Use of marine binoculars when at sea is necessary to improve the safety of the vessel. Although the number of binoculars present on vessels is not specifically regulated in SOLAS, it is important that all vessels are equipment with the best marine binoculars.
As a mariner, it’s crucial to learn about the binoculars (and their features) you ‘re using at sea to make sure you have the right one, and whether you need to upgrade.
Binoculars are classified in numbers – 7 on average, 7 on average, 8 on average, etc. where the first digit is the magnification and the second digit is the lens diameter.
At sea, the higher the magnification, the greater the knowledge that we will be able to obtain from our eyes, is apparent.
Though, it should be remembered that the higher the magnification, the harder it becomes to hold an object in focus, rendering it blurred as the light decreases. Higher lens is needed to increase the brightness of the image to avoid the reduction in brightness. As the lens size increases, so does the camera size, which makes it voluminous and cumbersome to use.
In addition, the distorted and blurred image is further spoiled by the shaky hands and the vessel’s swaying motion.
It is therefore recommended that marine binoculars with an objective lens diameter of 50 mm have a conservative magnification of no more than 7x.
There are typically two types of marine binoculars – center focus and individual focus or fixed focus.
There is a knob at the center in the center of focus binoculars that simultaneously changes focus on both oculars. This is a traditional binocular type and is useful if you share your binoculars with the rest of the crew (as everyone can adjust focus to their needs).
Center focusing is the most prevalent style of binoculars on the market.
However, most marine binoculars are of a type of individual focus.
Typically, field of view is the measurement of width from a fixed point in feet or metres. It describes the image that is horizontally visible when you look through the binocular without moving the same.
Field of view is measured 1000 yards or meters away in height. At 1000 yards per degree of view is equal to 52.5 feet.
The field of view and magnification should be noted as being inversely proportional. Which means that if magnification increases (with a smaller objective diameter), the marine binocular field of view decreases, and thus the image becomes narrower.
It is important for marine binoculars that they have the broadest field of view.
Another thing to keep in mind is the marine binocular eye relief. It is the distance from the ocular lens (eye piece) to the eye. To view a sharp image it’s important to keep the right distance.
Eyecups are usually installed on the eye-pieces so that the eyes of the viewer are at a proper distance from the eyepieces.
Those wearing glasses need to be careful as the eye pieces are positioned past the distance of the eye relief, which will give a blurry image and reduce the quality of image.
Almost all marine binoculars, however, come with adjustable eye cups that can be pushed back inside to allow the eyeglass lens to be positioned closer to the eye lens and keep the eye relief.
Also Check: Top 10 Best Binoculars in 2020 – Reviews
Taking into account the type of harsh environment in which the marine binoculars are used, they must be waterproof and fog resistant.
In binoculars waterproofing is achieved by covering all the opening with O-rings. This helps to keep the moisture and dust from entering the binocular body.
At a pressure higher than the normal atmospheric pressure almost all waterproof binoculars are filled with dry nitrogen gas. This positive pressure prevents the entry of lower outside air or moisture into the binocular. Nitrogen gas can also retain no moisture and thus the water can not penetrate the binocular cavity. Although waterproof binoculars are internally fog-proof, moisture on the outside of the lens can still condense.
It should be remembered, however, that it can not withstand full submersion in water only because a binocular is called waterproof. Some superior binoculars have waterproof characteristics beyond some depth of submersion and a specified period of time.
Bushnell is today one of the market’s leading quality marine binocular makers. Some of the Bushnell brand’s maritime binoculars you see on ships do.
Resistant to corrosion and waterproof, the marine binocular Bushnell 7 bis50 is specifically designed for harsh environmental conditions. This robust individual oriented, fog-free binocular comes with rubber protection that is non-skid, making it very convenient and easy to wear.
The Porro prism system with Bak-4 prism glass provides the best clearness and broad range for open waters.
This is the best value for money marine binocular in the market today at a particular price range.
The Steiner 2033 8 überhaupt is the ideal companion for outdoor sports. The 8x magnification provides a bright, sharp picture with wide field of view.
Steiner marine binoculars are known for their durability and Steiner 2033, with its rugged polycarbonate frame and waterproof and fog-resistant characteristics, is no less.
The Steiner 8 shows floating prism technology that uses flexible mounting of the silicone lens to withstand extreme shock and effects.
Most importantly, it has the auto-focus feature that helps keep everything in view from 20 yards and beyond without having to concentrate constantly.
The best thing you can buy at that price is BARSKA Deep Sea waterproof Floating binoculars.
These waterproof and fog proof marine binoculars are intended for all weather conditions with internal rangefinder and compass. In fact, they float on water in the event that they go overboard.
The 7 Deep Sea binoculars have a BAK-4 prism that offers pictures of clearness and high contrast.
Steiner 575 7 series 50 binoculars are made especially for marine activities. This also comes with auto focus and floating prism framework, offering additional security and user-friendliness.
Steiner 7 built-in underwater binoculars are also fog-resistant and water-resistant to withstand the harshest sea conditions.
The thin, strong body of polycarbonate can withstand great stress, offering the durability that comes with the brand Steiner.
If you are looking for waterproof binoculars for marine use, this is the best and cheapest option you’ll find.
The binoculars Bushnell 8 eine 42 H2O are waterproof and fog proof. They come with a great knowledge of center-focus that helps with easy adjustment.
It has a robust rubber-free armor that can easily absorb shocks and better grip
The marine binoculars Hooway 7 circa 50 have Porro prism system which provides a large field of view, perfect for use at sea.
It comes with anti-slippery rubber body that features strong grip and shock absorption.
The marine binocular is completely waterproof and evidence of fog, and can float in mud.
It comes with a proper tripod adapter for mounting tripods.
The Fujinon Mariner 7 ist a 100% waterproof marine binocular with compass and reticular monitor.
It features low light conditions, in built-in LED light.
It comes with a floating neck brace that covers the binocular if it ever falls overboard.
Aomekie 7 and 50 marine binoculars are one of the best on the market for waterproof, fog resistant and low light binoculars. They come with anti-reflective coating with BAK4 hi-index prism, which improves image sharpness and reduces reflection of light.
This floatable underwater binoculars have waterproof capability for up to 30 minutes at depth of 1 m.
They also have a compass and rangefinder which is illuminated for low-light conditions.
Marine binoculars ESSLNB come with an integrated, illuminated rangefinder and compass.
They are evidence of floating, water resistant, and fog. Remember, however, that they are waterproof to a depth of one meter and, if dropped in water, will float in water for 30 min.
The ESSLNB 7 as well as multi-coated green wideband film technology comes with BAK-4 prism which reduces reflected right and image distortion.
The non-slip rubber coating helps to get better handling and grip.
USCAMEL 10 ubiquitous 50 marine binoculars are one of the best value-for – money equipment in this range.
The USCAMEL marine binocular with 10x magnification and 50 mm large objective lens gives bright images with very less stabilization problems. It has the ability to focus individual eyepieces with autofocus system avoids the need to refocus.
They come with foldable eyecups and make it easier for people with glasses to use them.
This marine binocular is waterproof and fog proof, and comes with built-in compass and rangefinder.
If you want to pick the best marine binocular for your trip, there is no one fit for any solution. The one you buy at the end depends largely on your demands and budget. However, investing in a good marine binocular is certainly a wise decision as regards yourself and your vessel’s safety.
