The Steiner Predator binoculars line includes 4 models. These are the traditional 8×42 and 10×42, plus the smaller 10×26 and 8×22 sizes.
In this review, I’ll take a look at each of them individually and the group as a whole so you can see which one you prefer for hunting or birding.
If you already know you want one of these great pairs of binoculars, just click on the appropriate link below to see if they are available at Amazon and how much they cost there.
If you’re not so sure which one to get yet, continue reading below. You can click one of the links in the box to go quickly to a section of particular interest.
Contents
- 1 Who Are the Steiner Predator Binoculars Made For?
- 2 What Features Are Consistent Throughout the Predator Line?
- 3 What Are the Specifications of the Predator 8×22 and the Predator 10×26 Binoculars?
- 4 What Are the Specifications of the Predator 8×42 and Predator 10×42 Binoculars?
- 5 What Do Owners Say about the Predators?
Who Are the Steiner Predator Binoculars Made For?
Many shoppers have heard of the Predator Pro series and wonder how they are related to the current Predator line manufactured by Steiner. Perhaps you are among them.
If so, note that the Predators have replaced the Predator Pro binoculars.
According to Steiner…
“The latest version of the Binoculars are the Predator. The Predator Pro’s are optically identical, but have rounded eye cups.”
As you can see in the pictures, the newer Predator models have flared eyecups.
Steiner promotes them as being made especially for hunters because of their optics, their light weight, their usability, and the bright picture they produce.
Again directly from Steiner…
“[T]his is the perfect choice for turkey hunters, bowhunters, black powder enthusiasts and anyone who hunts the early season or in heavy cover.”
However, you should not overlook a set of Predator binoculars just because you’re not a hunter.
Steiner designed their Predator binoculars with Color Adjusted Transmission (CAT) coatings. Steiner says, “CAT™ Color Adjusted Transmission amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, to spot game in any environment.”
“The CAT coatings were specifically designed to provide high contrast where there is little contrast, so the various browns will be more defined from each other, still assisting the user in discerning game from foliage.”
Bird watchers often need to peer into that same foliage to find their targets.
Here’s what one owner says about using the Predator for birding.
“My only issue is Steiner is so little known in the birding community. Well, well known in the tactical / military realm, but very little presence in the birding community, which is a shame because their product is on par with any of their peers.”
An owner of the 10×26 model agrees.
“They are clear and sharp as well as lightweight. Perfect for hunting and bird watching.”
What Features Are Consistent Throughout the Predator Line?
There are half a dozen or so features that you will find no matter which Predator model you decide to get.
Fast-Close-Focus™ means that the central focusing wheel requires minimal rotation. You can dial in for a quick focus and absolute sharpness whether your target is close up or approaching infinity.
Those flared eyecups are designed to be ergonomic. In fact, Steiner says this about the eyecups and eye relief.
“Eye relief was removed from our specifications when the entire product line began using some form of collapsible eyecup (this feature was added specifically to enhance accessibility for eyeglass wearers.)”
So while it doesn’t appear that the eyecups are removable, you can collapse them, which in most cases amounts to the same thing.
Inside the tubes of a Predator you will find BAK4 prisms, dielectric mirrors, and phase correction. All of that, combined with the CAT coatings (see above), gives you that clear and sharp view you want when looking for deer, birds, and other wildlife.
All Predators have NBR Long Life armoring. This is a Makrolon® housing that’s a durable polycarbonate that gives you a lightweight, rugged chassis that can withstand 11 Gs of impact. There is no need to worry about harsh field and weather conditions.
Steiner claims you will get “generations of trusted use.”
One of the reasons for this claim is their Heritage Warranty. Simply put, you don’t need a warranty card or receipt. The warranty transfers to future owners, and Steiner will replace your Predator binoculars for free unless you lose them, have them stolen, or damage them on purpose.
The last two common features are really accessories. You get a rain protection cap for the eyepiece lenses and a carry case to keep your Predators safe and clean.
What Are the Specifications of the Predator 8×22 and the Predator 10×26 Binoculars?
There are many similarities between these two smaller sets of binoculars, so I’ll point them out first and then look at the differences.
Both models have a close focus of 10 feet. That is more than ample for birds and deer, but you probably won’t use them for things like insects and butterflies.
Each of these is waterproof, but neither is submersible. So you can take them out in the rain, but don’t drop them in a puddle.
Finally, both the 8×22 and the 10×26 come with a fixed neck strap. It’s nothing fancy, but you still shouldn’t get any neck strain because these are so small and light.
The field of view (FOV) of the 8×22 is 332 feet (at 1000 yards), whereas the 10×26’s FOV is 302 feet. Both of these measurements are decent for spotting wildlife at long distances.
The Predator 8×22 weight 10.2 ounces. The Predator 10×26 weighs just a tad more at 10.4 ounces. Again, very light.
The 8×22 measure 3.9 inches in height, 4.1 inches in width, and 1.8 inches in length. The 10×26 have the same width and length. Since the objective lenses are a little larger, they measure 4.9 inches in height.
One owner commented on several of the features of the Predator 10×26 model.
“A lot brighter than I expected. The frame is small and light, which will be great for hunting and backpacking. I am highly impressed with the provided carry case.”
What Are the Specifications of the Predator 8×42 and Predator 10×42 Binoculars?
Here too we have several similarities between the larger models, as in often the case with 8×42 and 10×42 models produced not only by Steiner but also by other manufacturers. Steiner, by the way, makes all their optics in Germany.
In addition to being waterproof, both models are submersible to a depth of 3 feet. Not that you would want to purposely keep them under water for an extended period of time, but it’s good to know that the rare drop into a puddle, pond, or creek won’t render them useless.
If you use the neoprene neck strap, you’ll have very little chance of dropping them in the water in the first place. Combine that with this premium feature. “[The] ClicLoc® system attaches and releases neck strap or harness instantly with push button ease and [is] designed so binoculars hang straight and action-ready.”
Unlike the smaller models above, both the Predator 8×42 and 10×42 models have objective lens covers. Keeping these in place when not in use should protect the larger lenses from dust and scratches, extending the lifetime of your binoculars.
If you need to attach either of these two pair of binoculars to a tripod, here’s how. “[T]here is a small cap on the objective end of the hinge that can be unscrewed to reveal a 1/4″ threaded hole intended for a tripod stud.”
Normally, only binoculars larger than these need a tripod, but there can be instances when you would find one useful even at this size. Note that you will need a tripod adapter to make this work.
The close focus of the 8×42 model is 6 feet. This should be good even for those insects and butterflies.
There is some confusion about the close focus of the 10x42s. One site mentions 6 feet, like the 8x42s. But Steiner says 13 feet in one place, and a representative mentions 6.5 feet in another. I’m inclined to go with 6.5 feet until I can get definite confirmation from Steiner.
I’ve also found some conflicting figures on the field of view for the 10x42s. It’s apparently either 316 feet or 328 feet. I’ll try to update this if I can get the true figure from Steiner. The Predator 8×42 has a field of view of 381 feet.
Other than that, the only real differences between these two Predator models is their weight and dimensions. The 8×42 weighs 26.1 ounces; the 10×42 weighs 28.2 ounces.
The Predator 8×42 measures 6.9 by 4.9 by 2.5 inches (HxWxL). The 10×42 measures 6.9 by 4.9 by 2.6 inches.
What Do Owners Say about the Predators?
Here is what some users had to say about the 10×42 Predator model.
“After comparing this bino and a Zeiss in the store I felt like this one was the better value.”
“The solid build ‘feel’, the balance between too light and too heavy, and the performance in the field are first rate.”
So if these sound like what you’re looking for, don’t wait or hesitate.
If you didn’t find any of the models in the Predator line to your liking, check out the other Steiner series binoculars in this comprehensive overview.
