Steiner Optik Steiner Nighthunter XP - Manual (Page 7)

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WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
One of the most important parameters of a high-perfor-
mance binocular is its light transmission, which means the
amount of light that ultimately reaches the human eye.
In low light conditions such as in rain, dusk or dawn a
high light transmission can make a decisive difference.
However, light transmission does not always equal light
transmission. Each binocular has many different values for
light transmission, depending upon the wavelength of
light (color). Conventional binoculars tend to deliver
limited peak values only at a certain wavelength (for
example: blue) but lose other colors' transmission (for
example: red) of up to 30%. The result of such trans-
mission peaks, are color distortions – therefore high peak
values will not improve your binoculars but are actually
counterproductive for a true bright color image.
However behind this relatively simple sounding issue lies a
substantial challenge. Optical lens coatings deliver high
transmission values only for a very specific wavelength. At
the same time, however, it can have adverse effects at
other wavelengths on light transmission, image sharpness
and depth of field. This is why higher quality binoculars
require multiple layers of lens coating that together result
in good performance for the most important colors. Con-
ventional technology was able to maximize only one of
the four key optical performance parameters: Either light
transmission, or color fidelity, or sharpness, or depth of
field. The remaining three parameters have always been
compromised.
REVOLUTIONARY XP TECHNOLOGY.
With our new XPTechnology – the result of many years of
research – STEINER solved the puzzle. It allows for the first
time to bring all key optical performance parameters to
maximum levels at the same time: Without compromise.
To produce these ultra-complex optical coating systems
our engineers have come up with new production pro-
cesses and developed a unique high-vacuum coating
chamber. The end result is a true optical revolution –
which you can now see.
Unique in light transmission and color fidelity.
The XP Technology's unique coating formula allows for
light transmission that remains equally high over the
entire visible light range. I.e. there are no outlier values
with their negative effects on color fidelity. These are two
decisive differences that you will instantly see with your
new XP binoculars.
Crystal clear image and outstanding depth
of field.
At the same time this new optical system delivers a crystal
clear, sharp image. The innovative lens design results in
the highest depth of field ever seen in a roof-prism bino-
cular. The benefit is less focusing.
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