Steiner Commander 7x50 C Z5 Marine Binoculars with Compass

For serious sailors who appreciate precision equipment, the Commander 7x50 C Z5 combines HD marine optics, an illuminated Zone 5 compass and secure one-handed handling. Description The Steiner Commander 7x50 C Z5 is not simply a premium pair of binoculars that happens to be waterproof. It is a dedicated marine observation and navigation instrument, designed around the conditions that actually make using binoculars at sea difficult: constant movement, salt water, glare, low light, rapidly changing targets and the need to take a bearing quickly and confidently. The classic 7x50 configuration is deliberate. Seven-times magnification gives you useful reach while remaining easier to hold steady on a moving deck than higher-powered binoculars, while the large 50mm objectives deliver a bright view in poor light. A wide 140m field of view at 1000m lets you take in more of the scene, making it easier to locate and follow vessels, buoys, channel markers and other points of interest. Steiner's High-Definition optics and Diamond-Marine coating are designed to maximise clarity, contrast and light transmission while reducing glare — particularly valuable in haze, changing light and around sunrise or dusk. Then there is the focusing system. With Sports-Auto-Focus, you individually adjust each eyepiece to your eyesight once. From approximately 20 metres to infinity, the image then remains in focus without continuously reaching for a focusing wheel. When the boat is moving and you are switching from one target to another, that simplicity becomes a genuine advantage rather than just another specification. The Commander also incorporates Steiner's 40mm illuminated HD-stabilised compass, fluid damped for fast and stable readings, with a precision reticle that can be used to estimate the distance or size of a known target. This particular Z5 version is calibrated for Compass Zone 5 — the correct regional version for Australia and New Zealand. An open-bridge body allows the binoculars to be grasped securely with one hand, while Steiner's textured NBR Longlife rubber armouring provides a substantial non-slip grip. Underneath is a fibre-reinforced Makrolon housing designed to withstand the knocks and shocks expected from serious marine use. The Commander is pressure-waterproof to 10 metres, nitrogen pressure-filled to prevent internal fogging and protected by Steiner Nano-Protection, a hydrophobic coating designed to shed water and resist dirt on the external lens surfaces. For an offshore sailor, yacht owner, skipper or someone who simply wants exceptionally well-engineered marine equipment, the Commander sits in a very different category from an ordinary pair of boating binoculars. Why Choose the Steiner Commander 7x50 C Z5? Purpose-built 7x50 marine configuration — a wide, stable view with excellent light gathering for use on a moving boat. High-Definition optics — designed for high resolution, contrast and clarity in demanding marine conditions. Diamond-Marine coating — reduces glare and maximises clarity and light transmission in haze and low light. 140m field of view at 1000m — gives you excellent situational awareness on the water. Sports-Auto-Focus — adjust each eyepiece for your eyesight once, then remain focused from approximately 20m to infinity. 40mm illuminated HD-stabilised compass — large, fluid-damped analogue compass for fast, precise bearings. Zone 5 compass calibration — specifically suited to Australia and New Zealand. Integrated precision reticle — can assist with estimating the distance or size of a target. Open-Bridge System — makes the Commander easier to grasp and operate securely with one hand. Pressure-waterproof to 10m — built specifically for severe marine conditions. Nitrogen pressure-filled — protects the internal optics from fogging and condensation. Steiner Nano-Protection — hydrophobic exterior lens protection helps water and dirt shed from the glass. NBR Longlife rubber armouring — non-slip, shock absorbing and resistant to oil, acid and salt water. ClicLoc 2.0 strap system — secure quick-release connection for the supplied carrying straps. 30-year Steiner warranty. Why 7x50 Is the Marine Standard More magnification is not automatically better on a boat. As magnification increases, every movement of your hands and the vessel is magnified as well. At 7x, you gain substantial enlargement while retaining a comparatively steady handheld image — one reason 7x has long been the classic marine binocular magnification. The 50mm objective lenses gather plenty of light, while the resulting 7.1mm exit pupil helps deliver a bright, easy-to-acquire image when conditions become dim. Together with the wide 140m field of view, this makes the Commander particularly effective for scanning the horizon, locating navigation marks and following moving vessels. Sports-Auto-Focus — Set It Once Steiner's Sports-Auto-Focus is sometimes misunderstood because it is not an electronic autofocus system. Each eyepiece is adjusted independently to match your eyesight. Once correctly set, objects from around 20 metres through to infinity remain sharply focused without further adjustment. That means you can bring the binoculars to your eyes and immediately look from a nearby navigation marker to a vessel further offshore without hunting for focus. For use on deck — particularly when one hand may already be occupied — it is an extremely practical system. A Serious Marine Compass The compass in the Commander is much more than a small direction indicator added to a pair of binoculars. Its large 40mm analogue compass is illuminated for low-light use and fluid damped so the card settles quickly while the vessel is moving. A bearing can be read while keeping the target in view, while the integrated precision reticle adds another useful navigational tool. If the actual size of an observed object is known, the reticle can be used to estimate its distance; alternatively, if the distance is known, it can assist in estimating size. Designed for New Zealand and Australian Waters The Z5 designation matters. Analogue marine compasses must be balanced for different areas of the Earth's magnetic field. This Commander uses the Zone 5 compass intended for New Zealand and Australia. For sailors operating primarily in NZ and Australian waters, that makes this the appropriate regional version. For extended international cruising outside Zone 5 or circumnavigation across multiple magnetic zones, the optical performance of the binoculars remains unchanged, but this analogue compass is not designed as a worldwide compass. Steiner's Commander Global uses an electronic compass specifically for that purpose. Built for Life on Deck The Commander combines an open-bridge chassis with deeply textured NBR Longlife rubber armour, giving you a secure place to wrap your hand around the binoculars rather than relying solely on the outer barrels. The Makrolon fibre-reinforced polycarbonate housing protects the optical system, while Steiner's floating prism construction helps isolate the internal optics from shocks and impacts. It is pressure-waterproof to 10 metres and nitrogen-filled against internal fogging across extreme temperature changes. Steiner Nano-Protection on the external glass also creates an exceptionally smooth hydrophobic surface so water, spray and dirt are less inclined to remain on the lenses. FAQ's What does Z5 mean on the Steiner Commander 7x50 C Z5? Z5 identifies the compass calibration zone. This version is balanced for Compass Zone 5, covering Australia and New Zealand, so it is the correct regional Commander compass model for NZ sailors. Can I use the Z5 compass anywhere in the world? The binocular optics can be used anywhere, but the analogue compass is balanced specifically for Zone 5. If you sail sufficiently far outside its intended magnetic zone, the compass card may no longer operate correctly. For sailing across multiple compass zones or circumnavigation, Steiner recommends its worldwide electronic Commander Global system. Does Sports-Auto-Focus focus automatically? Not electronically. You set each eyepiece once to suit your individual eyesight. Once adjusted, Steiner specifies a sharp view from approximately 20 metres to infinity without continual refocusing. Are the Commander binoculars image stabilised? No. The term HD-stabilised refers to the compass system, which uses damping to provide stable compass readings. The binoculars themselves do not use electronic or gyroscopic image stabilisation. The marine-standard 7x magnification helps provide a naturally steadier handheld view on a moving vessel. Can the compass be used at night? Yes. The integrated compass has illumination for low-light and night use. Can the reticle measure distance? It can be used to estimate distance when the actual size of the target is known, or to estimate target size when the distance is known. Are the Commander 7x50 C Z5 binoculars waterproof? Yes. Steiner specifies pressure-waterproofing to 10 metres and nitrogen pressure filling to prevent internal fogging. Can they be used while wearing glasses? Yes. The ErgoFlex eyecups can be positioned for spectacle wearers as well as for users without glasses. Included Accessories Steiner floating/swim strap ClicLoc 2.0 neoprene carrying strap Carry bag Objective lens caps Rain cover Specifications ** 30 Year Warranty Specification Details Magnification 7x Objective Lens Diameter 50mm Exit Pupil 7.1mm Field of View at 1000m 140m Eye Relief 20.2mm Interpupillary Distance 56–74mm Dioptre Adjustment ±5 dpt Luminosity 51.02 Twilight Factor 18.7 Optical System Steiner High-Definition Optics Lens Coating Diamond-Marine coating with Steiner Nano-Protection Focusing System Steiner Sports-Auto-Focus Focused Viewing Range Approx. 20m to infinity once adjusted to the user's eyesight Compass Illuminated high-precision HD-stabilised analogue compass Compass Zone Zone 5 – Australia & New Zealand Compass Diameter 40mm Compass Damping Fluid damped Reticle Integrated precision reticle Nitrogen Filling Yes – Steiner 2-way valve technology Waterproofing Pressure-waterproof to 10m Operating Temperature -40°C to +80°C Eyecups ErgoFlex Housing Fibre-reinforced Makrolon polycarbonate Rubber Armouring NBR Longlife Strap Attachment ClicLoc 2.0 Approx. Width 206mm Approx. Height 157mm Approx. Depth 96mm Approx. Weight 1190g NZ / Australia SKU STN2346-0050 Steiner International Article No. 23460020 Warranty 30 Years