Tech Editor Fox Morgan has many years of experience piloting around tricky estuaries and coastlines. Good binoculars are an essential bit of kit. Here’s 11 of the best marine binoculars worth considering. 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 waterproof binoculars will repay their purchase price many times over in peace of mind and as a useful aid to pilotage.
\nYou can buy models with internal compasses, floating bodies and image stabilisation: luckily there are waterproof binoculars for every boat and budget out there, so I rounded up 11 of the best deals.
\nAt a glance:
\nBest tried and tested marine binoculars \u2013 Steiner Navigator Pro
\nBest entry-level marine binoculars \u2013 Plastimo 7\u00d750 Autofocus
\nBest marine binoculars for glasses-wearers \u2013 Minox BN 7\u00d750 C
\nBest waterproof binoculars available right now<\/p>\n
Steiner Navigator Pro marine binoculars
\nBest overall marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,065 g | Dimensions \u2013 207 x 140 x 73 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 waterproof to 10m
\n\u2022 Great brand reputation
\n\u2022 Nano-coated lenses
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Premium price
\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. At 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. These are my own binoculars that have been used for a good number of years now. They\u2019re still going strong and flawlessly. Have a read of my review if you want to know more. Steiner Navigator Pro marine binoculars
\nBuy it now<\/p>\n
With each product deal block 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 Commander XP
\nBest compact marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 555g | Dimensions -17cm x 12cm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled and waterproof to 10m
\n\u2022 Great brand reputation
\n\u2022 Nano-coated lenses
\n\u2022 captive lens caps
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Premium price
\nAs previously mentioned, Steiner optics are some of the best binoculars you can get for sailing and boating. These Commander binoculars are 7\u00d730, so not quite as heavy or bulky as the 7\u00d750 model also featured in this buyers guide.
\nThe Commander is sealed with 14-psi pressurized dry nitrogen within the optic, for fog-proof clarity in any temperature range. This particular model has the compass built in, though you can buy them without it. I always recommend a set with a compass built in as it is incredibly useful and if you don\u2019t need it, the marginal weigh addition isn\u2019t worth worrying about.
\nThese 7\u00d730 binoculars are a little lighter and easier to wield in rough conditions and are easier to hold steady. The Commander model is the top of the range in this series of marinised ruggedised binoculars.
\nThe floating strap is a bit of love and loath, it\u2019s brilliant if you\u2019re just wearing a t-shirt, but it also can be a bit annoying on a large foul weather jacket collar.
\nThese are a brilliant bit of kit that you can trust time and time again.
\nBuy it now<\/p>\n
Silva Eterna Marine 7\u00d750 waterproof binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,150 g | Dimensions \u2013 208 x 200 x 74 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Robust
\n\u2022 fit for purpose
\n\u2022 great anti-glare properties
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0
\n\u2022 Long barrels can be harder to to hold steady
\n\u2022 A little pricey
\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. What they lack in sophistication they make up for in robustness and no nonsense fit for purpose aesthetics. 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.
\nBuy now from Alpinetrek
\nBuy now from tradeinn.com<\/p>\n
Bynolyt Oceanranger marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,190 g | Dimensions \u2013 190mm long
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Contoured eye cups for better light blocking,
\n\u2022 Easy to use compass,
\n\u2022 Lighter than the searanger model
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 some may find these less easy to balance in the hand
\nThe Oceanranger\u2019s central hinge is very stiff, but it\u2019s unlikely to need adjustment once you\u2019ve set it to your inter-pupillary distance. The eye shells are a unique shape and take a bit of getting used to. They fold back neatly for users wearing eyeglasses.
\nThe individual focus adjusters are armour-plated and the slight military feel is reinforced by the diagrams in the extensive instruction manual that depict warships and tanks as \u2018targets\u2019.
\nThe eyepiece protectors aren\u2019t attached to the body of the binoculars, but the lens protectors are neatly tethered. The front end of the hinge conceals the tripod mount, while the aft end houses the two small batteries for the compass light. Note this is the only battery compartment that can be opened by hand, although it\u2019s a bit fiddly at first.
\nThe view of the rangefinding reticle is clear as day with numerals for measurements, although there is no useful sliding scale fitted to the exterior aiding the user to convert measurements into distance or height.
\nThe Oceanrangers are a different shape to the Searanger III marine binoculars and shorter in length, which means they will fit some people\u2019s hands better than others.
\nBuy it now via CFM Services
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Fujinon Mariner WPC-XL Binoculars
\nBest boat binoculars: mid-range option
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 819g | Dimensions -7.2 x 2.5 x 7, \/ 18.3 x 6.3 x 17.8 cm
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Polycarbonate housing makes them really light
\n\u2022 Brilliant long eye relief
\n\u2022 Great value for money
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Lenses struggle in lower light
\n\u2022 Lack of grip makes them slipper in the wet
\nA great mid-range set of 7\u00d750 binoculars. The first thing you\u2019ll notice is that the polycarbonate housing keeps them really light, at just 0.8kg. That really makes a difference when you\u2019re scanning the horizon for a period of time. These binoculars also have long eye relief. Put simply, if you wear glasses, long eye relief means you can use your specs and not suffer any reduction in your field of vision.
\nThe lenses are a good quality, although we struggled slightly in lower light. The one surprise is that the body is smooth, and that lack of grip makes them a bit slippery in the wet. It\u2019s a strange omission for marine binoculars, but a minor grumble. The trade off is they will float with the addition of a buoyancy strap, which will one day prove to be a godsend. Serious value for money at this price.
\nBuy it now<\/p>\n
Konus 7\u00d750 Tornado marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 890 g -rubber coated
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 floating and waterproof
\n\u2022 nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 built-in illuminated compass
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 the eye cups can be a little unforgiving
\nThe Konus 7\u00d750 Tornado marine binoculars float and are waterproof, they autofocus and come with a two-year warranty. They use BaK4 prisms and special coated optics to allow as much light through to the eye as possible.
\nThe right-hand barrel displays a compass that can be illuminated with a press of a button and a range-finding reticle. The rangefinder is extremely clear with numerals to assist measurements.
\nThe product is shipped in simple cardboard packaging and the carry case comes with a useful front pocket and its own strap. The lens protectors are attached to the binocular frame, so they won\u2019t get lost, and note that the sturdy metal plate that prevents the lens protectors from getting loose is also a tripod socket (something the instructions failed to mention).
\nThe eyepiece protection cap is a one-piece element with a useful eyelet built in for attaching to the provided neck strap. Neck straps are never easy to fit, but it\u2019s a \u2018one-and-done\u2019 kind of job!
\nThe rubber eye cups fold back easily for those who wear spectacles all the time and each eyepiece has an adjustable focus ring to help get the sharpest image.
\nThe test pack included two LR43 battery cells (for powering the compass light) and a lens cleaning cloth. The battery container is simple to access, but reassuringly secure against water ingress. The compass is well damped.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Plastimo Rescue 7\u00d750 marine binoculars with compass
\nIt is always good to see companies respecting the environment and packaging their products in simple, lightweight cardboard packaging. Despite the brand name, Plastimo has not over-used plastic when packaging these marine binoculars.
\nThe carry case is a step up from the Konus Tornado, though. There are two sticks of removable extra padding, which is a welcome addition for sure.
\nJust like the Konus, the Plastimo lens protectors are attached to the binocular frame so won\u2019t get lost, while the eyepiece protection cap has a useful eyelet built in for attaching to the provided neck strap.
\nThe test package included a lens cleaning cloth and batteries pre-installed. This latter point is convenient for someone testing multiple products, like me, but is to be avoided in chandleries if at all possible. If batteries sit for weeks or months inside a device, the results can be quite disastrous.
\nThe rubber eye shells fold back easily for those who wear spectacles all the time. The battery container is simple to access, but reassuringly secure against water ingress. We tested every pair of binoculars for waterproofing and buoyancy \u2013 happily, none failed.
\nThe instructions are in good English and provide enough detail to use the reticle for measuring distance and height (including diagrams). But this time instead of forgetting to mention the aperture for attaching a tripod head, the instructions indicate that the box includes a brush for cleaning the binocular lenses, but I couldn\u2019t locate this.
\nThe compass, reticle and compass light are all located in the right-hand barrel and work well \u2013 just as the Konus Tornados did. There is a sliding scale on the end of the barrel to calculate distance or height.
\nThere is very little to choose between the two best units on test: the Konus has a better warranty (2yr vs 1yr) and the Plastimo carry case is slightly superior. So it probably comes down to a price battle and whether individual buyers like the Plastimo grip and feel over the Tornados.
\nBuy it now without compass on Waveinn.com<\/p>\n
Plastimo Marine 7\u00d750 Autofocus binoculars
\nBest entry-level marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 790 g | Dimensions \u2013 \u200e180 x 180 x 80 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Great entry-level option;
\n\u2022 Lightweight and autofocus;
\n\u2022 Fully coated lenses
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Not waterproof;
\n\u2022 No adjustable eyepiece
\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 boast fully 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.
\nBuy it now on Decathlon
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Minox BN 7\u00d750 C marine binoculars
\nBest marine binoculars for glasses-wearers
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,100 g | Dimensions \u2013 223 x 160 x 72 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 Extra-large eye-pieces
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Premium price
\n\u2022 Heavy
\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. They 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.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Bynolyt Searanger II marine binoculars
\nBest marine binoculars for compass accuracy
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,100 g | Dimensions 174mm x 184mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 Waterproof and
\n\u2022 shockproof
\n\u2022 A mainstay for the RNLI
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Heavy
\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.
\nBuy it now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Bushnell Marine 7\u00d750 waterproof binoculars
\nBest multipurpose marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 1,020 g | Dimensions \u2013 188 x 177 x 71 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 Waterproof and nonslip
\n\u2022 Coated optics
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Relatively unknown in the marine market
\nThese well-specified 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.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Force 4 Floating Waterproof compass binoculars
\nBest all-round marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 890 g | Dimensions \u2013 200 x 150 x 80 mm
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 waterproof
\n\u2022 Adjustable lenses
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Lack the premium feel and features of more expensive options
\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.
\nBuy it now<\/p>\n
Plastimo 7\u00d718 Pocket marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 160 g | Dimensions \u2013\u00a0 84mm long
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Nitrogen filled
\n\u2022 waterproof
\n\u2022 incredibly portable\/pocketable
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 very very small, so if you have shovels for hands, you\u2019ll struggle.
\nThe smallest binoculars in our tested range of marine binoculars but these are mighty useful pocket optics.
\nThey\u2019re waterproof and filled with Nitrogen and come with a one-year warranty. But beware, they are very small.
\nThey come in a small pouch and a floating strap which is needed to make these float as without it they don\u2019t float. Small enough to fit in a pocket, these can be taken everywhere you go. Not just for on the water but great for the theatre too.
\nWe fell in love with them the moment they were unboxed from their simple environmentally friendly packaging.
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Gael Force marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 805 g | Dimensions \u2013\u00a0 180mm long
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 budget friendly
\n\u2022 easy to use
\n\u2022 value for money
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 not completely water proof
\nAt the entry level budget range of binoculars these are a decent pair that will see you right out on the water. Just treat them with a little care to avoid them becoming water logged.
\nThe product is described as waterproof, but a rating of IPX3 does not mean these binoculars will survive immersion and they are not buoyant, as the website makes clear.
\nThere are no individual eye adjusters on these marine binoculars, despite what the instructions might say and the only exterior feature is the hidden tripod attachment.
\nThe eye cups are described as \u2018long eye relief\u2019 and the eye pieces are quite small diameter. We found them to be well balanced in the hands and easy to use.
\nThe eye cups fold down for users wearing spectacles.
\nBuy it now on Gael Force Marine<\/p>\n
Waveline Autofocus 7X50 binoculars
\nBest budget marine binoculars
\nSpecifications: Weight \u2013 780 g | Dimensions \u2013 Not disclosed
\nReasons to buy:
\n\u2022 Splashproof
\n\u2022 Great for occasional use
\nReasons to avoid:
\n\u2022 Basic
\n\u2022 lacking features
\n\u2022 Won\u2019t survive a trip overboard
\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.
\nBuy it now<\/p>\n
What 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.
\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: 15 of the best pairs for keeping a good lookout appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tech Editor Fox Morgan has many years of experience piloting around tricky estuaries and coastlines. Good binoculars are an essential bit of kit. Here’s 11 of the best marine binoculars worth considering. Whether for identifying a tricky harbour entrance, taking … <\/p>\n