Steiner has revised its top model for sailors. The housing is made of glass fibre-reinforced polycarbonate and aluminium to make it particularly light and at the same time resistant to shocks and vibrations. The new design is also intended to fit even better in the hand, even with one-handed operation. The enhanced rubber armouring provides a good grip and prevents the glass from slipping when it is placed anywhere.
There are also innovations in the optics: the field of view is 140 metres wide with improved sharpness at the edges. A special coating, the Steiner Diamond Marine coating, is intended to ensure particularly high light transmission and ideal contrast. Thanks to autofocus, the image is sharp from 20 metres into the distance. With the help of the precision reticle integrated into the image, sizes and distances can be easily estimated.
The new Steiner Commander is available in 7x50 and 7x50c versions. The latter has an integrated compass. The battery compartment for the compass illumination has also been redesigned and can be opened without tools. Price: 1,549 euros without compass and 1,649 euros with compass.
Binocular alternatives on the market
Stabilised: Canon 10x42L IS/15x50 IS
The Canon 10x42L IS and the larger 15x50 IS work with an electronic image stabiliser. This means that even the high magnification can be held steady enough. This enables a distant and wobble-free view with more details. However, the technology is not able to compensate for strong boat movements. Price from 1,100 euros.
Binoculars with laser: Steiner LRF 1700 8x30
The Steiner LRF 1700 8x30 has an optical rangefinder with laser. The distance to the target in the image is determined by measuring the time of flight of the light pulse and displayed in the right-hand beam path as a reddish illuminated number. The distance measuring range extends up to approximately one nautical mile. Price: 1,700 euros.
Test winner quality: Minox BN 7x50 C
The Minox BN 7x50 C binoculars are the test winner from YACHT 10/2018. They are robust, equipped with rubberised grips, waterproof, floatable and provide a clear and high-contrast image. At a distance of 1,000 metres, it offers a 121 metre wide field of view. Price: 360 euros.
