Bushnell has unveiled its new R7 Series of binoculars, a completely redesigned flagship range that replaces the long-running Forge Series and brings a new optical system aimed at birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and professional outdoor users. Available across five models, the range spans everything from a wide-field 8x42 through to a powerful 15x56 that Bushnell believes could even act as an alternative to a spotting scope in certain situations.
The biggest change comes inside. The R7 42mm and 50mm binoculars use Field Flattener lenses made from lanthanum glass, designed to correct the natural curvature of the image plane and maintain sharpness across almost the entire field of view. That should mean birds, wildlife and landscape details stay crisp not only in the centre, but right towards the edges as well. For anyone spending hours scanning trees or tracking moving subjects, that flatter and more consistent view could make a real difference.
Bushnell has also equipped every model with its ED Prime Glass, paired with dielectric prism coatings and PC3 Phase Coatings. The combination is designed to reduce chromatic aberration and colour fringing while improving contrast, resolution and colour accuracy. It should also help the R7 Series maintain a brighter image when conditions are less than ideal, whether you are observing wildlife beneath heavy tree cover or working around dawn and dusk.
Despite being positioned as Bushnell's new premium range, the R7 binoculars have been designed to remain relatively portable. A magnesium chassis and open-bridge construction keep the body strong without adding unnecessary weight, with the R7 8x42 and 10x42 measuring 14.9 x 12.9cm and weighing 770g. The 8x42 looks particularly interesting for birdwatching, offering a very wide 142-metre field of view at 1,000 metres, while the 10x42 delivers 115 metres. Moving up the range, the 10x50 offers 113 metres, while the 12x50 provides 97 metres.
The R7 15x56 takes a slightly different approach to the rest of the family. Rather than using the Field Flattener system, it employs Abbe-König prisms to maximise light transmission at its much higher 15x magnification. It offers a 78-metre field of view at 1,000 metres, 18.5mm of eye relief and a tripod adapter for longer viewing sessions. Bushnell also includes its BridgeSet IPD Stabilizer, effectively allowing you to lock your preferred interpupillary distance so the binoculars can quickly return to the same setting after being packed away or transported.
Viewing comfort appears to have been a major consideration across the entire range, too. Eye relief sits between 18mm and 19mm depending on the model, making the R7 Series particularly appealing to glasses and sunglasses wearers, while three interchangeable rubber eyecup designs are supplied for different viewing preferences. All five models are IPX7 waterproof and feature Bushnell's EXO Barrier coating to repel water, oil, dust and dirt, while the entire range is covered by Bushnell's Lifetime Warranty.
The R7 8x42 will cost $589.99 / £579.99, while the R7 10x42 is also $449.49 / £579.99. Both the R7 10x50 and R7 12x50 are priced at $519.99/£639.99. Sitting at the top of the range is the R7 15x56 at $669.99 / £849.99.
The four smaller models include a Bushnell Vault Lite Chest Pack, while the 15x56 comes with its own protective case and BridgeSet IPD Stabilizer.
