What To Look For
In addition to needing fully multicoated lenses and BAK4 optics like all good-quality binoculars, marine binoculars need to be water-, weather- and shockproof. The body needs to be rubber-coated for protection and comfort. It has to be nitrogen-filled to stay fog-free. Experts such as Boating magazine's Pierce Hoover recommend 7x magnification and 50 mm lens diameters as optimal for boating. Anything beyond 7x will produce a wobbly image, made worse by the vessel's pitching and rolling motion, and it will also reduce image brightness. Binoculars with electronic image stabilization correct for erratic motion, but it is a very expensive, optional feature.
Common Pitfalls
If the binoculars don't adjust to your eye spacing, don't handle well with just one hand, make you feel queasy or make you struggle to see clearly with them, whether you wear glasses or not, find a different pair. The same holds true if they don't show enough detail or the stereoscopic image blurs about halfway to the edge or is patchy. You should check for dust or paint specks on interior surfaces by looking at the palm of your hand or blue sky through the binoculars' "wrong" end. Finally, shake the instrument to check for any loose parts rattling around inside.
Where To Buy
Boating supply stores like West Marine, Boaters World or Overton's specialize in marine binoculars. Even if you eventually buy from a reseller online, test several models in a store to find the one that works best for you. You can also shop on manufacturers' websites, but you won't get the street price. Make sure you can get your money back in case you want to return your purchase.
Cost
As of August 2010, the Steiner Commander Xp 7x50 binoculars with built-in compass retailed for $1,292 at Boaters World. This is the upper end of the price range for this size binoculars. Prices for other models made by Steiner and other quality makers range down to about $300. Below $300 and going down to under $100, you successively find the less-well known brands and lower-powered, less feature-rich binoculars. But don't exclude them out of hand; lower-priced models have been known to equal or outperform pricier ones.
Comparison Shopping
The best-known maker of marine binoculars, the German firm Steiner, produces a full line of models, many of which meet tough military specifications. Steiner pioneered binoculars with built-in compasses and makes models with rangefinders, night vision and infrared capability. Japanese makers Fujinon and Canon also make high-quality marine binoculars. Canon is known for its image-stabilized models. Other, less prestigious makers are Barska, Pentax, ATN and Bushnell.
Accessories
Most marine binoculars come with a carrying case, a carrying strap and lens cleaning cloths. They should have built-in lens caps. A must-have accessory for marine binoculars is a buoyant neck strap. Buy one for $29 and substitute it for the original strap before you ever set foot on a boat. It will keep your binoculars afloat in case they go overboard. Also buy a binocular holder for about $50. It attaches in the boat's cockpit so you can stow your binoculars easily, securely and close at hand.
Insider Tips
Read up on the ins and outs of marine binoculars before you buy. Beware of salespeople who know less than you do about marine binoculars or who seem intent on selling you the store's latest "bargain."
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