Hi Frank...I have also had my tiny 10x26 Steiner Wildlife binoculars for about the same length of time - still use it often 😜👍It was partly the inspiration for a video I made about out-of-date/old stock binoculars and if they are still relevant now, not sure if you have seen it: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/are-out-of-date-old-stock-binoculars-still-worth-buying-now-06/
Yeah sure the daytime view may be comparable but not the night time view where the Steiner Commander 7X30 totally fails and is unusable. That's unacceptable for any binocular in it's price range.
had one for a couple of years and the rubber/ plastic outer just disintegrated and came apart/ loose from the main body , never would go steiner again, gone for Kowa yf 6x30, much better clarity and more durable outer armor
Hi, the good news is they are actually on their way from the US to me as we speak - Obviously I need to fully test them out first, but keep an eye out for the review coming soon! 😜👍
Yes most definitely. It is not quite as convenient as a central focus wheel that adjust both simultaneously and you still usually cant get quite as close, but I do it often. Thanks for the comment Armando - I should have remembered to say this in the video. If anyone is interested, I have more on Individual Focus Binoculars using the Diopter Adjusters here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/self_focusing_binoculars.php
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for your response! Still... I'm a bit impatient maybe, as I just wrote this with the intention of add information... and kept watching just to hear you saying exactly that :-)
Thanks for the video. I like the robust feeling of Steiner binoculars. And once I had a Rallye 8x30. But my earlier experience of Steiners(even with some more expensive series) is a huge amount of reflexions and light circles due to glossy inner tube. Did you notice that with Navigator pro 7x30? I am interested to know if Steiner has solved this problem.
@@patricj951 My 1999 Military and Marine Steiners do show that problem, agravatted by the short objetive arms german (zeissish) style porro design. Steiner has improved the internal coatings and the darkening of the interior to solve that problem, starting with the Niighthunter/Shadowquest series. But most of that series were long arm Bausch and Lomb style porros. That tells you something.
What about the Fujinon 7x28 Marine with independent eye focus? We need more 7x 28 to 32 binos in the market with IEF. The more common 10x compact binos with center focus are just too dark and delicate for hiking and kayaking.
Hi Ricardo, yes I agree, whilst I have not used it, the 7x28 Fujinon Marine ( www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/buy-binoculars.php?binocular=Fujinon%20Marine%207x28&typeofproduct=Binoculars&id=brand ) looks like a more than decent choice
@@Bestbinocularsreviews The 7x28 Fuji has been adopted by the US and Canadian armies. The bigger Fujis are replacing the Steiners in the US Navy, and the astronomy crew seem to love them. A friend of mine who is an advanced amateur stargazer, avanced enough to work with professional astronomers in Chile (he is an engineer), and publishes in astronomy magazines, said that the FMT -SX family are the kings of the astronomy hill right now, optically beating Alpha German/Austrian Dachs that cost 3 times more for astronomy jobs. Before that Fujis had my interest, now they have my attention.
I just got my first Fujis FMTR-SX, a 7X50 bought second hand from a tugboat captain. They are truly amazing. despite the external battering they took while being mariner tools, they are optically as new. Tough piece of equipment. Now I need their little brothers.
Hi Sean, No sorry I have not had them in for testing - but I think in terms of the quality etc, this should give you a good idea and if anything the 7x50 will just be better all round - with the down side of being larger and heavier.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews I bought the Navigator 7x50 a couple of weeks ago and love them! I used them on Long Island sound on the ferry I take to New England and saw so many details I could not see before. Your website and TH-cam channel is an excellent source of information and is the best I have found. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
@@seannielsen6587 Hi Sean, Many thanks for the feedback, it is really interesting and much appreciated. Also many thanks for the kind words, I am glad to have been of some assistance and really happy that you found binoculars that are well suited to your needs and enjoy using.
I was looking for binos with individual focus, since I have mixed astigmatism. Plus I do birdwatching and this is the only lightweight pair out there for long observations. Would you recommend them in this case? Thank you.
Hi, yes I would certainly recommend them as a small lightweight pair of binoculars for birding with individual eye-piece focus. However the 7x magnification is ideally suited to closer ranges. When you say "long observations" are you referring to the length of time or distance?
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for your quick response! I meant to observe for a long time. So can you also confirm me the individual eye-piece focus is more appropriate for a mixed astigmatic person?
@@valerio1292 In which case, yes a 7x magnification is great for general, closer range birding like in your garden or forests etc. So something like a 7x30 would be a good lightweight option for example these Steiners: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Steiner-Navigator-Pro-7x30-Binoculars-Review-268.htm even though they are aimed at beating, I have found them to be excellent for birding and they have the individual eyepiece focus system. As for if an individual eye-piece focus is more appropriate for a mixed astigmatic person - to be honest, I am not sure - I am in no way an eye or vision specialist. Perhaps someone else who reads this can help or comment?
One tip with Indepent Eye Focus Steiners, They have fixed focus from 20 meters to infinte, cool for use from moving vehicles like boats or helicopters or watching moving targets in airshows, migratory birds, of sports events. But useless for bird watching inside the 20 meter distance unless you took a lot of time to change the focus. I had the 7x50 classic Military and Marine for the last 20 years. I also have one eye astigmatism, the settin on right eye is very different than in the left one that is near 0.
Hi Goram.. wow you are in luck as I actually have just received the 8x24 Wildlife binocular from Steiner - crazy coincidence - anyway i am currently testing them so look out for the review in the next few weeks! - Make sure to subscribe and hit that bell if you want to make sure you don't miss it ;-)
Oh no, sorry to hear that - are you sure? - I had not heard anything from Steiner - anyways you say if it is true, get them whilst they are still in stock!
@@BestbinocularsreviewsI was just searching around for a pair after reading your latest review and it does appear discontinued... seems Steiner has 'updated' the model, now called just the Navigator 7x30, here: (www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/navigator-7x30 ) Love to know what you think if & when you get the chance - anyway thanks for all the helpful information.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews sorry, I was trying to identify an old pair of binoculars I just found but it seems that they are just a random manufacturer from japan? I really can't find any info on them.
any info you may have would be appreciated...i believe they may be from when Japan was occupied after ww2...i can't find the brand name which appears to be GALAXY
Hi! I'm looking for ground search and rescue usage. Do you have any tips? It needs to be portable and have a range finder. Weight is also a problem. Tips? Thank you!
Hi, thanks for the question - I do have a guide to some good 10x42 rangefinder binoculars, which has a number of suggestions in a range of prices that I think would be ideal: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/rangefinder/best-10x42-laser-rangefinder-binoculars.php I am not aware of mid or compact sized binoculars with a rangefinder, so think a standard sized 42mm binocular is about as small and lightweight as you will get - hope this helps
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Many tactical binoculars has a rangefinding scale that can be used if you cant use a laser rangefinder. That is another option, Steiner has several.
Hi there, good question - but no, rather confusingly they are all essentially the same thing: different brands use words like auto focus, focus free or self focusing for marketing purposes. For more info, I go through them all in detail here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/self_focusing_binoculars.php
Some brand have cheap binis that come with a one size fits all focus, a permanent focus. Autofocus is more really Independent eye hyperfocus. When you focus independelty each eye to infinte, and the eyes do the final focusing on a deep hyperfocus, yet they are not really fully autofocusing, I have discovered with the Steiners and they Fujis that they do have different focus for day and night. Their night focus will work during the day but with a longer minimun focus distance, and their day focus will get you seen double stars at night where are there only single stars.
I have a Steiner Nighthunter 8X30 XP, but I am not at all satisfied with the image quality. The image has a yellow-green tint, strong distortion and not at all clear, and it costs 500 euros. I also have an Olympus EXPS 8x42, but it is much better than the Steiner in every way. Olympus EXPS it has beautiful colors, is clear, has no distortion and costs 150 euros
Hi, If you like the Steiner brand, they do make some pretty good compact binoculars as well. I like the twin hinge design they use which allows them to fold up into a tiny shape: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/steiner-binoculars.php
I have a Steiner Safari 9x40 for 20 years. It has excellent coating giving me true and bright images. It is a binocular with exceptional value!
Hi Frank...I have also had my tiny 10x26 Steiner Wildlife binoculars for about the same length of time - still use it often 😜👍It was partly the inspiration for a video I made about out-of-date/old stock binoculars and if they are still relevant now, not sure if you have seen it: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/are-out-of-date-old-stock-binoculars-still-worth-buying-now-06/
I have Steiner safari pro 8×30 . its beautiful piece.
If possible, buy 7x30 commander xp version. The daytime view is comparable to premium 7x50s such as Fujinon FMT and Nikon SP.
And nighttime? A compact astronomy binoular for traveling?
@@ricardosoto5770 Nightime view is very nice too, however, it cannot defy physics.
@@ricardosoto5770Steiner NightHunter Xtreme 8x30 Low Light Performance Compact Porro Binocular.
Yeah sure the daytime view may be comparable but not the night time view where the Steiner Commander 7X30 totally fails and is unusable. That's unacceptable for any binocular in it's price range.
Would love to see a review for Steiner Predator 8x30. I am curious about their CAT coating that supposed to give high contrast.
Hi - you are in luck as I have actually reviewed them: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Steiner-Predator-AF-8x30-Binoculars-Review-246.htm
had one for a couple of years and the rubber/ plastic outer just disintegrated and came apart/ loose from the main body , never would go steiner again, gone for Kowa yf 6x30, much better clarity and more durable outer armor
Please try out the new Vortex Diamondback 15x56
Hi, the good news is they are actually on their way from the US to me as we speak - Obviously I need to fully test them out first, but keep an eye out for the review coming soon! 😜👍
@@Bestbinocularsreviews hahah thats perfect👌 thanks sir!
If in any moment you need a closer focus, just adjust the two sides accordingly again and there you have it
Yes most definitely. It is not quite as convenient as a central focus wheel that adjust both simultaneously and you still usually cant get quite as close, but I do it often. Thanks for the comment Armando - I should have remembered to say this in the video. If anyone is interested, I have more on Individual Focus Binoculars using the Diopter Adjusters here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/self_focusing_binoculars.php
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for your response! Still... I'm a bit impatient maybe, as I just wrote this with the intention of add information... and kept watching just to hear you saying exactly that :-)
@@armandCodes That is great, I know I meant to mention it in the video, but I just could not remember if I actually did :-)
Thanks for the video. I like the robust feeling of Steiner binoculars. And once I had a Rallye 8x30. But my earlier experience of Steiners(even with some more expensive series) is a huge amount of reflexions and light circles due to glossy inner tube.
Did you notice that with Navigator pro 7x30?
I am interested to know if Steiner has solved this problem.
Hi Patric - no, these certainly did not exhibit the issues you describe, nor indeed have any other Steiner's that I have used?
@@Bestbinocularsreviews My experience of Steiners are 15-20 years old so I guess Steiner has changed it to the better.
@@patricj951 My 1999 Military and Marine Steiners do show that problem, agravatted by the short objetive arms german (zeissish) style porro design. Steiner has improved the internal coatings and the darkening of the interior to solve that problem, starting with the Niighthunter/Shadowquest series. But most of that series were long arm Bausch and Lomb style porros. That tells you something.
What about the Fujinon 7x28 Marine with independent eye focus? We need more 7x 28 to 32 binos in the market with IEF. The more common 10x compact binos with center focus are just too dark and delicate for hiking and kayaking.
Hi Ricardo, yes I agree, whilst I have not used it, the 7x28 Fujinon Marine ( www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/buy-binoculars.php?binocular=Fujinon%20Marine%207x28&typeofproduct=Binoculars&id=brand ) looks like a more than decent choice
@@Bestbinocularsreviews The 7x28 Fuji has been adopted by the US and Canadian armies. The bigger Fujis are replacing the Steiners in the US Navy, and the astronomy crew seem to love them. A friend of mine who is an advanced amateur stargazer, avanced enough to work with professional astronomers in Chile (he is an engineer), and publishes in astronomy magazines, said that the FMT -SX family are the kings of the astronomy hill right now, optically beating Alpha German/Austrian Dachs that cost 3 times more for astronomy jobs. Before that Fujis had my interest, now they have my attention.
I just got my first Fujis FMTR-SX, a 7X50 bought second hand from a tugboat captain. They are truly amazing. despite the external battering they took while being mariner tools, they are optically as new. Tough piece of equipment. Now I need their little brothers.
*Hi Jason, Steiner Safari UltraSharp 8x30 Or 10x30 Auto Focus+Hybrid Focus Porro Binoculars Review Video What is Time Production?*
I just noticed this video is for the 7x30 model and not the 7x50 model. Do you have video for the 7x50 Navigator Pro? Love your channel thank you.
Hi Sean, No sorry I have not had them in for testing - but I think in terms of the quality etc, this should give you a good idea and if anything the 7x50 will just be better all round - with the down side of being larger and heavier.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews I bought the Navigator 7x50 a couple of weeks ago and love them! I used them on Long Island sound on the ferry I take to New England and saw so many details I could not see before. Your website and TH-cam channel is an excellent source of information and is the best I have found. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
@@seannielsen6587 Hi Sean, Many thanks for the feedback, it is really interesting and much appreciated. Also many thanks for the kind words, I am glad to have been of some assistance and really happy that you found binoculars that are well suited to your needs and enjoy using.
SILVA ETERNA NAVIGATOR 7X 50 .CAN YOU REVIEW THEM ?
I was looking for binos with individual focus, since I have mixed astigmatism. Plus I do birdwatching and this is the only lightweight pair out there for long observations. Would you recommend them in this case? Thank you.
Hi, yes I would certainly recommend them as a small lightweight pair of binoculars for birding with individual eye-piece focus. However the 7x magnification is ideally suited to closer ranges. When you say "long observations" are you referring to the length of time or distance?
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for your quick response!
I meant to observe for a long time. So can you also confirm me the individual eye-piece focus is more appropriate for a mixed astigmatic person?
@@valerio1292 In which case, yes a 7x magnification is great for general, closer range birding like in your garden or forests etc. So something like a 7x30 would be a good lightweight option for example these Steiners: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Steiner-Navigator-Pro-7x30-Binoculars-Review-268.htm even though they are aimed at beating, I have found them to be excellent for birding and they have the individual eyepiece focus system. As for if an individual eye-piece focus is more appropriate for a mixed astigmatic person - to be honest, I am not sure - I am in no way an eye or vision specialist. Perhaps someone else who reads this can help or comment?
One tip with Indepent Eye Focus Steiners, They have fixed focus from 20 meters to infinte, cool for use from moving vehicles like boats or helicopters or watching moving targets in airshows, migratory birds, of sports events. But useless for bird watching inside the 20 meter distance unless you took a lot of time to change the focus. I had the 7x50 classic Military and Marine for the last 20 years. I also have one eye astigmatism, the settin on right eye is very different than in the left one that is near 0.
Hi, can u please review 8x24 small steiner wildlife? Is that one any good?
Hi Goram.. wow you are in luck as I actually have just received the 8x24 Wildlife binocular from Steiner - crazy coincidence - anyway i am currently testing them so look out for the review in the next few weeks! - Make sure to subscribe and hit that bell if you want to make sure you don't miss it ;-)
@@Bestbinocularsreviews thanks heaps!
Unfortunately, these binoculars are now discontinued. Great review. Going to grab a pair while they are still available.
Oh no, sorry to hear that - are you sure? - I had not heard anything from Steiner - anyways you say if it is true, get them whilst they are still in stock!
@@BestbinocularsreviewsI was just searching around for a pair after reading your latest review and it does appear discontinued... seems Steiner has 'updated' the model, now called just the Navigator 7x30, here: (www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/navigator-7x30 ) Love to know what you think if & when you get the chance - anyway thanks for all the helpful information.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews yes, they've bought out a new version. I grabbed these older ones on sale.
what are galaxy binoculars? they have a box that goes with them if that helps
Hi, I am not sure what you mean?
@@Bestbinocularsreviews sorry, I was trying to identify an old pair of binoculars I just found but it seems that they are just a random manufacturer from japan? I really can't find any info on them.
any info you may have would be appreciated...i believe they may be from when Japan was occupied after ww2...i can't find the brand name which appears to be GALAXY
Sorry I don't have any knowledge of them .. but hopefully someone else will see this and help you.
Hi! I'm looking for ground search and rescue usage. Do you have any tips? It needs to be portable and have a range finder. Weight is also a problem. Tips? Thank you!
Hi, thanks for the question - I do have a guide to some good 10x42 rangefinder binoculars, which has a number of suggestions in a range of prices that I think would be ideal: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/rangefinder/best-10x42-laser-rangefinder-binoculars.php I am not aware of mid or compact sized binoculars with a rangefinder, so think a standard sized 42mm binocular is about as small and lightweight as you will get - hope this helps
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Many tactical binoculars has a rangefinding scale that can be used if you cant use a laser rangefinder. That is another option, Steiner has several.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews thank you very much for your reply! I will look at them!
Does their "auto focus" differ from other brands that use the term perma-focus?
Hi there, good question - but no, rather confusingly they are all essentially the same thing: different brands use words like auto focus, focus free or self focusing for marketing purposes. For more info, I go through them all in detail here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/self_focusing_binoculars.php
Some brand have cheap binis that come with a one size fits all focus, a permanent focus. Autofocus is more really Independent eye hyperfocus. When you focus independelty each eye to infinte, and the eyes do the final focusing on a deep hyperfocus, yet they are not really fully autofocusing, I have discovered with the Steiners and they Fujis that they do have different focus for day and night. Their night focus will work during the day but with a longer minimun focus distance, and their day focus will get you seen double stars at night where are there only single stars.
awesome
I have a Steiner Nighthunter 8X30 XP, but I am not at all satisfied with the image quality. The image has a yellow-green tint, strong distortion and not at all clear, and it costs 500 euros. I also have an Olympus EXPS 8x42, but it is much better than the Steiner in every way. Olympus EXPS it has beautiful colors, is clear, has no distortion and costs 150 euros
NightHunter Xtreme 8x30 Binocular Better.
i like new Steiner, but is little to big.
Hi, If you like the Steiner brand, they do make some pretty good compact binoculars as well. I like the twin hinge design they use which allows them to fold up into a tiny shape: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/steiner-binoculars.php
@@Bestbinocularsreviews I will definitely research their models. TNX