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If your searching for a binocular for marine use, you will find there are many options.  There are even some binocular brands that specialize in marine binoculars.  When searching for an appropriate binocular for on the boat, there are a few things you will want to know.

Your Marine Binoculars Should Be Waterproof - Duh?

Yep, wouldn’t you know that waterproof is a good attribute in a marine binocular.  But simply having a rubber body coating does not necessarily make it waterproof.  To have a total waterproof binocular, it needs to be nitrogen-filled.  Most all quality marine binoculars will be fully waterproof and nitrogen filled.

Why are most marine binoculars 7×50?

Most boating experts agree that 7x magnification is what you want for marine use.  When at sea, the boat movement can make higher magnification binoculars very difficult to use.  7x magnification is more than enough power for locating buoy’s or markers and scanning the water for other boats.  50mm objective lenses are very standard as they let in a lot of light, which make the binoculars excellent for low-light performance.  A 7×50 binocular will have an exit pupil of 7.1mm making them excellent for all lighting conditions.

Marine Binoculars with Compass

Many binoculars designated for marine use will have a built-in compass.  This compass scale is usually found in the lower portion of one of the lenses as you look through the binoculars.   Some will also incorporate a rangefinding reticle for assistance in judging distance based on the approximate known height of an object in your field of view.

Why are most marine binoculars individual focus?

This is very common.  You will usually not find a center focus knob on dedicated marine binoculars.  They way you focus most marine binoculars is with the “individual focus” method.  Each eyepiece is individually turned to focus each eye.  In many cases, the person who owns the marine binocular is usually the only one that is using in on board.  So the binocular is set for that users eyes, and each time they pick them up to their eye, they are in focus.  The binoculars lower 7x magnification will also ensure that the user does not need to continually re-focus the binocular.  Once set at infinity, anything over a 100 yards or so will be in perfect focus, all the time. 

Here are some excellent choices for marine binoculars:

• Bushnell 7×50 Marine w/Illuminated Compass and Rangefinding Reticle

This is probably the best selling marine binocular ever.  Priced under $150 its a great binocular for full-time use on your boat.  100% waterproof and fogproof and nitrogen purged, it also features BaK-4 Porro Prisms and fully multi-coated lenses.  A fantastic value and a great starting point for a quality marine binocular.  Just read the reviews - the owners of this binocular will tell you why they love it.

• Steiner 7×50 Marine Binoculars

Steiner will be mentioned a couple times in this list.  Steiner is known for their marine binoculars.  This Steiner 7×50 Marine Binocular is a best seller in the Steiner lineup.  While this model does not feature a compass, Steiner offers plenty of others that do.  Optical quality takes a jump up and you can never say enough good things about the body quality of ANY Steiner binocular.  They are tanks!  While they be a little heavier, the slight extra weight is completely worth it.  Steiner binoculars can take a beating and will always perform at their best. 

• Nikon 7×50 OceanPro w/Compass

If you really don’t like the idea of the standard individual focus in a marine binocular, the Nikon 7×50 OceanPro features a more standard center focus knob.  These binoculars are great for boaters who will be sharing a binocular on board.  They feature a built-in compass and also include a floating strap.  I have to say, I have never thought to test a binocular on a floating strap to see if it will float the binocular, but I am sure at the very least it will be a very slow sink!  If you know from experience, please share.

• Steiner 7×50 Commander XP Binoculars w/Compass

Once again, Steiner binoculars will be on any marine list and the same holds true here.  The Steiner 7×50 Commander XP Binoculars with Compass are among the best-of-the-best.  These binoculars feature amazing quality optics and also feature Steiner’s NANO Protection coatings.  Water simply sheds away off of the lenses.  If your hit with any over spray of water onboard, the binoculars will perform flawlessly. 

• Nikon 14×40 StabilEyes VR Binoculars

If high magnification is your need onboard, the Nikon 14×40 should be your only choice.  These binoculars feature an Image Stabilizer with dual modes - one for land and one for onboard.  These binoculars are twice as powerful in magnification than most standard 7x power marine binoculars and are great for specialized applications.