Looks like they don't have full focus range
http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/news/news_wildlifepro830.html
The describe the CF s a tweak to their usual 30m to infinity "fixed" focus (i.e. eye accomodation) focus system. Both EPs have the usual IF system to infinity focus the bins.
I suspect it's internal focus with a very limited range to pull the close focus from 30m to 2m.
http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/news/news_wildlifepro830.html
Interesting idea.
Anyone tried them?
Kevin,
I haven´t seen the advertising/description so far. Anyway, this model isn´t a IF bin but a CF one with internal focussing and internal diopter setting similar than with the Steiner Discovery roof bins.
This new focusing system consists of two parts. The first is Steiner’s automatic focus system that is already a popular feature in several hunting, nature, and military binoculars made by Steiner. This focus system feature makes objects sharp without the need to manually refocus from 30 yards to infinity. When the object of observation can barely be seen and is difficult to focus on, this timesaving feature is critical to be able to clearly view the object.
The second feature of the new ULTRA-SHARP focus adds a fingertip adjustment. Similar to a traditional center focus, this new adjustment only requires a miniscule touch of the ribbed fingertip wheel to fine-tune sharpness or focus on nearby objects. It has a close-focus distance of six feet. The result of this new focusing system is a sharper picture faster than with any other binocular on the market.
The Steiner's automatic focus system also allows setting the binoculars for individual eyes, no matter what your particular eye condition may be. This is a one-time initial step. Adjustments for both the left and right eyes can be made, resulting in an exceptionally sharp image for all users.
I don't think so.
That's how I read what the PR says:
"Adjustments for both the left and right eyes can be made," that sounds like an IF bin to me: IF + small range CF focuser
Take a look at the Steiner photos ... there is a + and - scale on each ocular. Just like an IF bin.
http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/assets/images/moreviews/wildlifepro_gallery/image0.jpg
Holger reviewed an earlier Steiner and has some interesting negative comments about the nonmetal housing's reliability and repairability. http://www.holgermerlitz.de/zeiss8x30.html
Look like instead of evolution, it may be just back to the future.
Ron