Even with modern navigational electronics that give your position to within a few metres, you\u2019d still be wise to keep a good pair of marine binoculars on board. We pick out 8 of the best options…Whether for identifying a tricky harbour entrance, taking a closer look at an approaching ship or even looking for the breeze, a decent pair of marine binoculars will repay their purchase price many times over in peace of mind and as a useful aid to pilotage.
\nWhat to look for in a good pair of marine binoculars
\nBinoculars are available in many different guises online, in varying degrees of magnification, weight, size and waterproofing.
\nAt first glance you might assume that the greater the magnification the better, but on a moving boat, it\u2019s long been accepted that 7x is the best compromise between making objects appear larger and keeping them still enough to see.
\nThe trusty pair of 7\u00d750 marine binoculars narrows down the search somewhat, but you\u2019re also looking for light weight (to avoid tired arms), an adjustable eyepiece (to suit any eyesight, glasses and contact lenses), and ideally, they will be filled with nitrogen to keep moisture at bay.
\nWeight-wise, marine binoculars seem to fall into two camps \u2013 the cheaper ones, minus the bells and whistles come in at around 6-700g, and the better quality ones at around 1kg. Read our other article about three premium marine binoculars tested by Bruce Jacobs.
\nYou can buy models with internal compasses, floating bodies and even image stabilisation: luckily there are binoculars for every boat and budget out there, so we rounded up 7 of the best deals.
\n\u00a0
\nBest marine binoculars available right now<\/p>\n
Silva waterproof 7\u00d750
\nThese binoculars have been tried and tested for a good few years now.\u00a0 They\u2019ve stood up well to the general slinging around and rough stowage that most marine binoculars are subjected to.
\nThese were branded as Nexus, but they\u2019re now found in the shops branded as Silva.
\nWhat they lack in sophistication they make up for in robustness and no nonsense fit for purpose aesthetics.<\/p>\n
The antiglare coating works well on the water.
\nThe model tested doesn\u2019t include a built in compass,\u00a0 but newer models offer this option which I would recommend over models without.
\nReasons to buy
\nRobust, fit for purpose, great antiglare properties
\nReasons to avoid
\nLong barrels can be harder to to hold steady,\u00a0 a little pricey.
\nPrice: \u00a3186 without compass, \u00a3211 with compass
\nBuy from Alpinetrek
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plastimo Marine 7\u00d750 Autofocus binoculars
\nBest entry-level marine binoculars
\nThese entry-level marine binoculars from Plastimo are lightweight and will autofocus.
\nThey are \u2018splashproof\u2019, so no nitrogen filling, and won\u2019t appreciate a dip in the sea, but they do boastfully coated lenses for protection against scratches and damage.
\nThey don\u2019t have an adjustable eyepiece but have rubberised cases on the handles for impact resistance.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Great entry-level option
\nLightweight and autofocus
\nFully coated lenses<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Not waterproof
\nNo adjustable eyepiece<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a349.99
\nBuy it now on Decathlon
\nWith each product is a \u2018Buy it now\u2019 link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn\u2019t affect the amount you pay.<\/p>\n
Steiner Navigator Pro binoculars
\nBest overall marine binoculars
\nREAD OUR 5* LONGTERM TESTED REVIEW OF THE Steiner Navigator Pro Binoculars with build in compass
\nSteiner is one of the oldest names in optics and their Navigator Pro model, available with and without a compass, is designed for sailors.
\nThe Navigator Pro is nitrogen-filled, waterproof up to 10m depth, and has a nano-coating on the lenses to enhance visibility and reduce glare.
\nAt 1.05kg they are comparable to the Minox binoculars in weight. A rubberised coating should protect them in case of impact.
\nSteiner has a good reputation for quality and reviews of these marine binoculars are particularly favourable.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Nitrogen filled and waterproof to 10m
\nGreat brand reputation
\nNano coated\u00a0 lenses<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Premium price<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a3362.99 \/ $299.99
\nBuy it now on Amazon (UK)
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)<\/p>\n
Force 4 Floating Waterproof compass binoculars
\nBest all-round marine binoculars
\nThese waterproof, floating binoculars from well-known chandlery Force 4 are a good all-rounder at a decent price: they float, have an internal, illuminated compass, and are nitrogen-filled to keep moisture at bay.
\nWith adjustment on both lenses, they will suit most types of eyesight, and a rubber case should keep damage from knocks to a minimum.
\nThe lenses are coated to reduce glare and increase visibility and brightness.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Nitrogen filled and waterproof
\nAdjustable lenses<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Lack the premium feel and features of more expensive options<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a3117.95
\nBuy it now on Force 4<\/p>\n
Waveline Autofocus 7X50 binoculars
\nBest budget marine binoculars
\nThese 7\u00d750 binoculars are available from a number of marine outlets.
\nThey are about as basic as they come: autofocus, splashproof and impact-resistant, they won\u2019t float and aren\u2019t nitrogen-filled, so aren\u2019t likely to survive a trip overboard either.
\nHowever, for occasional use and if stored down below in their supplied carry case they are likely to prove perfectly adequate for boaters on a budget.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Splashproof
\nGreat of occasional use<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Basic, lacking features
\nWon\u2019t survive a trip overboard<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a340.95
\nBuy it now on Force 4<\/p>\n
Minox BN 7\u00d750 C binoculars
\nBest marine binoculars for glasses-wearers
\nA good rival to the Steiner Navigator Pro, fellow German brand Minox can trace its origins to Cold War spy cameras.
\nThese good quality binoculars have an integrated analogue compass and boast extra large eye-pieces, which will help glasses-wearers, who often struggle to use standard binoculars.
\nThey are nitrogen-filled, and have a single eyepiece adjuster to correct for the user\u2019s vision.
\nWeighing 1.1kg, they aren\u2019t the lightest of those we\u2019ve looked at, but the build quality of Minox marine binoculars is impressive.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Nitrogen filled
\nExtra-large eye-pieces<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Premium price
\nHeavy<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a3354.94
\nBuy it now on Amazon (UK)<\/p>\n
Bynolyt Searanger II binoculars
\nBest marine binoculars for compass accuracy
\nThese compass binoculars are waterproof and shockproof and are filled with nitrogen. They\u2019ve also been chosen by the RNLI for use on their lifeboats since 1999.
\nThe compass has a stated accuracy of 1 degree and is illuminated. Weight is comparable with the Minox and Steiner marine binoculars, and these float with the aid of a neck strap.
\nThe Non-slip rubber body will ensure they stay put when you put them down in the cockpit.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Nitrogen filled
\nWaterproof and shockproof
\nA mainstay for the RNLI<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Heavy<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a3224.99
\nBuy it now from Amazon (UK)<\/p>\n
Bushnell Marine 7\u00d750 Waterproof binoculars
\nBest multipurpose marine binoculars
\nThese well-specced marine binoculars from US outdoors firm Bushnell are waterproof, non-slip, rubber-covered and nitrogen filled.
\nWhile relatively unknown in the marine market, they have long been associated with hunting and outdoor sports.
\nThese binoculars have coated optics for increased light transmission and brightness. A single eyepiece is adjustable to suit your eyesight, and the eye caps can fold down to suit glasses-wearers.
\nPros:<\/p>\n
Nitrogen filled
\nWaterproof and nonslip
\nCoated optics<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/p>\n
Relatively unknown in the marine market<\/p>\n
RRP: \u00a3204.94
\nBuy it now on Amazon (UK)
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)
\nFurther reading across our titles\u2026
\nIf you want more binoculars with built in compasses, you can read more about those in our other dedicated article on sister title Practical Boat Owner
\nIf you want to know how binoculars actually work and what the numbers mean, you can read about that at our sister title, Yachting Monthly
\nYou can read about night pilotage: how to enter unfamiliar harbours at our sister title Yachting Monthly
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
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The post Best marine binoculars: 8 of the best pairs for keeping a good lookout on board appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Even with modern navigational electronics that give your position to within a few metres, you\u2019d still be wise to keep a good pair of marine binoculars on board. We pick out 8 of the best options…Whether for identifying a tricky … <\/p>\n