Our History

In 2017, Steiner-Optik celebrated its 70th anniversary.

Anyone looking through Steiner binoculars will sense the passion and fascinating success story of the traditional company that was founded by Karl Steiner in 1947. The company is now a renowned international company and has 150 employees in Bayreuth. Steiner-Optik is active in over 80 countries around the world. The name Steiner-Optik has stood for processing of the highest quality and precision craftsmanship for more than 70 years. The vision of technically perfect binoculars that optimally inspire people in their experiences accompanied Karl Steiner throughout his life. This claim, which was continued by his son Carl Steiner, is still the credo for the company today. Steiner binoculars and rifle scopes symbolize optical innovation and embody the highest quality in their workmanship.

With a wide range of products in the areas of hunting, shooting sports, marine/water sports and adventure/nature observation, Steiner-Optik offers the ideal product for every user, from beginners to professionals. Steiner-Optik in Bayreuth means striving for maximum quality and trend-setting developments . The company philosophy is based not only on trust and stability for customers, but also for partners and employees. The company’s success story is based on lasting values, family tradition, maintaining Germany as a production location, creating new jobs, training qualified specialists and investing in research and development. Both the seal “Made in Germany” and “handmade by Steiner-Optik” demonstrate first-class and durable technology. Steiner binoculars can therefore withstand even the toughest demands. No product leaves production without functional and material testing, which is unrivaled in the industry and guarantees the optical brilliance and flawless functionality of the products. In order to constantly perfect the quality from Steiner, standards are constantly being redefined.

This is why Steiner can assert itself as the global market leader for professional high-quality binoculars. The Bayreuth plant is now one of the world’s most modern production and research facilities for binoculars and target optics. Investments in the millions at the Bayreuth site create the personnel and technical prerequisites for continued success. Steiner has also been the undisputed market leader for marine binoculars for many years and is the first choice for sailors and captains from large ships to small boats. Every professional user relies on the outstanding quality and safety that only the special Steiner binoculars offer.

Milestones

1967

Makrolon housing: New plastic housing – developed for BAYER – for particularly robust binoculars.

1973

STEINER invents the nitrogen filling for fog-free and waterproof binoculars.

1979

Development of binoculars with an integrated compass: Commander. The success story of the Commander begins.

1988

The color coating developed by STEINER conquers the market:

Ruby coating
CAT (Color Matching Technology)
M22 with a laser protection filter.

1992

Introduction of the Firebird binoculars with high-contrast optics.

2000

Introduction of the Nighthunter Concept – Highest standards in light transmission for hunting models.

2006

STEINER is the first manufacturer to introduce binoculars with a nano-coating on the lenses.

2008

Securing the company’s future by joining the Beretta Holding Group.

2009

Revolutionary laser technologies with the LRF (laser range finder).

2012

Steiner introduces a new line of riflescopes for military and hunting.

2013

The first marine binoculars with a compass that works worldwide: Commander Global.

2014

First red dot sight with integrated laser range finder.

2016

Equipping the German Special Forces Command (KSK) with the sighting optics for the G29.

2021

Introduction of the first Thermal Device as a fully digital product.

Steiner-Optik has belonged to the Beretta Group since August 2008 and is now part of the Beretta family. The Italian arms manufacturer Beretta was first mentioned in documents in 1526, making it the oldest arms manufacturer in the world. The company is based in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. The Beretta group of companies includes Benelli (Italy), Uberti (Italy), Sako, Tikka (both Finland) and Burris (USA).

Steiner products are the first choice for everyone who doesn’t want to make any compromises.

Steiner Optik is a Beretta Holding Company.