Steiner 8x30 Military/Marine binocs, what do you think?

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kgriggs8

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I just bought some refurbs from a place called digitalfotoclub. I have never heard of them before but they seem to get a lot of good feedback so I thought they were safe. They were $133 with shipping so I think I did pretty well.

I checked out some new ones at Gander Mountain today and I was impressed by them for the money. They were $199 + tax so it would have cost about $213 OTD. So I saved $80. My question is, was it a good move to get the refurbished ones or should have just bought the new ones? I have always had good luck with factory refurbished stuff that is what made me do it. Also, they come with a 5 year warrenty and the new one were only 10 years so I thought that was a good sign.

I did check out the Zeiss 8x30s they has and yes I was shocked at the optics. They are great binocs but they were about $380 OTD which is more than I think I wanted to spend. I want to not worry about them when I have them out in the rain and mud. I know the Zeiss come with a lifetime warrenty so would they have been a better buy in the long run? I am new to good binocs. I have only ever had 30-50 Bushnell/Tasco type binocs sO I am just looking for advice on how well I did.

What I am going to use them for:
1. Kayaking
2. Bird watching
3. Shooting/spotting
4. Hiking

Well, how did I do? Are these going to last me my lifetime without having to replace them?
 
I bought a pair in 1982 or so, and I still think ther're great. My uses for them are much the same as yours. I think to get better you would have to double the price and then its only going to be a little better. At the price you paid, they were a steal.

Ya did great!:thumbup:
 
Great. So the refurbished ones are a good deal? I have heard a few guys say that they are as good as new but I have not seen them in person yet. I have seen the new ones and I really thought they were a good all around binoc.

In the back of my mind, the Zeiss are calling to me but at almost three times the price, I don't think it was worth it. They were really nice and if you have the use for them, they would be worth the money.
 
I find the biggest problem with a high end purchase is that the top of the line product is usually only 5 percent better in performance but 300 percent more in price than the next runner up.

You did good. :thumbup:
 
i have that same pair of optics. i use them for everything, from work related stuff, hiking, hunting, spyi...

well i love em!! great for the money.
 
Don't know much about them but the US military use them.

Sounds like you got a good deal if they're in good condition.
 
Great binocs! Have had a pair as my "walking around" glasses for many years (20+)... have never regretted the purchase!

AJ
 
I got mine during my military service 25 years ago.

They have been cleaned by a factory service center once, and have held up to a tremendous amount of use- high humidity, sand and dust, cold and heat, and LOTs of being banged around inside of a pack, ammo boxes, in vehicles and in aircraft.

They are still going strong- the rubber may be cracking in some areas, but they still work.
 
I've had a pair of 7 x 50s for over 20 years, they are still excellent. You got a good deal, enjoy a fine pair of binos.

Win
 
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