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Steiner Safari Ultrasharp Binoculars, 8 x 22 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mdb2
- Start date
Steiner change the names of their models so often it's now always easy to know if there have been any design changes at all. I have tried the previous Safari version a couple of times. It did have a particular charm. I loved the compact size, ease of use and even it's looks but there is no disguising it was a very cheap design with poor contrast, not-particularly sharp centre and poor edges. Usable but not worth the £100 price tag to my mind. I can't imagine adding the 'Ultrasharp' name has done much to change that in practice, but I could be wrong.
I'd suggest the cheaper reverse porros like the Olympus Tracker PCI 8x25 or even the 'blue beetle' PCI 7x21 would offer a better view but are not waterproof and may to have the same 'rugged' appeal of the Steiner. The waterproof reverse porros like the Opticron HRWP 8x26 or Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 might be getting a little chunky for small hands but you might well be happy to use them yourself as afterwards.
Moving away from compacts slightly there are a number of well regarded models that designed with smaller users in mind. The Opticron Savanna, Kowa YF and Leupold Yosemite BX-1 porros are good for smaller IPDs. Many here prefer the 6x30 options which is really quite small. The Opticron Discovery 8x32 is a bit over budget but small, light and again good for smaller IPDs.
Good luck,
David
I'd suggest the cheaper reverse porros like the Olympus Tracker PCI 8x25 or even the 'blue beetle' PCI 7x21 would offer a better view but are not waterproof and may to have the same 'rugged' appeal of the Steiner. The waterproof reverse porros like the Opticron HRWP 8x26 or Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 might be getting a little chunky for small hands but you might well be happy to use them yourself as afterwards.
Moving away from compacts slightly there are a number of well regarded models that designed with smaller users in mind. The Opticron Savanna, Kowa YF and Leupold Yosemite BX-1 porros are good for smaller IPDs. Many here prefer the 6x30 options which is really quite small. The Opticron Discovery 8x32 is a bit over budget but small, light and again good for smaller IPDs.
Good luck,
David
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Thankyou David, for a. Very thorough list, This is totally my fault, and I apologise profusely, I should have been more descriptive. 'I have checked your suggestions out.My son is 45 years old and wants them to put in his rucksack for surfing and hiking. Therefore 8x25 is a great size. the price is my idea as I will be giving them as a Xmas gift. The size needs to be small and lightweight.not like the wider bodied models. Again many apologies and could you re- suggest some others.
Kind regards mike
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Mike, that made me chuckle. 
The Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 is still a good choice. The view isn't particularly wide but what you get is pretty good. Uttings have it at £79 at the moment when it's usually £100+. Over budget, the Hawke Sapphire ED 8x25 I think is very good for the money. It's essentially a rip-off of the old Swaro design with a view to match IMO. The double hinge and tiny focus and dioptre controls might be rather fiddly for big hands but then it is shirt pocket rather than jacket pocket size. £150 at the moment from Clifton Cameras.
I'm sure others will have other ideas.
Cheers,
David
The Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 is still a good choice. The view isn't particularly wide but what you get is pretty good. Uttings have it at £79 at the moment when it's usually £100+. Over budget, the Hawke Sapphire ED 8x25 I think is very good for the money. It's essentially a rip-off of the old Swaro design with a view to match IMO. The double hinge and tiny focus and dioptre controls might be rather fiddly for big hands but then it is shirt pocket rather than jacket pocket size. £150 at the moment from Clifton Cameras.
I'm sure others will have other ideas.
Cheers,
David
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I'd reinforce David's endorsement of the Travelite EX. While the FOV is restrictive, the optics are very good for the price and they seem robust enough to survive a rucksack. I got mine a couple of years ago from Uttings for around £75, and they've seen some heavy use since.
http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/185/cat/10
There's a review of the Travelite here - also a Steiner review on p2 of the 'compact and medium binoculars' review section.
Hope it helps.
There's a review of the Travelite here - also a Steiner review on p2 of the 'compact and medium binoculars' review section.
Hope it helps.
