Bushnell Custom 7x35
The Bushnell Custom 7x35 was a very popular glass, especially with birders. It had a combination of premium construction, a moderately compact body, and excellent optics with both a reasonable field of view and good eye relief. I consider the Bushnell "Custom" style a landmark in binocular design. Here are some features of the Bushnell Custom series:
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Robust construction - note the improved eyepiece bridge |
| Extensive baffling, very few light leaks |
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Good eye relief with twist-up eyecups |
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Well corrected eyepieces (usually 5 element) |
The 7x35 Custom was originally made by Fuji Photo Optical starting in 1959. Around 1964 a version from Kowa was introduced, according to Bushnell sales records. The records do not indicate if this was a complete switchover or how long this continued. Later versions bear the "BOL" mark. I do not know what manufacturer "BOL" stands for, if any (see the Bushnell Featherlight II 6x35). Please contact me if you have any information about this.
Shown below are two versions. Though fairly close in performance, there are some significant differences between them.
FPO version, Serial No. 20250
Mfr: J-B8 Fuji Photo Optical, J-E55
Date: circa 1963-65
AFOV: ~54 degrees
TFOV: 7 degrees 40'
Eye Relief: 19mm
Prisms: high index
Weight: ~650g
The FPO version is better in some ways to the BOL version. Although its FOV is slightly less, the FPO has better edge correction, being nearly sharp and in focus to the edge of the field. It is also better mechanically, with click stop diopter settings and much lighter weight.
BOL version
Mfr: Unknown, BOL mark, no J- marks
Date: circa 1970's
AFOV: ~56 degrees
TFOV: 8 degrees
Eye Relief: 18mm
Prisms: high index
Weight: ~850g
This BOL version has the later style Bushnell badge. The diopter setting does not have click stops. The edge of the field is slightly out of focus, otherwise, the image is excellent. Although I prefer the FPO version, the BOL Custom is still a very nice binocular.