History

The name STEINER stands for high-class optics, no wonder the US-Navy, commercial shipping industry, professional skippers, yachters, boaters, hunters and expedition pros rely on it! STEINER-OPTIK — The Binocular-Specialists: from its humble, post-war beginnings, the company has made it into the world league of the largest makers of high-quality binoculars. With a true passion for the business, the pioneer Karl Steiner establishes the STEINER-OPTIK GmbH in 1947.

Despite the difficult economical post-war situation the newly-found, innovative company grows from a one-man factory to a more than 50-employee company within 6 years. Karl Steiner soon realizes that the company's prosperous future lies within the production of professional high-quality binoculars. This revolutionary idea certainly set high standards within the industry and STEINER-OPTIK soon becomes the world-leading optics manufacturer.

In 1967 STEINER introduced the high-tech fiber Makrolon, a material used in the space industry. The revolutionary application of this fiber reinforced polycarbonate ultimately made the STEINER binoculars tougher, more compact, lighter and absolutely shock- and scratch-protected. Stronger than ever, the STEINER binoculars now were built to last a life-time of rugged use.
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It is the year 1973 when father Karl steps down and his son Carl Steiner continues to run the family business. Putting all of his heart into furthermore developing his father's innovative groundwork, Carl Steiner manages to strengthen the company's stand and STEINER-OPTIK becomes the world-leading specialist in binocular production. Ever since the beginning STEINER has always focused on creating new optics technologies.

Many fundamental innovations were not only developed by STEINER-OPTIK, they set the standards for future developments. In 1973 Carl Steiner continues an era of remarkable new ideas and introduces the first ever nitrogen-filled binocular to a stunned market. STEINER's brand-new Nitrogen-Pressure-System completely prevents fogging even at drastic temperatures from -40° C to +80° C.
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The year 1978 marks yet another standard-setting STEINER novelty: the first binocular ever with an integrated compass! Not only was STEINER the first company to offer compass binoculars, they now feature the largest compass ever built into any binocular. Hd-stabilized for waves or quick movement, a built-in illuminator, an integrated recticle and a large compass scale guarantee exact and reliable bearings even in the worst light conditions and weather.

The STEINER quality-innovations include e.g. the super tough rubber armoring, the pocket-size binocular and the special STEINER lens coating to increase the contrast of backgrounds. And since 1985 the STEINER 2-way valve system ensures an easy-access to check and/or refill all STEINER binoculars with Nitrogen-Pressure-System even after years of use.
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In 1990 STEINER's brand-new Safari-Series is a bestseller in the travel, leisure and adventure industry.

5 years later STEINER does it again with the introduction of the brand-new Rocky-Series. In 1999 STEINER together with Reinhold Messner developed the Wildlife binoculars: a state-of-the-art series and undoubtedly any true explorer's powerful key piece — built to last a lifetime and the perfect choice for outdoor lovers who want more action and more excitement!
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It is the year 2001 and STEINER's visionary management prepares to turn night time into day with their stunning Nighthunter Series. High-class, precision-crafted optics, truly exceptional light transmission and a maximized reduction of stray light from now on guarantee absolutely perfect views in almost impossible light conditions. The Nighthunter's outstanding coating allows anyone to see the unseeable — clearer, crisper and brighter than ever!

In 2002 the Binocular-Specialists launch another bestseller: the Commander V. An impressive development from STEINER which once again revolutionizes the standard. A high-class, tried- and-tested STEINER product created by some of the most talented engineers in close teamwork with the world's best professional athletes. With the new Commander V STEINER has not only once again introduced yet another revolutionary development, but most of all the world's most innovative binocular manufacturer has achieved technological and functional values that were previously unattainable in the area of professional water sports binocular production. The Commander V is truly tailor-made for the work of any passionate water sports pro.

Furthermore STEINER introduces the new Ranger Series: Designed for the particular requirements of hunters and made with the use of the knowledge gained from decades of research into and production of military binoculars. Additionally STEINER tops the year 2002 off with another big surprise: the new Admiral Gold! STEINER's top-of-the-range product is a extraordinary technical masterpiece, a real collector's item, made to order and with a limited production! The uniqueness of the Admiral Gold has much to do with STEINER's philosophy of exclusive, unsurpassed quality standard. STEINER achieves this by thoroughness and detailed attention: the Admiral Gold will be supplied in a mahogany case with serial number, certificate and engraved with your name.
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In 2003 the sensational, best-selling "Nighthunter" series, part of any hunter's basic equipment, has been furthermore optimized and specifically tailored by the world's best opticians and binocular-specialists. The talent of these experts, the valued opinions of hunting pros, intensive research work and tough consumer tests, have enabled STEINER to design a hunting binocular with an even better fit to the hunter's unique needs! The new Nighthunter XP binoculars provide the hunter with a wide range of clear advantages and unique benefits in all hunting or watch situations! They have received the award for great optical performance by leading magazines.

Better than average, tougher than average: to provide the highest level of quality optics technology STEINER also optimizes the popular Safari- and Navigator-Series with brand-new models. With the Wildlife-Pro-Series STEINER once again sets a new competency in nature observation and birdwatching. Premium features like the superior High-Contrast Pro-Optics ensure the most natural color reproduction and the brightest possible images even in low light or bright sunshine.
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With the launch of the new Skipper-series STEINER fulfils a wish long cherished by customers: Budget bins with quality! As the lowest-priced professional marine binocular, STEINER's Skipper offers unequalled price-performance ratio and is perfectly suited as a beginner's binocular for all charterers, hobby skippers and sailing passengers. Outstanding performance and reliable practicality make this economical binoculars the new favorite companion aboard and ashore! Countless positive feedbacks from satisfied consumers reinforce the quality of the STEINER brand.

Continuing the pioneering innovations, STEINER introduces the new Observer-Series, long-distance giants for demanding tasks. With the new Observer-Series STEINER lets you scope out the action without missing a thing! With the proven Steiner quality the two Observer-models provide superb optical performance. Designed for viewing distant details, tailored for even the toughest special-performance use.
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Big on performance, yet small enough to fit in your pocket: With the launch of the new Wildlife models STEINER offers extremely lightweight binoculars when it comes to wildlife observation and country navigation. Multi-functional, with a compact design and easy to handle: The combination of light weight and magnification makes the Wildlife XXS-Series the perfect companion for hiking or backpack tours. Due to these special features the new Wildlife models quickly become the preferred choice of outdoor lovers all over the world!

In 2004 STEINER reaches yet another step to fulfill their mission: The Binocular-Specialists sign a long-term cooperation contract with two specific project partners in Ecuador. Yet another pioneering int´l initiative by STEINER and further proof of their love, respect and support of nature! Additionally STEINER starts supporting the ecological protection of the German Wadden Sea in cooperation with the conservation association »Schutzstation Wattenmeer«.
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STEINER binoculars are inspired by an enduring passion: a passion for the pursiut of excellence, ultimate power and performance. Countless positive feedbacks from satisfied consumers reinforce the quality of the STEINER brand. The secret of this success lies in the firm's relationship to its products. STEINER is the only company in the world which solely constructs binoculars. Binoculars are not just part of STEINER's business; they are the core of STEINER's business!

2005 STEINER-OPTIK proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of the successful Commander — a true classic for any passionate water sports pro. Due to the Commander's huge success STEINER especially rewards their customers, who have helped defining the Commander into the world's most popular marine binocular. Therefore STEINER presents the new Commander Jubilee Edition designed for the truly devoted aficionados. As a unique bonus for the customers' loyalty STEINER aditionally offers a Limited Special Edition of the popular Nighthunter! Equipped with brilliant features, this Special Edition and the Jubilee Edition come with even greater value and big savings!
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Topping off the year 2005, STEINER launches the new SkyHawk-Series and sets a new competency in birdwatching. Precision-crafted binoculars that are constructed in close teamwork with professional ornithologists for the particular requirements of passionate birdwatchers. The SkyHawk models delight the public with the many great fit-and-feel characteristics for long hours of comfortable observation and great value for money!
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Today, STEINER is the world leader in manufacturing quality binoculars for nautical use, hunting, outdoor and leisure activities with products used throughout the world. Built for the toughest situations, high-performance optics and the comfort of the Sports-Auto-Focus are merely some of the unsurpassed qualities why STEINER binoculars are the preferred choice of customers all over the world. Professional hunters, skippers, boatsmen, hikers, outdoor athletes, birders and nature lovers all over the world rely on the STEINER quality, the latest optics technology, the precision manufacturing and the fact that all of our binoculars undergo the toughest U.S. Military spec. testing.

Always faithful to the traditions upon which his father founded the company, Carl Steiner held on to his commitments to state-of-the-art quality, to keep the production location in Germany, to create new jobs and career opportunities for his employees, expert training of his sales staff and a constant investment in research and development. It paid off: STEINER sells its top-of-the-range products in the major markets of Europe, Asia and America. An expansive network of dealers in over 65 countries ensures that the STEINER reputation is projected on a global scale. One of the reasons for this is that the world's leading manufacturer of professional field glasses offers reliability and quality at a level unmatched by any of its competitors in Europe.

On the product management side, STEINER has constant dialogs with the customers. This results in a 100% fully focused and specialized product development and guarantees that every STEINER binocular represents the best possible quality available. STEINER will continue to provide the highest level of quality optics technology - stronger than ever and for a lifetime of dependable performance! Nach oben / Top

The worldwide success of STEINER binoculars in 2007 is an expression of our ambition in seeking excellence in everything we produce. What our customers enjoy most is connected to a very particular area of application. They expect to experience more, to be inspired anew by their passion. We believe that we can fully support our customers with our binoculars. This results in a 100% fully focused and specialized product development and guarantees that every STEINER binocular represents the best possible quality available.

In 2007 the legendary Nighthunter XP series is been further improved. The new generation of professional hunting binoculars by STEINER are not only eminently suited for night viewing, but are particularly comfortable to use. The new NighthunterXP 8x44 offers up to 25% more surface of the exit pupil than comparable competitors' products. As the first hunting binoculars ever in this range, the new NighthunterXP 8x44 for still hunting are equipped with the Comfort Balance System. Never before have professional binoculars been so practical or so easy to use.

German-built optics rightly enjoy a worldwide reputation for innovation and excellence, so STEINER has drawn on its 60 years of experience to introduce two completely new features in the new Discovery range. The Dual Precision Setting offers the user the opportunity to adjust focus for each eye independently to provide a new standard in precision viewing, while the Distance Control System allows you to pre-focus before lifting to the eyes.

Within the framework of a successful multi-channel concept STEINER wants to press further ahead with the expansion of worldwide stationary activities, alongside with the intensification of b2b segments and e-concepts. In the daily work of momentum, pressure and changeability STEINER will continue to be motivated by the challenge on seeking excellence in every binocular: outstanding value for our customers; binoculars that our customers will benefit from.
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