Minox HG 8.5x52 and Steiner 8.5x50 Peregrine (Tie)
Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire? Ali or Frazier? It's nearly impossible to say which is better; they're that good. Both binocs have fat dawn- and dusk-sucking objectives, 52mm and 50mm, but fit in housings with trim dimensions. At 8.5X both give great viewing power but not so much that steady holding is a problem. Both are reliably fog- and waterproof. The lines of the Minox are architecturally cleaner, but the Steiner looks tougher. The Minox's rubber armor feels tackier to the grip, but the Steiner has raised ribs to hang onto. There is nothing sloppy about either. Minox beats Steiner on the price, but the Steiner has cool touches--clip attachments for objective lens covers and the neckstrap, plus wraparound eyecups. I call it a draw. Minox: $850; 603-469-3080; www.minox.com. Steiner: $999; 800-257-7742; steiner-binoculars.com --T.M.