Styrka S5 8x42 Binocular ST-35501

Styrka S5 8x42 Binocular Review

The Styrka S5 8x42 binocular offers a lot for its street price. For less than $400, the Styrka S5 8x42 includes a very high quality retail box, a padded neoprene strap, a four point binocular harness, a binocular case embroidered with the Styrka logo (which also clips to the harness for use in inclement weather) and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Yes, all that for under $400.

A lot of people are going to say, "Big deal, another 8x42 binocular." Yes, it's true that there's a lot of 8x42 offerings currently available, but Styrka has gone out of their way to stand out from the crowd.

The Styrka S5 8x42 isn't aesthetically "in your face." The green finish is aesthetically simple, but fit and finish are top notch. The binocular weighs 22.6 ounces (without lens caps), measures about 5.75 inches long with cups fully retracted, and is about 5 inches wide with the IPD set to maximum. Not huge, not compact, actually pretty average as far as size goes.

If you're going to spend nearly $400 on a pair of binoculars for hunting or birding, you expect it to be built well. Well, like we said earlier, fit and finish are top notch. Starting with the eye cups, they are four position cups that are molded from a slightly softer rubber than we're used to seeing, improving comfort. It's worth noting that these cups lock into place very affirmatively, and there is very little/almost no play in the cups at any position. The included lens caps are molded from a softer, higher quality rubber that seems more durable than the average included caps on most binoculars at this price. They seem... beefier.

The center hinge on the body is tight yet smooth, and stays in position once set. The focus knob is smooth and free of any grinding or hangups, and it takes about 1.25 turns to go from close focus to infinity. It's not a super fast focus, but it's far from slow. The diopter is tight, but no tighter than it need be, and the raised ridges provide better grip for adjustment in inclement weather or while wearing gloves.

Ergonomically, there are no complaints. In normal viewing conditions, the index finger does the focus knob work, the middle and ring fingers rest on the bridge, and the pinky naturally falls into place in front of the hinge. The molding of the rubber armor fits the hand well.

So how does the Styrka S5 8x42 perform where it matters? Pretty well, actually. The S5 8x42 doesn't feature ED glass, but it still stands up to the ED-equipped competition at this price.

Clarity, sharpness, brightness, it's all here. The combination of the focus speed and a good depth of field means that most target acquisition takes little more than a quick nudge of the focus knob, so they feel capable. The sharpness of the Styrka S5 8x42 goes about 50-75% to the edge and falls off slightly, though chromatic aberration increases in the last 10% or so of the field of view. Speaking of chromatic aberration, it's not at all obvious, and in fact we'd place the amount of chromatic aberration visible around high contrast objects only slightly more than the ED-equipped Styrka S7 8x42. So as far as performance for price, we think this binocular performs pretty well.

One thing that really does stand out is the low light performance of the Styrka S5 8x42. As the sun begins to set and daylight is rapidly diminishing, these binoculars do a very good job of collecting all the available light and making it easy to pick out detail between 25 and 30 yards.

And of course, the most important factor of all, the lifetime warranty. All Styrka binoculars are protected for the life of the binocular against defect or malfunction.

So, where does the Styrka S5 8x42 binocular stand with us? We think it's a solid offering that's well worth the price, with no obvious (or subtle) shortcomings. Overall, we're very happy. Check out a pair, you won't be disappointed.

Included Accessories

• TETHERED LENS COVERS AND RAINGUARD - The rainguard and tethered objective lens covers protect the lenses of your binocular from scratches and the elements.
• PADDED COMFORT NECK STRAP - The included neoprene neck strap is wide and extremely comfortable. Use it in comfort all day.
• LENS CLEANING CLOTH - The included lens cloth can be attached to your pack for use at a moments notice. Convenient for when your optic needs a quick cleaning.
• DELUXE CUSTOM STYRKA CARRYING CASE - The Styrka carrying case included with the binocular can be used as a traditional carrying case but it can also be worm on your chest with the included harness straps. It keeps the binocular close for quick and easy access while protecting it when out in the field.
• NITROGEN PURGED - Internal housing is purged of air and filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging
• RUBBER ARMOR - Provides tough, durable external protection and a secure no-slip grip
• TRIPOD ADAPTABLE - Compatible with standard tripod adapters, use on a tripod or car window mount

Features

• SXL FULLY MULTI-COATED OPTICS GROUP - All lens surfaces are coated multiple times utilizing our proprietary SXL anti-reflective coatings for maximum brightness and optimal color, sharpness and image contrast
• PHASE AND DIELECTRIC COATED BAK-4 PRISMS - Advanced coatings dramatically increase light transmission through the prism system for bright, high-contrast images with better resolution, superior clarity and detail
• 100% WATERPROOF - Fully sealed housing for performance in all conditions; submersion tested for 30 minutes in 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water
• TWIST-UP EYECUPS - Twist up or down for a custom fit to your eye with or without eyeglasses
• TRIPOD ADAPTABLE - Compatible with standard tripod adapters, use on a tripod or car window mount

Overview of the Styrka S5 Binocular Family

All Styrka S5 binoculars are high quality, waterproof/fogproof binoculars built around impressive extra-low dispersion glass, for the best views in any conditions. Styrka S5 binoculars come standard with an impressive kit of accessories, including embroidered carrying case, case strap, padded neck strap, microfiber cleaning cloth, and a binocular shoulder harness.

The Styrka S5 binocular is currently available in three sizes. The Styrka S5 8x32 is the most compact and lightweight S5 model, ideal for the hunter who is looking for the best combination of portability and performance. The Styrka S5 8x42 is an excellent choice for all occasions, with the versatility to perform in nearly any situation. And the Styrka S5 10x42 offers the highest magnification of the S5 binocular family, for glassing game at the longest ranges.

Care and Feeding of your Styrka Binocular

Your Styrka binocular is designed to provide you with years of dependable service in the field if cared for and stored properly.

• Protect the binocular from impact and do not force any of the moving parts beyond their limits.
• Protect the optics of your binocular by putting on the lens caps and rainguard when not in use.
• Store your binocular in a cool, dry place whenever possible.
• When storing for an extended period of time, place the binocular in a plastic bag or airtight container with a dessicant.
• Do not leave the binocular in a car on a hot or sunny day, or near anything that generates heat as this may cause damage.
• Clean any dust, dirt, or water that may get on the binocular or inside moving parts as soon as possible. This prevents unforseen damage to mechanical parts of the binocular.

Proper cleaning of the lenses is essential to maintaining the optical integrity of your binocular. Dirty lenses diminish the amount of light transmitted through the binocular and your overall viewing experience.

• Remove any dust on the lenses with a soft lens brush or can of pressurized air.
• Using the included microfiber cleaning cloth, rmove any fingerprints, stains, or smudges from the lens surface by rubbing in a circular motion. Start in the middle of the lens and work your way to the edges. Breathe lightly on the lens to provide moisture, if needed.
• For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend the use of a lens/optics cleaning kit. Follow directions included with your kit for best results.

The Styrka Warranty - It's more than a warranty, it's a commitment.

All Styrka binoculars, rifle scopes, and spotting scopes are covered by Styrka's no questions asked warranty. If your product is damaged or malfunctions, it will be replaced or repaired at no charge to you. In addition, your Styrka product is entitled to an annual tune up. Not that you'd ever need it, but in the unlikely event, the option is there to keep your Syrka functioning like new for a lifetime of service.

If warranty problems arise or repairs are necessary, contact the Styrka customer service department at 1-844-211-6915. Styrka makes the promise of prompt attention and service, and they understand the importance of optics to your outdoor experience. Styrka takes pride in not only providing outstanding products, but excellent customer service as well.