Steiner has long been one of the giants in the optics industry for years with the famous Steiner binoculars. And the Predator Series are their main models for the hunting sector, with a wide range of special features to assist hunters.
Overview of Steiner Predator AF 8×30 from Steiner binoculars
Besides other roof Predator binoculars, this brand has developed 2 new interesting porro models in this series. They include the mid-size 8×30 and the full-size 10×42, which we will detail in this article.
But first, let’s look into the specs of these Steiner Predator AF 8×30 and Steiner Predator AF 10×42. We are sure that you will be amazed at these potential numbers.
| Technical Data | Steiner Predator AF 8×30 | Steiner Predator AF 10×42 |
| Brand | Steiner | Steiner |
| Size | Mid-size Binoculars | Full-size Binoculars |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Effective Objective Lens Diameter | 30mm | 42mm |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.8mm | 4.2mm |
| Twilight Factors | 15.49 | 20.49 |
| Field of view | 101m/ 1000m | 127m / 1000m |
| Close Focus | 18m | 2m |
| Eye Relief | 15mm | 16.8mm |
| Prism System | Military-grade Porro Prism | Military-grade Porro Prism |
| Focusing | Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
| Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment |
| Optical Quality | Prisms & Prism Coatings: BaK4-glass
The lens coating: Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) Optics. The glass type used: High Contrast CAT Light transmission = 96 % |
Prisms & Prism Coatings: BaK4-glass
The lens coating: Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) Optics. The glass type used: High Contrast CAT. Light transmission = 96 % |
| Gas Filled | No | No |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof and Fogproof | Waterproof and Fogproof |
| Chassis Material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Uses | Hunting
Outdoor Sports Traveling Marine Use Wildlife Observation General use |
Hunting
Outdoor Sports Traveling Marine Use Wildlife Observation General use |
Please note that above information is extracted from Steiner binoculars homepage. As you can see, both have quite impressive specs, deserving to be a must-have assistant of any hunter. To understand more about the Steiner Predator AF 8×30, keep reading as we will provide you a deeper review right below while keeping Steiner Predator AF 10×42 for the next time.
Detailed Review and Analysis of these Steiner binoculars
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Free focus technology
There are not many open bridge porro prism binoculars on the markets. Most of them come with a central focus wheel between 2 bridges. However, the free focus technology allows Steiner to remove that wheel so that you can enjoy a better view with depth.
As they are always in focus, you can conveniently use them with one hand. The common drawback of free-focus binoculars is the long close focus. Luckily, Steiner has innovated the system to achieve 18m shortest focusing distance in this model.
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Produce bright images with good quality
The unique Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT) strengthens the orange-brown colors while reducing the intensity of green ones. That function is extremely beneficial for nature observers or hunters in some particular environments.
The FMC lens coating of Steiner Predator AF 8×30 minimizes the anti-reflection to offer you brighter pictures with high contrast. Even in moderate light conditions, these binoculars still perform well. Nonetheless, if you want something to exceed in total darkness, you may have to sacrifice the weight and size to choose other full-size options.
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Lifetime warranty
Unlike other brands, Steiner shows their highest commitments to their products through the Heritage Lifetime Warranty. The policy covers all the charges, and Steiner is responsible for all the damage, as long as it affects the binoculars’ performance.
Don’t worry if you are a secondary purchaser since that warranty is transferable, meaning your item is always under protection.
Weak points and notes
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Narrow field of view
These 8x binoculars offer a relatively narrow field to you. That means it would be challenging for you to observe fast-moving objects at a closer range. However, it is not a big issue for hunters when observing targets at the medium and long-range is far more important.
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Fold-down eyecups
The soft rubber eyecups are great, but the fold-down design is troublesome for users with glasses. That is because they can only choose to have either full or minimum eye relief. Some people are fine with this lack of customization, but you had better note that in mind.
Steiner Predator AF 8×30 from Steiner binoculars vs. Kowa SV 8×32 from Kowa Optic
These compact Steiner Predator AF 8×30 binoculars are indeed perfect for hunting. But in case you are still confused, let us compare them with Kowa SV 8×32 to see the truth.
| Factors | Steiner Predator AF 8×30 | Kowa SV 8×32 |
| EASE OF ADJUSTMENT | 10 | 8 |
| CLARITY | 9 | 8 |
| BRIGHTNESS | 9 | 7.5 |
| COMFORT | 9 | 8.5 |
| CONSTRUCTION QUALITY | 8 | 7 |
| FIELD OF VIEW | 8 | 9 |
| CLOSE FOCUS RANGE | 7 | 8 |
| PRICE | 9 | 10 |
| BRAND & WARRANTY | 10 | 7 |
The battle is quite obvious, with the winning belongs to Steiner Predator AF 8×30. They outperform the others in most fields, particularly the image’s brightness and quality. Steiner candidates’ view range and close focus are narrower, as we discussed before, but they are not a major concern.
The Kowa SV 8×32 represents binoculars at a lower price range; thus, their quality is quite close. Despite that, they still have impressive features, including BaK-4 roof prisms, twist-up eyecups, a wide range of views, lightweight and waterproof capability. That is why they are more suitable for general observation, traveling, or camping.
Overall, Kowa SV 8×32 are such decent binoculars for users with limited budgets, but Steiner Predator AF 8×30 is a better investment than worth every dollar you spend.
The Bottom Line
With all the information in this article, it is understandable why these Steiner Predator AF 8×30 are the best 2020 and 2021 binoculars rated by lots of hunters. And not only these but all other Steiner binoculars do have outstanding quality.
These mid-size binoculars can turn you into a predator in seconds and let you succeed in any hunting game. Besides, they are also versatile to fit any hikers, campers, nature observers, or sports spectators.
In general, Steiner Predator AF 8×30 is affordable with an excellent warranty; why don’t you add them into your shopping cart right away? If you have any questions, contact us. We are always here to help you get the best purchase.
Thank you for reading!