Steiner Navigator 7×30

Specifications:

Objective diameter: 30 mm
Magnification: 7 x
Exit pupil: 4.29 mm
Eye relief (according to spec:): 17.4 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of folded eyecups): 14 mm
IPD (according to spec.): 56-74 mm
IPD (measured): 56 – 73 mm
RFOV(acc. to spec.): 7.3 degrees = 128 m
AFOV (measured, rounded): 52.5 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 6.85 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 5 dpt
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 5.5 dpt
Prism system: Porro I
Waterproof: yes
Weight (acc. to spec, without accessories): 499 g
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 588 g
Made in: Germany (???)

Remarks:

The new Steiner Navigator 7×30 with the open bridge replaces the previous “Navigator Pro” model and is a somewhat “downgraded” version of Steiner’s famous “Commander” marine binoculars, see https://binocular.ch/steiner-commander-7×30/(Steiner does actually not produce the 7×30 Commander any more, only the 7×50 version).

The Navigator is quite a decent binocular with individual focus. A side-by-side with the Commander 7×30 reveals few differences between the two. The 128/1000m field of view (upgraded from the Navigator Pro, where it was 123/1000m) is almost the same as the Commander’s, image properties including distortion (very little) etc. appear quite comparable. In the field, the light weight of the Navigator is a big plus, the handling is pleasant, the optics are quite nice, mechanically there is nothing to be desired.

However, just ignore the label “Auto Focus” prominently printed on both sides of the cental hinge. There is no aurofocus here, and BINOCULARS TODAY finds it an insult to every halfway critical mind that Steiner stubbornly continues to label its binoculars with this incorrect term.

see also the 7×50 Navigator, https://binocular.ch/steiner-navigator-7×50/, and the 7×50 Commander, https://binocular.ch/steiner-commander-7×50/

Ratings: