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Binoculars review

Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42

Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42
4 January 2010
Optyczne.pl 
Sky Hawk is a series aimed mainly at ornithologists, including roof prism models with the following parameters: 10x26, 8x32, 8x42 and 10x42.

The producer stresses the point that the prisms were made of BaK-4 glass and other optical elements in the binoculars were covered by special High-Definition-Coating layers which assure a contrasting, crisp and very bright image.

Pictures
  • Lornetka Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42
  • Lornetka Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42
  • Lornetka Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42
  • Lornetka Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42
Manufacturer data

Manufacturer:

Steiner
web site

Distribution / Sales:

Kaliber sp. z .o.o.
web site

Magnification Lens diameter Angular field of view Prisms Eye relief Weight Price
10 42 94/1000(5.4o) BaK-4/roof ? mm 645 g 1800 PLN
Results of the review
Real front lens diameter Left:   42.15+/- 0.05 mm
Right:  42.17+/- 0.05 mm
8 / 8.0 pkt
Real magnification 10+/- 0.15x 3/3.0
Transmission 79+/- 4% 9/25.0
Chromatic aberration Medium in the centre, very high at the edge. 3.5/10.0
Astigmatism Low. 7.4/10.0
Distortion The distance of the first curved line from the field centre compared to the field of vision radius: 24% +- 3% 2/10.0
Coma Low. 7.2/10.0
Blurring at the edge of the FOV The blur occurs in the distance of 76% +- 2% from the field centre. 4.5/10.0
Darkening at the edge the FOV Slight. 3.8/5.0
Whiteness of the image Light cream. 4.3/5.0
Collimation Exemplary. 5/5.0
Internal reflections
Left: Right:
Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42 - Internal reflections - Left Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42 - Internal reflections - Right
Slight but noticeable.
3.2/5.0
Housing Solid and original. Because of the profiled eyecups it is comfortable against the face. Too slippery padding. 7.3/8.0
Focusing Both screws comfortable. Individual focusing on the left eyepiece. 4.9/5.0
Tripod Difficult access. 2.5/3.0
Interpupilary distance from 56.2 to 74.2mm 5/6.0
Closest focusing distance 1.95 m. 2/2.0
Eyepieces FOV Apparent field of view of 58.3 deg (according to simple formula) and 54.0 deg (according to tangent formula). 9.5/20.0
Field of view Measured by us amounted to 5.83 +- 0.03 degrees and it was wider than in the specifications. 6/8.0
Quality of the interior of the barrels Gray, dark, matt, clean. 4.9/5.0
Vignetting
Left: Right:
Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42 - Vignetting - Left Steiner Sky Hawk 10x42 - Vignetting - Right
OL: 1.4%, OR: 0.6%.
6.5/8.0
Prisms quality Good quality BaK-4. 8/8.0
Antireflection coatings Green on the objectives and eyepieces. On the prisms one surface from the eyepiece’s side seems to be left uncovered. 4.5/5.0
Warranty [years] 10 4.5/6.0
Final result
66.6%
35th place in global rank of our 10x42 test.
126.5 / 190 pkt
Econo result 38th place in Econo rank of our 10x42 test. -1.8pkt.

Summary

Pros:
  • solid and original housing,
  • well-corrected coma,
  • slight astigmatism,
  • good whiteness rendition,
  • good quality of prisms and coatings,
  • excellent blackening and cleanliness inside the barrels,

Cons:
  • high distortion,
  • distinct chromatic aberration,
  • slightly truncated pupils,
  • average transmission for this price segment,


The next instrument which, taking into account its price and the reputation of the producer, was designated for top places in our test. The final score it got should be considered average, though, especially with the regard to that price. When we spend 600 USD we should expect something more.