Are you looking for a pair of binoculars with an integrated LRF and an affordable price? The Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 Binoculars might be a perfect choice. Combining precision optics with an integrated laser rangefinder, these binoculars provide superior performance in any environment.
With their ergonomic design, they are comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. Keep reading to learn more about the features that make these binoculars stand out from the competition in the €1500 price class.
Steiner Optik
Steiner is the biggest producer of binoculars from Germany. The company decided to go into the market of laser range finding binoculars priced at 1500 euros. They have Porro models which are far more expensive than those using Schmid-Pechan prisms.
The LRF models with Porro prisms available from Steiner Optik are:
- 8x30 and
- 10x30.
Steiner offers even more powerful military models with long ranges that exceed those designed for hobbyists. But the Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 is a great introduction to quality laser rangefinder binoculars and will cost you only 1500 euros. It's perfect for hunters who want quality optics without spending too much money.
Steiner Ranger LRF
There was a lot of anticipation regarding Steiner Ranger LRF binoculars because the Optics Trade team has seen prototypes at Steiner headquarters in Bayreuth almost 2 years ago. The market launch was a little postponed, but now they're finally here.
With an abundance of suppliers manufacturing 10x42 binoculars for €1500 with laser range-finding capabilities, it can be daunting to decide which one is the best fit. We'll take a closer look at Steiner Ranger 10x42 LRF later on and find out how well it stands up against its competition.
Steiner LRF Binocular Models:
- Steiner 8x30 LRF 1700
- Steiner 10x30 LRF 1700
- Steiner 10x42 LRF Ranger
Physical Properties
The 10x42 Ranger LRF's frame is unmistakably a Steiner design. The rubber wings on the eyecups are an obvious allusion to this, as they feature in all binoculars made by Steiner.
These Ranger LRF eyecups have 2 settings only. Though adequate enough, the eyecup thread doesn't lock into position with a click as most other models do. Additionally, each eye can be adjusted independently for diopter compensation.
Size and Weight
Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 is quite hefty as it weighs approximately 1.1 kilograms. That's quite a lot for a model with 42-millimeter lenses. For comparison, the Leica Geovid R 8x56 model weighs the same.
It is also true that these Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 binoculars are quite long at 21 centimeters. As you'll see, this is one of its biggest flaws of Steiner. Other device dimensions are far more compact - 14 centimeters in width and around 6 centimeters in height.
Focusing Knob
Steiner achieved something remarkable to accommodate the length of this device; moving the focusing knob to be in perfect center alignment. Not only is the position superior to rival optics but this focusing knob's texture also offers enough grip.
This made for much-improved ergonomics, making Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 a standout performer amongst competitors. With regards to ease of use and comfort, the Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 is undoubtedly one of the top 3 options available right now, if not even the best in terms of ergonomics.
The focusing wheel knob allows for a little bit less than 2 turns. This is a hunting-style focus - smooth and slow. The Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 close focus is around 5 meters, then it goes all the way to infinity. Again, great for varying distances on hunts.
Lens Caps
This Ranger LRF 10x42 model has perhaps the nicest lens caps in its price category. The rubber caps for the 42mm objective lens are attached with a durable textile strap.
Most rivals can offer only flimsy rubber caps attached with loose rubber bands that easily slip from the bino barrels. Even lens caps on premium optics like Leica Geovid R 10x42 don't compare to the Ranger solution. This Steiner clip system ensures you won't lose the lens protectors somewhere outside.
Optical Properties
The 10x42 configuration is a standard in the category of LRF binos. So it's a bit strange that this Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 model is so long. Steiner most likely used Schmidt–Pechan prisms and the use of this prism system usually helps keep the overall build neat and compact.
I'm sure that they're not Abbe-Koenig prisms. While those are usually much longer than Schmidt and Pechan prisms, the final price of Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 would be much higher.
Field of View
With a field of view that is limited to only 105 meters, it's evident that the optics in this price range do not provide extensive coverage. If you're looking for a more generous FOV, there are several comparable options available. But more on that later.
Depth of Field
The Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 image itself is quite good. What stands out compared to other competitors is the depth of field. When observing on longer ranges, you'll able to distinguish which objects are closer to you and which are further away. The 3D effect is similar to that of Poro prism binoculars. The image pops out and this is the main difference compared to other competitors.
LRF Properties
Now, let's explore the laser rangefinding feature of Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42. It boasts an impressive 1800-meter maximal measuring range and also allows you to adjust the screen brightness intensity to your liking. This is convenient when hunting at dawn or dusk.
EHR Measurement
The LRF distance measurement can be displayed in EHR mode, the equivalent horizontal range. That's especially important for hunters who stalk game through sloped terrain.
Steiner Optik does not offer ballistic software in any of their LRF binos, but I think the majority of hunters don't need that anyway. Just the equivalent horizontal range is enough because most of the hunting is done up to 350, or 400 meters maximum. What Ranger 10x42 LRF offers is more than adequate.
LRF Control Buttons
There are two control buttons, one for measurement and one for LRF settings. It's also interesting that both two buttons basically merge with the rubber coat of the housing. There is no break between the rubber material on the binocular sleeves and the buttons. It gives the device a very sleek, uniform look.
The LRF battery compartment is inside the central hinge. The laser rangefinding module needs a single CR2 battery for operation.
Scope of Delivery
Let's see what's in the box. You get the manual, the warranty, the cleaning cloth, the carrying strap, the carrying bag, and the covers for the eyepieces.
Looking for more Ranger 10x42 accessories?
Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 Warranty
Besides the goods, I'm also impressed with the Steiner Optik warranty and service offered. On electronics, you get 2 years of coverage; for all other components, there's a full 10-year guarantee.
With Steiner Optik, you can rest easy in knowing that your binoculars will be taken care of if something were to happen. Even though they are quite affordable and possibly manufactured in China, these binoculars can still be sent back to Germany for repairs and maintenance.
Steiner Repair Service
Even in the most challenging cases, Steiner binoculars can always be expertly repaired in Bayreuth, Germany.
Plus, after 10 years of use, they may even be refurbished to become almost indistinguishable from a brand-new pair! We've noticed that countless customers have been delighted by the craftsmanship of our service department which has enabled them to receive back their decades-old Steiner binoculars with seemingly untouched quality and condition. Truly unique customer care like this is what sets Steiner apart from its competitors.
Steiner Price
This model costs €1499. I think pretty much everything about Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 is rock solid, even the price.
If these binoculars were 10% cheaper, they would sell even better in the oversaturated market of 10x42 LRF binos. But the price is not only about what you're getting, it's also about the Steiner brand itself. The warranty and after-sale services of Steiner are worth spending more.
Pros
Now, what are the positives of Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42? One of the major benefits of the Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42 is that it has a comfortable and easy-to-use focusing knob. This element is invaluable, as ergonomics often surpass all other features when considering optics devices such as this one.
I also like the speed of the laser system. The LRF range of 1800 meters is more than enough and the equivalent horizontal range is also the only function that you need.
Not only am I fond of the lens caps on these 42mm objectives, but their thread attachment is a much preferable solution compared to those from other companies.
Pros Summary:
- focusing knob
- depth of field
- LRF speed
- equivalent horizontal range
- lens caps attached with textile thread
- Steiner customer care
- build quality
Cons
What could have been improved? Optically speaking, the field of view (105m/1000m) should have been a bit wider.
The colors have a slightly bluish hue, making true tone fidelity less than ideal. This is an all too common phenomenon with laser range-finding binoculars. You would need to compare the view through Steiner with more expensive European models to be able to detect the tint. Despite this discrepancy in color accuracy, it still outperforms Chinese competitors that exhibit a noticeably bluish image.
I believe the size and weight of binoculars could have been optimized further; they should be both lighter and more compact. The 21 centimeters of length are a real bother but offer good ergonomics at the same time.
Cons Summary:
- 21 centimeters in length
- field of view could be wider
- bluish lens tint
- probably not made in Germany
Similar Products
It's time to take a look at what the competition is doing. The most obvious rival optics are those from Vortex, Sig Sauer, Kahles, and Bushnell. These are Chinese-produced 10x42 LRF binos that are a bit smaller but have a similar LRF range. Sig Sauer Kilo3000 BDX 10x42 offers additional ballistic software that Steiner and others do not.
They're all priced competitively but thanks to the name reputation and after-sales Steiner has an edge here. Steiner is also better in terms of ergonomics and depth of field. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that center image sharpness is also better on Ranger LRF 10x42 than on these rivals.
On the other hand, it is true that some of these 10x42 models have a little bit wider field of view and less of that bluish tint. But these differences are minimal at best.
Minox X-Range 10x42 LRF vs. Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42
The Minox X-Range 10x42 LRF and Steiner models are priced similarly but offer distinct advantages. At first glance, the Steiner displays a greater depth of field while the Minox has more saturated colors and is much smaller in size. Still, it's hard to say which model has better ergonomics. The Steiner stands out to me due to the ideal positioning of its focusing knob.
It is undeniable that Minox boasts a 2800-meter range, and it provides the capability to change target modes. However, when put into use for hunting purposes, there will be no essential distinction between these two models; they are astonishingly similar.
In terms of customer service, though Minox is close behind, I still think that Steiner has a slight edge over them. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference when selecting which brand you'll go with.
GPO 10x50 Rangeguide vs. Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42
Then there's the GPO 10x50 LRF from the Rangeguide series. Again, it's not quite the same because it's a 10x50 configuration, not a 42mm lens model. These two are neck to neck in terms of design. Optically, GPO is just a little bit better. GPO is also more expensive. Steiner is also more reliable in terms of warranty and service, especially when considering the age of both companies.
Leica Geovid 10x42 R vs. Steiner Ranger LRF 10x42
Then we have the absolute winner in this category, which is Leica Geovid R at 1700 Euros. Unlike pretty much everyone else, this LRF bino is not made in China but in Leica's factory in Portugal. The optical performance and speed of LRF measurements put Leica in a class of its own.
Ergonomics and after-sales service are two areas where Steiner and Leica remain in close competition. You might snag yourself a good deal with Steiner Ranger 10x42 LRF if the store can offer you a discount. Leica has solidified its position as a premium brand, so €1700 is the final price. But still, this Geovid R is the biggest threat to Steiner.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you're working with a budget of 1500 Euros and prioritizing ergonomics and investment security for your binoculars, Steiner should be at the top of your list. Although this option does not offer optical performance on par with that of Leica or other high-end brands, it remains one of the best options within its price range.
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