Steiner = excellence, enjoyment, effectiveness. - Steiner HX 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular

The Steiner HX 10x42 binoculars are outstanding. Definitely a bit pricey, higher than the great majority, though really just an average price by industry standards. I decided to follow the “buy once, cry once” recommendation because in fact I have paid a lot less and just ended up with a couple of unsatisfactory binoculars laying around, and that just costs more. I am confident that I now have binoculars that I will be happy with for life and I have an outstanding warrantee to back it up from an extremely reputable and well-established company. The clarity is tremendous with excellent definition and very fast focus. What is literally amazing is the light gathering in low light situations. Even after sundown when most everything is rather dark and my naked eye can only see a shadow of an animal form, through the HX binoculars form and color are very clear even against the backdrop of trees and bushes. The build, fit and finish, are very robust yet precise and comfortable. One very disappointing aspect is that one of the objective lens caps does not stay in place and the Steiner service department wanted me to send in the binoculars instead of just sending me a new lens cap. I am still trying to get this fixed in a reasonable manner instead of incurring extra time and expenses. The HX 10x42 is not too heavy, not too big, not too highly magnified nor hard to hold still, just right for me (medium build, healthy middle aged man); that will vary for others, obviously. Included are a decent standard case and neck strap but for extended periods you will need a more cushioned strap or harness and that is a highly recommended, minor extra cost to complete your set-up. So, my independent recommendation is that you just bite the bullet and test this model or a different one. High quality always pays off! For the cynics out there, no I do not own stock nor receive benefits from my recommendations and I do not even wear a Steiner T-shirt nor cap, I simply greatly admire their products. I own three more Steiner products (2 scopes and 1 light) and I am extremely satisfied with all of them. Go for these and enjoy life!