Introduction

According to Steiner: These are Tough, waterproof, portable and manufactured from precision polycarbonate and alloy. The whole range of Steiner's compact Wildlife Pro binoculars are built to handle the world's harshest conditions, yet offer clear, bright and precise viewing in a very small body design.

The Wildlife Pro models are wrapped in a smooth, quiet and non-reflective earthtone rubber armoring that makes them almost invisible to wildlife.

Weighing only 11 ounces the 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro compact is just one ounce more than the Steiner 8.5x26. When you need added power for long distance viewing but can't be weighed down, the Steiner Wildlife pro 10.5 x 28 is an excellent choice. With Fully multi-coated optics and phase corrected roof prisms that provide excellent color reproduction with brilliant clarity. Fast and precise center focusing make adjusting quick and easy. The 10.5 x 28 are waterproof and shockproof. 

The Safari Guide Opinion

I personally own a pair of these, so perhaps I am a little biased, but they are my favorite safari binoculars. They are small enough to easily carry with you, even on walking safaris you can tuck them into your top pocket and still carry your camera. The tough rubber armour gives them loads of protection and considering their small size and strong 10.5x magnification, the view through them is surprisingly bright. I have yet to have a problem with them at sunrise, sunset or on dull overcast days.

Price

Not the cheapest out there, but far from the most expensive, they are what I would describe as mid priced binoculars. I do feel that you get excellent value for money: make no mistake, for a small pair of binoculars these are packed with quality and features that you'd expect to find on far more expensive binoculars.

Quality

Steiner is a quality German brand and these are quality compact binoculars.

Robust

I have dropped my personal pair often, left them in the rain in the landrover overnight, had them covered in dust and sand and they keep coming back for more!

Size

Compact enough for for fitting into your hand luggage and more importantly for taking with you an that walking safari without having to leave your camera behind!

Main Features

Exit Pupil: A great magnification (10.5x), with an objective lens diameter of 28mm, this gives you an adequate exit pupil size of 2.7, which is fine for all but the very poorest light conditions. (read more on exit pupil)

Field of View: 264 at 1000 yards is about average for a pair of compact binoculars. But when you take into consideration the magnification which is 10.5x which is more than most compacts (increased magnification generally reduces the field of view). This is pretty good and is more than adequate. 

Eye relief: They have 13 mm of eye relief, which is not what you would call long eye relief, but should be enough for most people. Eyeglass wearers who want to (or have to) use their binoculars with their glasses may consider getting binoculars with a longer eye relief. (Read more on eye relief and eyeglasses here)

Cost & Where to Buy

These Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pros are usually found listed for around £300 to £350 ($300 and $400). Amazon often have a decent discount on them.

UK Shoppers Buy in the UK:	US Shoppers Buy in the USA:

 

In the News

Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro receives Editor's Choice Award from Outdoor Life

April 14, 2007 - St. Louis, MO Outdoor Life Magazine presented Steiner with their prestigious "Editor's Choice Award" for 2007. The item that received the award is the Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro, Steiner's latest entry into the high performance compact binocular category.

Frank Devlin, Steiner's National Sales Manager said "the recent updates to the new 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro binocular make it brighter and even more impressive. The Wildlife Pro feels good in the hand and offers generous eye-relief for eyeglass wearers" Devlin said.

The Steiner Wildlife Pro binoculars are available in three sizes: 8.5x26, 10.5x28 and 12x30. They include a rain-guard, neoprene comfort strap and a custom fitted, contoured case. 

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, I own a pair and they are one of my favorites. Compact, tough, not too expensive, with a good magnification, field of view and quality lenses and prisms. These are ideal binoculars to take on any safari. Highly recommended.

Further Reading

Best Binoculars & Binocular Reviews

For more take a look at this review of the Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro Binoculars on the Best Binoculars & Binocular Reviews website.

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