Bushnell 7x26 Custom Compact-Help!

Folks,
I have owned these binoculars since I bought them new close to 29 years ago. I have just ordered a pair of Swarovski 10x25. I have all ways felt that the best Binoculars are the ones you have with you when you need them there fore I use the most portable and carry them most of the time. Here is my question. I know that Bushnell is not necessarily known for high-end optics. However these little bino's that I have had for years provide the most incredible clarity, 7-degree field of view, very bright and I can look through them for hours with no headache. I have looked through other binoculars of various qualities and none of them have exceeded these by very much if any at all for all around experience. Was there a period of time in which Bushnell had some extraordinary optics or some thing? These binoculars still have the made in Japan sticker on them. I have always wondered about this and have even had others look through them to find that they agree as well in terms of the viewing experience. Any input on these binoculars would sure be appreciated.
Dan Halstead

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I also have a pair of the Bushnell 7 x 26 Custom Compact binoculars, which I bought as long as twenty years ago, if not more. They were the first pair I ever bought. They remain a fine glass, and actually survived nearly a year lost beneath my former sister in law's carseat! Among other things, their eye relief is adequate for my myopic correction.

Out of the ten or so pair that I own at the moment, if I had to keep just two, these would be one, along with my Pentax DCF SP 10 x 43's. They only deficit this design has would be that the apparent field of view is just 50 degrees, for a true total field of about 50 degrees, but that is an inherent and unavoidable limitation of smaller diameter eyepieces.

They may not meet all of your birding needs, but they are perfect for an every day carry in your briefcase pair, or, for travel where the weight and bulk of a larger pair might prove a problem. And, presuming your sports coat pocket is large enough, they make fine theater glases. For anyone who does not have a compact binocular already, they might well consider the current B&L version, available for just over $200.

My advice would be: don't sell them, but use them and don't lose them!