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**NEW** 8X Discoverer

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lucznik View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/19/2006 at 17:18
I was looking at Bushnell's website today and I noticed that in the Discoverer line, the 7x model has been discontinued and has been replaced by an 8x model. (I guess the 7x models just didn't sell well enough... ) I have said numerous times that I think the Discoverer line is one of the absolute best values on the market.

What is interesting about this is that the published 8x specs claim a field of view of 420 ft @ 1000 yds. This corresponds exactly with the FOV of the old 7x model so, I thought it was just a simple mistake. I called Bushnell's customer service to find out what the real FOV would be and they assured me that the 420 feet figure is correct. They said that "advances in technology" allowed them to retain this very wide FOV while increasing the magnification.

I remain skeptical (at best) but, if they hold true to their word, then this would I believe, be the widest 8x binocular on the market. I don't know if that would be enough to get me to go back to using an 8x binocular but, who knows...
I sure would like to at least try one out.
 
Chris (or anyone at SWFA,) can you confirm whether or not the new Discoverer really comes with the 420 foot FOV?  Have you any of these in stock yet?
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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SteveSF View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SteveSF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/19/2006 at 20:12

Thanks for the information, Lucznik. 

 

I heartily agree that this is great news, especially if its sharpness holds out to at least 70% from center (better than average).  Wide field roof prism binoculars aren't common enough. 

 

If you include 8.5x among your 8x category, I think that the Swift Audubon 8.5x44 porro prism is similar, or slightly wider, in FOV. 

 

Anyway, thanks again.  I look forward to more info.

 

 

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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/20/2006 at 16:17

Steve,

 

You are correct the Swift Autubon does have a slightly wider field (430 ft.)

 

It is however, a porro prism binocular so, you end up with a significantly more bulk package.  (Though this also means you may get better optical clarity - it would be fun to put them to the test.)

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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FrankD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/23/2006 at 10:15

lucznik,

 

As Steve mentioned above, I would be interested to see how much of that 420 foot wide FOV is going to be distorted. Though others feel differently I personally enjoy as wide of a focused field as possible. Half an image in focus and the rest distorted isn't entirely acceptable in my opinion unless we are talking about a budget bin where you would tend to expect it.

 

Since we are talking wide field of view in an 8x bin...what was the fov of the 8x Excursion? I seem to remember it being over 400 feet.

 

I would be interested in seeing this bin as well. If it has the same styling as the 7x model then it is sure to be a solid seller.

Frank
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/23/2006 at 19:09

FrankD,

 

The Excursion does indeed have a 426 ft FOV but, in my book it doesn't count as it has never impressed me as being a quality optic.  I have also never heard anything good about it from others.  For me, the Legend line is where the Bushnell products start to become acceptable.  Any of their lines lower than this (Excursion, H20, Powerview, Natureview, etc.) to me are just junk.

 

The styling for the 8x Discoverer is in fact, exactly the same as the 7x.  My understanding is that only the eyepeice has been changed to allow for the increase in magnification.

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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SteveSF View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SteveSF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/24/2006 at 08:41

I've just seen a listing with an advertising photo of this new 8x42.  (I'm not sure if it is proper for me to name the source.)  As Lucznik said, its styling is the same as the 7x42 and 10x42 roofs.  The price was listed at the same as these models were, too:  $360. 

 

Looking forward to user comments.

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