Today’s question comes from a very lucky person who is about to go on safari in Rwanda and Uganda, is looking for some safari binoculars and can’t decide between the Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5×28 binoculars and the Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8×30′s:

Question

In September I’m going to Rwanda. From there we will visit Uganda to go on safari. Your site has been a great help for me to find out what to take with me! While searching for binoculars on your site I bumped into the Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5X28. So I went looking for it on the internet. Now I have seen that there is another (newer?) Wildlife Pro CF 8X30. Is there any chance you have information about this one and about the differences between these two binoculars?
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer

The Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8X30′s are quite different to the Wildlife Pro 10.5X28′s, with both having their advantages and dis-advantages over each other, yet both would work well as a safari binocular, especially in harsher environments like Rwanda and Uganda.

So to choose between them you just have to decide which of their main features and advantages are most important to you and to help with this I have listed their advantages over the other below:

Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5X28

• More Compact – easy to pack into your luggage and carry with you whilst on safari – could be especially important on walking safaris especially if you want to carry other equipment with you like a camera
• Lighter – also helps with carrying
• 10.5x magnification – gets you closer to the action

Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8X30
These have what Steiner call their “Sports-Auto-Focus Plus” focusing mechanism – which basically combines fixed focusing with a standard central focusing wheel – meaning that they have a very good depth of field as all objects from “20 metres away can be seen in sharp contrast and with sharp margins without any additional adjustments” – yet you can still use the central focusing wheel to focus on nearby objects.

• 8x magnification – slightly easier to keep image staeady
• No focusing needed from 20m means less chance of missing something
• Wider Field of View (120m @ 1000m) – see more in your view without having to move the binoculars – find and follow birds and wildlife easier
• Larger objective lenses – means that have the potential to produce a brighter image and therefore work better in low or poor light conditions like early morning, just before sunset or in thickly forested areas. The actual brightness obviously depends on the quality of the glass and their coatings (transmittance) – I have not reviewed these so cannot comment, but in generl of the Steiner’s that I have used they tend to be pretty good

Other than that they are fairly close in that they are both waterproof and cost pretty much the same amount:

Buy And Compare Prices

Use this page to quickly compare prices of these Steiner binoculars: Where to Buy Steiner Binoculars

Alternatives

In my opinion also well worth considering are:

Mid Sized Binocular
The excellent Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars, that won the award for the Best Safari & Travel Binocular in 2010

Compact Binocular
Eschenbach 10×28 Farlux B Silver Binoculars

More Information

• More About Steiner Binoculars

Question

I am looking for a pair of high magnification binoculars to be used primarily for deer hunting from a blind or stand. Weight and price are not constraints. I want the best optic quality and balance between light gathering and magnification. I am typically aging and rough scoring deer from 100+ yards, which is why the magnification is important to me. I appreciate any suggestion you might have for me.

Answer

Many people ask me about hunting binoculars, wanting to know what to get and don’t really give me any more details than that, so it is great that you are being a little more specific. As I suggest in my section on Binoculars for Hunting, the general rule is that a wider field of view is more important than the magnification and an easy to carry binocular is better than a larger bulkier one. But this is a general rule and assumes that there is tracking involved, possibly in dense vegetation, meaning that you need to carry the binocular with you, possibly for great distances.

So what if you are hunting from a hide (blind or stand) and there is some wide open areas where you can spot game at larger distances?

Magnification
The good news is that because you are in a hide, the extra image shake that you get with a high powered binocular can be countered by you either being able to rest your elbows on a steady surface or you could even consider mounting the optics on a tripod, Car Window Clamp/Mount or Hide Clamp using a Binocular Tripod Adapter. If you do decide to go down this route, you can get a very high powered pair of binoculars, you just need to make sure that they are tripod adaptable. Another option would be to get a pair of image stabilized binoculars.

The other down side to high powered binoculars is that the field of view tends to get smaller the higher you go. I personally feel that a magnification of 12x will be sufficient for your needs and you will easily be able to age and scoring deer from well over a 100 yards. It will also mean that you can also easily use your binoculars without any form of steady base (unless you have very unsteady hands) and can be used in a variety of different situations.

Size of Binoculars
Again because you are hunting from a hide, you rightly say that weight and size are not an issue, so we will mostly be looking at full sized binoculars (with a objective lens diameter of about 42mm). The good thing here is that the larger objective lens diameters will let in more light, producing a brighter image, which means that the binoculars will work far better in poor light conditions than compact or even mid sized versions. As most wildlife, including the deer and antelope that I am used to is most active in the early morning and late afternoons, early evening when the light is not at it’s best, this is a real bonus.

Waterproofing & Toughness
The general advice when choosing top hunting binoculars is to look for a pair that will easily handle anything that you can throw at them, again this usually assumes that you will be tracking the animal. I assume that this is not too important for you, so it’s nice to have but not critical and to be honest because you want a high quality pair of optics, they usually have an excellent quality exterior and are 100% fog and waterproof anyway.

I mentioned in the magnification section that you could consider a pair of binoculars that come with image stabilization. I wouldn’t normally recommend them as a pair of binoculars for deer hunting because of the added weight and the electronics make them less “tough” than standard optics, but in your case this may be a viable option?

Price
You say that price is not a constraint, which is great and means we can look for an excellent quality pair of deer hunting binoculars. The worst combination you can put together is a cheap high powered pair of binoculars – if you are looking for a high powered pair of optics, it is best to get the best quality you can afford.

Below are a few suggestions, I am sure there are many other options for you to consider, my personal choices would be either the Minox BL 15X56 or 13X56 BR Binoculars if I was to go over a 12x magnification, or the Steiner 12×42 Predator C5 Binoculars if I wanted to stick with a 12x magnification. I hope this helps.

Best Hunting binoculars – More than 12x Magnification

Minox BL 15X56 or 13X56 BR Binoculars

Whilst I have not reviewed either of these specific models, every pair of Minox binoculars that I have reviewed has really impressed me, this is especially true for the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars – that are also part of the BL series that these more powerful versions come under.

The large 56mm objective lenses will ensure that plenty of light enters the system, so are ideal in poor light conditions. They also have multicoated lens elements which guarantee quality optical performance and natural color rendition of the subject in view.

Phase correction coatings have been added to the prisms, which is another sign of their high quality and will produce an image of exceptionally high detail and rich in contrast, even in poor lighting conditions.

Nitrogen gas filling prevents fogging of the optical surfaces on the inside, even with extreme temperature fluctuations. Based on a sophisticated sealing technology developed by MINOX engineers the BL 15×56 BR and the BL 13×56 BR are also fully watertight down to a depth of five meters.

The MINOX BL 15X56 has also been fitted with a tripod thread making it easier to attach a tripod using an adaptor.

• Tough and 100% Waterproof
• Phase Coated Prisms
• Fully Multi-coated Optics
• Tripod Adaptable
• Field of view: 263 ft at 1000 yds (13×56) / 215 ft at 1000 yds (15×56)

>> Buy & Compare Prices for Minox BL Binoculars in the UK

>> Buy & Compare Prices for Minox BL Binoculars in the USA

Canon 18×50 or even 15×50 Image Stabilized Binoculars

If you are looking for a very high powered pair of binoculars and don’t want to use a tripod or clamp, then either of these are ideal as the Image stabilization works well. The quality of the optics and their coatings are also excellent. More on Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars

• Very high powered 15x or even 18x Image Stabilized Binoculars
• Water-resistant construction – will be fine in light rain just don’t get them drenched
• Large objective lenses means they let in plenty of light
• Ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements for exceptional image quality
• Doublet field-flattener for sharp, distortion-free images from edge-to-edge

>> Canon Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk

>> Canon Binoculars on Amazon.com

Best Hunting binoculars – 12x Magnification

Steiner 12×42 Predator C5 Binoculars

The new Steiner Predator C5′s use a new optical system – they now have new fully multi-coated optics and completely new shock and waterproof housing. The new Predator C5 now has a much higher degree of light transmission, image resolution and color contrast than previously available.

The Steiner Predator binocular was developed as a special tool for hunters and nature observers and for the American hunter in particular enabling them to more easily spot animals in a woodland setting. Developed about 10 years ago, the concept is simple – boost the transmission of red and brown shades (the “right” side of the color spectrum towards infrared) while slightly reducing transmission of the “left” side of the spectrum (blue, green and UV light) to make animals and other objects “pop out” of the background.

• Tough and 100% Waterproof
• Fully Multi-coated Optics
• Field of View – 276 feet @ 1000 yards

>> Steiner Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk

>> Steiner Predator Binoculars on Amazon.com

Steiner 12X40 Predator Pro Binoculars

These Steiner binoculars have been designed for hunting, and give you a high power magnification and amazing contrast with a high depth of filed into one. The Predator Pro binocular’s have a unique high contrast lens coating that helps you to more easily distinguish subjects (like deer) against green-colored foliage. This latest Predator model, with the “Pro” designation, offers high light transmission while maintaining optimal levels of contrast.

• The 12×40 Predator Pro uses what Steiner call their auto focus system that, once set for the user’s eyes, keeps all subjects in focus at distances from approximately 30 yards to infinity. These “Self Focusing Binoculars” make it easier for hunters to scan an entire landscape without having to readjust focus. It can also be faster in locating wildlife since the entire depth of field is constantly in focus. For more on this take a look at my page on Auto Focus/ Always in Focus Binoculars
• Tough and 100% Waterproof
• Field of View – 264 feet @ 1000yards
• More on Steiner Predator Binoculars

>> Steiner Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk

>> Steiner Predator Binoculars on Amazon.com

• Image Stabilized Binoculars
• Water-resistant construction – will be fine in light rain just don’t get them drenched
• Field of View – 262ft at 1,000 yards
• The Image stabilization works well and as size and weight are not issues with you – this may be a real option. More on Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars

Steiner 12×30 Wildlife Pro Binoculars

I have included these Steiner binoculars as an option if you want to consider a smaller more compact pair, but still with a 12x magnification.

• Mid Size Binoculars – Dimensions: (inches) 5.9Lx1.85Hx4.2W
• Water & Fogproof
• Field of View – 220ft at 1,000 yards
• Quality optics including phase corrected roof-prism mirrors

Best Hunting binoculars – Other Options

Kowa 10.5×44 Genesis XD Binoculars

• Full Sized Binoculars
• Water & Fogproof
• Field of View – 324 ft at 1,000 yds or 108 m at 1,000m – not bad considering the 10.5x magnification
• Down on power, but these are one of the best full sized binoculars I have ever reviewed, with a super high quality as well as bright image

Binoculars for Hunting – Further Reading
Take a look at my section on the best binoculars for hunting, that includes some general advice and reviews of some binoculars that are suitable most types of hunting.

Today’s question comes from someone looking to choose between two different models of Steiner binoculars, to take on safari.

Question

I can afford a Leica Ultravid compact but am also impressed (looks and review) with the Steiner 12×30 Wildlife Pro’s & the Steiner Merlin 8×42 binoculars. I am not a birder but am interested in getting hold of a good Safari binocular. Can you tell me which one I should get if this is the case. Anything higher than a Leica Ultravid compact means taking out a mortgage for me!

Answer

Personally I would opt for the Steiner 12×30′s – Not because of the increased magnification, but more because they are more compact. This means that they will not only be easier to carry in your luggage, but more importantly easier to carry with you when on safari. This is even more important if you plan on any walking safaris. If you also carry a camera, I would even consider an even more compact pair something like the Steiner 10.5×28 Wildlife Pro’s that you can fold and carry in a jacket pocket.

If size is not a problem, the larger Merlin 8×42′s will have a larger field of view and produce a brighter image because of the larger objective lens diameter.

Whichever pair of optics you choose, it is always important to go with the best you can easily afford, for more information take a look at my article on the Best Binoculars for Safari Holidays.

(I took the photo of the elephants in Zimbabwe on Lake Kariba, whilst I was on holiday there)

Sailing World are giving you the chance to win a fantastic pair of Steiner Binoculars, the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars. All you have to do is register on their website and submit your best sailing photos onto their photo gallery, the competition is open until September 21, 2009. To Enter, follow this link to the competition.

If you Cannot wait until September:
These are a very popular set of marine binoculars, used for sailing as well as motorised boating. As such they deliver everything you would expect from a binocular that is surrounded by water:

• Waterproof
• Integrated range finder
• Built in Stabilized Compass
• Focus free binoculars (Self Focusing Binoculars)
• Anti glare and haze optics

I have written about these Steiner’s before:

For full Binocular review as well as price comparison, see my article on the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars as well as another article on this blog: Steiner 7×50 marine binoculars

Or take a look at my guide to the Marine Binocular.

The have a slightly smaller ocular lens diameter (32mm) when compared to the Steiner 8×42 Merlin Binoculars that I fully reviewed earlier. Which mean that they will let in slightly less light but they still have an excellent exit pupil factor of 4 (you can work this out by dividing the ocular lens diameter by the power of the binocular, so with these Merlin binoculars divide 32 by 8 giving you 4. See my Binocular Glossary for more on the exit pupil) The advantage of a smaller ocular lens when compared to the 8×42 Merlin’s is that they are lighter and smaller, ideally suited for longer walks or hikes as well as being easier to pack away in a bag. It also means that these Steiner 8×32 Merlin binoculars are slightly cheaper than the 8×42′s, which is always welcomed.

Another feature to all Merlin binoculars, including this set is the unique earth tone dark brown colour that they are coloured in, it may seem trivial but according to Steiner this colour was specially developed to be the colour least noticeable by birds and many other species of wildlife. Important for not scaring away that rare sighting of a Dusky-Capped Flycatcher with a sudden flash of binoculars.

The Steiner optics are made with usual precise German engineering with only the best optical glass. They are coated with Steiner’s own natural colour transmission multi-coating which is said to yields extraordinary clarity resolution and colour fidelity as well as boost light transmission a lot more than similar binoculars in the same price bracket.

Another important feature for wildlife and especially birdwatching binoculars which these Steiner Merlin 8×32 binoculars have is the ability to focus on the object fast. Steiner’s “Fast-Focus” system allows you to go from close focus to infinity with only two full turns of the focus wheel.

The Steiner 8×32 Merlin Binocular are also water resistant and are guaranteed not to fog up or leak and come with Steiner’s great 10-year guarantee.

US Shoppers
Steiner 8×32 Merlin Binoculars on Amazon.com

UK Shoppers
Please note that in the UK, Merlin binoculars are branded Steiner Skyhawk binoculars:
Steiner 8×32 Merlin Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk

The range of Steiner Merlin binoculars were designed with help from experts from the American Birding Association as well as Steiner Optics’ championship birding team and include important bird watching features like a lightweight body, an excellent 342 feet at 1,000 yards field of view important for not loosing fast moving birds. A large 42mm objective lens giving you an very good exit pupil rating of 5.3 (meaning that they will let in loads of light even in poorly lighted areas like woods and forests.) They are waterproof and have a rugged tough body that is both comfortable and long lasting and come in a brown colour that has been specially designed to be the least noticeable to birds, so as not to frighten skittish species away with a sudden flash of colour.

So for these and many other features that you come to expect from quality Steiner optics, I believe that the 8×42 Merlin Binoculars from Steiner make excellent bird watching binoculars as well as fantastic binoculars for Safaris.

Check out my full review of the Steiner 8×42 Merlin Binoculars including where to buy and price comparison details for these excellent mid priced binoculars from Steiner.

The Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars are waterproof, have anti glare and haze optics, come with an integrated range finder and stabilized compass, are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for any small marine vessel.

The Navigator Pros have Steiner’s Sports Auto Focus system which are basically focus free binoculars or self focusing binoculars that keep all objects in focus from about 20 yards to infinity this allows you to locate navigational marks that much quicker.

So to summarise, The Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro are a great pair of binoculars for most marine vessels including sport fishing boats, smaller fresh water boats, coastal yachts and powerboats that have need for a navigational compass and range finder for locating fishing hotspots, racing or general marine navigation.

For full Binocular review as well as price comparison, see my article on the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars or take a look at my guide to the Marine Binocular.

This line of binoculars is aimed at the travel an sporting market as the binoculars are all light weight with a tough armoured covering and offer bright image resolution. The Safari Pro series will offer 3 models within the series, the Safari Pro 8×30 Porro Prism Binocular and the Safari Pro 8×22 and 10×26 Roof Prism compact binoculars.

Steiner Safari Pro 8×30 – Steiner Safari Pro 8×22 – Steiner Safari Pro 10×26 Binoculars
The first impressions are good, with improvements to the original Steiner Safari binoculars including longer eye relief and what is said to be an improved ergonomic focus wheel position on the two compact roof prism binoculars. On top of that all three models feature a more durable body and strong new outer armouring that is long lasting as well as comfortable.

Auto Focus Binoculars
The Safari Pro 8×30 is housed in a rugged Makrolon, armored and shockproof chassis that offers a one time adjustment, which Steiner call “Sports Auto-focus” from approximately 20 yds. to infinity. And are there for Auto focus or more accurately Focus Free binoculars (See my Article on Auto Focus Binoculars)

Entry Level Performance Binoculars
Both the compact Roof Prism 8×22 and 10×26 Safari Pro Pocket Binoculars make the perfect First Performance Binocular. The optics filter out harmful UV light, are shockproof rugged, and priced at a level as to make both binoculars very good value. The 8×22 and 10×26 Safari Pro Binoculars are perfect for travel, watching sporting events and Wildlife viewing. With new restrictions on baggage allowances on many flights, these handy little Safari Pocket Binoculars are perfect for travelling with. Good binoculars increase the enjoyment and fulfilment of any travel and especially safari holidays by bringing everything closer to the eye and enriching the outdoor experience.

I can’t wait to get my hands on them, especially the Safari Pro 10×26 binocular and give it a full review. As entry level travel and Safari binoculars these seem excellent.

More information on Steiner Binoculars as well as a read my full review of the Steiner Safari 10×26 Pro Binoculars

Where to Buy Steiner Safari Pro Binoculars