Frequently asked questions

The binoculars of the Commander series are built according to military requirements. The Commander is built to withstand the toughest demands. In addition, the Commander has an improved anti-reflective coating on the lenses for high light transmission and also has the STEINER nano coating on the outer surfaces to allow water, dirt and oil to roll off the lenses.

While the Safari and Safari Pro are similar in looks and performance, the Safari UltraSharp represents a new generation with upgraded features and improved lens anti-reflective coating. The hybrid system of the Safari Sports-Auto-Focus-Plus™ allows you to focus on objects at a distance of 2m and is therefore suitable as an entry-level product in the world of bird and nature observation.

Porro prism and roof prism systems are two different optical systems and each has its advantages. With porro prism binoculars, there is an offset between the lens and eyepiece optics. This results in the typical Z-construction, which the light also has to follow on its way to the eyes. Porro binoculars appear to be a bit larger than roof binoculars, but they are extremely robust. Due to the distance between the lenses, porro prism binoculars create a 3D effect, which helps to better distinguish between objects at different distances. With the STEINER Sports-Auto-Focus you only have to adjust the binoculars once to your personal visual defect and then you have a sharp image from 20m to infinity. This makes it a one-handed binocular.

The construction of roof prism binoculars allows a straight light path to the eye. Therefore, these binoculars can be designed and built much more compactly. A feature of these binoculars is the adjustment of the focus (different distances to the object) with the help of a center wheel. These products are still quite robust, but it is far more difficult to make them waterproof to a certain depth.

In order to be able to read the most accurate possible direction measurement on the compass scale, it is essential that the compass needle can rotate freely and undisturbed within the compass. The scale must be balanced in such a way that any kind of contact between the compass needle and the compass housing is avoided; at any moment and at any location of a measurement.

• Therefore the world was divided into at least 5 different magnetic field zones. Your compass is currently optimized for the magnetic field of the northern hemisphere (zone 2), of course only if you bought the binoculars in this region.
• If you sail too far outside of this zone with this product, this can lead to an illegibility or an obstruction of the compass rose. Many circumnavigators therefore use 2 - 3 binoculars with different compass zones. Changing the compass module to another zone cannot be done independently.

If you are a circumnavigator, we recommend the Commander Global: No calibration or adjustment; The Commander Global is the spearhead and once again demonstrates the innovative capabilities of the STEINER company. The integrated electronic magnetic field measurement guarantees absolutely precise measurements anywhere in the world, whether in the Arctic Circle or the South Seas. Thanks to the digital technologies used, the measurements are extremely accurate. The display, which is similar to the analog compass, is integrated in the lower part of the field of view in such a way that it does not distract your view. The simple and intuitive use, as well as a tilt angle compensation make the product a reliable partner at sea. You will be amazed by the benefits of the Commander Global.

Your binoculars are outside the permissible adjustment or collimation values. Once the two sides are out of alignment with each other, your eyes receive two different images, causing the blurring or squinting effect. However, this can easily be remedied if you give the binoculars for service.

It is best to print out our service form, which is available for Germany at "Repair-Service" available for download. Fill out the form and enclose it with the glass. The broadcast goes to:

Steiner-Optik GmbH
Serviceabteilung
Dr.-Hans-Frisch-Straße 9
95448 Bayreuth

On our homepage see below "store locator " the Steiner partner who is responsible for your country. Please contact them. He will then take care of the transaction.

Open the binoculars battery cover. Usually no tools are required. Simply turning counterclockwise is sufficient. Please note that the negative pole must be visible when you put the cover back on and turn it clockwise to seal the battery compartment so that it is watertight.

It depends on the model. Normally you inform the customer service of the model and serial number and for a flat rate of € 15 they will send you the matching eyecups, which you can easily and quickly mount yourself.
Unfortunately, with some models it is not possible to change the eyecups yourself, as a special tool is required for assembly. The binoculars would then have to be sent in for this purpose. The exchange is then of course done as a gesture of goodwill. If you need new eyecups, it is best to contact our customer service. There you will find out whether your glass needs to be sent in or not.

There are two different focusing systems. The design alone reveals which system the binoculars are equipped with.

Sports-Auto-Focus: Recognizable by the missing focusing wheel

+ from approx. 20 m - infinity always sharp
+ no refocusing
+ also works great at night
+ ideal for rapidly changing distances
- very close range not adjustable

Fast-Close-Focus: Recognizable by the existing focusing wheel

+ quick adjustment at short distances
+ Close focus range up to 2m
- constantly adjust changing areas
- cannot be focused at night

We look for an object about 100 m away that is as detailed as possible.
We focus each eye in turn by turning the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece. It is helpful to cover the other lens while focusing, preferably with the lens protection cap. This allows you to keep both eyes open, making it easier to see clearly. With this basic setting, any necessary diopter adjustment is carried out automatically. You can now always see sharply from 20 m.

The basic setting of the Fast-Close-Focus (middle drive):
We look for an object that is as far away as possible and rich in detail.
Cover the left lens with your hand (or better: with the lens protection cap) and turn the focusing wheel until the right eye sees completely clearly and sharply.
Then cover the left eyepiece and turn the diopter adjustment on the left eyepiece until you see the same object clearly. By covering one is able to keep both eyes open, making it easier to see clearly.
After the basic setting is done, the center drive must be used to focus on different distances.

The basic setting of the Sports-Auto-Focus (missing center drive):
We look for an object about 100 m away that is as detailed as possible.
We focus each eye in turn by turning the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece. It is helpful to cover the other lens while focusing, preferably with the lens protection cap. This allows you to keep both eyes open, making it easier to see clearly. With this basic setting, any necessary diopter adjustment is carried out automatically. You can now always see sharply from 20 m.

The Ranger Pro series is the predecessor of the current Ranger Xtreme series.
Since Steiner is constantly working on optimizing the high-quality products, the main differences between the current Ranger Xtreme series lie in the more powerful high-contrast optics.
The Ranger Xtreme series stands out with its powerful high-contrast optics and is now equipped with even higher light transmission and an enlarged field of view as well as improved handling thanks to the non-slip NBR armor and lower weight.

The main difference between the Commander and the Navigator Pro is optical performance. This is far better with the Commander. The Commander's images are razor-sharp and of the highest contrast — right to the edge.
The Commander also has extras such as ergonomic eyecups that protect against light and wind coming in from the side, a reticle that can be used to calculate size and distance and a significantly larger field of view. In contrast to the Navigator Pro, the Commander is equipped with the Nano Protection coating, which simply lets water roll off.
You can use both variants into the night, since the 7x50 version is a night glass. However, the Commander has a higher quality coating and is brighter.
The STEINER Commander is waterproof up to 10 meters and the Navigator Pro up to 5 meters.
The last point to mention is that the STEINER Commander comes with a 30-year guarantee and the Navigator Pro has a 10-year guarantee.

Looking at the optical performance of both models, the Commander clearly stands out. The Commander also has a larger field of view than the Commander Global. All other extras are identical, such as the additionally installed reticle, water resistance up to 10 meters, the ergonomic eyecups, the nano protection and the high-quality accessories. The Commander Global is equipped with a digital worldwide compass that provides precise bearings around the world through magnetic field measurement and declination adjustment. In addition, it has automatic brightness adjustment, as well as tilt adjustment. The Commander with compass, on the other hand, has an analog, liquid-damped compass.

Unfortunately, no. You can only attach eyecups that come standard with your binoculars. The ergonomic eyecups are only available for special models and, if available, are already included in the scope of delivery.

The nitrogen filling of the Steiner binoculars is designed for around 30-40 years and does not have to be checked routinely. If you still want an inspection, you are of course welcome to send in your binoculars.

On some models yes:
-all SkyHawk 4.0
-all Ranger Xtreme
-all Observer
-Wildlife 8x42, Wildlife 10x42
-Safari UltraSharp 10x42

You can use a coin to open the cover screw between the two lenses. There is a ¼ inch internal thread in which you can attach an appropriate adapter.

The main difference between our SkyHawk 4.0 and the Wildlife series, which are both designed for nature and bird watching, is mainly the built-in optics.
The wildlife has received a significantly more powerful coating here, which results in higher brilliance, color fidelity and contrast strength. In addition, the Wildlife has a ClicLoc connection, which makes it easy to attach the belt. Another plus is the 30-year warranty, compared to the 10 years for the two SkyHawk variants.
The Ranger Xtreme is comparable to the Wildlife in terms of optical performance, but unlike the Adventure models it is specially designed for hunting and has a significantly higher light transmission. So if you want to use your glasses in poor visibility or at dusk, the Ranger Xtreme offers you a significant plus in terms of performance. In addition, the special coating causes green tones to fade so that coat colors can be better recognized.

The Nighthunter Xtreme 8x56 is the predecessor of our current Nighthunter optics.
The Nighthunter Xtreme 8x56 has long been the brightest lens available but has now been overtaken by its successor.
The current model - the Nighthunter 8x56 - is a bit brighter again, but in contrast to the old lens, it has a significantly larger field of view. Where the Nighthunter Xtreme had a field of view of 112 meters, the new one now has a field of view of 135 meters.
In addition, the rubber armouring has been revised, making it even easier to grip.
Of course, the new model has adopted the well-known virtues of its predecessor, such as the legendary Steiner robustness, water pressure resistance and, for example, the nano-coating of the optics.
The Nighthunter Xtreme is still excellent glass, but the new details give you an even better and brighter image, as well as greater comfort for long observations.

The precision reticle is for calculating distances or real sizes.

The procedure can be found in the following description:

You sail along the coast and read off the true size of a lighthouse on your nautical chart, which in our example is 40 meters high. The base of the lighthouse is placed at the zero mark on the vertical scale and a value is now read off the scale at the top of the lighthouse. We assume the value 20 here. The distance to be calculated is the actual size, in our example 40m, divided by the read size, in our example 20m, times 1000. 40m / 20 = 2m, 2m x 1000 = 2000m. The lighthouse is So 2000 m or 2km away.

A second example of using the horizontal scale: You have a harbor entrance in front of you that you know is 80 meters wide. Now you place the port side of the port at the left end of the reticle at the zero point and then read a value at the level of the starboard lights. Let's assume the number 60 here. This would result in a value of 1.3. Multiplying this value by 1000 gives a value of 1300 m or 1.3 km.

For storage: If possible, the glass should be stored at room temperature and not in direct sunlight. Of course, it also tolerates heat or cold, but in the long run this could have a negative effect on the life expectancy of the rubber armor, for example.

For the care of the lenses: Here you should make sure that all coarse dirt is already removed from the lens before you wipe over it with a cleaning cloth or something similar. Possibilities here would be, for example, compressed air or simply holding the glass under running water. (You can do this with all our lenses, but not with the Safari UltraSharp.)

To care for the rubber armor: You can generally care for the rubber coating, including the eyecups, of binoculars with cockpit spray.
Simply spray onto a soft sponge and rub the rubber parts with it. This will prevent the rubber coating from becoming porous and cracked.