Steiner Nighthunter 8 x 56 binoculars - Has anyone used them

John · Guest

Has anyone used the Steiner 8 x 56 Nighthunter binoculars? If so, what do you think? I want them for astronomy use. Also, do the 8 x 56 give a brighter image than the Steiner 10 x 50 Nighthunter/ I've seen they offer "nightvision". I hope this doesn't mean they give the green nightvision image. I would like them for daylight use as well.

Any advice?

ranburr · Guest

These are not "night vision' binos in the sense that you are thinking. They are standard binos that have special coatings that allow you to use a great deal of ambiant light to your advantage. The 8x56 will theoretically be brighter than the 10x50 models. This is because we are talking about an exit pupil of 7 vs 5. How big of a difference this really is, is dependent on whether or not your eyes can take advantage of the larger exit pupil. Like all Steiners, the Night Hunter line is comprised of quality optics. You probably won't see the truest color rendition, nor will these be the brightest of daylight binos. These are the trade-offs for the enhanced low-light capabilities.

ranburr