STEINER PREDATOR

[hdj2520]

I'm looking hard at Steiner's 8x30 predator model as a lightweight general use hunting binocular. Any opinions as to how they compare
with similar brands in quality in their size and price range?

[akpls]

I have a pair of 8x 30's that work pretty good for me.  I took them to Namibia last fall and while they were inferior to my hosts Leica's they only cost a quarter of what the Leica's did.  I think they're a good value for the money spent.

[VTDW]

I have a pair of the 8X30's and they used to be quite good.  I noticed last year that they had become sort of foggy/hazy.  I sent them in under the 10 year warranty and the place (Steiner contracts out their warranty work) called me and the lady told me she looked thru them and they seemed fine to her.  I was polite but firm in requesting they be replaced.  She called me back and told me that both she and the fellow that does the repairs determined that there was nothing wrong.  Again, I was polite but firm and told her I wanted another pair to satisfy me.  They sent me a refurbished pair that was better than the pair I sent in but not good enough.  Suffice it to say, no more Steiners for me.  When these get worse I will just shop for another brand.  Oh well...

Dave

[JD11]

They're rated as one of the more quality binos.  I have a pair of Steiner 8 X 30 Safaris and like them a lot.  Unfortunately, unless you spend a fortune, there's always something better out there.  You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about all the various brands and models by going to the Optics Planet website forums and also Optics Zone forum.

[spispeza]

ive looked thru the 8x30 predators that a friend had.view seemed to be sharp,clear for 30mms.
i have the 12x40mm predators they are a upgrade for me from tasco,other cheper optics that i used in the past.the 12x40s are alot better than what i used in the past.my only complaint is that with 12 power they seem to be real jumpy from any hand movement,wind,vehicle vibrations from a vehicle motor running,etc....you need to be real steady with 12 power.in my opinion.if i could sell the 12x40s for enough to buy nikon action extreme 10x50s i will.also i noticed that with different prescription glasses that i have the view thru the 12x40s with my small lensed eye glasses i get a bigger field of view.but with my big lensed (fire starters) i get a smaller restricted view.

[akpls]

I was looking to upgrade from my Steiner 8x30's so tried out a few different sets of bino's at the local Sportsman's Warehouse yesterday.  The Zeiss Diafun's were no better than my Steiner's.  The Zeiss Victory's were better, but cost way more ($1K+).  I also tried a set of Victory Compacts (8x20)  and a set of the compact Leica's and those really impressed me although I don't know how they would do in real low light being so small.  I've heard some good things about Vortex bino's that may cause me to check those out, but for now the Steiner's are still doing the job for me.

[JD11]

If you decide on what you really like, it pays to keep checking prices for that particular model on Ebay.   I really wanted (but couldn't really afford) a pair of Pentax 8X43s that retail for $699.  The best price from reputable dealers on the web I found to be $599-$598.  Looking on Ebay, one of about the only two honest NY camera discount outlets left that haven't been taken over by foreign rip-off artists, was offering them at a "Buy it now" price of $444 including shipping.  On their own website they were listed for $599 discount price, so I was skeptical until I opened the box---the real thing, brand new, never opened box, US warranty, I'm still trying to figure that deal out.  After all I learned from the Optics Zone and especially Optics Planet's forums, I felt guilty not buying from either of them, but I sure couldn't pass up a price like that.  So it pays to keep check'in!