Magnification: 10X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 13 feet
Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x2.6 inches
Weight: 28.2 ounces
Field of View: 316 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: not listed/4.2 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: BAK-4
Prism System: Roof
Focus System: Fast-Close Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Wrap around
Tripod adaptable: No
Rangefinder: No
Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation
Steiner Predator Binoculars Review
This Steiner Predator 10X42 has in-house ground BAK-4 prisms with fully multi-coated optics, CAT coatings, and N2 Injection System technologies. And, we can't forget the easy-to-use ClicLoc system and the Fast-Close-Focus center wheel on the Makrolon housing chassis.
This $300-ish general-hunting binocular has an excellent rating online. If you're looking for a Steiner hunting-specific binocular, this is the one you'll find with the highest star rating and reviewer input.
As one of the most recommended hunting binoculars in the Steiner range, it's definitely made a name for itself in the industry. But, to truly appreciate everything this Predator has to offer, let's go over each concern you may have about all the techie, new systems in the Q&A.
Pros:
- Price
- Quality glass
- Fully weatherproof
- Submersible
- Makrolon housing
Cons:
- Eye relief
Predator 10X42 Binocular Q&A:
What is CAT coatings?
CAT stands for Color Adjusted Transmission and they're unique to the Predator binocular series. While it's similar to High Contrast Lenses, it's a little bit different. CAT goes a step further and filters out green and blue light.
Because of this filtering of light-waves process, it's supposed to give you an edge in locating and identifying game faster and more accurately versus binoculars without the CAT treatment.
By providing excellent light transmission qualities, wildlife colors are enriched while the haze and glare of foliage and brush are filtered out.
This means, you'll be able to see the coat of that sleeping buck beneath the fall leaves that camouflage him.
What is the N2 injection System?
Unlike the Champ binocular that's only water-resistant, this Predator binocular is both waterproof and fogproof to provide ultimate weatherproof-ability.
Not only is this binocular going to stand up to wet weather, it's also going to overcome condensation-inducing conditions to remain fog-free.
The lens chambers have been dry nitrogen purged and sealed with a pressurized level of 14-psi. Say goodby to cold, early morning fogginess.
And, as far as being waterproof goes, it's submersible to three feet. While it's no Swarovski binocular that can handle 13 feet of submersion, three feet is still better than none!
Fun fact - Steiner was the first optics manufacturer to use nitrogen in binoculars for fog-proof effects all the way back in 1973.
What is the ClicLoc system?
This is basically the "quick release" system that's incorporated in many optics brands neck straps for fast and easy access to the binocular. The idea is to have the binoculars hanging in front of your person and ready for action the moment you need it.
Both the neck strap and the harness have convenient parts that allow the binoculars to be attached and released in a matter of seconds with the push of a button.
Since this binocular has pretty standard dimensions of 6.9 x 4.9 x2.6 inches, it's not going to be the smallest one that you could fit in your pocket.
But, with the ClicLoc system, there's no need to stow it - it's right in front of you for every critical second that you need it and then don't.
- COLOR ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION (CAT) amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, to spot game in any environment.
- FAST-CLOSE-FOCUS central focusing wheel requires minimal rotation for quick, absolute sharpness from close up to infinity.
What is Makrolon housing?
Makrolon is what the binocular is made out of. It's a durable fiber-reinforced, non-corrosive polycarbonate that's made with latex-free nitrile compounds, NBR, that make up the rubber armoring of the binocular body.
The benefits are its extremely durable chassis which makes it impervious to all types of rugged and harsh terrain and weather.
Not only is the Makrolon housing going to provide ultimate protection to the binocular and the prism assemblies, it's also very light weight, helping to keep poundage to a minimum.
Tip - chassis refers to the internal skeleton or frame of the binocular.
Bonus Tip - Steiner was the first optics manufacturer to revamp Makrolon for use in the construction of binoculars in 1967.
How durable is this binocular?
You really don't know how happy I am to answer this question, so let me put it this way - there is not a binocular that exists that can match the durability of this Steiner.
The abuse it can handle is incomprehensible to the average hunter. We just know it's good and it's tough.
To prove its ruggedness and durability, I'll inform you that during the testing phase of its production it literally goes through a brutal pressure test of 11 Gs of impact! That's 11 times the force of gravity!
So, those rock slams when scaling the rocky cliff side, the dings and bangs when it hits the tree trunk while in the blind, or the jerking around in the metal bed of your pick up truck, it's all going to be a cake-walk for the binocular.
Noteworthy Features:
- Fast-Close-Focus Technology for acquiring speedier image focus than conventional center focus systems
- Fully multi-coated High Contrast CAT coatings to filter out blue and green light for game and wildlife color enhancement
- Convenient binocular in a compact and lightweight in design
- Fully waterproof for enduring 3 feet of submersion
- Dry Nitrogen purged with N2 injection System to stay fog-free in all types of various weather
- Makrolon housing with NBR rubber armoring for protection and textiled ridges provides an ergonomic, secure grip
- ClicLoc System for easy and fast access to binoculars with neck strap or harness
- Backed by Steiner's Heritage Warranty
Our Verdict on the Steiner Predators
To glass it up, the Steiner Predator 10x42 binos are a fantastic buy for the money which is why we included them on our list of the top binoculars priced below $500.
The only downside is that we couldn't verify the eye relief on the Predator, and it's unfortunate that we couldn't get specific numbers from several Steiner manuals. They say that several Steiner binos have long eye relief, but that could be relative when you're adjusting them. The lack of specific info indicates that it might not be as favorable as we'd like it to be.
However, the Vortex Diamondback 10X42 binoculars are cheaper, tripod adaptable, and have decent eye relief. The other optic specs either compete with or are better than the specs of the Steiner Predator. It's definitely worth glassing today.
While it might be almost impossible to verify some info from Steiner, they are extremely detailed when it comes to informing you on how to get the most out of their binoculars. This kind of information is invaluable. When you pay for a Steiner, you pay for all the know-how and how-to's they can offer - priceless!
Further Reading