Top 10 Marine Binoculars

When at sea, the use of marine binoculars is necessary for enhancing safety. Though there is no specific regulation in SOLAS on the number of binoculars present on vessels, all vessels must be equipped with the best marine binoculars.

As a mariner, it is important to know about the binoculars (and their features), to ensure you have the correct one.

What you should know when using or buying a Marine Binocular?

There are usually five important things that you must know when it comes to knowing your binoculars. They are:

1. Magnification and Lens Diameter
2. Focus
3. Field of view
4. Waterproof/Fog proof

The most commonly used marine binoculars are of 7×50 type. This means that the binocular has a magnification of 7x and an objective lens diameter of 50 mm.

If you want to purchase the best marine binoculars, this is the first thing you will look at – the magnification and the lens diameter.

Let’s understand each of the above features.

Magnification and lens diameter

Binoculars are categorised in numbers – 7×50, 7×35, 8×25 etc., where the first digit is the magnification and the second is the diameter of the lens.

At sea, it is obvious that the higher the magnification, the greater the information we will be able to gather through our eyes.

However, it is to be noted that, as the magnification increases, the harder it gets to keep an object in view, making it blurry as the brightness reduces. To prevent the reduction in brightness, higher lenses are required to increase the brightness of the image. As the size of the lens increases, so does the size of the camera, making it bulky and uncomfortable to use.

Moreover, the distorted and blurry image is further spoilt by shaky hands and the swaying movement of the vessel.

Therefore, it is advisable that marine binoculars have a conservative magnification of not more than 7x with an objective lens diameter of 50mm.

Focus 

Centre focus or Individual Focus

Marine binoculars usually come in two variants – centre focus and individual focus or fixed focus.

In centre-focus binoculars, there is a knob at the centre which simultaneously changes focus on both eyepieces. This is a traditional type of binocular and is helpful if you would be sharing your binocular with the rest of the crew (As everyone can adjust focus according to their need).

Centre focusing is the most common type of binoculars available in the market.

However, most of the marine binoculars are of individual focus variant.

Advantages:

– Ergonomically easiest- Knob is easy to use
– Focus really close objects

– They can be used for even the shortest distances.

– They have better resolutions as well
– Good for those with eyeglasses ( have movable eye cups)

Disadvantages:

– Difficult to waterproof them. – Have difficulty with water tightness and internal fogging

– It takes time to focus every time it is used

Individual focus (Fixed focus):

In individual-focus marine binoculars, focus of each eyepiece can be separately managed.

This prevents the need to adjust the focus every time the binoculars need to be used. This saves a lot of time, especially in emergencies at sea.

Advantages 

– Focus only once. There is no need to focus again. The eyes do the focusing for you even with varying distances.
– In low light situations, it is difficult to focus in center focus binoculars whereas in individual focus, as the focus was already done before, it is easy to focus on the object.
– Most of them are waterproof (more easier to make them waterproof)

Disadvantages

– Difficult for close focusing
– Difficult to use for those with glasses. Most have eyecups that are not adjustable.

Field of view

Field of view is typically the measurement of width in feet or meters from a fixed point. It describes the image visible horizontally when looking through the binoculars without moving the same.

Field of view is measured in feet at a distance of 1000 yards or meters. Each degree of view is equal to 52.5 feet at 1000 yards.

It is to be noted that the field of view and magnification are inversely proportional. This means if magnification increases (with a smaller objective diameter), the field of view of the marine binocular decreases and thus narrower will be the image.

For marine binoculars, it is important to have the widest field of view.

Eye relief

Another thing that needs to be kept in mind is the eye relief of the marine binoculars. It is the distance between the eye and the ocular lens (eyepiece). It is important to maintain the right distance to view a sharp image.

Usually, eyecups are installed on the eyepieces so that the viewer’s eyes are at a proper distance from the eyepieces.

Those wearing glasses need to be careful as the eyepieces will be positioned past the eye relief distance, which will give a blurry image and reduce the image quality.

Though, almost all marine binoculars come with adjustable eyecups, which can be pushed back inside to allow placing the eyeglass lens closer to the ocular lens and maintain eye relief.

Waterproof/Fog proof

Considering the type of harsh environment marine binoculars are used in, they must be waterproof and resistant to fog.

Waterproofing in binoculars is done by sealing all the openings with O-rings. This helps in keeping dust and moisture from entering the binocular body.

Almost all waterproof binoculars are filled with dry nitrogen gas at a pressure higher than the normal atmospheric pressure. This positive pressure prevents lower pressure outside air or moisture from entering the binoculars. Also, nitrogen gas cannot hold any moisture, and therefore the water cannot get inside the binocular body. Though waterproof binoculars are internally fog-proof, moisture can still condense on the outside of the lens.

However, it is to note that just because a binocular is termed waterproof, it cannot withstand full submersion in water. Some superior binoculars do have waterproof features until a certain submersion depth and a specific amount of time, which is specified on the binoculars.

Do remember that technically, all fog-proof binoculars are waterproof. However, not all waterproof binoculars need to be fog-proof.

Additional features

Nowadays, several high-end marine binoculars come with more advanced features which might make your life easier at sea.

Some of these features you should look out for are:

Floating strap

Some marine binoculars come with a floating strap whereas sometimes you might have to buy it. If you are investing a good amount of money in a marine binocular, you must invest a few extra in an adjustable floating strap which would protect your binocular if it goes overboard.

If your marine binoculars are waterproof, that’s good, but if your optics go overboard in the deep sea, then that would be the last time you will be seeing them.

Floating straps are made with high buoyancy materials which prevents them from floating should they fall in water.

Compasses 

A few marine binoculars available in the market also come with a built-in compass. They give a superimposed compass just below the image while viewing through the binoculars. This comes very handy while observing any vessel at a distance and knowing its direction. The compass feature is highly useful from a safety point of view of the vessel.

Some marine binoculars also come with digital compasses and the system is illuminated as well.

Rangefinder reticule 

Rangefinder is an added feature which is provided in many marine binoculars. These binoculars come with an integrated infrared laser system which helps in measuring the distance of a vessel or object from the binocular. They are very handy at sea, especially in emergencies.

The distance is generally displayed in meters or feet and the readout is visible directly in the eyepiece.

Some marine binoculars also come with inclinometers.

Image stabilisation

Image stabilisation technology first came in digital cameras. Several major companies that make marine binoculars incorporated this technology in binoculars, which helps compensate for the observer’s movement or swaying of the vessel.

Marine binoculars with image stabilisation technology are fitted with a gyroscope which helps in reducing movement in high-powered binoculars.

Best Marine Binoculars

Let’s take a look at the top 10 marine binoculars in the market today.

1. Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars

Bushnell is one of the leading quality marine binocular makers in the market today. Most of the marine binoculars you see on ships will be of Bthe ushnell brand.

Corrosion-resistant and waterproof, the Bushnell 7×50 marine binocular is specifically made for harsh environmental conditions. This durable individual focus, fog-free binocular comes with non-skid rubber armour which makes it very handy and comfortable to hold.

The Porro prism system with Bak-4 prism glass offers the best clarity and wide range which is suitable for open waters.

At the particular price range, this is the best value-for-money marine binoculars in the market today.

Check the latest price

Pros:

• 100% Waterproof and durable
• Study HD Quality
• Wide Field Of View
• Non-slip, non-skid rubber armour

Cons:

• No image stabilisation
• Heavy and bulky

Check out customer reviews on amazon

2. Steiner 8×30 Military-Marine Binoculars

The 8×30 Steiner 2033 is the perfect companion for outdoor activities. The 8x magnification offers a clear and sharp image with a wide field of view.

Steiner marine binoculars are famous for their toughness and Steiner 2033 is no less with its rugged polycarbonate body, along with waterproof and fog-resistant features.

The Steiner 8×30 comes with floating prism technology which uses flexible silicone lens mounts to absorb severe impact and shock.

Most importantly, it has the auto-focus feature which helps to keep everything in focus from 20 yards and beyond without the need of constant focusing.

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Pros:

• Extremely tough and durable
• Auto-focus
• Shock-proof
• Lightweight and easy to handle

Cons:

• Value for money
• Not 100% waterproof
• No range finder reticle or compass

Read customer reviews here

3. BARSK Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Floating Binoculars

BARSKA Deep Sea Waterproof Floating Binoculars are the best thing you can get at that price.

With an internal rangefinder and compass, these waterproof and fog-proof marine binoculars are meant for all weather conditions. Moreover, they float on water in case gone overboard.

The 7×50 Deep Sea Binoculars have a BAK-4 prism which provides clarity and high-contrast images.

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Pros:

• Floating and waterproof
• Rangefinder
• Compass
• Value for money
• Sturdy and non-slip design

Cons:

• Optical range finder Not Laser
• Bulky

Read customer reviews here

4. Steiner 575 Marine 7×50 Binoculars

Steiner 575 7×50 binoculars are specially made for marine activities. It also comes with auto-focus and a floating prism system, providing added protection and ease of use.

Steiner 7×50 marine binoculars are also fog-resistant and waterproof to withstand the toughest conditions at sea.

The light and durable polycarbonate body can withstand great impact, providing the toughness that comes with the Steiner brand.

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Pros:

• Tough and durable
• Comes with a web strap and rain and spray guard
• Waterproof and shockproof housing

Cons:

• No built-in compass
• Bulky

Read more customer reviews here

5. Bushnell 8×42 H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Porro Prism Binocular

This is the best and cheapest option you will find if you are looking for waterproof binoculars for marine use.

The Bushnell 8×42 H2O binoculars are waterproof and fogproof. They come with a large centre-focus which helps in easy adjustment.

It has sturdy non-slip rubber armour which can easily absorb shocks and provide a better grip.

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Pros:

• Waterproof and fog proof
• Value for money
• Rubber grip and neck strap

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky
• No compass and rangefinder scale

Read customer review here

6. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binocular

The Hooway 7×50 marine binoculars have a Porro prism system which provides a wide field of view, perfect for use at sea.

It comes with an anti-slippery rubber body with a firm grip and shock absorption feature.

The marine binocular is completely waterproof and fogproof and can float in water.

It comes with a tripod adapter fitting for tripod mounting.

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Pros:

• Compass and rangefinder
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Sturdy and robust

Cons:

• Material not that sturdy
• Optical range finder, not laser
• You need to know the height of the object to measure the distance through the rangefinder

Read customer reviews here

7. Fujinon Mariner 7×50 WPC-XL Porro Prism Binocular

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The Fujinon Mariner 7×50 is a 100% waterproof marine binocular which comes with a compass and reticle display.

It features inbuilt LED light for low light conditions.

It comes with a floating neck strap which protects the binoculars in case it ever goes overboard.

Pros:

• Easy to handle
• Lightweight
• Comes with a Floating Strap
• Value for money

Cons:

• A bit bulky

Read customer reviews here

8. Aomekie 7X50 Marine Military Binoculars

Aomekie 7×50 marine binoculars are one of the best waterproof, fogproof and low-light binoculars on the market. They come with a hi-index BAK4 prism with an anti-reflective coating, which improves image sharpness and reduces light reflection.

These floatable marine binoculars provide a waterproof capability at 1m depth for up to 30 mins.

They also have a rangefinder and compass which is illuminated for low-light conditions.

Check latest price

Pros:

• Easy to carry
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Illuminated compass and rangefinder
• Value for money

Cons:

• Not 100% Waterproof
• Battery operated illumination

Read customer reviews here

9. ESSLNB Marine Binoculars with Illuminated Compass Rangefinder 7X50

ESSLNB marine binoculars come with an illuminated integrated rangefinder and compass.

They are floating, waterproof and fog proof. However, do note that they are waterproof until one meter depth and can float in water for 30 minutes if dropped in water.

The ESSLNB 7×50 comes with a BAK-4 prism along with multi-coated green wideband film technology which reduces reflected right and distortion of the image.

The non-slip rubber coating helps is better grip and handling.

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Pros:

• Rangefinder
• Compass
• Value for money
• Individual focus system
• Waterproof / Fog proof

Cons:

• No night vision
• Not 100% waterproof

Read customer review

10. USCAMEL 10×50 Marine Binoculars

USCAMEL 10×50 marine binoculars are one of the best value-for-money equipment you can find in that range.

With 10x magnification and a 50mm large objective lens, the USCAMEL marine binocular gives bright images with very less stabilisation issues. It has individual eyepiece focus capability with an autofocus system avoids the need to refocus.

They come with foldable eyecups which makes it easier to use for people with glasses.

These marine binoculars are waterproof and fogproof and come with an inbuilt rangefinder and compass.

Check latest price

Pros:

• Waterproof and floating
• Compass
• Rangefinder
• Value for money

Cons:

• Not very efficient at night
• A bit heavy

Read customer reviews

When you want to choose the best marine binoculars for your voyage, there is no one fit for all solutions. The one you buy at the end mainly depends on your requirements and budget. However, investing in a good marine binocular is surely a wise decision as far as the safety of yourself and your vessel is concerned.

Over to you.

Which according to you is the best marine binoculars available in the market today?

Let us know in the comments below.

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