OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - STEINER BINOCULARS
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

STEINER BINOCULARS

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
RICK WILKINSON View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: March/11/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 37
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RICK WILKINSON Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: STEINER BINOCULARS
    Posted: March/11/2004 at 23:55
I NEED SOME INPUT ON THE STEINER LINE OF BINOCULARS?  I AM MOST INTERESTED IN THE NIGHTHUNTER SERIES, ESPECIALLY THE 8 X 56 MODEL.  ANY REVIEWS, COMMENTS, OR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.  I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH THE ZEISS AND SWAROVSKI SLC, BOTH IN 8 X 56.  THESE ARE OUTSTANDING BINOCULARS,  BUT I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO SPEND A LITTLE LESS MONEY.
Back to Top
chasseur106 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/12/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 137
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote chasseur106 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2004 at 19:52

Hello Rick,

         Can't really say enough about how good the Steiner Predator 8X32 bino are that I have.  They were a good deal more money than the Bushnell and Nikon's that I looked at and I figured that if I were to get into expensive binocular purchases, that I should start here and see if they were as good as I suspected they might be. I like their light weight and ease of handling quickly..   I liked the Swarovski as well, but like you I wanted to keep more of my money in my pocket.  So far, after two seasons, they have held up really well.  I do not know much about their Nighthunter series, but I suspect that you will be pleased with them as well.  I am now going to be saving for their Predator in 10X42 model.  I do have other midrange priced binoculars, but they do not have the green transmission coating that does seem to make a difference to me. The other nice feature is the side blocking of extraneous light.

          

Back to Top
Steiner Factory View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: March/17/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steiner Factory Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/17/2004 at 13:46

The Nighthunters are very bright, especially the 8x56.   When we measured lighttransmission across the visible color spectrum comparing to the Zeiss and Swaro 8x56 models, the Nighthunter actually came out ahead across the entire tranmission range over the other two.   So don't look at the Steiner's as cost savings, but rather as the low light advantage.  The peak transmission for the 8x56 Nighthunter is in the 96-97% range, which is extremely high for a binocular, if not record setting.

The reason they cost a little less is also an advantage; they are a porro body style, which costs less to manufacture but has the great advantage of giving a very high depth of field; perfect for low light glassing - you set the focus once and everything is sharp from about 25 yards on out.    With a roof prism, you get slightly more compact size, but lack the depth of field and you will have to focus and re-focus more often.  The weight is about the same, in fact the Steiner is usually lighter becasue of the use of composites and polycarbonate materials, which are very durable and also very light.

Hope this info is helpful.

Sven Harms, Steiner

 

Back to Top
SAKO 75 SS View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: March/31/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 37
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SAKO 75 SS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/31/2004 at 19:11

I RECENTLY SOLD A PAIR OF STEINER NIGHTHUNTER 8X56, THAT I USED TO DEER HUNT WITH. THEY ARE AWESOME IN LOW LIGHT. AS FAR AS USE IN LOW LIGHT THEY ARE EQUAL TO ZEISS, SWAROVSKI, AND LEICA. THE PORRO PRISM DESIGN THOUGH IS NOT AS DURABLE AS THE MORE EXPENSIVE ROOF PRISM DESIGN. THE STEINER NIGHT HUNTERS HAVE A 30 YEAR WARRANTY VERSUS FULLY TRANSFERABLE THAT ZEISS OFFERS. THE STEINER HAVE THE AUTO FOCUS WHICH IF YOU GLASS WITH THEM FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WILL STRAIN YOUR EYES. I SOLD MY STEINERS SO I COULD AFFORD TO BUY THE ZEISS VICTORY 8X56. I STUDIED A LOT ABOUT THE ZEISS VICTORY BINOCULARS AND I REALLY BELIEVE THESE ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD, AND AFTER YOU BUY A PAIR OF ZEISS YOU WILL NEVER NEED TO MAKE ANOTHER DECISION ABOUT WHICH BRAND OF BINOCULARS TO BUY.

Back to Top
Steiner Factory View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: March/17/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steiner Factory Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/01/2004 at 08:19

The best thing the Victory have going for them are the optics; they're very good, have decent brightness and excellent resolution.   Durability however, is a different story - we ran a number of field tests on this glass and found it to be more fragile and far less waterproof than the Nighthunters, even with the Nighthunters extended lens barrels.   

We sell the Nighthunters best to low -light experienced users, there is absolutely no eyestrain on the NH'sl, in fact, the high depth of field in low light is a tremendous advantage over center-focus style binoculars.  CF style roofs have specific "focus windows" which are in most cases about 20 or so yards of depth for every time you need to readjust the focus.   Needless to say, this is difficult in extreme shadows or darkness.

[IMG]http://www.pioneer-research.com/images/graphic05.gif" border="1" alt="" />Phone: (800) 257-7742 | Fax: (856) 866-8615 Pioneer Research | 97 Foster Road Suite 5 | Moorestown, NJ | 08057
Back to Top
Roy Finn View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Steiner Junkie

Joined: April/05/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4856
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2004 at 21:52
The Steiner " Sports Auto Focus " feature is a tremendous feature to have when viewing during low light conditions I own 5 pairs of Steiners and I love all of them. My last purchase was a pair of 8 x 42 Predator's which are absolutely great hunting binoculars. Before you write the check for the Predator's, take a look through their new 8 or 10 x42 Peregrine roof prism glasses. They cost a little more, but they feature a broad band coating system as opposed to the Predator coating which is designed to enhance the color of game ( red/brown ) spectrum. They are also a tad bit brighter. You will be very pleased with either choice. Check out their web site @ www.steiner-binoculars.com for more info. My 8 x 42 Predators are my favorite, and they go on all of my hunting trips and I don't see that changing anytime soon. On a last note, the folks at Pioneer Research are among the finest most knownledgeable people I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with. I hope this helps you in some way.
Back to Top
chasseur106 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/12/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 137
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote chasseur106 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/09/2004 at 11:02

OK.. There have been a lot of fine testimonials here about binocs.   A subject that I have recently become very interested in knowing more about, since I am to go on an Idaho elk hunt this year; should my finances hold out.  However, I have only the limited experience of my own research.  To the guy that owns 5 pair of Steiner's, WHY? 

         To the guys at SWFA, are the Peregrine's better than the Predators?  I do not have the funds to buy 4 other binoc's on my quest to own the best!  I just want to be reasonably up on top of the optics pyramid.  I was considering the Leica Geovid's (? Laser Range Finder's?), to sort of cut down on the weight of the amount of gear I would be traveling with, and also have one less thing to carry/forget.  I would also say that Warranty is pretty important when you start spending $1000.00 ++  for optics that are not mounted to a rifle.  Does anyone else share this view?

          I went to the Steiner website to answer a few questions of my own and came away with more questions than I went there with... 

          I do not see a need to know the specific range as long as I can hit what I am aiming at, which is my quest when I went to this new range in my area that has steel silhouettes at 300- 550 yards.  Even the 1000 yard buffalo, is fun to shoot with a .300 Win mag!  Has anyone else gone out west and found the Steiner line of Predators to be more than adequate?

             I guess it is all a matter of personal preference, but I would like to know anyone's opinion regarding this last question.

              Thanks,

                Chasseur106  (French for "hunter")

          

Back to Top
jeffleesr View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: April/15/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jeffleesr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/15/2004 at 15:51
Consider the 7x50 Night Hunters they are excellent. They are much lighter and smaller. You can't get any better light transmission.
Back to Top
Roy Finn View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Steiner Junkie

Joined: April/05/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4856
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/18/2004 at 14:16
Chasseur106, Why more than one pair of binoculars? You must be kidding! Do you know of ANY hunters that have one rifle? You will be very pleased with the Predator 10x42's.!!!
Back to Top
Chris Farris View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
swfa.com

Joined: October/01/2003
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 8024
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2004 at 09:57

The Predator binoculars were made for hunting and they really perform in that arena.  The coatings really do make animals stand out against their back grounds.  The Peregrine line was designed for bird watchers and has more emphasis on true color representation, close focus, etc.

 

Predator Optics

Predator Predator-Coating

Wildlife hidden by dense foliage: whatever you need to spot - nothing escapes the Predator´s eyes! The revolutionary Steiner Predator lens coating increases contrast in wooded and camouflaged backgrounds and makes animals much easier to detect with the human eye. Simply put, the green coating blocks out green and blue (the colors of foliage and haze) and boosts browns and reds. The added contrast is impressive.

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.375 seconds.