First Look: Steiner HX Series Binoculars

by
posted on April 27, 2016
fl_hx_series_f.jpg

It's no secret that some—though not necessarily all—of the finest hunting optics in our industry hail from Germany. It's just the name of the game. Among the new-for-2016 introductions to the renowned German glass landscape is the HX Series from Steiner Optics. Designed to be a sort of new class of hunting binocular, the HX Series incorporates some of Steiner's finest technology, all while trying to maintain a price point that American hunters could warm up to.

I had the opportunity to put the HX Series to work recently on a spring turkey hunt in Kentucky. Though I never did kill a gobbler, I had plenty of time to put my optics to work. Here are five things you need to know.

1. Four models are (or will) be available.
As it stands, the HX Series will offer four models. Two of them—the 8x42 and 10x42—are available now. The 10x56 bino will be available shortly, and the 15x56 will be available somewhere down the line.

2. They feature the Fast-Close-Focus system.
Designed to minimize the rotation on the focusing wheel for sharper images at various distances, Fast-Close-Focus was originally developed for the bird watching community. As you might imagine, hunters have found the technology awfully handy, too. I can personally attest that Fast-Close-Focus makes it easier than ever before to focus your plane of view on the fly—which came in handy as I rapidly jumped between turkeys scattered throughout the pastures I was hunting.

3. That German glass? It delivers.
I see no shortage of optics every year, but the HX Series 10x42's I had in Kentucky left a lasting impression. They offered a clear, crisp picture—enough so that even my guide paused to express how impressed he was with it after asking them to borrowing the binos to glass turkeys in the distance. The lenses had a habit of staying clean, too, which Steiner attributes to its Nano-Protection hydrophobic molecular coating.

4. They're tough.
Steiner's engineers wanted the HX Series to be able to take a beating if need be, and it shows. The Makrolon housing combines a polycarbonate frame with NBR Long Life rubber armoring for a lightweight, but still tough chassis. The company says they can handle up to 11 Gs of impact. The HX Series also benefits from Steiner's N2 Injection System pressure seal, which offers some of the most reliable waterproof protection in the industry. Accordingly, each model is stamped with an N2 logo.

5. They're covered by a lifetime warranty.
The HX Series—like all Steiner optics—is covered by the Steiner Heritage Warranty. No matter how long you own your binoculars, no matter how you might have come to own them, they're covered. If Steiner doesn't make a particular part anymore, company reps will work with you to find another solution. You can't beat that.

Want to know more? Don't worry, it's on the way. The HX series binocular is due for a full review in an upcoming print edition of American Hunter. Stay tuned. In the meantime, stay in the know with our weekly newsletter.

Latest

Force 24 Lede
Force 24 Lede

New for 2025: Spypoint Force-24 Trail Camera

With customizable settings in a scouting setup that’s ideal for areas without a cellular network connection, the Force-24 offers features that rival more expensive cameras at a much more affordable price. If your camera is located in a spot that can't take advantage of cellular technology anyway, why pay for it?

CWD Found in New Wyoming Hunt Area

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in two adult female elk from Elk Hunt Area 87.

First Look: Ripcord Arrow Rest Micro-Adjust RAK Rest

Ripcord Arrow Rests has unveiled the latest iteration of its RAK Rest, featuring micro-adjust capabilities. Designed to deliver fine-tuning precision, the micro-adjust RAK Rest allows archers to dial in horizontal and vertical positioning for a new level of accuracy.

#SundayGunday: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro Series

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at the Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro Series, the company’s fullest-featured single-shot rifle yet. With an adjustable LOP, cheek height and threaded muzzle, this is a rifle that can be fully tailored to the stature and preferences of the shooter.

Killer Instinct introduces Lethal 405HD Crossbow

Killer Instinct Crossbows has introduced the Lethal 405HD Crossbow. Featuring a newly redesigned stock that is shorter and more compact for easy maneuverability, the Lethal 405HD features new rubberized styling at all touchpoints, including its forearm, grip and cheek weld

State Department Issues Travel Advisory in Wake of Hunter Detainments

In the wake of several headline-making detainments of hunters and shooters in the Turks and Caicos last year, the Trump administration's State Department has issued a brand new travel advisory for the country, dated March 4, 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.