About Us
Since the beginning, Steiner has always focused on creating new optics technologies. Many revolutionary innovations were not only developed by Steiner, but set the standards for future products with all binocular manufacturers. Steiner Optics is a Beretta Holding Company.
Steiner History
For Steiner, superb performance and bone-deep tenacity was born in the ruin of war. In 1947, in the face of demolished infrastructures and a collapsed economy, Karl Steiner started a one-man workshop in Bayreuth, Germany, obsessed with a single goal: creating optical products so functional, sturdy and uniformly flawless that nothing in the chaotic, mass-production post-war world could compare. His passion for unmatched optical perfection pushed Steiner-Optik from a hardscrabble startup to a 50-man factory within six years, and on to become a worldwide optical icon with binoculars and rifle scopes for every purpose, a history of innovation, and legions of diehard enthusiasts in every category.
These premium German optics are now available in 65 countries, prized by sportsmen and spectators, birders and mariners, aviators and explorers, and deployed by security and military forces around the globe. The research, development and production site in Bayreuth is arguably the most advanced optical facility on earth. Steiner world-class lenses, coatings and prisms are created, perfected and produced in Germany, enduring the most exhaustive production, inspection, testing and approval process in the industry – lenses alone go through 460 exacting steps. Finished lenses, crafted and uniquely multi-coated for specific purposes, are assembled into specialized binoculars and riflescopes, then inspected, tested and approved again. Once past final inspection, each and every Steiner optic provides the most reliable, accurate and satisfying viewing experience in its category, bar none, period.
Steiner was the first to develop the lightweight, indestructible rubber-armored Makrolon® housing, all-conditions nitrogen-charged fogproofing, the military laser protection filter, integrated binocular/compass, water-repellant Nano-Protection® lenses, and countless – and continuing – coating technologies that produce the highest contrast and light-transmission. Steiner is also a leading innovator in optoelectronics with the first integrated international-grade digital compass binocular and the integrated binocular/laser rangefinder.
Steiner’s combat-hardened performance is the stuff of legend around the world. No optic has proven its worth in so many tough environments and critical situations. When Steiner says fogproof, waterproof and shockproof, it’s sincere and it’s forever: anywhere, any time, every time.
In 2012, Steiner acquired Laser Devices, Inc., now known as Steiner eOptics, a USA manufacturer of laser aiming devices and tactical flashlights for military and law enforcement personnel who demand tough, virtually indestructible products. From the U.S. homeland borders to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, eOptics products deliver the reliability that literally spells the difference between life and death.
In 2015, Steiner expanded the eOptics division with the acquisition of Sensor Systems Division, a US based manufacturer of night vision gear and other opto-electronic systems.
As a member of the elite Beretta Group – the world’s oldest weapons manufacturer – Steiner is stronger, more versatile, and more innovative than ever. Every Steiner product will provide best-in-class performance for life – and for lifetimes to come.
Trusted Optics for Life's Defining Moments
The successful pursuit and capture of these moments demands the fast and precise detection, location and identification of a distant objective. Whether the objective is wild life, a marine bearing, law enforcement suspect or military combatant, Steiner optics enhance an individual's most important sense, vision, so that on land or sea –– Nothing Escapes You.
1967
First huge success: Development of a new binocular concept for the German Bundeswehr. High-Tech Makrolon™ material for housing
1973
First Binocular with nitrogen filling. Technologies to avoid Inside fogging while temperature changes
1979
First binocular with integrated compass – still the most successful professional marine binocular in the world "Commander"
1988
New optics and coating technology with laser protection filter – biggest binocular order placed ever in American history (M22)
1992
Introduction Firebird binocular with High-Contrast Optics
2000
Introduction of the Nighthunter Concept - Highest standards in light transmission for hunting models
2006
First binocular with Nano-Protection
2008
Member of Beretta Holding
2009
First Steiner binocular with Laser RangeFinder
2011
Steiner introduces rifle scope for military and hunting (2012)
2013
Commander Global - First Compass for worldwide use
2015
Sensor Systems Division acquired.
Faithful to the traditions upon which his father founded the company, Carl Steiner held on to his commitments of unsurpassed quality, to keep the production location in Germany, to create new jobs and career opportunities for his employees, expert training of his staff of now approximately 300 and a constant investment in research and development. Today, Steiner manufactures binoculars for the military, marine , hunting, outdoor, birding and leisure activities. The name Steiner stands for performance optics.
From its humble, post-war beginnings, the company has made it into the league of the largest manufacturers of high-quality optics. Generations of devotion resulted in the highest level of technology, for a lifetime of dependable performance.
The History of Steiner eOptics
Laser Devices
For over 35 years, Steiner eOptics (formerly known as Laser Devices, Inc.) has specialized in weapons aiming solutions that incorporate advanced laser-based technology to greatly enhance shooting performance. USA made eOptics products enable more accurate marksmanship and provide each user with a higher level of confidence and safety when firing a weapon.
Founded in 1979, it was the first company to mount aiming lasers on small arms. Today, Steiner eOptics is the technology leader for electro-optical laser aiming devices and tactical illumination tools in the military and law enforcement arena.
Steiner eOptics products are used to defend freedom every day in the roughest of conditions. The special breed of men and women who choose eOptics products do so because of our dedication to ruggedness, reliability and performance. Our customers know that our lasers and lights will equip them to fulfill their mission in the harshest of environments.
From the first helium–neon (He–Ne) plasma tube laser to the U.S. Army selected DBAL-A2 and to some of the brightest tactical IR illumination devices available today, eOptics primary goal is to provide innovative, state-of-the-art products that make warriors more effective in the field.
As a technology leader, Steiner eOptics was the first to bring these innovations to market:
- Dual Beam Laser Module
- Modular Sighting Laser for a Firearm
- Laser Diode Alignment Mechanism
- Universal Laser
- Shock Absorbent Flashlight Bulb and Reflector Assembly
- Laser Precision Bore Sight Assembly
- Improved Thumb Switch for Tactical Weapon Aiming Lights
- Quick Release HT Mount
Steiner eOptics products are manufactured in our 34,000 square foot facility located along the scenic central coast of Monterey, California, USA. Quality, technology and expertise are an integral part of our manufacturing process and our products continue to deliver the superior performance and reliability that warfighters have come to expect from Steiner eOptics.
Steiner STS eOptics
Sensor Technology Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of sophisticated night vision equipment located in Dayton, Ohio, was established in 1991 and acquired by The O’Gara Group in 2003.
In 2005, The O’Gara Group acquired Diffraction, Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of optoelectronic systems. Those two entities were combined at that time into the Sensor Systems Division and quickly established itself as an industry leader in the design, manufacture and sale of opto-electronic equipment to government and military markets.
The Sensor Systems Division was acquired by Beretta Holding in December 2015 and integrated into the Steiner Optics Division. The new STS eOptics products are also an integral part of Beretta Defense Technology (BDT) and include night vision equipment and combat identification systems used for tagging/tracking/locating blue and red force assets. These innovative products provide government agencies and militaries the capability to more effectively conduct covert intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and battlefield operations around the globe. Today, the company continues to develop products that feature proprietary and state-of-the-art technologies for illumination and detection.
These eOptic products are among the most advanced in the world and incorporate certain infrared bands that are undetectable by conventional night vision equipment. An example is the Low Profile Night Vision Goggles (LPNVG) that have the lowest profile in the industry (3.5 inches vs. 5.8 inches on standard NV goggles) with a unique see-through capability that allows a seamless transition from dark to light conditions.
Other advanced technologies include heads-up displays and thermal imaging sensors that are integrated directly into the LPNVG that greatly enhance the functionality for the operator. STS products and technology have been incorporated into weapons systems mounted on helmets, vehicles and integrated into various other platforms.
