I am looking for a pair of compact binoculars, about 8-22/25 to replace my cheap Tascos. Ran across the Steiner Safari Pro on the web and it seems to have good reviews.
Anybody here have experience with the Steiners, or any other decent compacts. I have maybe $200 to spend, but that is pushing it. I don’t expect them to measure up to my Burris Signature Selects, but a couple of steps up from the blister packed ones you see in retail stores would be nice.
the Steiners are exactly what I was going to recommend. they are light, very compact, and have great glass for this size and price. I have the version before they became “PRO” but I only paid $68 for them at Cabelas on closeout.
I recently picked up a pair of Pentax 8-16 x 21 zoom binoculars. Very compact. They work well for me and well-worth the $75 I paid.
None of the links are still valid. ??
I like binoculars and have several of them, from the 8x20 Zeiss to the 10x50 Leitz. The problem with the compact type is that while they’re great to carry, they have many limitations in their use. Roof prisms (those that are shaped like an “H”) are generally tougher and can be made waterproof, but are much more expensive to make with good optical qualities. I don’t see any cheap, compact roof prism binocs that I would buy for $100, but there are several porro prism binocs (offset eyepiece and objective) that I would; one I’d take a chance on is the Nikon 8x25 Travelite centerfocus with the aspherical lenses. I’ve never tried them, so I can’t recommend them specifically, but my favorite binocs are Nikon 8x30 Superior E, also with aspheric lenses (less distortion at the edge of the field of view), so, as I said, I’d take a chance. YMMV.
Bird watchers (now called “birders”) demand much higher quality binocs than hunters and such do, so try this site to get a feel for what’s out there: http://www.betterviewdesired.com/compact-binoculars-bvd.php They like the Pentax UCF X and UCF WP 8x25 in this class of binocs. It’s an old article, but partially updated, and it does let you know about the tradeoffs.
If you can stand to go up a little in weight to get a huge improvement in quality, the last binocs I bought were for just leaving in the car - Leupold Wind River Yosemite 6x30. They weigh about 16 ounces and are bigger than your 20-25mm request, but they’re pretty good, and excellent for the price at about $85. A noted Brown Bear guide in Alaska stopped carrying his Euro glasses in favor of these, so he’s not concerned about their toughness or waterproofness. I wouldn’t buy the Yosemite 8x30 model, though.
I like my Nikon ProStaff 12x25 Waterproof
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-12x25-prostaff-atb-waterproof-all-terrain-binocular-7486.html
Don’t remember what I paid but I think it was around $100 so shop around.
Two things I don’t like. The little nylon carry bag and the fact the eyepiece covers don’t stay on. In fact the covers pretty much just sit there and will fall right off ( but are connected to strap so as not to get lost ).
I’ll second the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 as an incredible bang-for-the-buck, but they’re more mid-size than compact, and the adjustable eyepieces tend to be loose. If you want a truly compact package with comparable optics, then save a little more and get the Bushnell Elite 7x26 for $250. Its the current version of the Bausch & Lomb Custom Compact, one of the best compacts ever. The only catch is it isn’t fully waterproof. Another less expensive compact with great reviews a few years ago was the Pentax Papillio - not sure if its still available. The Vortex Vanquish 8x26 and Nikon Travelite 8x25 are other budget options.
Thanks for all the replys. I ordered the Steiners from SWFA (along with other items). I got the package today but unfortunately the binos weren’t in it. Zeroed out on the invoice. Email off to them. We’ll see how good they are when I finally get them.
I got the order from SWFA, but no Steiners, they are on back order. I may change my mind and go with the Bushnell Elite 7x26. The Leupold Yosemite is almost as big as my Burris Signature Select 8x42. I think I will check out the Vortex Vanquish 8x26 also.
[QUOTE=Jwalker
If you can stand to go up a little in weight to get a huge improvement in quality, the last binocs I bought were for just leaving in the car - Leupold Wind River Yosemite 6x30. They weigh about 16 ounces and are bigger than your 20-25mm request, but they’re pretty good, and excellent for the price at about $85. A noted Brown Bear guide in Alaska stopped carrying his Euro glasses in favor of these, so he’s not concerned about their toughness or waterproofness. I wouldn’t buy the Yosemite 8x30 model, though.[/QUOTE]
I had two pair of Steiner 8x, OD plastic type bodies. They were great until the plastic center connector warped the barrels out of paralax and could no longer be used (except with one eye closed).
I replaced them with the Leupold 6x30 (in above post) and they are GREAT in the woods! Crystal clear, lightweight, and haven’t warped out of paralax like the Steiners did. Plus 6x provides a steadier appearing view.
Yeah, Steiners have never impressed me, but maybe the OP will do okay with them.
Thanks guys.
