Steiner binuclear with Compass?

rockDAWG · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010

Is it worth to pay double to get a Steiner? Is this is a case of you get what you pay for item?

Quote:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/m.../IMG_69629.jpg

Steiner - 7x50 Observer C Binocular with Compass - 685 - B&H

Sorry for the typo: Binocular

DavidD. · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010

Years ago, while shopping for marine binos, I had looked through several manufacturers scopes at the retailers. I didn't see how Steiners could justify their incredibly high prices. The shop owner knew I wouldn't be buying Steiner but offered me a pair to see the difference with all the other brands. I took them out into the street and looked through them, and I WAS ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY!!!!! The clarity of their optics was nothing short of spectacular. It was hard to look through any other binos after that but I am not a wealthy man , so I had to settle on a pair of Fujinon w/compass. I had researched the brands and knew that Japanese optics where very good quality, and have enjoyed them for many years. Steiners are in their own league and I guess it depends on how much use you will get out of them relative to the pricetag.

tomandchris · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010

This really depends on what you plan to use them for. They are a great optics, but again it depends on how you will use them. I do not believe that this pair is stabilized (another $500 will do that), so in rough weather on a boat they are not going to be that much better than a $100 pair from someone else. $150 I think with a compass in them.

If they are for your personal use, you take care of things, and you want to spend the dollars......they are very nice. If you share them around the boat, sailing in rough weather, have kids and friends that drop things, etc......you can bust 3-4 pair of lesser expensive optics for the price of one.

PCP · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidD.

Years ago, while shopping for marine binos, I had looked through several manufacturers scopes at the retailers. I didn't see how Steiners could justify their incredibly high prices. The shop owner knew I wouldn't be buying Steiner but offered me a pair to see the difference with all the other brands. I took them out into the street and looked through them, and I WAS ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY!!!!! The clarity of their optics was nothing short of spectacular. ....

I had the same experience at night, I mean comparing the Steiners with the top of the range from Silva. It was on the Dusseldorf boat show, 9 years ago. On those conditions (interior light - weak light) the Silva were superior, in definition and clarity. I was there to buy the Steiner and end up buying the Silva

. However they don't have an integrated compass, but they are waterproof and they float.

Silva Eterna Marine Binocular

oceanscapt · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010

For a pair of Steiner's or Fujinon's - yes.

The optics are superb, the light collection and correlation top shelf, the reliability as good as it gets.

However, if you're an occasional user, they're going to be hard to justify. My Fuji's which I bought in 1992 cost me $500 and today, they're as good as the day I opened the box. I use them a lot, don't baby them, and find them as essential as a depth sounder or GPS.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010

You do tend to get what you pay for. The steiner optics are far better and will give you a brighter image in low light conditions, since they will generally transmit more light with higher contrast. I have a set of Steiners that are my personal use set, and have a set of West marine ones for others to use.

rockDAWG · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010

Captains, thanks for the inputs.

I took a plunge and ordered a Steiner 7x50 Commander V w/ Compass Binocular. The best price I could get is $680.

I will be using it for coastal navigation DR; may be ocean crossing down the road, but not sure how useful it will be in the big pond.

Two weeks ago, I took the ASA 106 Delmarva circumnavigate course. On the second day, the instructor turned off the GPS and Chart plotter. He has a cheap West Marine bino with compass, what a piece of junk. My philosophy has always been do it right the first time, so I bought this one and done with it (I hope). This should last for a long time and I can pass it onto my son. Oh boy, he is a lucky man. He gets all my toys.

The Steiner will be here on Thursday, just in time for my 3 1/2 day sailing trip this weekend. I will report to back regarding its performance.

Fair winds and calm seas.