I got a lead off of ARFCOM that Steiner was blowing out their thermal riflescope for $ 999

MSRP was $ 4400 when it was released in 2020.

Seeing if anyone here scored that deal, I’ll post photos and video once I get mine and take it for a whirl.

P.S. The offer is no longer valid , Palmetto State Armory is selling their remaining stock for $ 1999.

It arrived , here are some photos comparing its form factor with an IRay USA Rico Bravo scope , it looks like it wants to be a real thermal riflescope.

Steiner Cinder is a 320 res scope
The rear diopter ring is super loose and crappy
The button pad is too sensitive and buttons are too close together
The software is way to complicated - it is NOT user friendly

Here is a video I recorded using my iPhone to record the Steiner cinder screen because I can’t get the video files to export from the App (there isnt an option that I can find …)

These are the stock (default) OUT OF THE BOX SETTINGS



After sitting and adjusting random image settings for at least 15 mins I was able to get the cinder to give me this image



As a comparison to the IRAY USA RICO BRAVO : which is a 384 res scope



At $ 999 the Cinder is acceptable as a buddy rifle scope inside of 100 yards on medium sized game or perhaps as a scanner in a static blind situation , again 100 yards would be a reasonable guess on detection and ID range

The 384 Bravo is clearly superior.

Amazing that the Cinder retailed at 4400 USD while the Bravo is 3499 USD

These videos were recorded in raining 85 degree weather - In the Bravo vid you can hear the rain drops hitting my shelter. These are the absolute WORST conditions to run thermal optics in.

I’ll try to run these scenes again on an optimal weather night over the weekend perhaps…

Good thing you only gave 999$ for it......

Otherwise, how did you enjoy the show, Mrs. Lincoln?

Seriously, I would have expected so much more from such a reputable optics company. They weren't making a cutting edge technology thermal, but basically used fairly standard stuff. Their thermal didn't promise anything wildly amazing and from the sounds of it, they didn't even manage to deliver something comparatively functional to the industry standards.

Dang missed this!

I heard it from a guy there that the Burris was nicer .. haven't got to see one yet