1. Home
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Commander more expensive than a Navigator Pro?
The binoculars of the Steiner Commander series are built according to military requirements and designed to withstand the absolute toughest demands put upon them. Also, the Steiner Commander has improved anti-reflective coating on its lenses for high light transmission as well as an additional Steiner Nano-Protection coating on the outer surfaces designe to repel water, dirt and oil from the lenses.
What is the difference between Safari/Safari Pro and Safari UltraSharp?
The Safari and the Safari Pro are similar in appearance and performance, however the Safari UltraSharp represents a new generation of binocular that comes with enhanced features and improved lens anti-reflection.
What is the difference between roof and porro prism construction?

These are two different optical systems and each has its own advantages. Binoculars with Porro prism have an offset between the objective and eyepiece optics. This means they have a typical Z-construction/layout, which the light follows on its way to the eye. Binoculars with a Porro prsim seem to be somewhat larger than binoculars with a Roof prsim, however they are extremely robust. Thanks to the distance between the lenses, binoculars with a porro prism provide a 3D effect that helps to distinguish objects at different distances. And with the Steiner Sports-Auto-Focus you only have to adjust the binoculars once to your personal eye visual error and from then, you get a sharp image from 20m all the way to infinity. This means you have a binocular that can be used with just one hand. Roof edge binoculars are different to porro prism binoculars in that they allow a straight light path, directly to the eye. These binoculars can therefore be designed and consructed in a much more compact way. A feature of binoculars with a roof prism is the adjustment of the focus (different distance to the object) is completed with the help of a centre wheel. These binoculars are still very robust, but it is more difficult to make them pressure waterproof to certain depths.

Which compass zone is right for me?

So you are able to read off as accurate a direction measurement as possible on the compass scale, it is important that the compass needle is able to rotate freely and undisturbed inside the compass. The scale must be balanced in a manner that any contact between the compass housing and the compass needle is avoided at any time and at any place when a measurement is taken.

  • Therefore, the world has been divided into at least 5 different magnetic field zones. Your compass is currently optimized for the magnetic field of the northern hemisphere (zone 2), of course only if you purchased binoculars in this region. If you sail too far outside this zone with this product, the compass rose may become unreadable or obstructed. Many circumnavigators therefore use 2 – 3 binoculars with different compass zones.
  • It is not possible to change the compass module to another zone independently.

If you circumnavigate, we suggest the Steiner Commander Global with which no calibration or adjustment is required. The Steiner Commander Global is the class leader and perfectly demonstrates the innovative capabilities of Steiner.

The in-built electronic magnetic field measurement absolutely guarantees exact and precise measurements anywhere in the world, whether in the South Seas or the Arctic Circle. Because of the digital technologies it uses, the measurements are extremely accurate. Similar to the analog compass, the display is integrated in the lower area of the field of view in a way that not distract the eyes.

This simple and intuitive use, in addition to an inclination compensation, make this product a most reliable partner at sea. You will be be excited with the the advantages of the Steiner Commander Global.

Where can I send in my binoculars for repair?

If your binoculars need a service or repair, the best place to return them for attention is the dealer where you purchased them if you purchased them through a dealer. If that is no longer convenient for you, please return them to any of our Authorised Dealers which you can find here. Alternatively, or if you purchased them from us on-line, please call on on 03 9799 5100 or e-mail us here.

How do I change my batteries?

Easy. Simply open the battery cover on the binocular. Normally, you will not need any tools. Simply turn the cover counter clockwise. Do note that the negative pole must be visible when you replace the cover and remember to close the battery compartment so that it is watertight by turning it clockwise.

Can I replace the eyecups myself?

This will depend on the model of binocular. Call our customer service team on 03 9799 5100 or e-mail us here, provide us with your model and serial number and we can advise on this. If it is possible, we can ship to you matching eyecups, which you can assemble yourself easily and quickly.

Please note that with some models it is not possible to change the eyecups yourself due to a special tool being required. In such cases, it will be necessary for the binoculars to be returned to us for this to be carried out. If you need new eyecups, please contact our customer service at custom service team and we can advise you on the situation with your binoculars.

What is the difference between Sports Auto Focus and Fast Close Focus?

These are two different focusing systems. Depending on the design of the binocular, the focussing system will be different.

Fast-Close-Focus
Can be recognised by the focusing wheel
+ Quick adjustment at short distances
+ Close-up focus range up to 2 m
– Need to constantly re-adjust changing areas
– Not focusable at night

Sports-Auto-Focus
Can be recognised by the lack of a focusing wheel
+ Always sharp from approx. 20m all the way to infinity
+ No refocusing needed
+ Works excellently at night
+ Ideal for fast changing distances
– Not adjustable at very close range

How do I correctly set the Sports-Auto-Focus?
Look for an object about 100 metres away, with as much detail as possible.

Focus each eye one after the other by moving/turning the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece. You will find this easier if youcover the other lens while focusing, preferably using the the lens protection cap. This allows you to keep both eyes open, and makes it easier to see sharply. By doing this, the necessary diopter compensation is done automatically. You will now always see sharply from 20 m.

How can I adjust my eyes correctly?

Set the Fast-Close-Focus (focussing wheel) as follows:

Look for an object that is as far away and rich in detail as possible.

Cover the left lens with the lens cap or your hand and move/turn the focusing wheel until the right eye can see clearly and sharply.

Cover the left eyepiece and rotate the diopter compensation on the left eyepiece until you see the same object sharply. By covering, it allows you to keep both eyes open, which will provide you with sharp vision.

Once the basic adjustment has been completed, the center wheel must be used to focus at different distances.

Set the Sports-Auto-Focus (no missing focussing wheel) as follows:

Look for an object about 100 m away, with as much detail as possible.

Focus each eye one after the other by moving/turning the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece. You will find this easier if youcover the other lens while focusing, preferably using the the lens protection cap. This allows you to keep both eyes open, and makes it easier to see sharply. By doing this, the necessary diopter compensation is done automatically. You will now always see sharply from 20 m.

Why am I seeing blurred images?
If you previously had a clear picture and you have not adjusted the dioptre of the eyepiece (if applicable), you may be experiencing collimation issues. Collimation essentially refers to the alignment between prisms. If the two sides are no longer aligned, your eyes will receive two different images and this will cause are blurred or squint effect. Collimation issues usually present themselves after a serious impact, though this is extremely rare, especially with Steiner’s rugged armouring and sturdy materials. The good news is that this can be easily corrected if you return your binoculars for service.
How do I care for and store my binoculars?
If possible, store your binoculars at room temperature and not in direct sunlight. While they can of course tolerate heat or cold, extreme temperatures can have a negative effect on the life expectancy of the pieces such as the rubber armouring, over the the long term.

To take best care of lenses, make sure to remove any coarse dirt is before wiping lenses with a cleaning cloth or similar. If you have it, use compressed air or you can also clean lenses completely by simply rinshing under flowing water to hold. Please note this can be done with all our binoculars except fo the Safari UltraSharp.

To maintain the rubber armoring, you can generally maintain the rubber armoring including the eyecups of binoculars with the use of a cockpit spray.

Simply spray some on a soft sponge and rub it into the rubber parts. This prevents the rubber coating from becoming porous and cracked.

Difference Commander/ Navigator Pro
The key difference between the Steiner Commander and the Steiner Navigator Pro is optical performance. This is significantly improved on the Steiner Commander. The images on the Steiner Commander are razor sharp and of the highest contrast, all the way to the edge.

The Steiner Commander also has additional features such as ergonomic eyecups that protect against incident light and wind, a reticle that can be used to calculate sizes and distances and a significantly larger field of view. By contrast to the Steiner Navigator Pro, the Steiner Commander is also equipped with the Nano-Protection coating, which repels water and oil.

Both models can be used at night, as the 7×50 version is a night glass. However, the Steiner Commander has a higher quality coating and offers more brightness.

The Steiner Commander is waterproof up to 10 meters and the Navigator Pro up to 5 meters.

Remember, both products come with the Steiner Heritage Warranty, for the life of the product!

Difference Commander/ Commander Global
In terms of optical performance of both models, the Steiner Commander is the stand out. The Steiner Commander also has a larger field of view than the Steiner Commander Global. However, all other features are identical, including the additional reticle, water resistance up to 10 metres, ergonomic eyecups, nano-protection and high-quality accessories. The Steiner Commander Global is equipped with a digital worldwide compass, which provides precise bearings all over the globe with magnetic field measurement and declination adjustment. It also has automatic brightness adjustment as well as tilt adjustment. The Steiner Commander with compass, on the other hand, has an analog, liquid-damped compass.
Can I attach ergonomic eyecups with side protection to my binoculars?
Only eyecups that are standard on your binoculars can be attached. Ergonomic eyecups are only available for specific models and, if so, they are already included in the carton of your binoculars.
Does the nitrogen filling in my binoculars have to be checked?
The nitrogen filling in Steiner binoculars is designed to last between 30-40 years and does not have to be checked routinely. If you still wish to have your binoculars checked, please contact your dealer or us directly.
Can my binoculars be attached to a tripod?

With some models, yes:
– All SkyHawk 4.0 models
– All Rangers Xtreme models
– All Observer models
– Wildlife 8×42 and Wildlife 10×42 models
– Safari UltraSharp 10×42 model
Use a coin to open the cover screw between the two lenses on the binoculars.
Here you will find a ¼ inch internal thread in which you can attach a corresponding adapter.

How does the ordering process work?
  1. Add the items you wish to order to your shopping cart. You can see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the “Shopping Cart” link on the top right-hand side of every page (first step in ordering process).
  2. From the shopping cart, you will then proceed to the checkout. In the event you already have an account, you may enter your login information now (e-mail address + password). If you do not have an account, you will create one now.
  3. During the next step, you will choose your delivery and payment methods. Depending on the selected payment method, you will be directed via a secure SSL connection to our payment service provider in order to enter your payment information.
  4. Specify your billing and delivery address in the payment section.
  5. In the final step of the ordering process, verify that all of the information you entered is correct. If you would like to make changes to any of the information you entered, simply click on the step you would like to go back to in the ordering process chart on the top of each page. If all of the information is correct, click on the “Submit Order” button.
  6. We will send you an order confirmation e-mail as soon as we receive your order.
What should I do if my goods have arrived from an on-line order damaged?

If your goods are obviously damaged upon arrival, unpack the goods in the presence of the deliverer in order to check for damage to the contents. Please always have the deliverer confirm any damage to the packaging in writing.

Contact us on 03 9799 5100 or here if you need assistance or if the goods inside the carton have also been damage.

Steiner Australia
Steiner Australia Logo
x  Powerful Protection for WordPress, from Shield Security
This Site Is Protected By
Shield Security