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Steiner 8x56mm Night Hunter XP Roof Prism

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    Posted: September/16/2012 at 17:25
I've been looking at these new Bino's from Steiner and wanted to ask here if anyone had any opinions on these?  While I am new to high end binocs, I've always been impressed with Steiner's quality every time I've used a pair.  I am into high end photography and riflescopes, so I have an appreciation for nice optics, and am in a position to finally get a nice pair of binoculars.  

I would be using these for birdwatching, nature, target spotting during indoor/outdoor target practice, and just about anything else you can use binoculars for.  

I can't seem to find a good review of these, as I think they are new to Steiner's 2012 lineup.  

I'd appreciate any feedback or opinions you an provide before I purchase.  

Thanks!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gulf1263 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/16/2012 at 20:45
IMHO you should check out a quality pair of 7x42's or 8x50's, they are much lighter, fairly compact and much easier to use in the field.
The Europeans use the Zeiss 8x56 FL's from blinds or stands and don't move around much with them, they are very large and heavy.
The Zeiss 8x56 FL has a very good reputation, the Meopta 8x50 and 8x56 are nice and a little cheaper than the Steiner though I have never compared the two.
Again these are very specialized glasses, the 7x42's are a much better all around glass as are the 8x42's or 8x50's.
Very few peoples eyes can open up to 7mm and make use of the extra light, however the Zeiss FL because of it's eye piece design and coatings is an exception, neither the Meopta or Steiner are a Zeiss 8x56 FL.
Ilya uses the Meopta 7x42's and really likes them, I believe that for the price you will be hard pressed to find a better glass.
Again, the 8x56's reputation was made by Zeiss (the first design being Hensoldt) and then the FL's, what you are looking at are not Zeiss.
I have used the 8x56 Hensoldt design, great glass in it's day but I was much, much younger with eyes that could open up fully and take advantage of the extra light gathering ability.
Today I use 7x42's, I guess I am collecting them...Zeiss FL's, Leica Ultra HD's, Bausch and Lomb Discover's, etc.
That's the truth and I am sticking to it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/16/2012 at 21:26
So you think I'd be OK with a quality 8X42?  I guess I was looking at the 8X56 because of the extra light gathering ability, and I figured since they were only $150 more I'd just go for it.  But if a good 8X42 would work, I would certainly consider it.  

As far as size, I've lugged camera lenses around, so I know that size does matter when going out on a long hike or day with these.  Since I have no frame of reference and am new to binoculars (high quality ones, at least) I'm not sure which way to go.  

Just for conversation's sake, and since I was already looking at stainers, I pulled up a comparison of the nighthunter and predator 8X42's.  Now I know good glass, and how it can make a difference in photography, but is the nighthunter's quality and coating worth the extra $500?  

On another note, I'm also open to any other suggestions.. I am trying to stay within the $1K mark.  

Thanks again for your advice and time, I appreciate it. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/16/2012 at 23:15
after further review, I'm also looking at the Zeiss Conquest HD 8X42, which has a similar price point.  

Can anyone provide any feedback?  

After going a lot of research, I'm learning that Steiner may not have the best reputation (well, as much as I thought they would), but perhaps this is because of their entry level offerings?  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote boats Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2012 at 09:15
Being a Swarovski fan with both 8x20 shirt pocket size and 7x30 regular glass always admired the 8x56's  However considering cost weight and bulk never bought a pair.  In the CG at sea we always used 7x50's 50 mm or larger is great for low light. Cash to burn, no worries about how much use it would get, 8x56 for sure.  And no doubt would use the 7x30's 95% of the time.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2012 at 09:23
This are suppose to be the best set Steiner makes.  http://swfa.com/Steiner-8x44-Peregrine-XP-Binocular-P6739.aspx

THey are on discontinued closeout.  Those that have used them say they run with the best of the best.

Unless low light is everything for your needs.  I would consider these, if you are wanting Steiners.  I have always ran 10x binos, currently I use Zeiss Victory 10x45s and they work great for all the low light looking I do.  I would imagine a 8x42 would only be better. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote boats Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2012 at 10:45
It's personal but I always go lower power. This because most of my use is scanning, hunting or in the boat fishing looking for birds and Nav Aids.  Few times I have gone out with Birdwatchers they listen or have somebody point out a bird, spot it for identification then move on. All use 10's and question my 7x30's
 
Look around all day lower power is easy on the eyes. Want to spot I use a compact 25x spotting scope. But it's a choice you have to make on your own. I could see trophy hunting out west pair of 10x42's may take the place of the 7's and spotting scope.  Deer Stand in the East I always carry a little spotter in additon to the binocs.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timberbuck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/17/2012 at 12:57
No question about it-go for the Zeiss Conquest HD.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/18/2012 at 00:13
I just ordered the Zeiss conquest 8X42 HD.  Glad I took my time to do the research, I think the 8X56 would have been a little too bulky for carrying on hikes.  

Also, I was able to demo one at a local outdoors shop, and was VERY impressed by it's optical quality.  I also demoed a few of the Swarovski binocs, and found that the Zeiss was just as good (to me), especially for the price.  
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