)
Yosemite 6x30
Vortex Fury 6.5x32

The Bushnells are very nice! I wish their eye cup was a little deeper, but the optics are very nice.

I can see why people like the Yosemites. I don't know where else you can get that optical quality for $80. Definitely a 'best buy'.

A little dissapointed with the newer Sportstar model. I still like my older Sportstar II model better. I'll have to search around Ebay for a older 8x Sportstar II I guess.

The Trailblazer was very compact, but I wasn't impressed with the focus adjustment. There was way too much backlash or play in the adjustment dial before anything happened.

The Vortex's are fantastic. They feel great in hand, and optically are very nice.

I'll be keeping the Yosemite's for sure. Every vehicle should have a set of these in them, good optics at a smokin' price. The perfect "truck set". The Elites are probably going to become my new backpack set. Sending back both Nikons. Undecided about the Vortex's. They are really nice, but bigger than I need and wondering when/where I would use them vs other glass I have.

Last edited by BlackFrog; 11/02/09.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,098
A
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
A
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,098
Originally Posted by Brad
The Elite 7x26 is one of the "best buys" in the binocular world IMO.


Yup.

My 1st generation 7x26's get carried more than my Mk 1 Swaro 7x and 8x SLC's--if I could find some used 1st generation custom compacts in great condition I'd buy 'em in a heartbet. Mine are getting a bit beat up. Fantastic eye relief, good optics, easy to use, very easy to carry.

I also have the 2nd generation, like them a lot too.

In the mid 90's, we compared the Zeiss vs Swaro vs Bushnell compacts one evening in New Mexico--the Ziess and Swaro owners were quite surprised......the Bushnells were better.

I think the 3rd generation is coming on the market.

Right now there are some good buys on the 2nd generation.


Casey


Casey

Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively...
Having said that, MAGA.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,098
A
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
A
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,098
My 1st generation are identical, only they are 1981 vintage and carry the Bushnell name. Allegedly, Bushnell designed these, and they were built in the B&L plant.

Only yours are in much better shape than mine..... cry


Casey


Originally Posted by RDFinn
I believe this is the one that started it all. I still have these, a Bushnell Custom Compact 7x26 with the B&L stampings. I bought these back in the late 70's after being very disappointed with a Zeiss 8x20 BG/A compact that had lots of glare issues. These were far better.

[Linked Image]


Casey

Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively...
Having said that, MAGA.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 19,804
T
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
T
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 19,804
I had a pair of what I suppose were "Gen 1" 7x26 and they were a great little glass. Only thing I didn't like was the focusing was a bit critical and moved too easily. Always had to refocus when I pulled them out.

Unfortunately someone else liked them and stole them.


"Be sure you're right. Then go ahead." Fess Parker as Davy Crockett

Moderated by  RickBin 

Link Copied to Clipboard
YB23

Who's Online Now
102 members (338reddog, 405joe, 7mm_Loco, 10gaugemag, 444Matt, 10 invisible), 1,360 guests, and 695 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums81
Topics1,187,589
Posts18,397,873
Members73,815
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023


 







Fish & Game Departments | Solunar Tables | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA
Hunting | Fishing | Camping | Backpacking | Reloading | Campfire Forums | Gear Shop
Copyright © 2000-2024 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.3.33 Page Time: 0.109s Queries: 14 (0.003s) Memory: 0.8687 MB (Peak: 0.9849 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-28 08:35:39 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS