Swarovski SLC Vs Steiner Discovery (1 Viewer)

[Jimmy Carter]

I am currently loking to buy a 10x magnification binocular, and have narrowed my search to two models. These are the 10x42 SLC by Swarovski and the 10x44 discovery by Steiner. I already own a pair of SLC's (8x30) so am leaning towards the Swarovskis at the moment, as these have proved to be extremely reliable and rugged. I live in a remote area so unfortunatley am unable to test either of these models before I buy, which will be by mail order. I would be extremely gratefull to anbody who has experience of either of these models for there comments and any other practicle advice on this matter
Many thanks
Jimmy

 

[delia todd]

Hi Jimmy I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators.

I've moved your post to the Binocular Forum, as I feel you'll get more help here.

Meanwhile I hope you enjoy browsing the forums

D

 

[Jimmy Carter]

Thanks for the welcome and your help, not quiet sure what im doing yet so your help is most appreciated.

 

[Tero]

Not quite sure how you came to the Steiner as a second choice. It seems a heavy binocular if I am looking at it right.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Steiner-Discovery-binoculars-reviewed
We have very few Steiner fans here. Someone will come along and recommend a few high end 10x42s of diffrerent brands. The 44mm makes very little difference compared to 42mm.

The high end 10x binoculars are all rather heavy. In fact if I were to spend that much, or even 1000 dollars, on high end optics, I would go 8x30 or 8x32. But you already have that. The 10x models, other than a few 32mm, are all built like tanks. And weigh like tanks. If this is not for birding, that may be OK.

There is a Mystery Binocular, announced to be a Promaster, that also comes in 10x42. Only sold in US, I think. See
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122545

It is pretty light weight compared to top end. Optics as good as any under 1000 dollars here.

 

[PYRTLE]

Swarovski for me given the choice you've suggested - rugged construction / fantastic optics and best after sales service.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

There is a Mystery Binocular, announced to be a Promaster, that also comes in 10x42. Only sold in US, I think. See
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122545

It is pretty light weight compared to top end. Optics as good as any under 1000 dollars here.

It may be sold under the Optisan brand in the UK. That's not been verified but checking the photos and the specs might be a big hint (followed by actually looking down them!).

 

[MacGee]

It may be sold under the Optisan brand in the UK. That's not been verified but checking the photos and the specs might be a big hint (followed by actually looking down them!).

Or the Hawke Frontier ED?

Michael

 

[Kevin Purcell]

Or perhaps a better link

http://www.hawkeoptics.com/binoculars/frontier_ed.htm

Phase ED optics
• Magnesium alloy body construction
• BAK4 Prisms
• Twist-up eyecups
• Precise centre focusing
• Close focus 2m
• 'Stay-on' covers
• Hard protective carry case
• Hawke Worldwide Warranty

HA3778 8x43 Roof BAK4 Phase ED

426ft @ 1000yds
142m @ 1000m
16.6mm ER
6.6ft 2m close focus
26.2oz 743g

Compare with

* Power: 8X
* Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
* Type of Prism: BAK4 Roof
* Prism Coating: Silver and phase coated
* Number of Lens: 8 elements in 6 groups
* Body Construction: Magnesium Alloy
* Objective Glass: Extra Low Dispersion (ED)
* Lens Coating: TRANSBRIGHT, REPELLAMAX, and full broadband multicoatings
* Focus System: Internal center focusing
* Exit Pupil Diameter: 5.2mm
* Eye Relief: 17.2mm
* Field of View: 7.5° - 393 ft. @ 1000 yds.
* Minimum Focusing Distance: 6.56’/2M
* Diopter System: Left eyepiece - ±3
* Waterproof: 1.5m for 3 minutes
* Weatherproof: Nitrogen filled fog proof
* Weight: 27.48 oz.

The numbers don't match so it's not the same bin but may use the same enclosure (didn't we do this on another thread ).

So it seems there is more than one OEM doing similar bins (or perhaps the same OEM doing different bins).

I look forward to a review!

 

[CHenry]

I am currently loking to buy a 10x magnification binocular, and have narrowed my search to two models. These are the 10x42 SLC by Swarovski and the 10x44 discovery by Steiner. I already own a pair of SLC's (8x30) so am leaning towards the Swarovskis at the moment, as these have proved to be extremely reliable and rugged. I live in a remote area so unfortunatley am unable to test either of these models before I buy, which will be by mail order. I would be extremely gratefull to anbody who has experience of either of these models for there comments and any other practicle advice on this matter
Many thanks
Jimmy

The 10x SLCnew is excellent. If the price doesn't bother you (or the weight), you should be satisfied with them. Nearly as good (very nearly) are the Meopta Meostars and the Vortex Razors, for much less money.

 

[Steve C]

The very name Steiner seems to generate some angst. Some of their lower priced stuff is not real good, and that has rubbed off on their better models. I think the Steiner Peregrines are really good. What I would do is find a dealer with both, who has a good return/exchange policy and try both. Let your eyes decide. Peer pressure here will be pro Swarovski better than 10-to-1. What Steiner does is make a lot of military, marine, and law enforcement binoculars, so they do know about making them run-over-it -with-a-truck-tough. They do not have any brand associated panache', but I suspect this is a very good glass.

FWIW, it seems Steiner has been acquired by the US firm Burris Optics, which is in turn owned by Beretta.

 

[Jimmy Carter]

The 10x SLCnew is excellent. If the price doesn't bother you (or the weight), you should be satisfied with them. Nearly as good (very nearly) are the Meopta Meostars and the Vortex Razors, for much less money.

The weight is definitely not an issue, and the price is right at the top end of my budget but still affordable, I will check out the other models you mentioned before I part with any cash though. many thanks.

 

[Ariel]

I suppose the Steiner Discovery 10x44 is underestimated due to its low degree of familiarity. I was able to compare it to the Zeiss Victory before purchase and couldn't find a significant difference beside very slightly less light transmittance. This is outweighted by severel features like the softgrip, special eyecups etc.