Steiner Binoculars

[puddin]

Does anybody use the 8x40 Steiner Predator and if so do you have anything, either pro or negative that you can tell me about them.  I am contemplating a pair but want some hands on advice from somebody who has used them. I'm looking to use them for both hunting and sightseeing purposes.

[OconeeDan]

I use those for hunting, and like them.  But I prefer others for sight seeing (larger and with traditional focus).
Cons first:  the individual eye focus takes a little getting used to.  The "everything in focus" is only partially true.  They have a range they are focused in...you can focus them on 50 yds and everything beyond that  is in focus.  If you focus on something 25 yds away, then everything from 20-75 yds will be in focus.  If you focus on a bird 15 yds away, then nothing beyone 25 yds will be in focus.  For hunting, they are great, focus on the farthest thing you can see, and leave them.  Then when game steps out, no fiddling with focus.  You can adjust them if you want to change that.

Pros-once set, they work for most ranges without adjustment.  Extremely light weight, they carry flat to your chest.  Very sturdy, waterproof, shock proof, etc.  For their size, excellent brightness, great optics.  Good power (8) for woods work.  Anything bigger, you lose field of view and brightness.
I really like mine, the operation of individual eyepieces just take a little getting used to.
Hope that made sense.  
Dan

[OconeeDan]

Sorry, I misread your first post.  I have the 8x30, so I can't comment on the 8x40.  The eye focus may be similar, but you'll have to get someone who has that model to comment.  
SORRY about that.

[puddin]

Thanks, every little bit helps. If I get a pair I'll be using them in northern Alberta where we primarily hunt on family property on which we have Black Bear, Elk, Moose and both White Tail and Mule deer, all on the same property.  The distances would be anything from 50 yards out to half a mile. Puddin

[timthefuelman]

I don't own them myself but a friend has the 8X40 and I have borrowed them several times. The eye cups are a real selling point for me. They gather good light and aren't heavy. I've seen a few pair I liked more but were 2 to 3 times the money. Bang for the buck is very high in my book.