Steiner 10X50 LRF Binocular and 20X80 Binocular Review
By Nicholas Gebhardt
I recently received these binoculars from Steiner and thought that I would do a review on each of them. I'll first start with the 10X50 LRF binoculars as these were of the most interest to me for the type of shooting that I do, tactical precision rifle competitions with most of the stages being at unknown distances. I also hunt big game in some fairly open country in NE Montana, so quality optics are a must for locating game. A very good LRF is critical for success in both my shooting as well as hunting. The 20X80 binocular has piqued my interest as an alternative to a spotting scope for long range hunting where I have the ability to spot game from base camp or while traveling the back roads in my vehicle.
In the past, I have utilized a monocular style LRF in conjunction with a standard binocular. The scenario would typically go something like this: I'd scan with my binocular to locate targets and make a range card with terrain features as marking points for the targets. After I found the targets with the binocular I would then pull out my monocular type LRF with a 7X magnification and acquire the distances to the targets. Many times I would be swapping between the binocular and LRF as I found the targets so that I was writing down my ranges as I went along. The result was that I spent a lot of time swapping between the different optics. Additionally, the binocular I have isn't a cheap binocular and the LRF isn't exactly cheap either, so I have a lot of money tied up in these two different optics combined. Hunting big game posed the same problems, locate the game with the binocular and then pull out the LRF to get a distance if time allowed.
I compared the Steiner 10X50 LRF binocular directly to a Zeiss Victory 10X45 LRF binocular on a partly cloudy day with temps in the 80's. I chose to compare the Steiner to the Zeiss as these are both considered top end optics, but they also both have different optical design and features. The Steiner is a porro prism design and each individual eyepiece is adjusted for focus, after which no further focusing is needed for a change in viewing distance. This makes things very easy when scanning for objects as everything is already in focus. Additionally, this binocular design should be more robust as there are no internal moving parts. In a porro prism binocular, there are also fewer lenses for the light to travel through, which means higher light transmission to the eye. In contrast, the Zeiss is a roof prism binocular that utilizes a center focus wheel to focus on objects at different distances, but each eye has its own diopter adjustment.
Zeiss Victory RF 10X45 and Steiner Military 10X50 LRF
Individual eye piece focus on Steiner binocular
The Steiner 10X50 LRF binocular weighs 44 ounces and measures 8.125 inches wide, 5.625 inches long, and 3.250 inches tall when laid flat. This binocular is a little bit bigger dimensionally than many other 10X40 to 10X50 roof prism binoculars but not much larger than similar magnification porro prism binoculars. For carrying, I received these binoculars with a very nice padded case with carry strap as well as a simple neck strap that can be attached directly to the binocular. The padded case is an additional item that can be purchased for the binocular. The objective lenses are protected by a nice set of rubber covers that are attached but removable. The ocular lenses have a molded rubber cover to protect the lenses and it can be attached to the neck strap.
By Nicholas Gebhardt
I recently received these binoculars from Steiner and thought that I would do a review on each of them. I'll first start with the 10X50 LRF binoculars as these were of the most interest to me for the type of shooting that I do, tactical precision rifle competitions with most of the stages being at unknown distances. I also hunt big game in some fairly open country in NE Montana, so quality optics are a must for locating game. A very good LRF is critical for success in both my shooting as well as hunting. The 20X80 binocular has piqued my interest as an alternative to a spotting scope for long range hunting where I have the ability to spot game from base camp or while traveling the back roads in my vehicle.
In the past, I have utilized a monocular style LRF in conjunction with a standard binocular. The scenario would typically go something like this: I'd scan with my binocular to locate targets and make a range card with terrain features as marking points for the targets. After I found the targets with the binocular I would then pull out my monocular type LRF with a 7X magnification and acquire the distances to the targets. Many times I would be swapping between the binocular and LRF as I found the targets so that I was writing down my ranges as I went along. The result was that I spent a lot of time swapping between the different optics. Additionally, the binocular I have isn't a cheap binocular and the LRF isn't exactly cheap either, so I have a lot of money tied up in these two different optics combined. Hunting big game posed the same problems, locate the game with the binocular and then pull out the LRF to get a distance if time allowed.
I compared the Steiner 10X50 LRF binocular directly to a Zeiss Victory 10X45 LRF binocular on a partly cloudy day with temps in the 80's. I chose to compare the Steiner to the Zeiss as these are both considered top end optics, but they also both have different optical design and features. The Steiner is a porro prism design and each individual eyepiece is adjusted for focus, after which no further focusing is needed for a change in viewing distance. This makes things very easy when scanning for objects as everything is already in focus. Additionally, this binocular design should be more robust as there are no internal moving parts. In a porro prism binocular, there are also fewer lenses for the light to travel through, which means higher light transmission to the eye. In contrast, the Zeiss is a roof prism binocular that utilizes a center focus wheel to focus on objects at different distances, but each eye has its own diopter adjustment.
Zeiss Victory RF 10X45 and Steiner Military 10X50 LRF
Individual eye piece focus on Steiner binocular
The Steiner 10X50 LRF binocular weighs 44 ounces and measures 8.125 inches wide, 5.625 inches long, and 3.250 inches tall when laid flat. This binocular is a little bit bigger dimensionally than many other 10X40 to 10X50 roof prism binoculars but not much larger than similar magnification porro prism binoculars. For carrying, I received these binoculars with a very nice padded case with carry strap as well as a simple neck strap that can be attached directly to the binocular. The padded case is an additional item that can be purchased for the binocular. The objective lenses are protected by a nice set of rubber covers that are attached but removable. The ocular lenses have a molded rubber cover to protect the lenses and it can be attached to the neck strap.
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.
Steiner 10X50 LRF Binocular and 20X80 Binocular Review - 2
I have a couple nitpicks for the Steiner other than the actual size and heft of the unit. While adjusting the individual eye pieces for clarity, the eye cups turn in and out. If a person has significantly different diopter settings for each eye, the actual eye cups can have a big difference in height which leads to a strange feeling when holding the binocular up to the eyes and also providing an irregular view through the binocular. I didn't find this to be a problem as my left eye was set on "0" and the right was only one tick mark to the negative side. However, the possibility exists for an uncomfortable view. The last nitpick is with operation of the laser. After getting a reading, the distance is displayed for a couple seconds and pressing the laser button during this time did not always reactivate the laser. Obtaining multiple readings in a short time frame wasn't possible using this approach, the unit seemed like it needed to reset in order to reactivate the laser. The laser does have a scan function to help in obtaining readings on multiple targets by simply holding the button until the scan function is enables. The scan turns off by itself after about 20 seconds.
The only problem I encountered with the Steiner Military 10X50 LRF was while attending a wind reading clinic in Eastern MT. The binocular was left out of my pack in direct sunlight and the temperature was in the eighty degree range. After being out of my pack in the sunlight for about 45 minutes, the laser was no longer operational. I was only able to get a reading of 97 yards at the furthest. I speculated that the binoculars were hot, so I placed them inside my pack for about 10 minutes. After removing the binoculars from my pack, I was able to range targets out to about 700 yards for a couple minutes after which the binoculars got hot again. Since then, the unit has continued to be very reliable but I've also kept them in my pack on warm days. After contacting Steiner about this problem, I was informed to send them in and a new unit would be sent to me. I was also told that this is the first time this problem has been identified and the engineers at Steiner would like to take a look at the binocular to try to identify the problem and find a solution. This is great customer service and shows that Steiner is working on making the best products possible.
Retail price on the Steiner LRF binocular is around $2400. If you are considering a high end binocular LRF combination, the Steiner Military 10X50 LRF will suit you well and not leave you wanting for better optics. Once you get used to how the button needs to be pressed, the laser works extremely well and provides reliable readings in difficult atmospheric conditions.
The Steiner 20X80 binocular is nothing short of huge. This extremely large binocular came to me in a nice, well padded carrying case. The case has a carry strap that is comfortable but I doubt many people will be carrying this binocular for very long distances. Again, this case is an additional item for purchase, one that I would recommend as it will provide very good protection. This binocular is meant for extended range and duration viewing and as such comes with a mount for attaching to a tripod. The mount attaches to a rod on the binocular that spans the length of the binocular.
I utilized the tripod mount for the binocular testing and found the optics on this binocular to be very nice. Again, this binocular uses individual eyepiece adjustments to focus the binocular. After each eyepiece is focused, no further focusing is required for a change in viewing distance.
The 20X magnification combined with 80mm objective lenses provided a very bright and clear view. Again, no chromatic aberration or color fringing was detected and color fidelity was excellent. I spent considerable time viewing objects at close to 4.5 miles away and although the mirage was heavy, this binocular gave incredible resolving ability. In the time I spent with it, I didn't notice any eye fatigue but was rather enjoying looking at things as far away as I could find. For the intended purpose, this binocular is amazing. Viewing long distance objects is much more comfortable through a binocular than a spotting scope where I find I have to close or squint my non-dominant eye. Although many spotting scopes have magnification higher than 20X, this binocular makes up for magnification in viewing comfort. I think I will be purchasing one of these for my optics collection! I don't know a better way of stating how impressed I am with this binocular.
While using these binocular at the same wind reading clinic mentioned above, I noticed that I was able to see the trace of my shooting partner's bullets for nearly the entire flight path. Using a spotting scope in the past, I was only able to see the trace for a short period of time, usually just prior to the target. This binocular really aided my view of the path and allowed me to provide accurate corrections to him. Again, this binocular has amazing optics and the use of two eyes instead of just one was highly beneficial.
If you are looking at high end optics, I can wholeheartedly recommend either of these binoculars. The optics are crystal clear, the LRF works very well, and I know that Steiner's excellent customer support will back up their product should you ever need assistance.
The Steiner 20X80 binocular weighs 68 ounces and measures 8.750 inches wide, 11.75 inches long, and 3.875 inches tall when laid flat. As I said, this is a very large binocular intended for extended range and viewing duration. Retail price on this binocular is around $1600.
Nicholas Gebhardt has been an active hunter primarily pursuing mule deer, antelope, coyotes and prairie dogs since he was old enough to legally hunt. Nicholas is a precision rifle competitor and uses the knowledge he gains from competition shooting to aid in his ethical taking of game in the field under most any condition. He enjoys custom rifles and is usually in some form or another of either planning or building the next one. Nicholas earned his B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and is a Captain in the Montana National Guard.
The only problem I encountered with the Steiner Military 10X50 LRF was while attending a wind reading clinic in Eastern MT. The binocular was left out of my pack in direct sunlight and the temperature was in the eighty degree range. After being out of my pack in the sunlight for about 45 minutes, the laser was no longer operational. I was only able to get a reading of 97 yards at the furthest. I speculated that the binoculars were hot, so I placed them inside my pack for about 10 minutes. After removing the binoculars from my pack, I was able to range targets out to about 700 yards for a couple minutes after which the binoculars got hot again. Since then, the unit has continued to be very reliable but I've also kept them in my pack on warm days. After contacting Steiner about this problem, I was informed to send them in and a new unit would be sent to me. I was also told that this is the first time this problem has been identified and the engineers at Steiner would like to take a look at the binocular to try to identify the problem and find a solution. This is great customer service and shows that Steiner is working on making the best products possible.
Retail price on the Steiner LRF binocular is around $2400. If you are considering a high end binocular LRF combination, the Steiner Military 10X50 LRF will suit you well and not leave you wanting for better optics. Once you get used to how the button needs to be pressed, the laser works extremely well and provides reliable readings in difficult atmospheric conditions.
The Steiner 20X80 binocular is nothing short of huge. This extremely large binocular came to me in a nice, well padded carrying case. The case has a carry strap that is comfortable but I doubt many people will be carrying this binocular for very long distances. Again, this case is an additional item for purchase, one that I would recommend as it will provide very good protection. This binocular is meant for extended range and duration viewing and as such comes with a mount for attaching to a tripod. The mount attaches to a rod on the binocular that spans the length of the binocular.
I utilized the tripod mount for the binocular testing and found the optics on this binocular to be very nice. Again, this binocular uses individual eyepiece adjustments to focus the binocular. After each eyepiece is focused, no further focusing is required for a change in viewing distance.
The 20X magnification combined with 80mm objective lenses provided a very bright and clear view. Again, no chromatic aberration or color fringing was detected and color fidelity was excellent. I spent considerable time viewing objects at close to 4.5 miles away and although the mirage was heavy, this binocular gave incredible resolving ability. In the time I spent with it, I didn't notice any eye fatigue but was rather enjoying looking at things as far away as I could find. For the intended purpose, this binocular is amazing. Viewing long distance objects is much more comfortable through a binocular than a spotting scope where I find I have to close or squint my non-dominant eye. Although many spotting scopes have magnification higher than 20X, this binocular makes up for magnification in viewing comfort. I think I will be purchasing one of these for my optics collection! I don't know a better way of stating how impressed I am with this binocular.
While using these binocular at the same wind reading clinic mentioned above, I noticed that I was able to see the trace of my shooting partner's bullets for nearly the entire flight path. Using a spotting scope in the past, I was only able to see the trace for a short period of time, usually just prior to the target. This binocular really aided my view of the path and allowed me to provide accurate corrections to him. Again, this binocular has amazing optics and the use of two eyes instead of just one was highly beneficial.
If you are looking at high end optics, I can wholeheartedly recommend either of these binoculars. The optics are crystal clear, the LRF works very well, and I know that Steiner's excellent customer support will back up their product should you ever need assistance.
The Steiner 20X80 binocular weighs 68 ounces and measures 8.750 inches wide, 11.75 inches long, and 3.875 inches tall when laid flat. As I said, this is a very large binocular intended for extended range and viewing duration. Retail price on this binocular is around $1600.
Nicholas Gebhardt has been an active hunter primarily pursuing mule deer, antelope, coyotes and prairie dogs since he was old enough to legally hunt. Nicholas is a precision rifle competitor and uses the knowledge he gains from competition shooting to aid in his ethical taking of game in the field under most any condition. He enjoys custom rifles and is usually in some form or another of either planning or building the next one. Nicholas earned his B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and is a Captain in the Montana National Guard.
