Customer Reviews

Steiner 231 8x22 Safari Pro Binocular

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought these 10x26 and a pair of 8x22 Safari Pro binoculars for comparison and ended up returning the 10x26's. The clarity on both is great, but the amount of shake at 10x with a pair of compact binoculars is too much! The 8x model appears sharper and noticeably easier to follow objects, and they're smaller and normally a little less expensive too. Otherwise, if you're set on a pair of 10 power compact binoculars, these are pretty good, although already one of the hinges that hold each tube are getting a bit overly loose, but not so much that they sag on their own weight yet.

First thing is the binoculars pictured are not the one's you will get. 444's are the newer sort of "racier" version of the 442's pictured.

My first impression opening the box was, "wow, much lighter than I expected". The optical quality is outstanding by any measure at this price point. Clear, bright, a good field of view, amazing for about $170 actually. Typically you get this optical quality starting around $500-600. The 20mm eye relief makes using them with glasses a non issue, really nice feature. Fit's my hands well and the lightness makes fatique no problem. Attached lens covers and a well thought out case with straps make keeping them with you easy and painless.

I use these mainly for sporting events, at the beach, vacation, etc. The "sports auto-focus" is perfect for this use. Pick up the binoculars and wham, it's there. If however your primary useage is realitively close in bird watching inside the confines of a small to medium yard, say less than 120-150 feet, these are not for you. While you can set the focus in that close anything outside about 100-125 yards will be out of focus and setting the focus takes to long for moving birds and game animals.

When used within their rather large limits, it's tough to beat these Steiners...worth every dime.

Completely disagree with the user that said the 8x's were better to own.

I followed young bald eagles soaring on a recent fly fishing trip with ease. All the others on the trip were highly impressed with the clarity and 10x power.

~ German Made Quality
~ Compact Yet Highly Effective
~ Nice Carrying Case (but does not come with lens caps)

I bought the Steiner 235 Safari Pro after having done some research on comparable products. It was supposedly well built. However, less than 3 weeks after using the binoculars on an African game viewing vacation the hinged tubes weakened and would not hold the interpupilary distance. Upon returning from our trip we inquired of Steiner how to handle the repair. We were informed that we had to send it to their repair center in Moorestown, NJ and that the cost would be $18+. What kind of a warranty is that? Three weeks old. We obviously bought a lemon, and now we have to pay to have it repaired.

The binoculars are quite portable without the case. The case, being near square, requires at least 1/3 more space to store away, compared to the size of the binoculars.

The Experience:
The downfalls of the binocular, during a long three week trip into rural North-eastern Chinese Mountains, are they do fog at the eyepieces; if not treated with an anti-fog agent. It is also difficult finding your target quickly, but that is understandable due to the small ocular size. The most annoying overall, is the need to readjust the physical width distance for the eyes (the center fold to make it even more compact) every time you put it away and take it out to use (they move so easily & the binoculars are so light, it get's frustrating).

Color though the lens pieces is average.

Magnification distance is good/useable for large targets maybe 400-500ft, small targets 150-200ft.

I wouldn't use these on fast moving-close distance objects, as it is hard to lock on quick enough.

The focus wheel, while feeling solid, is very finicky, needing precise adjustment to get focus. Once focused, the image has good clarity.

Overall, they do what they need to do. They're lightweight, extremely portable. Good for casual spotting at a distance, but I wish there was a better stabilized feel.


Hopefully, this quick review helps someone in finding what they need/want in a binocular.

I have purchased several full-sized Steiner binoculars and they have always impressed me with their clarity and quality. I purchased these for football games and a little disappointed. The glass is not up to quality and trying to find the right position for eye relief is a chore each and every time.

The eyepiece/ oculars will strip very quickly and you'll spend more time farting around getting them to work, instead of watching birds. I had sent them in and it took them about 6 mo's to get them back to me. And when they did, they said they wouldn't repair them again!? Well, guess what...same exact problem AGAIN. Sorry, but if you've got a faulty product, you better be prepared to fix it for free Steiner. I was excited ti get these, but was sadly disappointed. Go elsewhere.

This is nice, Small, light weight, very clear, comes with carry case, clean pad, sight cups, strap, fits in your hands nicely looks good!

it can be so hard to find a good pair of binoculars that look clear and sharp and don't make your eyes bug out, all at a reasonable price, of course these were still a little on the expensive side, but definitely worth the money.

I bought these binoculars for my husband, he loves them. They are small and compact and work very well.