Bushnell Elite 7x26 Custom Compact Binocular

When I was recently shopping for a new pair of compacts with better eye relief than the ones I have used for many years, I tested several different models in person, by visiting local optics dealers (tested on resolution charts, out windows, on shadowed and bright targets, etc). The new Custom Compacts were my favorites. For clarity, resolution and brightness, they beat everything I tried up to the $600 mark (although a couple of Pentax came close -- great resolution but noticeable narrower FOV). The real surprise was comparing them to the "pocket" 8x20 binoculars from Zeiss (Victory), Leica (Ultravid BCR), Swarovski (Pocket) and Nikon (LX). I liked the Bushnells as much or more than these, for 1/3-1/4 the price. Eye relief is perfect for me, the image is clear and bright, and they have a bit of the "porro prism" effect, perhaps best described as a more "expansive" feeling image than roof prism binoculars. True, they are not waterproof (immersible), but I have some nice small (but larger than the Bushnells) Vortex for really rough weather. Also, these aren't truly shirt-pocketable like the 20mm objective models, but they ride easily in cargo pants or a jacket pocket (measured dimensions are 3.5"H x 4.25"W). The 7x mag. is great for birding, and combined with a 10x full-sized pair, all your bases will be covered. For weight, size, price and overall image and build quality, I would highly recommend the E2 Custom Compacts to anyone (get the current ones, as the build is a little tougher than the previous plastic model and the coatings seem improved).