Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Opinions on Steiner

So what do you guys think about Steiner optics for hunting? Specifically the Predator line of binoculars and the GS3 riflescopes.

I've never had a decent pair of binoculars and I want a set of 42mm good quality for under $600.

Scope wise, I've always used Nikon Prostaff, VX-II Leupold, and one Seeadler. I'm ready to step up for my next rifle. I'll default to a VX-3 is I can't find something I like better for roughly the same money.

So what is your opinion on Steiner?

I compared the GS3 to the Z3 and HD5 and hands down picked the Steiner over them both. Now keep in mind I was indoors and both the Zeiss and Swaro only have 50mm objectives and 1" tubes. The Steiner I looked at was the 3-15x56 with a 30mm tube. Prices were all within $200 or less of each other. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger on the Steiner is because I cant seem to find one at Bass Pro (I have $800 in Bass Pro gift cards) with the #4 reticle. I don't care for the S1 it is just too busy for me. I don't think the VX-3i would be in the conversation with these other 3 but you would be at a much lower price point. Good Luck with your decision.

I'm about to buy a GS3. I have seen every model. I haven't seen the Predator series or many of their binoculars.

I really like the GS3 2-10X42. Eye box is the best I've ever seen,including many Zeiss, Leupold and Swaro scopes. I'm not terribly fond of either reticle. The S1 is OK but not what I consider great,but I can live with it. The #4 or 4a is razor thin and the thick portion way too wide to be of any use in low light. The glass is as good as I've ever seen and I just bought a Swaro Z5 and Leica ERi. Keep in mind that my only viewing however has been in and outside of a store in good light. I have not seen one at low light.

I like the Steiner Predator bino that I have. Just a hair better than the Leupold in the same price range.

Call Doug and see what he has for open box specials.I liked the old Steiner roof prism binos, the new ones not so much

I have some older steiner binoculars. They aren't good at all. They were probably their cheapest line

I think it's definitely worth checking out Nikon's MONARCH 7 10x4 bino's. Under $500 and they have been reviewed to be as good as some of the European glass costing 3-4 times as much. A new scope you might be interested in is also a brand new scope from Nikon, The BLACK X1000 4-16x50 MOA/MRAD Illuminated Reticle. This scope has great glass and ton's of features found on scope's costing $300-$400+ more. The 4-16 roll's in at under $600. I do some freelance work for Nikon and I have put about 100 rounds under this scope so far and it is truly accurate and repeatable for longrange shooting.

I'm looking at the GS3 2-10x42 for my Sako 270 but I'm wondering if the tube is too short for mounting on along action? Any thoughts on that? It sounds like they r short when reading the description of them.

Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.