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Binoculars - choices choices choices!

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/19/2005 : 09:05:25

We have been checking out the choices for binoculars.
Some of the observations (no pun!) so far.

Waterproof and buoyant seem to be a must.
7x5 seem the norm.
Compass models and range finders add to the price quite a bit.

All of the compass models we have looked through do not appear to have an easy method of making the compass appear horizontal. The horizon bar is set to the scope (mostly the left scope) and so if you adjust the eye width setting the horizon bar may not be horizontal.

From your experience, which model would you choose and do you know if the horizon bars on any compass model can be rotated without having to hold you head on a left or right incline

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 09:36:50

One issue has to do with whether or not you wear glasses. Soft rubber eye cups are required if you wear glasses.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 09:42:16

I'm pretty happy with my Fujinons. Very clear, sharp image. I wouldn't worry that much about the compass bar alignment issue. If I'm looking at the bearing compass or range (height) scale it seems like I 'intuitively' line up with the horizon or plumb object... don't really 'think' about the alignment at all.

I reckon much of the time the boat won't be horizontal and any error introduced will be very minor (relative to the intended function of the bearing compass).

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 10:40:56

Probably because of my kayaking background I approach this differently. I make my choice based on three things, price, clarity and compactness. I simply don't want to care if they get lost in the water, which is likely. If you're going 6 knots, are you really going to go back and try to retrieve them even if they are floating?

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 11:18:04

I have the West Marine 7x50 waterproof, nitrogen-filled, coated optics set and this has done me very well for many years. At $175 it was a pretty good deal.

I just recently dropped my yellow beach umbrella in the water under sail, single handed, in strong wind. It floated for quite a while. I was not able to get it.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 12:15:07

My binoc compass is located centered in the bottom of the field of vision which requires eyes lowered slightly from the object viewed to note the course, which allows straying from the object. And, it requires careful eye positioning to pick out the reading. I would not rate it very good though it does work. I much prefer using a hand bearing compass though if the binocs had an easier to read compass, I might rely upon it more. I am however happy otherwise with the binoc.

If a binoc that your considering has a compass low in the field of vision and a compass is a high priority item, play with it a good bit to be sure your happy with the ability to see it easily.

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 12:47:24

The April Latts&Atts had a good article on binocs.
The 7x50 gas filled seemed to be the popular choice.
Anything over that for marine use is a waste.

Edited by - Charlie Vick on 05/19/2005 13:27:17

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 12:49:39

I tend to lean towards Rick's philosophy. I have two pair. One is a focusable zoom 7x50 and the other a pair of focus-free 7x35 binoculars which are made to focus combining the optics inherent to the binoculars and the the users ability to focus his eyes. The zoom pair I can never get steady enough to use unless I back way off on the zoom. The other pair I can pick up and sight with immediately. I might not be able to read a boats numbers at a 1/2 mile with them but they are great for picking out shore structures and the like. My point is the more expensive zoom set worked great standing in the parking lot of the store where I bought them but are impaired greatly by the movement of a sailboat. As a side thought, I get seasick

looking through either of them for more than a few minutes so I don't use either of them unless there is a real need.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 18:03:30

"If you're going 6 knots, are you really going to go back and try to retrieve them even if they are floating?"

At $150+ a pop, you bet your sweet bippy.

(you probably need to be over 40 to grok the 'sweet bippy' part)

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 21:07:24

I'd like to have one of those image stabilized binocs.

Edited by - on

seastream
Navigator

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USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 21:20:49

I think a built in compass is fluff. My boat HAS a compass. Even without it, if the sun is out and it's significantly before or after noon, I have a pretty good idea of in which direction I'm looking. My binocs are gas filled 7X50's.

My sense of responsibility says I go after anything that falls overboard if it doesn't sink beforehand, as long as said retrieval doesn't endanger my crew or craft.

Bob

Edited by - on

LTJGNoland
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 22:12:39

If money is no object then you can't go wrong with Swarovski or Zeiss. These are absolutly some of the highest quality optics that you can find. I have a pair of the former, which I use on the bridge at work...sans compass...which I think you will find that you don't use as often as you might think. If you decide that you must have a magnetic compass inside of the things then they are available for sure in Zeiss' line but it will only be as useable as your sea legs are steady!

Edited by - on

LTJGNoland
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 22:18:15

Oh...by the way...you can sometimes find pretty good deals on these on ebay! As a mariner I can't rave about them enough. If you get a chance find a dealer and just take a look through a pair.

Edited by - on

thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2005 : 22:46:37

I have had a pair of Steiner individual focus 7X35 for over 20 years. Since they don't have the regular focus system they are realy trim and lightweight and don't seem to need focusing unless someone else has used them. They don't have a compass which suits me fine as I dislike the Swiss Army Knife approach. They might float, although I've never tried. Before you buy any binoculars focus them on the distant horizon and then alternate closing your left, then right eye. If the horizon rises or falls as you alternate eye views the optics are not alligned, and extended use will give you a severe headache due to eye strain. Price is some, but not a total guarantee of this.

Good luck on your purchase.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 00:34:42

The usefulness of the built-in compass certainly depends on your sailing venue and intended usage. I purchased mine (they have the compass) with the intent of taking them along to the next (cruising) boat.

Bearings and distance calculation via degrees of elevation (of known objects) are among the old standby techniques for coastal navagation. With RADAR and GPS you may never need to use 'em... but it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to have the tools to navigate if all the electronics goes toes up. Kinda like having a sextant along offshore. (haven't purchased one of those yet).

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 02:18:30

I suppose it's only a matter of time before someone comes out with binoculars that have a GPS built right into them, that will not only "know" which direction you are aiming the binocs, but also which direction and what speed your boat is going in, and show you that, as well. Binocs with a magnetic compass built into them are probably about to become as obsolescent as the chip log and lead line.

Edited by - lcharlot on 05/20/2005 02:19:19

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 10:08:13

I have found that a $49.00 pair of Bushnell binoculars and my Boy Scout Lensatic compass work very well for locating and then taking bearings for lines of position. The thing is that you must continue to practice doing it and then check with the GPS to build confidence. Otherwise you will have little faith in what you get if all electroincs fail.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 15:12:53

[quote]Originally posted by dlucier
 I'd like to have one of those image stabilized binocs.

[/Once you use a pair of stabilized binocs, you will never go back to the older style. It is amazing how well you can read bouy numbers and names or see an eagle in the tree no matter how rough the water is or the tree is swaying.
So put out the word to all of the family and friends to pool their bucks and tell them this is what you want for Xmas or birthday.
Remember the first time you used GPS AND WAS AMAZED well.......
paulj ]

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 17:09:57

I received a pair of the West Marine Tahiti binoculars for Christmas this year. 7X50, nitrogen filled, compass with night light, rubber armor. They're sharp and accurate, well made, top rated by Practical Sailor, and a relative bargain compared to Steiners. Computer lens making has dropped the price of good optics.

Brooke

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2005 : 21:02:11

I have a pair of Bushnell Marine 7 X 50s. Individual focus rings for each eye. Gas filled, waterproof, armored, roll down eye cups, compass (w/light) & distance reticle. They are claimed to float, but I got a yellow floating neckstrap as insurance & improve visibility "just in case". Currrently $143 at Binoculars.com

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2005 : 08:17:16

Jeff wrote <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I have a pair of Bushnell Marine 7 X 50s. Individual focus rings for each eye. Gas filled, waterproof, armored, roll down eye cups, compass (w/light) & distance reticle. They are claimed to float, but I got a yellow floating neckstrap as insurance & improve visibility "just in case". Currrently $143 at Binoculars.com<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That sounds like a deal. West marine has offered us (and anyone else that has a new boat) a 5% discount on just about everything, but $143 sounds like a deal.

Does the reticle adjust so that it can be correctly horizontal/vertical when you adjust the width of the eyepieces?

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2005 : 18:53:34

The reticle has a horizontal AND vertical line, so you do not need to turn it. The amount of "tilt" you might experience is not significant (less than 5 degrees).

The formulas for using the reticle from the owners guide are as follows:

if height of object is known: object height (meters)/scale reading X 1000 = distance in meters

If distance to object is known: Distance (meters) X scale reading/1000 = height in meters

Forgot to mention: the binocs come with front & rear lens caps, a nylon strap (non-floating) and soft case. Weight is 37 oz.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2005 : 21:28:52

Jeff, on my West Tahitis D = 100H/h, not 1000.

Brooke

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Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2005 : 18:50:45

Brooke,

I don't know if we have different scales, there is a typo in one of the manuals or something else. I'm just reporting what was in mine.

Edited by - on

triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2005 : 22:03:20

I have a Celestron Oceana 7x50 individual focus binocs w compass. I agree about the compass readings on the bottom - pain, but they work. Nice to have the red night light.

I like them, but ...

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2005 : 08:33:41

I've got an el cheapo pair my Mom bought me for Christmas. Knowing my Mom, I doubt that she paid over $20 for them. Frankly, I prefer the el cheapo pair over a very expensive pair I used last weekend. They were so powerful, I couldn't even find the boat I was looking to ID through them. I had to find the boat without them, and then raise them quickly to my eyes. Even then, I could hardly see through them. You had to have your alignment just so.

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