Steiner Binoculars

As with many of the high quality binocular manufacturers, Steiner binoculars are manufactured in Germany, the other popular quality German binocular brands include Carl Zeiss binoculars and Minox binoculars and like the German car manufacturers of Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi, their binoculars are synonymous with quality workmanship, leading edge technology and the best materials.

Steiner Optics: The Early Years
In 1947 Karl Steiner created Steiner Optics, at that time in history, Germany was obviously going through a very difficult time and their economy was in shatters. Despite this, because of Steiner's innovations, the company grew from a one man operation, to a successful business, employing more than 50 employees within 6 years.

Originally Steiner optics manufactured cameras, special lenses and binoculars, but Karl Steiner then made a critical decision to specialize and produce only professional high-quality binoculars.

Steiner Optik: Global Business
in 1973, Karl passed on the family business to his son Carl Steiner who has continued to develop his father's innovative product ideas, Carl Steiner has managed to strengthen the company's position and now for over 60 years Steiner Optik have been developing the highest performance binoculars for the military, law enforcement, marine use, birding, wildlife viewing as well as other serious outdoor use and is the world's leading company in binocular production with products available in over 45 countries.

Apart from quality, I think one of the main reasons Steiner binoculars are so respected and well known is because of their innovations. To be innovative, I think you need a certain amount of imagination and Steiner Optics are constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring new technologies in the world of binoculars.

Steiner have in some cases invented or developed new optic innovations as well as in other cases improved and set the standard on other technologies.

These innovations include:

• Rubber Armoring


• The first binoculars ever with an integrated compass


• The first binocular with special optical coating to protect against harmful UV radiation


• Invented the first binocular with Nitrogen


• The pocket-size binocular


• Predator lens coating to increase contrast of animals against wooded backgrounds

The entire catalogue of binoculars produced by Steiner is vast, below are the main Steiner ranges of binoculars, what their intended uses are and some of their features:

Steiner Wildlife Pro Binoculars
Bright and comfortable peak performance compacts designed for travel and mobility and specialise as wildlife and safari holiday binoculars

Steiner Peregrine Binoculars
High resolution HD optics with exceptional brightness & truest color fidelity designed as the ultimate birdwatching binoculars

Steiner Commander & Marine Binoculars
Brilliance design and the toughest construction make Steiner the leader in marine binocular optics

Steiner Nighthunter XP Binoculars
The brightest high resolution HD optics for the darkest conditions

Steiner Predator Binoculars
High Contrast optics for the hunter and outdoors enthusiast

Steiner Merlin Binoculars
Premium optics, rugged and comfortable feel at an exceptional value

Steiner Safari Pro Binoculars
Glare & UV blocking optics offer comfortable crisp images in the mountains, sand and sea

Steiner Military R & Police Binoculars
Professionals the world over rely on them for clear details in critical situations

Steiner Military Marine Binoculars
Original Tough-as-Nails performance for all outdoor applications

For me the Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Binoculars are the ideal travelling companion, especially if you are going on a safari holiday in Africa or any other other form of wildlife viewing. Steiner describes them as the binocular for adventurers. What is true is that these are tough, waterproof, extremely portable.

Steiner Wildlife binoculars have been manufactured from precision alloy and as such they can handle the world's harshest conditions. Like all Wildlife models, the 10.5 x 28 is wrapped in a smooth, quiet, and non-reflective earthtone rubber armoring that makes it almost invisible to wildlife while providing added durability. At only 11 ounces, the 10.5 x 28 is virtually the same weight as the 8.5 x 26 version.

For more read this article on Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Binoculars for safari holidays

These binoculars have a good contrast of colour and for the size of the object lens very good light in take.They represent good value for money and are an alternative to the more expensive brands of small binoculars.
Review By: G. C. Girling "pirate" (east anglia england) - on Amazon.co.uk

I found these binoculars to be light and compact. The optics were good and easy to focus. However, I would not recommend these for hunting in the woods, as the combination of strong magnification and narrow field of view make them very difficult for finding your object quickly. In fields they work just fine.

Review By: Karen S from Cincinnati OH on 11/19/2008
Pros:Compact, Lightweight
Cons:Field of View
Describe Yourself:Avid Adventurer
Bottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

My Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro Binoculars came with a really handy protection case that is perfect for travelling with and when you buy a pair of Steiner Binoculars, they will probably also come with a case and possibly a few other accessories depending on the model.

But what if you need a little more from your binoculars, what other accessories are there available from Steiner? The good news is that they do make a good range of binocular accessories especially for their binoculars and below are some of the best that I have found:

This excellent binocular harness enables you to walk with your binoculars without having to carry them in your hands. Really helpful for birding, either enabling you to carry that all important bird book, or possibly your camera.

To use them, you simply raise your binocular to your eyes for quick viewing and return it to your chest when you're done. Your binocular is securely attached to the adjustable harness and can be removed with a press of the quick release buckles.

This great shoulder bag from Steiner allows you to carry your binoculars with one or even two field / bird guide books, a camera, as well as other personal items into the field without loading yourself down with a bulky bag or case.

The very well designed bag sticks close to your bady so that there is no annoying and noisy movement that could frighten skittish animals or birds and so allows you to move effortlessly through woods, across streams, and over mountains.

The one down side I can see would be it may get a little sweaty underneath in hotter climates.

But overall I think it is an excellent idea and is ideal to take on birding holidays, photo Safaris as well as many other wildlife tour and travel activities.

Ok, so if you are still reading this page, you may be thinking that, Steiner make great binoculars, but where can you buy them. The good news is that almost all quality binocular retailers stock the brand, below are are a few places I would check, just to compare price before you make your purchase:

Shoppers in the USA

Steiner Binoculars on Amazon.com
Amazon have almost the complete range of Steiner Binoculars for sale and are often at the best price available. So if you are after a new set of Steiner binoculars, take a look at Amazon to compare prices.

Binoculars.com
Binoculars.com have pretty much the entire range of Steiner binoculars and because they are optics specialists, they should be able to answer any questions that you may have. They often have discounts on-line for certain products as well as free shipping options

Shoppers in the UK

Steiner Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk
Like their US counterpart, Amazon.co.uk have a huge range of Steiner Binoculars available and are always worth checking for price comparison.

Below are some links related to Steiner binoculars and binoculars in general that you may find useful.

If you have a website or know of a website that is both relevant and useful, please leave a comment, or contact me and i will gladly add it to the list.

The Official Steiner Website
From the horses mouth, this link will take you to the official Steiner Website in English.

About Steiner Binoculars
My page on Steiner binoculars on The Best Binoculars and Binocular Reviews website

Safari binoculars
My lens on the best binoculars for safari holidays. As you would expect the do feature Steiner binoculars, as well as other brands that make the best binoculars for a safari holiday.

Steiner Binoculars on Amazon.com
Amazon have almost the complete range of Steiner Binoculars for sale and are often at the best price available. So if you are after a new set of Steiner binoculars, try Amazon first.