Binoculars - Is Bushnell any good?

calyth

calyth

#!/bin/sh of a man
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Feb 23, 2002
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I know that the Carl Zeiss stuff is the probably the best stuff, but I couldn't afford it.
I wouldn't mind having a compoact binoculars, about 5-8x. Is the brand Bushnell any good.
Better yet, can someone point me to some optics review site?
 
I have some nice little Bushnell 10x25s and I can assure you that Bushnell makes quality optics.

Jeff
 
Cool, I would like something quite small, maybe it would fit a generous size jacket pocket. minimum 5x, got any ideas?
 
If you really want something "quite small", take a look at the Zeiss 5x10 Mini Quick monocular. Pricey at $90 - $100, but extremely clear and small. About the size of a fountain pen.

Steiner 8x20 Predator is a bullet proof compact binocular at around $150.

Bushnell is probably your best bet at the $50 or less price range.

Paul
 
I second the Zeiss Mini Quick. That is one bright and clear monocular! I think the retail is $89, but you can do a little better on the internet. Gonna have to get me one of those; the Zeiss 10x25 monocular I currently own is maybe a little too powerful.
 
Go here:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bauslom8xroo.html

That's the best deal on the net right now for a good set of compact binocs. Bausch & Lomb is bushnell's parent company. They make the Bushnell stuff in china these days and while very cheap, their optic wuality leaves a lot to be desired. The Bushnell's I linked to are made in Japan and were originally $165.00, but can be had refurbished for $33.39 shipped! I found them when I was doing research a few months ago to replace my old Bushnell 8x35s (also had Bushnell 8x21s) that had been in for repair twice and still looked like hell. I looked at ALL the major players and eventually bought a nice set of Zeiss 10x40s that I really love, so I do have a reference to compare others to.

The little Legacy 8x20s are a true roof prism design with BAK-4 prisms (top quality) and IMHO can really only be beat by the likes of Zeiss and Leica. I bought a pair and gave my wife my old Bushnell 8x21s. When she compared the two, she adopted my new Bausch & Lombs, so I ordered another pair. I like them enough that I bought some more to give as Christmas gifts. I've had at least five friends buy them on my recommendation and all have glowed about the optics quality.

Here's a link to my old thread about my research and some links to sites that will teach you all you want to know about binoculars:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=228690&highlight=binoculars

jmx
 
How about Steiner's 8x22 for $80?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=55596

Specially coated lenses cut glare and distortion by filtering out UV rays
100% water resistant (nitrogen purged)
Fogproof
Shockproof
Protective rubber-armored body
Smooth center focusing with right eye diopter for fine tuning
F.O.V. @ 1,000 yds. is 393'
BaK-4 roof prism ensures clarity
Weigh just 6 ozs.
Come with neck strap
Soft rubber eyecups for eyeglass wearers
10-year limited Steiner® Warranty.
 
I got that Steiner: it's the Safari model. Very nice.

I have a Zeiss Mini Quick for daily carry. I keep it in a sheath with a LensPen. But it isn't in the same class as a reasonably good binocular because it hasn't got the power or the field of view for extended, serious work. It's like bird-watching through a soda straw -- just finding the target is a hassle, and details are a total loss. It is good for reconnaissance and is bright enough because of the low power for spotting in the woods.
 
Thanks for all the help. I was thinking about the Zeiss Monocular, but I was wondering how well they would work. I'll check out all the stuff you guys suggested. Thanks lots!
 
Don't let my last remarks turn you away from the Zeiss. It is an excellent piece of equipment. I've had a few cheap monoculars, and they aren't worth the trouble in comparison. The Zeiss gives you a crystal clear image. I just came back from a quick stroll down a local nature trail, and I brought the Zeiss along, and ended up checking out some birds on the power lines overhead. Very handy.
 
I just picked up a pair of Pentax 8x28 DCF WP binos for $190. Maybe a bit pricey for what you're looking for, but they are excellent. Definitely the best compact binoculars I've used.
 
you might also check out wind river. they are imported by leupold. i think they are a very good value.
 
Cool.
Well I was used to monoculars, but then I realized how much I hate to adjust the binoculars so that I don't get this odd feeling when I'm looking through it.
I'll probably reconsider the Zeiss. I just wish they were a tad cheaper.
 
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