The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification Made a Bold First Impression
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor binoculars immediately strike you as a serious piece of equipment, designed for demanding use. With its rugged green rubber armor, classic porro prism design, and the promise of Steiner‘s legendary clarity, these binoculars aim to be the go-to optic for anyone needing reliable performance in the field.
I needed a set of binoculars that could withstand the rigors of both marine environments and rugged terrain, offering excellent clarity without being overly bulky. I was looking for something that could handle everything from scouting game on hunting trips to identifying distant vessels while offshore fishing.
Unboxing the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm, the first thing I noticed was the robust build quality. The rubber armoring felt substantial and provided a secure grip, even with wet hands, and they had a reassuring weight, suggesting durability without being cumbersome.
I considered the Bushnell Marine 7×50 and the Nikon ProStaff 7S 10×42 before ultimately choosing the Steiner. While the Bushnell is a classic marine binocular, the Steiner‘s reputation for optical clarity and robust construction swayed me, and the Nikon, while optically sound, didn’t seem quite as durable.
My initial reaction was excitement; the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm felt like a tool that could handle whatever I threw at it, a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure. The clarity of the glass was immediately apparent, and I was eager to put them to the test in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm was a backcountry elk hunting trip in the Montana Rockies. I used them extensively for glassing distant ridges and identifying potential game trails.
The binoculars performed admirably in varied conditions, from bright sunlight to overcast skies and even light rain. The rubber armor provided a sure grip even when wet, and the optics remained clear and fog-free.
The Steiner‘s Sports-Auto Focus System took a little getting used to, as it requires individual focusing of each eyepiece, but once set, the image remained sharp from a reasonable distance to infinity. However, the close focus distance of 66 feet proved to be a limitation for closer observations.
Initially, the weight was noticeable during extended glassing sessions, but the included comfort neck strap helped distribute the load. I quickly appreciated the wide field of view, making it easier to scan large areas efficiently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The rubber armoring shows no signs of cracking or peeling, and the optics remain crystal clear.
Despite being subjected to bumps and scrapes during hunting trips and exposure to saltwater spray on fishing expeditions, the binoculars have held up remarkably well. The Makrolon housing appears to be living up to its reputation for impact resistance.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a lens cloth removes dust and smudges. The nitrogen-filled fog proofing has prevented any internal condensation, even after significant temperature changes.
Compared to my previous binoculars, the Steiner offers superior clarity and durability, though the close focus distance is a notable drawback. The Sports-Auto Focus System is a double-edged sword; convenient for distant viewing but less ideal for close-up work.
Breaking Down the Features of Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification
Specifications
Magnification: 10x Fixed. This provides a good balance between image detail and field of view, suitable for a variety of applications.
Objective Diameter: 50mm. This large objective lens gathers plenty of light, resulting in bright images even in low-light conditions.
Prism Type: Porro Prism. Porro prisms offer excellent image quality and depth perception, although they typically result in a larger binocular size compared to roof prisms.
Exit Pupil: 5mm. This provides ample light to the eye, especially useful in dawn and dusk conditions.
Eye Relief: 16mm. This is a generous amount of eye relief, making these binoculars comfortable to use even for those who wear eyeglasses.
Field of View: 327 ft @ 1,000 yds. This wide field of view allows for easy scanning of large areas.
Short Focus: 66 ft. The long minimum focus distance limits the usefulness of these binoculars for observing objects at close range.
Housing Material: Makrolon housing with NBR Long Life rubber armoring. This provides exceptional durability and a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Case: Yes. The inclusion of a case offers convenient storage and protection.
These specifications combine to deliver a binocular that prioritizes durability, light gathering ability, and a comfortable viewing experience, albeit with a trade-off in close-focus capability. The wide field of view is particularly beneficial for scanning broad landscapes or open water.
Performance & Functionality
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm excels at providing bright, clear images at medium to long distances. The 10x magnification allows for detailed observation of distant objects, while the 50mm objective lenses ensure ample light transmission even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
The binoculars are particularly well-suited for activities such as hunting, boating, and surveillance, where long-range observation is essential. The Sports-Auto Focus System maintains a sharp image once properly adjusted, eliminating the need for constant refocusing.
However, the long 66 ft short focus limits their usefulness for observing objects at closer ranges, such as identifying insects or examining plants. Additionally, some users may find the Sports-Auto Focus System less convenient than a traditional center focus mechanism for rapidly changing distances.
Overall, the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm delivers on its promise of rugged reliability and excellent optical performance in demanding environments. Its strengths lie in its durability, light gathering ability, and wide field of view.
Design & Ergonomics
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm features a classic porro prism design with a robust and ergonomic build. The Makrolon housing with NBR Long Life rubber armoring provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands.
The binoculars have a solid and substantial feel, instilling confidence in their durability. However, their size and weight may be a consideration for some users, especially during extended periods of use.
The individual eyepiece focusing system allows for precise adjustment to accommodate different eyesight prescriptions. The 16mm eye relief ensures comfortable viewing even for those who wear eyeglasses.
Durability & Maintenance
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm is built to withstand harsh environments and demanding use. The Makrolon housing is resistant to impact and extreme temperatures, while the NBR Long Life rubber armoring protects against abrasion and chemicals.
The binoculars are nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging and are waterproof to a depth of 5 meters. This ensures reliable performance even in wet and humid conditions.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lens cloth to remove dust and smudges. The rugged construction and durable materials should ensure a long lifespan with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm comes with a comfortable neck strap, objective lens covers, a rain protection cap, and a sturdy carry case. These accessories provide added convenience and protection for the binoculars.
While the binoculars themselves are not readily customizable, they are compatible with standard tripod adapters, allowing them to be mounted for steady viewing during extended observation sessions. There are no aftermarket grips or other modifications readily available for this model.
However, the robust construction and focus on core functionality suggest that extensive customization is not necessary. The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm is designed to perform reliably in its stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness.
- Extremely durable and rugged construction.
- Wide field of view for easy scanning.
- Comfortable eye relief for eyeglass wearers.
- Waterproof and fog proof.
Cons
- Long minimum focus distance (66 ft).
- Individual eyepiece focusing can be less convenient than center focus.
- Relatively large and heavy.
Who Should Buy Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification?
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm is perfect for hunters, boaters, wildlife observers, and security personnel who require a durable and reliable binocular for long-range viewing in challenging conditions. Those who value optical clarity and ruggedness above all else will appreciate this product.
These binoculars may not be suitable for birdwatchers or anyone who frequently needs to focus on objects at close range. The long minimum focus distance makes them less ideal for detailed observation of nearby subjects.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality tripod adapter for extended observation sessions. This will help to reduce fatigue and improve image stability, especially at 10x magnification.
Conclusion on Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor – Yes Case, 5mm Exit Pupil, 16mm Eye Relief, 327 ft @ 1,000 yds Field of View, Green Rubber Armor, 31-60mm Objective Diameter, Porro Prism Type, 66 ft Short Focus, Fixed Magnification Magnification Stock, 10x Fixed Magnification
The Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm Porro Prism Green Rubber Armor is a solid, dependable binocular that delivers exceptional optical performance and rugged durability. While it has some limitations, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses for those who need a reliable optic in demanding environments.
At around $509.99, the price is justified by the quality of the glass, the robust construction, and the reputation of the Steiner brand. You are paying for a tool that will last and perform consistently for years to come.
I would definitely recommend the Steiner Military-Marine 10x50mm to anyone looking for a durable and high-performing binocular for outdoor use. If you need an optic that can withstand harsh conditions and deliver clear, bright images at long distances, this is an excellent choice. Invest in your vision; you won’t regret it.