The 6 Best Binoculars for Boating in 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

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Let’s get one thing straight; you’re here because you are looking for the best binoculars for boating. 

With the perfect pair of binoculars, you are guaranteed an increased field of vision while out on the sea, further guaranteeing you and the crew’s safety. 

 

 

We at WindyHQ assure you that your search is over. We’ve picked the six best binoculars for boating and gathered them in one space. We’ve also made it our duty to educate you with everything to look out for when choosing marine binoculars. 

Before we do this, let’s answer some crucial questions we know you must have.

 

 

What Should You Look for In a Pair of Marine Binoculars?

 

We understand that choosing a pair of marine binoculars can be quite daunting. However, once you know what to look out for, you will be the proud owner of a pair of reliable marine binoculars. 

First, ensure that the binoculars are durable; binoculars made from rubber materials should be your go-to. The binoculars should also be waterproof, should provide a clear field of view and a wide field of view. 

Next, you want to make sure that the binoculars offer optimum magnification while having the ability to focus automatically on objects. 

Finally, check the prism type and focus mechanism of the device. Porro prisms made from BAK-4 optical glass are the best. The focus should allow you to customize the focus on each eye individually. 

 

 

How Are They Different from Normal Binoculars?

 

Another crucial question we are sure must have crossed your mind is why should I get marine binoculars and not the normal ones? What makes them different from regular ones? 

For one, binoculars for boating are waterproof and come with O-rings that ensure they are sealed from moisture and dust. They have image stabilization features that eliminate the need to worry about the boat’s swaying affecting the functionality of the binoculars. 

Since these binoculars are designed for use while out on the sea, they are fog proof, floatable and come with a compass feature to aid navigation.

Now that you’ve had a glimpse of what to expect in this article, it’s time for the review you’ve been waiting for.

 

 

Hooway 7×50 Boating Binocular – Best Overall

 

Coming in first and winning the title as the overall best, we have the Hooway boating binoculars. This boating binoculars company doesn’t only deliver on its promise of quality; they also pack all the wonderful must-have features that every modern marine binocular should have. 

 

 

Let’s dig right in and explore these features. 

First is the impossible to miss 7x magnification feature in this binocular. The binoculars are nitrogen-purged fog proof and feature O-rings; these aid in making them waterproof. Also, a wide, clear field of view is guaranteed with the Porro prisms made from BAK-4 glass.

Also, with the rangefinder and compass feature included, second-guessing the distance and size of objects from where you stand never has to happen again. 

This Hooway device is military standard and slip-free, ensuring that your grip remains sturdy. It comes with a tripod adapter that allows you to mount the binocular when needed, and it will also float when dropped in water for 30minutes. 

Let’s not forget the left and right diopter adjustment rings are fully customizable, and they give you the freedom to adjust the device’s optics to meet your specific needs. 

Finally, you have nothing to fear; the eyecups are foldable. This way, you can use your glasses while wearing binoculars. You can also decide to use the compass at night, as the reticles can be illuminated for nighttime use.

 

Key Features

• The binoculars have an objective lens diameter of 50mm
• Its field of view at 1000yards is 396 feet. 
• Eye relief stands at 22mm while exit pupil is 6.8mm 
• The waterproof rating is IPX7

 

 

Steiner Navigator Pro 7×50 Marine Binoculars

 

Next on the list is the Steiner Navigator pro. This easy-to-use marine binoculars is built moments when you’re out at sea. 

 

 

So, three things make these binoculars worthy of the second position slot. First is the amazing Steiner nitrogen-pressure system that ensures that you can finally say goodbye to fog and condensation inside the lens of the binoculars. Additionally, temperature changes of -20c and +60c are past problems.

The second is the autofocus feature that eliminates the need to adjust and readjust the focus. This translates to sharper images than you could ever have pictured possible. 

Finally, the navigator pro is water-resistant to a depth of 5m. It comes with rubber armoring and is slip-proof.

 

Key features

• It is waterproof to a depth of 10m
• It features a 2-way valve nitrogen technology 
• The field of view of these binoculars is 370ft at 1000 yards
• The focus allows images to remain sharp from 20 yards onwards

 

 

AOMEKIE Marine Binoculars For Boating

 

AOMEKIE has managed to steal the show in the marine binocular world by introducing binoculars that boast of features that the competition can only dream about.

 

 

Is it the ±5 diopter ring located at the left and right that will allow you to easily adjust the distance of the image from the lens of the binoculars and guarantee fine viewing, or is it the IPX7 waterproof rating so that you can be sure no moisture will find its way into the binoculars even up to 30min when it is submerged at a depth of 1m? 

Both features are something every boater looks forward to having

Not forgetting that the eyecups are foldable, and you’ll be able to wear your glasses while using the binoculars. Additionally, your eyes will need not do more than they normally should, and eye strain is reduced with Green FMC anti-reflective coating that improves brightness and light transmission. 

You’ll enjoy using the compass and rangefinder reticle in low-light scenarios, as you only need to turn on the light button. However, even with this host of incredible features, the AOMEKIE doesn’t offer center focusing.

 

Key Features

• Eye relief is 22mm, and exit pupil diameter is 6.8mm
• The field of view is 396ft at 1000 yards

 

 

Steiner Marine 7×50 Binoculars

 

If you are a sailor, angler or recreational boater, then it wouldn’t be wrong to say that your marine kit can’t be considered complete if this Steiner marine binoculars isn’t in your arsenal. 

 

Its field of view stands at 1000 yards is 356ft, and you get to experience clear, sharp and brilliant 3D images from 20yards to infinity without needing to worry about setting the focus every single time. 

However, that’s not what separates this Steiner product from several others in the market. Its flexible silicone lens mount that guarantees that the binoculars take a beating without any serious damage is the number one distinguishing feature that sets it apart.

Note, however, that these Stein binoculars do not have the compass or zoom feature. You’ll, however, love that the caps are attached to the binoculars, and you don’t need to fear losing them while the binoculars are in use. 

It’s not perfect for focusing on close objects, so unless the object is a distance of 50ft away, we think you should take a pick from one of the other reviewed binoculars. 

This doesn’t mean you would not be able to enjoy viewing objects or through the binoculars or have issues with the rubber armor that guarantees its ruggedness and ability to take a beating after use.

 

Key Features

• The casing is a polycarbonate chassis that can withstand 11G’s of impact
• Weight is 36.3ounces
• The objective lens diameter is 50mm 

 

 

Bushnell H2o Waterproof 8×42 Boating Binoculars

 

If compact, affordable, and quality is what you need in a pair of marine binoculars, then search no more for the Bushnell H2o waterproof boating binoculars is here. The name says it all and is proof that this device is waterproof, and to show that they mean business, the binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to guarantee their fog-free feature.

 

 

You should know that these binoculars do not float, neither do they offer you the freedom to focus on each lens individually. Lastly, we must mention that the caps are not attached to the binoculars.

 

Features

• The binoculars have a magnification of 8x
• Its objective lens diameter is 42mm 

 

 

Fujinon Mariner 7×50 Binocular

 

Last on the list is the Fujinon mariner, a 7×50 binoculars that offer eye relief of up to 18 mm and give users the freedom to focus each lens individually. These marine binoculars are, of course, waterproof, if not, how else will it have made it to this list. 

 

 

That’s not all, you also get to enjoy its fully functional compass and reticle display features visible through the left eyepiece. Another exciting feature is the energy-saving LED nightlight for use after dark. Furthermore, you have zero need to doubt the compass accuracy as the newly adopted design eliminates electrical interference. 

Finally, Fujinon understands that we are all bound to make mistakes, so they’ve made the mariner neck strap floatable to help in scenarios when the binocular is mistakenly dropped in water. 

Since these are budget binoculars, they aren’t as rugged as many others on this list, built using rubber. Instead, these binoculars have a plastic build.

 

Key Features

• The neck strap is designed using closed cell foam technology
• It has an eye relief of 18mm

 

 

How to choose the best binoculars for boating

 

If you want to know how to choose binoculars for boating, step right in. This section of the article is dedicated to you. It will also help you choose the best fit from the list we have above.

 

 

Opt for a Wide Field of View

 

What is the field of view of a pair of marine binoculars, you ask? 

This refers to the angular width every image assumes from a distance of 1000 yards. It refers to the area visible to you through the lens of the binoculars. 

A wide field of view is crucial if you desire to spot things easily, as you wouldn’t need to always move the binoculars. However, note, a wider field of view (FOV) might negatively affect the sharpness of the binoculars. To avoid this, opt for options with a field of view of 300-400 feet at 1000yards with a 7-degree angle. 

You can also determine if the FOV of the binoculars you intend to buy meets the standard by checking the B&H website for the apparent field of view and angle of view AAOV and AFOV, which represents the magnified field when it is viewed through a lens. One way to confirm if you are on the right part is by ensuring that the AAoV is greater than 65º.

 

 

Optimum Power, Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter is a Must

 

Next on the list of things you need to note when choosing a boating binocular are the power, magnification and objective lens diameter. 

 

The recommended magnification for boating binoculars is 7x. Anything more than this would make focusing the lens of the binoculars on an object difficult since the boat would most likely be moving. You can easily decipher the magnification number of a pair of binoculars as it is usually the first digit followed by an “X”. 

Following the magnification number is the objective lens diameter. This diameter is measured in mm, and it is directly proportional to the magnification power of the binocular. 

The objective lens itself is responsible for allowing light into the binoculars, so the larger the diameter, the greater the amount of light that enters the binoculars, the better it will be for you to see distant objects in dim light.

 

 

Opt for BAK-4, not BK7 Prisms, Porro not Roof Prisms

 

What purpose do they serve in the marine binoculars, and how are they different? All these questions we know must be running through your mind. 

Well, you need to first understand that without prisms in your binoculars, instead of upright images, objects you view through the binoculars will be inverted. The “BAK4 and BK7” you see here refer to the glass the prisms are made of, while “Porro and Roof” refer to the prism design. 

When choosing marine binoculars, you need to confirm the type of prism design the binoculars pack and the glass from which the prisms in the binoculars are made. 

 

 

Porro Vs. Roof Prisms

 

For one, Porro prisms function by using two prisms to turn images 180 degrees which will usually translate to a larger binocular frame that houses the prisms. On the other hand, Roof prisms use smaller prisms. They are compact and aid in giving the binoculars a more linear look. 

 

Porro prisms have the advantage of allowing more light into the binoculars; they also feature a larger objective lens and add more depth to the image being viewed through the binoculars. Roof prisms, as we said earlier, are the more compact option.

 

BAK-4 not BK7 Prisms

 

Moving on to the BAK4 or BK7 glasses used in prisms, WindyHQ recommends you opt for BAK4 glasses prisms as they are rounder and have better light transmission properties when compared to BK7 prisms. 

To identify whether the prism in a particular pair of binoculars spots a BAK4 or BK7, place the binocular away from your face and examine the shape of the exit pupil. Exit pupils which are square-shaped indicate that the prism is a BK7, while rounded prisms are BAK4.

 

 

Look for those with Nitrogen for Fog and WaterProofing

 

How does the presence of nitrogen in marine binoculars make it distinct from regular ones, and why should you confirm that it is present in the binoculars you are about to choose, you ask? For one, nitrogen helps with water and fog proofing which is crucial in ensuring that the binoculars remain fit for use in the marine environment. 

Dry nitrogen exists at a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure, and so this aids in keeping lower pressure and air present outside from getting into the binoculars. It also ensures that the water doesn’t get into the binoculars since nitrogen resists moisture. 

This is way better than filling the binoculars with common air, which will result in the binoculars misting up during pressure changes. 

You’ll also find that these marine binoculars feature O-rings that help to keep all openings sealed. Ensure that the IPX rating isn’t less than 7. 

Lastly, aside from nitrogen, argon is another inert gas that can prevent corroding caused by salt while out at sea.

 

 

Choose Binoculars that have a Compass 

 

Another feature you’ll need to confirm is present is the compass feature. With an included compass, you can watch vessels and understand the vessel’s orientation by projecting a magnetic bearing to the image. 

 

 

Individual and Fixed Focus

 

Additionally, with marine binoculars, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to focus the eyepiece separately. This makes them perfect for working in low light conditions, and this means they’ll be easier to waterproof. They are also good for emergencies, and your eyes will be able to focus at different distances. 

 

 

Floating Straps

 

Straps that float are another feature you’ll most likely find in a good pair of marine binoculars. These straps become particularly useful when the binoculars fall into the water. This way, they don’t get lost in Davy jones’s locker.

 

 

 

Rangefinder Reticle

 

Also included with every good binoculars for boating is the rangefinder reticle. With this, you can measure the distance and direction of an object. The major difference in the rangefinder used here and that used in regular binoculars is that they use a laser that allows instant reading of distance while the marine binoculars use a reticle. 

The reticle includes a vertical scale and horizontal lines projected across an object of known height. Laser rangefinders might not deliver accurate results when used on water. 

 

 

Image Stabilizing Feature

 

Since the boat is bound to always be bouncy, you also need binoculars that offer image stabilizing features when an object is viewed through its lens. With a gyroscope present in the binoculars, you can be sure that even at a magnification that reaches 18power, you needn’t worry about the sharpness of the image.

 

 

Additional features that will help you choose the best Binoculars for Boating

 

Other features to look out for when choosing a pair of boating binoculars include, autofocus feature so that you won’t miss out on anything due to time wasted trying to get the focus set right. 

You also want to ensure that the lens of the marine binoculars you intend to get is coated. By coating the lenses of the binoculars, you can be assured that there will be a huge reduction in noticeable reflections, and the contrast of images will be greatly improved, not to mention that it also increases light transmission in the binoculars. 

Additionally, consider binoculars with eye relief features, especially if you wear medicated glasses. These eye relief offer diopter adjustments and allow you to use the binoculars without the need to wear your glasses. You can also choose one that accommodates glasses since they have collapsing eyecups.

 

 

FAQs on Binoculars for Boating 

 

Q: What are boating binoculars used for? 

A: Like regular binoculars, boating binoculars are handheld optical instruments that provide an enlarged or magnified view of distant objects while on a boat or shipping vessel. They pack slightly different features from regular binoculars and, as such, are quite different from them. 

 

 

Q: Do you need a pair of marine binoculars onboard? 

A: Every boat should have at least one pair of marine binoculars onboard. These binoculars are really useful for navigating and avoiding a collision, not to mention that with them, there’s almost nothing stopping you from viewing aquatic life from a safe viewing distance on the boat. 

 

 

Q: Are there any legal requirements to carry binoculars? 

A: No legal requirements govern the ownership of binoculars. Everybody’s free to own one. 

 

 

Q: What do the numbers in the description of binoculars (e.g., 7×50) mean? 

A: As already explained in the body of this article, these numbers stand for the power of magnification and the objective lens diameter of the binoculars. 

 

 

 

Final Verdict

 

You’ve been equipped with all you need to make the right choice in your next or first marine binoculars purchase. All you need to do now is choose one from the products already reviewed above, and you’ll have no issues navigating and viewing distant objects while you’re out on the sea. Finally, do not forget that many times the quality of the binoculars and the range of features that will be made available can sometimes determine the binoculars price.