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Review Summary
2012-12-29T19:00:00
My first impression of this pair of binoculars is its superb construction and sparkling lenses. The images are clear, bright, and fog-free. It is easy to calibrate, and I love its close focus capability. I wear glasses, but prefer to take them off while viewing through the binoculars to take advantage of its unique eyecups. It has a limited high eyepoint. Although usable with glasses, it is not the same with say viewing through a camera that has an eyepoint of +/- 21mm. I think a retainer strap should be included for the objective lens cover. I managed to improvise it with a strap from an old 35mm point-and-shoot camera. There is no need to apply glue or punch a hole to thread the strap. That was certainly nice. The clip-lock mechanism does not seem to work very well if one attempts to unattach the neck-strap from the binoculars. Perhaps it is stiff from being new. I was lucky to have gotten this model before it went out-of-stock. I had considered the other model with a 10X magnification, but decided on the 8.5X due to having a lighter weight, higher twilight factor, and closer focus capability. I would be embarking on a Tanzania safari in Feb. 2013. This pair of binoculars is coming with me, and I would be finding out how good it is in the field (I am sure it would be excellent). For now, I am awarding 4.5 stars. 0.5 star taken off for the missing objective lens cover strap and difficulty in removing the neck-strap after locking it in place.
George C.
Tough, waterproof, portable and manufactured from precision alloy, Steiner's all new compact Wildlife series binoculars are built to handle the world's harshest conditions. The Wildlife models are wrapped in a smooth, quiet, and non-reflective earthtone rubber armoring that makes them almost invisible to wildlife.
8.5x26 Wildlife - Steiner's all new 8.5 x 26 Wildlife compacts are small and light enough to fit in a coat pocket. Small in size yetbig in performance, the 8.5 x 26 has a wide field of view, is phase corrected and comes with fully multi-coated lenses for superb resolution and brightness. These center focus compact roof prism binoculars are waterproof and shockproof and can close focus to 6.5feet.
All Wildlife models include a super-comfortable neoprene neck strap that is cushioned so that the already lightweight binocular will feel even more weightless. The strap feature a quick-release buckle system and can be removed instantly for cleaning or replacement.
A rain-guard is included and is probably one of the most important standard accessories. It will keep rain, moisture and dust off the eyepiece (ocular lenses) so you get clear views every time. The rain-guard attaches to the strap, so you won't lose it , and slides on and off easily.
The case is very unique feature in itself. It is a thermo-formed PVC that basically adds about another cushioning layer to the outside of the binocular. The attractive sleek design looks good and is perfect for travel. A strap for the case is also included