Opinions on the Steiner Predator binocs?

[Hogfan1911]

I'm needing some new binocs & was looking pretty hard at the Steiners in 8x30 trim. Anybody used these, or another in the similar/cheaper price range that are just as good or better?

[Hogfan1911]

btw, I can get a pair for around $200.00

[DigMe]

Hogfan - I'm trying to decide on some lower-priced binocs as well.

Here are a couple of sites that I'm looking through:
http://www.binoculars.org/birding/Reviews/Index.html

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/winter2005/Age_Binos.html

bc

[Corey ACP]

I have a set that I bought three years ago. It seems like I paid around $180 for them through my local gunshop. I could have gotten them cheaper online, but spent my $$ locally.

I love them. they are crystal clear, lightweight and suit me fine.

[HGUNHNTR]

Steiner was in the upper echelon 20 years ago, but haven't changes much since. You would be better advised to go with a set of nikon Buckmasters, roof prism binos at the $200 price point. With optics, you get what you pay for there aren't many bargains to be had.

[greg531mi]

the predator has those weird colored lenses that work great on looking for deer, it makes them stand out. I have the military marine model, made in the 80's.....and it still outperforms most bonoc's. I looked at a Leopold Wind River bonocolar at Gander Mountain, and it was bright!, for $99......
There are bargains in the optics, but you have to find them...and look at them yourself, and see the differences...

[DR]

I got a pair of demo ones (http://www.samplelist.com/default.asp?hide_sold=true&mfg_selection=16&prod_type=-1) from the folks at SWFA (http://www.riflescopes.com/). They're light and the image is clear. I paid $150 for them. The only thing I don't like about them is the eyepiece cover: it works, but it can be a bit tricky to put on.