Steiner 10X50 LRF Binocular and 20X80 Binocular Review - 2
The Zeiss Victory 10X45 LRF weighs 36 ounces and measures 5.625 inches wide, 7.250 inches long, and 2.875 inches tall. These binoculars are slightly larger than other 10X roof prism binoculars I have available and a touch heavier. For further information on the Zeiss Victory RF binocular, see the review by Len Backus here.
Shown Left to Right: Nikon Monarch 5 10X42, Zeiss Victory RF 10X45, Steiner Military 10X50 LRF
I don't exactly have a "set" testing regimen. I basically just took the optics to a place on the outskirts of town where I could see the mountains on the horizon and buildings as close as 400 yards with normal city activity in between. I evaluated the Steiner for optical quality and ranging capability.
Optically, the Steiner is extremely clear and bright with excellent resolution. I didn't recognize any chromatic aberration or color fringing while looking at various billboards, shipping containers, houses, etc. The only difference I could detect was a very slight difference in color compared to the Zeiss but it was so slight I started to wonder if I was trying to find something of a difference. These units should be considered optically the same, which is superb in my opinion. I was able to resolve individual tree leaves several hundred yards away and the color fidelity was pleasing to the eye.
While using the laser, I found the Steiner to be a bit finicky with how the button is pressed to activate the laser which turned out to be operator error. I've since learned that the laser obtains a reading after the button is released, which is different from the Zeiss unit I was accustomed to. Once I utilized the proper technique, everything worked excellent. I was able to get readings of 1572 and 1915 yards on some large deciduous trees in bright sunlight with regularity. Readings on buildings were out to 1437 yards and again, pretty consistent but not with every attempt. I didn't have any animals in view to attempt to get readings on. Regardless, I've found it better to try and range a significant object near my target or animal instead of attempting to laze the actual target or animal itself, even if the object is the ground the animal is standing on. I found the laser to be very reliable even though it didn't give a reading on every attempt. These were tough testing conditions for any LRF and the Steiner unit performed well within acceptable standards.
Shown Left to Right: Nikon Monarch 5 10X42, Zeiss Victory RF 10X45, Steiner Military 10X50 LRF
I don't exactly have a "set" testing regimen. I basically just took the optics to a place on the outskirts of town where I could see the mountains on the horizon and buildings as close as 400 yards with normal city activity in between. I evaluated the Steiner for optical quality and ranging capability.
Optically, the Steiner is extremely clear and bright with excellent resolution. I didn't recognize any chromatic aberration or color fringing while looking at various billboards, shipping containers, houses, etc. The only difference I could detect was a very slight difference in color compared to the Zeiss but it was so slight I started to wonder if I was trying to find something of a difference. These units should be considered optically the same, which is superb in my opinion. I was able to resolve individual tree leaves several hundred yards away and the color fidelity was pleasing to the eye.
While using the laser, I found the Steiner to be a bit finicky with how the button is pressed to activate the laser which turned out to be operator error. I've since learned that the laser obtains a reading after the button is released, which is different from the Zeiss unit I was accustomed to. Once I utilized the proper technique, everything worked excellent. I was able to get readings of 1572 and 1915 yards on some large deciduous trees in bright sunlight with regularity. Readings on buildings were out to 1437 yards and again, pretty consistent but not with every attempt. I didn't have any animals in view to attempt to get readings on. Regardless, I've found it better to try and range a significant object near my target or animal instead of attempting to laze the actual target or animal itself, even if the object is the ground the animal is standing on. I found the laser to be very reliable even though it didn't give a reading on every attempt. These were tough testing conditions for any LRF and the Steiner unit performed well within acceptable standards.
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