Bushnell 7 x 26 Elite

How does the new version Bushnell 7 x 26 custom Elite compare to its predecessor, the Bushnell custom compact?
And is it really $100 better than the Pentax 6.5x21mm Papilio?

Hi

Optically, they are very similar, though the original B&L Audubon version of the Custom Compact was not fully multi-coated. Most of the later Bushnell versions were, though, including the current Elite version. All versions of the Custom Compact have excellent optics, though. I have seen no downgrading, here, over the years. By the way, I have the original B&L and still use it all the time, right alongside my expensive Leica, Swarovski Zeiss and Nikon Premier compacts. Really is that good.

As for construction, some of the intermediate Bushnell versions were more plastic than metal, but that has changed with the new Elite version. Mechanically, it is probably the best built version yet.