Steiner vs Swarovski binoculars
Swarovski SLC 8x30WB from £650 online
Steiner Skyhawk 8x42 from £250 online
We tried two pairs of Steiner binoculars, and used our own Swarovski bins at the same time for comparison purposes. There is a lot of technical detail available on binoculars, and various models that are designed specially for birdwatching or safaris. Generally, especially towards the top end, you pays for what you get. We have been very impressed with Swarovski service (we lost an eyepiece and it was replaced immediately).
To be honest, they were all very good, but at prices between £3-600 for the 8x, our advice is to go to a dealer and try some, see what you like best. We all have different eyes and different people prefer different specifications (couldn't bring myself to say specs). I am very very fond of my Swarovski SLC 8X30 WB but, to be honest, without carrying both around for a month, I couldn't justify the £300 extra for the Swarovskis.
Which will last the longest, be the most rugged or have the best after sales service?
Well, we've only had them a couple of weeks, we try not to bash them about, and, as we said, Swarovski were very good, but we haven't needed Steiner so ......
Lightwieght wildlife binoculars - from £135 online
We were impressed with the Steiner wildlife 8x24 binoculars. They are very small, and will fit in almost any coat pocket and most trouser pockets too, and are very light, at just 300 grams (less than half those above). If you are going on a dedicated birding or wildlife watching trip, take something bigger, but these are ideal for popping in you coat (even keeping in your car glove compartment ) each time you go out just in case.
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