Vixen Foresta 8x32 or Steiner Wildlife Pro 8x30 porros

How do the following porro binoculars compare:
Vixen Foresta 8x32 or
Steiner Wildlife Pro 8x30?

I understand the Steiner focusing is a bit unconventional -- is it easy to use? Are there other porros in the $200 - 400 range worth considering?

Thanks,
dbuss

You really are comparing apples to oranges, here, given that the Steiner is a porro and the Vixen, a roof. Handling, size, shape will be much different. Optics will be similar, so it really is a matter of whether you prefer the handling and focusing on one versus the other. The Pro is unusual in its focusing, but, on the one I tested, it does work. It is still basically an IF focus bino that offers you an option of close focusing with the turn of a wheel.

I couldn't even begin to list all the binoculars in that price range or even a good representation - that is the most competitive price point in the bino market and it is flooded with models. What features are you looking for? What is your application? These are the things you need to consider when choosing a binocular. Let me know what you had in mind and we'll go from there.

The 26mm Steiner
http://www.opticsplanet.com/steiner-8-5 ... ulars.html

is similar to, but dimmer than, the 8x32 Foresta. The other Steiner I have not seen. Not excited about any of them so far.

These are a bit odd choices. Why not look at the popular brands, Pentax, Nikon, Leupold, Vortex?

Joanie,
I am referring to the Vixen Foresta 8x32 ZWCF Porro binocular. See the following:

http://www.vixenoptics.com/binoculars/foresta.htm

In terms of optical quality, are they equivalent or is there a significant difference? Does the unconventional focusing on the Steiner make it difficult for fast focusing when birding?

Thanks again for your thoughts and advice.
Dennis

Hi Dennis

That version of the Foresta I have not tested, but I would expect it to be at least as good as the Steiner, if not better, in terms of optics. As to the focusing, really mostly a matter of personal preference - the Steiner will work for birding - but I would personally be inclined to something more conventional, like the Foresta. I don't mind the extra focusing probably required, overall, for the Foresta; I want something more consistent and predictable. Not sure if I am ready to deal with a dual focusing system as per this particular Steiner.

This steiner is center focus but there was something odd about it, I heard.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/steiner-8x3 ... r-338.html

The broader question is: if you want a 8x30 porro for birding, what would it be?

I was able to test the Vixen Foresta 8x32 porro binocular today. I was quite impressed with the sharp and bright image obtained with a 32mm objective lens. It compares very favorably to my Bushnell 10x43 Elites in this regard. The binocular is well-built and sturdy -- there is nothing to suggest that it is cheap or poorly made. Its compact size suited my small hands just fine. I found the focus ring to be a bit stiff, so it did take some effort to move it from near to far distances quickly. My roof prism binoculars focus faster and with much less effort. On the other hand, if my focus was set at a distance of 100+ feet, it only took a minor adjustment to achieve a sharp, crisp image. Both sets of eye cups are not tethered -- I managed to lose one of the objective cups within an hour!

I wanted an 8x porro binocular for a particular environment where I do a lot of birding. The distances between me and the birds are not great. The wide field of view and the three dimensional quality of the Vixen Foresta porro make it very suitable for this situation. I have not been able to test the Steiner Wildlife Pro. However, as Joanie suggests, focusing with a Steiner porro might be a bit fussy. Since I found this Foresta to be so impressive, I plan to keep it.

Thanks to all for your suggestions and opinions.
Dennis

Great review, Dennis and thank-you.

I also love porros for their optics, but, as you noticed, roofs typically focus a bit easier. Good to see Vixen is offering the Foresta in a porro. Enjoy.