What are the Best binoculars for boating, kayaking, surfing, and yachting? Read on to discover the best on the market.
When it comes to choosing the binoculars for boating, some models are better than others. However, if you have no prior experience on what you should look out for, making the right choice can be challenging.
To help you make the right decision, we have taken the time to review the best available on the market today. Let’s take a look!
Best Binoculars for Boating-Our Top Picks
Steiner 7×50 Marine Binoculars
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Steiner 575 marine 7×50 Binoculars are big on performance and affordability. The sports-auto-focus keeps everything in focus from 20 yards to infinity. You can count on its durable construction which is built with a Markrolon housing and durable polycarbonate chassis. A shock-absorbing rubber armoring provides a comfortable and secure grip that is neither spongy nor tacky. Its Porro prism design has no moving parts which enhance optimal clarity and makes the item sturdy. Steiner’s advanced lens coating enhances light transmission even in low light conditions enabling your eyes to perceive more contrast and bright detail. When it comes to weather reliability, these binoculars are O-ring sealed for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. You can easily and effortlessly operate these binoculars single-handedly and view objects in motion. Features
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Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fog proof Porro Prism Binoculars
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The beautiful design and rugged construction of this Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Porro Prism Binocular make it the ultimate on the water outdoor companion. Its soft textured grip provides the user with a comfortable grip even in the most challenging weather conditions. When it comes to weather reliability, these binoculars are O-ring sealed for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. To maximize light transmission and image clarity, it features multi-coated lenses and premium-quality BaK-4 prism glass. A longer eye relief provides the user with a comfortable viewing angle while its large center knob allows for easy adjustments. The magnification plus objective lens provides the user with a large field of view from the streamside to the Gulf Stream. Features
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Nikon OceanPro 7×50 Global Compass Binocular
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These Nikon OceanPro 7×50 binoculars are specially designed and constructed to withstand any rigors that marine life has to offer. Its 7x magnification and 50mm objective lens provides the user with a large field of view. The large objective lens enhances more light transmission while the large exit pupil helps in reducing the effects of rough and rolling seas. Additionally, the Porro prism optical design combined with anti-reflection multi-coated lenses enhances light transmission providing the user with bright and clear images even in low light conditions. It also features an inbuilt illuminated compass which aids in navigation. When it comes to weather reliability, these binoculars are O-ring sealed for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. They also feature a long eye relief and a 380’ field of view at 1000 yards making them one of the Best Binoculars for Boating. Features
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Barska Deep Sea Marine Binoculars
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The best binoculars to use to get close to marine nature are the Barska Waterproof Marine Binoculars. The gladiator zoom series enables the user to enjoy several magnifications in one pair of binoculars. The binoculars have a smooth zoom setting which is simple to operate with a flick of the lever. Its fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and high contrast images therefore ideal for any hunting activity. For complete waterproof protection, these binoculars are O-ring sealed and dry nitrogen purged and sealed for water-resistant and fog-proof reliability. If accidentally dropped in water, it floats, therefore, no need to worry. A built-in illuminated compass is used to provide directions while an internal rangefinder determines the accurate distance and size of objects. It also features a rugged rubber armor covering which provides a non-slip and secure grip when on the field. It is also backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Features
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Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Military Marine Binoculars
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These Hooway 7×50 binoculars for boating are designed and built to meet military standards with ocular focusing systems. The pair of binoculars features a non-slip and sturdy rubber grip which ensures that the user has a secure grip when using it. It is O-ring sealed for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. Its individual focus system has a field of view of 396ft. at 1000 yards. A 23mm eyepiece diameter provides the user with a large HD optics vision while an illuminated reticle enhances visibility even in low light conditions. A tough rubber-armored housing enhances durability by absorbing any shock or impact. A built-in illuminated compass is used to provide directions while an internal rangefinder determines the distance and size of objects. Its versatility ensures that it is ideal for different applications such as bow hunting, navigation, bird watching, hiking, water sports, and fishing among others. Features
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Steiner 10×50 Military Marine Binoculars
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These Steiner binoculars are designed and built for a rugged all-around application. Military and security personnel all over the globe depend on these binoculars and so can you. The pair features legendary durability built with Markrolon housing which withstands 11G’s of impact. A sturdy rubber armoring absorbs shock and provides the user with a firm and secure grip. A large field focus is suitable for spotting marine while its 10 magnification provides the user with a large field of view. The large objective lens enhances more light transmission while the large exit pupil helps in reducing the effects of rough and rolling seas. Steiner’s advanced lens coating enhances light transmission even in low light conditions enabling your eyes to perceive more contrast and bright detail. When it comes to weather reliability, these binoculars are O-ring sealed for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. Features
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Read Also: 6 Best Marine Binoculars with Image Stabilization
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Binoculars for Boating
If you want to get the best binoculars for boating, it’s important to have some knowledge of the following factors
Magnification– When looking for the best binoculars for boating, look for their maximum magnification. An increase in magnification causes image shake because of unsteady hands.
The best way to avoid this and have a reasonably steady viewing is to have a binocular with a magnification of about 7x. 7×50 is the classic size of most binoculars for marine navigation.
This means that they have a 7x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 50mm. 50mm objective lens gathers adequate light to provide you with a bright and clear image. The 7x50mm combination also produces a large exit pupil which allows you to view the image fully from edge to edge.
Eye relief-Eye relief refers to the optimal distance from the eyepiece to your eye. Adequate eye relief is an important factor to be taken into consideration especially if you put on glasses. If you wear glasses, look for eye relief of at least 11mm.
Certain binoculars feature diopter adjustments which allow eye-glass-free viewing. Other binoculars feature collapsible eyecups to accommodate users who put on glasses.
Porro prism versus roof prism-Most binoculars with a compass and inbuilt rangefinder are of the Porro prism genre which features a more traditional look. Objective lenses in this genre are widely spaced providing the viewer with a greater and deeper field of view.
On the other hand roof prism binoculars are laterally more compact and longer than their counterparts. Some users prefer them because of their ergonomic design.
Size and weight-Regardless of how powerful they might be, full-sized binoculars for marine use can sometimes weigh up to at least 2 pounds. The type and amount of glass used in the construction process also affect the final weight of the unit. On your way to a tour at the lake or ocean, it is recommended to carry lightweight binoculars, or else you might find yourself in for some nasty surprises.
Protection features-When shopping for binoculars to be used for marine use, please ensure that you choose one which is waterproof and fog proof. Binoculars are O-ring sealed to seal out moisture and nitrogen purged to enhance their fog-proof reliability.
Some binoculars also float if accidentally dropped in the water while others use polycarbonate chassis which enhances their corrosion resistance reliability.
Armoring and coatings-Binoculars lens coating improves the performance of its lens by minimizing reflections and maximizing contrast. The coating on both lenses and prisms enhances light transmission. In addition, marine-specific binoculars feature hydrophobic coatings that help bead and remove water spray on the optics.
Armoring is done to protect the binoculars from getting damaged in case they fall on hard surfaces. Rubber armoring also provides a secure and firm grip on the user’s hands.
Navigation features-They These include a built-in compass, rangefinder reticle, and floating straps. One hallmark of many marine binoculars is a built-in compass that aids in navigation.
Marine binoculars feature illuminated digital compasses which project magnetic bearing into the image. Multiple marine binoculars also feature an internal rangefinder reticle that determines your distance from the target object.
Some range-finding binoculars have a laser system that accurately determines the distance. Lastly, some binoculars come with floating straps which make it easy to carry them around. You can buy one if it isn’t included in the package and it will be a great investment.
FAQs
- How do I choose binoculars for specific uses?
If you are looking for binoculars for a specific use such as marine navigation or bird watching, magnification and size are the primary factors, however optics and features also should be considered. 7x50mm binoculars are ideal for marine navigation while popular models for wildlife viewing and safaris range between 8×32 mm and 10x42mm.
- Which is better 7×50 or 10×50?
7×50 boating binoculars will provide you with an exit pupil of 7mm, which is the largest you would want to use. On the other hand, 10×50 has a 5mm exit pupil. The smaller the exit pupil the better since the brighter the image will be, however, the nearer your eyes must be to the eyepiece, which can turn out to be challenging to some people.
- What additional features are important to consider when purchasing binoculars?
Protective shields such as rubber coatings as well as fog proof and water resistance reliability should be put first especially if you intend to use the binoculars outdoors.
- What do numbers on binoculars mean?
Model numbers on binoculars tell you their magnification strength and size of the objective lens diameter. In 7×50 binoculars, 7 is the magnification power while 50 is the lens diameter in mm.
Binoculars for Boating Advantages
- Robust construction. Marine binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to ensure waterproof and fog proof reliability.
- Highly durable. Most binoculars for marine use feature non-slip rubber armor which absorbs shock.
- Binoculars are lightweight and some feature floating straps which make it easy to carry them around.
Conclusion
Choosing a pair of binoculars is not a simple task, however using them for boating, sailing or yachting puts even more constraints on the things you should pay more attention to.
After doing your research on the best binoculars for boating and going through this helpful review, we are certain that you will find the best boating binoculars for your next boating adventure.