| Binocular Terminology |
| Aperture |
The aperture is the binocular's objective lens, usually measured in millimeters, e.g. 7 x 50 = 50mm. It is directly related to the size and weight of the binocular. The larger the diameter the more light gets in and the brighter the image. |
| ClicLoc |
Special System that enables the change of the binocular straps in a matter of seconds, e.g. from comfort-strap to floating belt. |
| Coatings |
A high-quality coating delivers bright and crystal-clear images under even the worst light conditions. Coatings are applied in order to increase light transmission. In a very complicated and expensive process, thin layers of metal oxide are mounted to the prisms and lenses. The quality of a coating always depends on the number of the lenses and prisms coated, the coating technology and the number of layers on each lens and prisms. STEINER is the world leader in coating technology. |
| HD-Compass |
HD-stabilized compasses offer reliable performance even at rough sea, quick movement or worst weather. |
| Eye-Relief |
Refers to the distance between the ocular lens and the pupil. The STEINER binoculars have fold-down eyecups which makes them ideal for eyeglass wearers. They automatically adapt to the face, which improves handling and ensures a stable image. |
| Ergonomically Shaped Eyecups |
Maximum viewing comfort - without distracting side light! The STEINER Eyecups automatically adapt to the face, which improves handling and ensures a stable image. The silicone rubber makes them extremely comfortable and with the fold-down feature they are ideal for eyeglass wearers. |
| Exit Pupil |
The exit pupil is the magnified image in the eyepiece and it is extremely important how its diameter relates to the pupil size of your eye. It determines the quantity of light reaching the eye. The formula to get the diameter is: objective diameter divided by magnification, e.g. 7 x 50 binocular = 50 : 7 = 7.14mm. The larger the exit pupil's diameter the brighter the observed image in situations of low available light, since the eye pupil size rises (approx. 7mm at young age; approx. 5mm at age 50). On a bright day an exit pupil of approx. 2.5mm to 4mm is the optimum. The exit pupil does not relate to other factors of a binocular. |
Eyeglass Wearer
Oculars |
Fold-down eyecups allow comfortable viewing through eyeglasses, which improves viewing significantly. |
| Fast-Close-Focus |
The Fast-Close-Focus System assures a revolutionary close focus range of approx. 2 meters and brings in everything sharp and clear. |
| Field of View |
Looking through a binocular, the widest dimension of circular viewing area that you can see is described as the field of view. It is usually measured in meters. The field of view will decrease as the magnification increases. Field of view is mainly determined by the optical design of the eyepiece and not a function of the size of the objective lens. |
High-Definition
LX-Optics |
Ultimate optical technology that sets standards with regard to unsurpassed, crystal-clear and sharp images. Master-crafted optics maximize contrast and clarity in even the most difficult light conditions. |
| Luminosity |
The luminosity factor is calculated by dividing the aperture by magnification and then multiplying it by 2. The higher the factor the brighter the images in low light conditions |
| Magnification |
It is calculated by dividing the focal length of the objective lens by the focal length of the eyepiece. A high magnification usually results in a narrower field of view, a low magnification in observed image brightness and a decrease in the depth of field. The maximum use of a magnification also depends on factors such as the quality of the lenses and the prisms. |
High-Definition
XP-Optics |
Optics technology that enhances the visibility and delivers outstanding clarity even in the worst light conditions. The coating orientates itself to the prevailing conditions of light color and reflection and thus offers better resolution and higher light transmission for a fascinating image quality. In daytime it maximizes white light transmission and at night the coating enables you to see objects far more brightly than with your naked eye. You get images brilliant and true-to-life - perfect for dawn and dusk performance! A state-of-art optics technology for professional skippers, boaters and pleasure cruisers |
High-Contrast
Pro-Optics |
High-Contrast Pro-Optics adds contrast and provides clear and brilliant images with true-to-life colors. The special prisms design enhances the visibility and the multi-layer, anti-reflection coating guarantees high-class optical performance for decades. |
| High-Contrast-Optics |
Multi-layer optics with special color filter that enables you to see subjects far more brightly in low light and bright sunlight conditions or rough weather. It also reduces harmful UV radiation while providing a maximum glassing comfort, leaving your eyes feeling cool and comfortable. |
| Makrolon? |
Makrolon? is a thermoplastic molding compound known for its high heat resistance, dimensional stability and toughness. |
Memory
Oculars |
Simply adjust for your vision once and store it. The memory oculars recall your individual dioptrien settings immediately. |
Nitrogen Pressure
System |
The special nitrogen-filled interior prevents fogging even at drastic temperatures from -40? C to +80? C. The revolutionary STEINER 2-way valve system ensures an easy-access to check and/or refill your binocular even after years of use. |
| Porro Prisms |
Porro-prism systems are used in almost all of the high-quality binoculars. These binoculars are extremely rugged. This system creates a perfect three-dimensional image and its construction increases light transmission. |
| Roof-Prisms |
Roof-prism binoculars split the light entering into two separate paths. By design these binoculars are extremely compact, smaller and more streamlined in size. |
| Size and Weight |
The factors which determine the size and the weight of a binocular are the objective lens size and the focal length, the prism length and the size, the eyepiece configuration and the type of materials used in the design. Sizes vary from pocket-size to large marine models and weights vary from 6 to 80 ounces or even more. The larger the objective lens and prism size, the larger the size of the binocular. |
| Transmittance |
Whenever light travels through a binocular, a certain percentage of it is lost through absorption and reflection. Transmittance is the term which describes the percentage of light that is not lost through the optical system. |
| Twilight Factor |
The twilight factor has the most significant impact on resolution or image details. It is a measurement to distinguish efficient viewing in low light conditions. The Twilight Factor is calculated by taking the square root of the product of the magnification and the aperture. The higher the twilight factor the better the resolution e.g. when viewing under low light conditions. |