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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 127
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 127 |
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?
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,540
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,540 |
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.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
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.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 95,296
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 95,296 |
I like the Steiner Predator bino that I have. Just a hair better than the Leupold in the same price range.
Life Member SCI Life Member DSC Member New Mexico Shooting Sports Association
Take your responsibilities seriously, never yourself-Ken Howell Proper bullet placement + sufficient penetration = quick, clean kill. Finn Aagard
Ken
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,053
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,053 |
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
Last edited by 338rcm; 05/18/17.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,900
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,900 |
I have some older steiner binoculars. They aren't good at all. They were probably their cheapest line
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 629
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 629 |
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.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,585
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,585 |
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'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.
Rob
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,436
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,436 |
Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.
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