Steiner-best in field (1 Viewer)

[statestat]

Compared the Steiner Peregrine Xp with some other top end binos after puchaseing them yesturday, and they are very close to the top end binos. While in the field this morning and in the sunlight noticed the lenses were dusty/dirty from the store. Probably the lens covers on the objective de-gassed a film. Compared again, after cleaning with cotton balls and Zeiss cleaning fluid, using a dollar bill. The Steiners resolve so very close to the others, almost equal to the top end binos, but just ever-so slightly less contrast. Nice sweet spot to the edge. In the woods/field noticed they seem to out-do the others under real world conditions. Just an amazing view, very color neutral, smooth focusing knob, and nice wide view. Birds seemed to pop out with stunning details/color. Can this be due to generous eye relief and comfortable ergonomics not included in an evaluation on the bench? Anyone else notice this? Will go again this evening to see how they perform at dusk.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

What were the "other top end binos"?

 

[Steve C]

Can this be due to generous eye relief and comfortable ergonomics not included in an evaluation on the bench?

Well, I am happy to see you like them. After all a binocular is supposed to help us see things better and the XP seems to have succeeded with you.

I think what you are seeing is an overall agreement that exists between your eyes and the optics in that particular binocular. You are right in that not everything somebody likes in a binocular can be designed or tested for. You may also be involved in some early infatuation and sometimes the initial impression wears thin. Sometimes, not too often.

This may be one example of where a binocular that fits and naturally aligns everything to your face may often be a considerable help in getting all of the fov or actually being able to line up and spot the target.

I would be a bit interested in what other glass you tried them against too. In my experience, I thought the image of the XP and the EL was nearly identical.

 

[ronh]

Thanks for that nice comparison. Re the accompanying thread, Steiner deserves more attention, for better or worse. And better is certainly better than worse! Enjoy that Peregrine, but remember it's a "birding" bino, no fair shooting anything!
Ron

 

[statestat]

The other binos that I compared the Peregrines to were my 8x32 Swaro El, 7x30SLC, 10x42 Leica, 7x42 B&L, I know it is not too fair since they are not of the same magnification or objective. I agree they are most similar to the Swaro EL, which have similar suberb ergonomics and balance, while the 7x30 SLC are better for use with eye glasses. Now the Peregrines combines both of these desirable features. As for not shoting anything not sure I can honestly promise that. I became a birder after sitting in a tree for hours and watching the birds. I still recall clearly being about 15 foot up in a tree and watching a red tail hawk working a field, it was awesome because I was at his level, not looking up. I sometimes set up the ladder tree stand to view from the birds of prey perspective and it is fastinating. But anymore I just watch and not 'collect' trophys.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

That's an interesting cohort of bins!

Thanks for the write-up. It is curious how biases and preferences persist with different products (not always for objective reasons).

 

[statestat]

The accumulation of binos over ten year span, looking for the 'right pair'. Each purchase had one attribute that was desirable, ergonomics, good with glasses, wide FOV etc. Thank goodness I finally found it all in one package with the Peregrines. I am not a collector, I just keep my old stuff for when family or friends tag along and I 'issue' them a bino so we do not play the 'let me see' game. Funny, always told my wife I wanted a pair of 44s, had no idea they would be binos.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

You sound like one of us, Statestat.

Check out the collection versus selection thread too.

I also noticed Petter Dunne's review of the Steiner Peregrine XP

http://featheredgeoptics.com/productreviews_peregrinexp.htm

He likes them though with a couple of caveats (and he does his usual set of drop and throw tests ...).

I also noticed (mentioned on the Meopta thread) that Steiner don't use the term "sport optics" on their web site. They say Steiner Binoculars. I get the feeling they're not comfortable still with the idea of military, law enforcement or hunters using their bins. I guess one could bird whilst carrying a gun just to be on the safe side

 

[Steve C]

I guess one could bird whilst carrying a gun just to be on the safe side

You never know when you might get mobbed by a bunch angry Blackbirds in reprisal for your sneaking up on them and trying to steal their identity with those nasty binoculars!

 

[Kevin Purcell]

Actually I'm dealing with a couple of onery nesting crows in the local P-Patch. They're nesting close by. Currently they've tagged a couple of gardeners. And one really wanted a piece of croissant from me (and was prepared to take it from me if I didn't hand over a piece.).

Urban crows. What can you do. At least they're not wearing Hoodies yet (unlike those Scottish crows!).