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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Has anyone had any experience with the Steiner 7 x 50 Commander V binos? I'm looking for a rugged marine / terrestrial glass for all occasions. Steiner's rep is great and these seem to fit the bill from their description on the Steiner website, but would like to hear any specifics relating to the low-light performance, throughput, and reticle / compass usage if possible. Thanks in advance.
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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Rich V.
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1566
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Perhaps they're a great binocular but I just don't like all the Steiner hype. This model has a polycarbonate body; I can't say I'm a big fan of plastic bins. YMMV
There is another Steiner thread currently running; take a look at the comments.
For that kind of money, I'd be looking at the Fujinon 7x50 FMT-SX or the Nikon 7x50SP Prostar. I'm very happy with Fujinon quality. The Nikons are outstanding; read what EdZ has to say about them.
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 2349
Loc: Rocky Mt. High Colorado
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Quote:
Steiner's rep is great
That all depends upon who you talk with. I visit another hunting optics talk forum and the word "great" does NOT come up when discussing Steiner binoculars.
Marine and terrestrial useage are two different ends of the spectrum. For marine use a large exit pupil is recommended on rough seas. Also, you can get along just fine with Individual Focus at sea.
For terrestrial use alot of folks prefer Center Focus because of the near/far focusing distances, and also for wildlife viewing where animal flight or motion is involved.
Marine requires a very good level of waterproofing, terrestrial does not always require waterproofing.
What price range are you committed to?
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Celestron Traveler 8x25 & Bell & Howell 8x40 JAPAN &
Pentax 12x50 PCF WP II & Pentax 16x60 PCF WP &
Pentax 20x60 PCF WP II & Orion 12x63 Mini Giant JAPAN &
SPECTRUM I 20x65 JAPAN & Orion 15x70 Little Giant II JAPAN &
Orion 20x70 Little Giant II JAPAN & Orion 16x80 Giant JAPAN &
Orion 30x80 MEGAView JAPAN & Barska 30x80 X-Trail &
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90
Ps.33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made:
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Quote:
For that kind of money, I'd be looking at the Fujinon 7x50 FMT-SX or the Nikon 7x50SP Prostar. I'm very happy with Fujinon quality. The Nikons are outstanding; read what EdZ has to say about them.
Rich, the Fuji FMT-SX are a little heavier than I want for this application. Have not seen the Prostar. Thanks.
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Quote:
I visit another hunting optics talk forum and the word "great" does NOT come up when discussing Steiner binoculars.
Marine and terrestrial useage are two different ends of the spectrum. What price range are you committed to?
Interesting about the reputation, but that's why I asked - always good to here others' opinions 
I suppose I should clarify more - I have birding and astronomy covered, so close focus and / or looking at star clusters is not an issue for these.
I'm really looking for binos that will hold up under all weather conditions. Primarily I'd use them for wide-field scanning and range-finding while on the water or during hiking, 4-wheeling, etc. I'm particularly interested in the low-light performance, which is a big part of what drew me to the Commander V's, but having never seen a pair I thought it prudent to check out a little first.
I have used most sizes in the Nikon SE lineup, and they are truly nice IMHO, but not sure they are rugged enough for what I want.
The Nikons, Steiners, Fujinons are all in my price range - want to stay under $1,000. Thanks.
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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DJB
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1677
Loc: Lisle NY
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Hi ckwastro,
I have to say that I would persue the FUJI or the NIKON over the others. Yes, they are a bit heavy--the reason being the larger prisms and heavy-duty construction.
The Steiners FOV is not to my liking either. I'm only chiming in, so this is just my viewpoint.
Good luck with your final choice.
Best regards,
Dave.
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RichD
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/08/07
Posts: 759
Loc: Derbyshire, UK
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No experience personally with these, but they look like nice binos. Fuji FMT price in the uk - around 600 UKP.
I think Bill Cook stocks steiner so he must rate them fairly highly.
I know he rates the Nikon prostar highest of all the 7x50's though!
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Clear skies
Rich
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 2301
Loc: Groton, CT
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My understanding is that the Steiner Mariner series has special coatings to block out some UV rays to reduce glare when they're used on the water.
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Amy
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Joe Ogiba
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/14/02
Posts: 4441
Loc: NJ USA
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Quote:
Has anyone had any experience with the Steiner 7 x 50 Commander V binos? I'm looking for a rugged marine / terrestrial glass for all occasions. Steiner's rep is great and these seem to fit the bill from their description on the Steiner website, but would like to hear any specifics relating to the low-light performance, throughput, and reticle / compass usage if possible. Thanks in advance.
I like my Celestron Oceana 7x50 WP-IF/RC Binoculars but for ultimate brightness in a waterproof 7x binocular with wide 8.6° FOV (60° AFOV) , 6.5ft close focus and light weight (26.1oz) you can't beat the Zeiss 7x42 FL's.
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Pentax PF-80ED,Meade 102ED APO,Orion EON 72,120ST
Apex 127,C6 XLT,CR150,C9.25,XT10 ,Celestron Regal 100 F-ED
Zeiss 7x42 FL,Canon 10x42L IS WP,15x50 IS
12x36 IS II
Garrett Optical 28x110 HD-WP Signature Series
Oberwerk BT-80 45, Apogee RA-88-SA
Denk II Power x Switch binoviewer w/13mm Ethos, 20mm Pentax XW's, 20mm Widescan III's.
17mm Ethos, 22mm Nagler, 40mm Pentax XW, 14mm Pentax XL, 5.2mm Pentax XL, 8-24mm Pentax XL Zoom, 31mm Axiom LX
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Thanks everyone for the replies.
Joe, those Zeiss glasses are beautiful!
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 2349
Loc: Rocky Mt. High Colorado
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Quote:
The Nikons, Steiners, Fujinons are all in my price range - want to stay under $1,000. Thanks.
Here is another great manufacturer and model to consider, Vortex Razor. http://www.vortexoptics.com/binoculars
--------------------
Celestron Traveler 8x25 & Bell & Howell 8x40 JAPAN &
Pentax 12x50 PCF WP II & Pentax 16x60 PCF WP &
Pentax 20x60 PCF WP II & Orion 12x63 Mini Giant JAPAN &
SPECTRUM I 20x65 JAPAN & Orion 15x70 Little Giant II JAPAN &
Orion 20x70 Little Giant II JAPAN & Orion 16x80 Giant JAPAN &
Orion 30x80 MEGAView JAPAN & Barska 30x80 X-Trail &
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90
Ps.33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made:
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amper
journeyman
Reged: 07/18/08
Posts: 7
Loc: FM29LW
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If you're looking for 7x50 marine grade binoculars, you should know that the Fujinon FMTR-SX and FMTRC-SX are widely considered to be not only the finest marine binoculars available, but some of the finest binoculars of any type available.
The Nikon 7x50 Sports and Marine is also highly regarded, though not quite of the same distinction as the Fujinon models.
Personally, I use two Pentax PIF 7x50's, a long-discontinued model that is the equal of the Fujinon's in optical quality and possibly even better construction.
Practical Sailor magazine has also rated the relatively less expensive West Marine Tahiti model highly, and also tends to rate the Steiner models highly. There is a newer version of the Commander V called the Commander XP, in case you didn't know.
If I were buying new right now, I'd probably be looking at the Fujinon FMTR-SX, but I haven't yet seen the Steiner Commander XP.
The Commander XP can be had, sans compass, for about 900 USD, the Fujinon FMTR-SX for about 600 USD, the Nikon Sports & Marine for about 240 USD, and the West Marine Tahiti (with compass) is apparently on sale today for 200 USD. The be-compassed models are less useful for astronomy, but you might not find it too annoying. Of course, the compass will cost you more in any brand.
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Have: 2x Pentax PIF 7x50
Want to build: 8" f/6 hyperbolic Newtonian binocular telescope
Want to buy: Nikon 20x120 Binoscope, Pentax PIF 10x50
Edited by amper (07/31/08 10:31 PM)
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amper
journeyman
Reged: 07/18/08
Posts: 7
Loc: FM29LW
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Oh, one other thing. 7x50 marine binoculars are generally large, heavy creatures, and you really will not want to spend a whole lot of time hiking with them. My Pentax 7x50 PIF's weigh about 58 oz, or 1.65 kg. Ouch.
The Fujinons (54 oz), Nikons (42 oz), and Steiners (37 oz) are a bit lighter, but none of them are what you would call lightweight, exactly.
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Have: 2x Pentax PIF 7x50
Want to build: 8" f/6 hyperbolic Newtonian binocular telescope
Want to buy: Nikon 20x120 Binoscope, Pentax PIF 10x50
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 2301
Loc: Groton, CT
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Do you have a Cabelas near you? I just stopped at Cabelas in Hartford last week. They had a very nice selection of binoculars, including Steiner, Leupold, Bushnell, Nikon, Zeiss, Brunton, Barska and their own brand. I think they had a few more as well. I ended up getting a pair of Cabela 8X42 waterproof roof prism binos. To my eye, they are extremely sharp, light weight and very comfortable.
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Amy
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Quote:
Here is another great manufacturer and model to consider, Vortex Razor. http://www.vortexoptics.com/binoculars
Yeah just found those yesterday - they seem very nice. Giving these some serious thought. Thanks for the link.
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Quote:
If you're looking for 7x50 marine grade binoculars, you should know that the Fujinon FMTR-SX and FMTRC-SX are widely considered to be not only the finest marine binoculars available, but some of the finest binoculars of any type available.
The Nikon 7x50 Sports and Marine is also highly regarded, though not quite of the same distinction as the Fujinon models.
Personally, I use two Pentax PIF 7x50's, a long-discontinued model that is the equal of the Fujinon's in optical quality and possibly even better construction.
Practical Sailor magazine has also rated the relatively less expensive West Marine Tahiti model highly, and also tends to rate the Steiner models highly. There is a newer version of the Commander V called the Commander XP, in case you didn't know.
If I were buying new right now, I'd probably be looking at the Fujinon FMTR-SX, but I haven't yet seen the Steiner Commander XP.
The Commander XP can be had, sans compass, for about 900 USD, the Fujinon FMTR-SX for about 600 USD, the Nikon Sports & Marine for about 240 USD, and the West Marine Tahiti (with compass) is apparently on sale today for 200 USD. The be-compassed models are less useful for astronomy, but you might not find it too annoying. Of course, the compass will cost you more in any brand.
Amper, great info here thank you. Nikon also has the Ocean Pro 7 x 50's but I think the Sports & Marine is a step above based on what I was reading.
Fujinon has always been one of my favorites for astronomy and it's tough to go wrong with them, but the weight in this case is what's making me look elsewhere. However I'm not ruling them out.
I've got the astronomy end covered with other glasses so not worried about the compass interfering for these. I'll check out the WMT's. Thanks again.
--------------------
Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Quote:
Do you have a Cabelas near you? I just stopped at Cabelas in Hartford last week. They had a very nice selection of binoculars, including Steiner, Leupold, Bushnell, Nikon, Zeiss, Brunton, Barska and their own brand. I think they had a few more as well. I ended up getting a pair of Cabela 8X42 waterproof roof prism binos. To my eye, they are extremely sharp, light weight and very comfortable.
Yeah, there's a Cabela's superstore about 45 minutes away from me. How is the light transmission in the Cabela's 8 x 42? Thanks.
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Kerry
- AP 92mm f/7 Stowaway
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 2301
Loc: Groton, CT
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The ones I got are fully multi-coated and have phase coatings. I've used them mostly during the daytime and have been very impressed with how sharp they are across the FOV. I did have them out briefly one night last week and had very nice views of the brighter DSOs like M6/M7, M8/M20 in the same FOV. Sorry I can't be more specific.
When I was in Cabelas, I was looking for low power, light weight binos that were easy for me to focus and provided the sharpest, brightest views (I have some difficulty with a weak left eye). I could only try them out in the store. I tried Nikon Action Extreme and Nikon Monarchs, Leupold, STeiner Marine 7X50 and a STeiner roof 8X42 (can't recall the model off the top of my head) and a few others. I kept coming back to the Cabela XT 8X42 as the sharpest, most comfortable for me. The Nikon Monarchs were also very nice. I didn't care for the Leupold because the IPD position didn't stay in place.
I only recommend Cabelas because they had such a large selection. It's the only place around here that has a good selection. I was hoping that they'd have Vortex because they carry them on-line but they didn't have any in the store.
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Amy
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pcad
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/05
Posts: 1879
Loc: Connecticut
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Amy, Thanks for the info about Cabelas. It isn't far from where I work. I'll plan to check it out since I haven't looked through most of the models you mentioned.
Peter
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Peter
Telescopes 25 - 318 mm
Binoculars 15 - 88 mm
Microscope 50x - 1000x
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amys
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/06
Posts: 2301
Loc: Groton, CT
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Peter:
I made the mistake of going there the weekend they first opened. Yikes! What a mob scene. But it was nice and quiet there last Friday morning and I had the binocular counter all to myself. Unfortunately, the folks working behind the counter knew virtually nothing.
They also have a great return policy -- return them anytime and get a refund with a receipt or a credit if you don't have the receipt.
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Amy
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