Updated December 10, 2022
When you’re boating, binoculars are an important tool to maintain safety and for taking a close look at the conditions, environment, and wildlife around you. Beyond magnification and suitability for use around water, there are other factors to consider when selecting the appropriate binoculars for your needs.
Below we give you a boost in the process by introducing some of the best models out there with key features, photos, and videos. After that is a simple comparison table and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Marine Binoculars in 2023
- Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Porro Prism Marine Binocular
- BARSKA Deep Sea 7 x 50 Waterproof Floating Marine Binocular
- Aomekie 7 x 50 Marine Binocular
- Steiner Military Marine Binoculars 10 x 50
- Hooway Military 7 x 50 Marine Binoculars
- Fujinon Mariner 7 x 50 WPC-XL Porro Prism Binocular
- Canon 10 × 42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars
- Bushnell Legend L-Series 10 x 42mm Binoculars
- Nikon Oceanpro 7 x 50 Global Compass
- Celestron 71333 Nature DX 10 x 42 Binocular
Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Porro Prism Marine Binoculars
This low-cost model provides a crisp, clear view and is waterproof and fog-resistant – great for marine use.
The soft texture rubber armor surface makes them easy to hold and shielded from bumps and drops you might expect on a rolling surface.
- 8 x 42 mm magnification
- Porro prism system
- 17mm eye relief
- 100% waterproof and fog-free with a nitrogen-purged O-ring seal system
- Soft-texture, easy-to-grip rubber coating for shock absorption
- Price: $
BARSKA Deep Sea 7 x 50 Waterproof Floating Marine Binocular
This durable model is also waterproof and fog-resistant and can even float if it finds its way into the water.
Multi-coated optics help create luminous and high-contrast images.
The easy-grip rubber armor adds to the durability and there is also an internal rangefinder and compass for precise direction.
- 7 x 50 mm magnification
- Internal compass and rangefinder
- Multi-coated optics
- Individual focus
- Porro prisms with a nitrogen-purged O-ring system that is waterproof and fog-resistant
- Rugged rubber armor surface
- Floats on water
- Price: $$
Aomekie 7 x 50 Marine Binocular
This Aomekie model is very similar in features and price to the Barska model above with clear optics, fog resistance, waterproofing, and an internal rangefinder and compass.
It has a durable rubber-armored coating and floats, both great for a marine environment.
- 7 x 50 mm magnification
- Internal compass and rangefinder
- FMC anti-reflective lens coating
- Individual focus
- BAK4 prisms with a nitrogen-purged O-ring system that is waterproof to IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes) and fog-resistant
- Rugged rubber armor surface
- Floats on water
- Price: $$
Steiner Military Marine Binoculars 10 x 50
With classic marine binocular styling, this high-quality model is waterproof and fog-resistant and has a rugged floating prism system, polycarbonate housing, and NR rubber armor for durability.
In addition, its sports autofocus system provides clear images from 20 yards on out.
With these features, it’s not a low-priced model but does come with a lifetime warranty.
- 10 x 50mm magnification
- The floating prism system absorbs shock
- Sports autofocus keeps images sharp from 20 yards to infinity
- Wide-angle view
- Rugged polycarbonate housing with NR rubber armor
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Lifetime Steiner Heritage Warranty
- Price: $$$$
Hooway Military 7 x 50 Marine Binoculars
This model has similar features, with some variation, to the Barska and Aomekie models presented above.
This Hooway marine model provides clear views through fully multi-coated optics, is waterproof, fog-resistant, floats, and has a protective easy-grip, ergonomic, rubber armor finish.
The Hooway also has an internal rangefinder and compass that can be lit using a control switch and comes with a tripod adapter fitting.
- 7 x 50 mm magnification
- Internal compass and rangefinder can be lit with a light on/off switch
- Fully multi-coated optic
- Individual focus
- BAK4 prisms with a nitrogen-purged O-ring system that is waterproof to IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes) and fog-resistant
- Rugged rubber armor surface
- Includes tripod adapter fitting
- Floats on water for 30 minutes
- 6 color combinations are possible
- Price: $$
Fujinon Mariner 7 x 50 WPC-XL Porro Prism Binocular
With a Porro prism optical design and an 18mm eyepiece lens, the Fujinon Marine has a bright, sharp focus and a number of other useful features.
It is not only waterproof but has a foam neck strap that ensures it will float in water. Night use is made easier with a built-in LED light.
It also has individual focus, and a world compass, and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
- 7 x 50mm magnification
- 18mm extra-long eye relief
- Porro prism optical design
- Individual focus
- World compass
- Built-in LED nightlight
- Waterproof
- A foam flotation neck strap keeps it afloat in water
- 5-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
Canon 10 × 42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars
This premium Canon model uses electronics and sensors in the form of an image stabilizer to eliminate inherent shakiness due to the marine environment and high zoom.
If the batteries are dead or the system isn’t activated they will still function as a full-featured binocular.
The rugged armored body is designed for an easy grip and the lenses provide bright clear views.
Pricing is high for this top model.
- 10 x 42mm magnification
- Image stabilizer technology for shake-free viewing
- Porro prism optical path
- Uses two 1.5 Volt AA alkaline batteries
- Works well when the image stabilization isn’t activated
- Super Spectra anti-reflection coatings
- Armored chassis with ergonomically designed grips
- Includes a ¼ inch-0 tripod mount socket
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Price: $$$$$
Bushnell Legend L-Series 10 x 42mm Binoculars
This relatively low-priced lightweight model is waterproof and fog-free, has a built-in compass, and comes in black or Realtree Xtra (camo) finishes.
It has a wide field of view through high-quality ED and lead-free lenses that have ultra-wideband coating for bright clear views.
- 10 x 42mm magnification
- Wide field of view
- Ultra-wideband coated lenses
- ED and lead-free glass
- Smooth contact grips
- Lightweight magnesium chassis
- 100% waterproof and fog-free with a nitrogen-purged O-ring seal system
- Built-in compass
- Comes in black or Realtree Xtra finishes
- $$$
Nikon Oceanpro 7 x 50 Global Compass
The Nikon Oceanpro delivers bright clear images through BAK4 prisms and multi-coated anti-reflective lenses.
An integrated global compass is included to reduce disorientation common in marine environments.
Waterproof and fog-free, two LR43 batteries provide low light or nighttime illumination, and it has a slip-resistant grip.
Pricing is moderate for such a quality model.
- 7 x 50 magnification
- BAK4 Porro prism optical path
- Multi-coated optics for anti-reflection
- Integrated global compass
- 100% waterproof and fog-free with nitrogen-purged O-ring seal system submersible to 1 meter for minutes
- Slip-resistant grip
- Two LR43 batteries are included for low-light/nighttime illumination
- Price: $$$
Celestron 71333 Nature DX 10 x 42 Binocular
Great for marine and other outdoor use, this lightweight, waterproof, and fog-free model provides a wide field of view and suits eyeglass wearers.
Multi-coated optic provides a bright, clear image in this line of binoculars with a range of sizes.
- 10 x 42mm magnification (for this model)
- A range of size options
- Multi-coated optics
- Wide field of view
- BAK4 prisms
- Waterproof and fog-free with a nitrogen-purged O-ring seal system
- Eyeglass friendly with 17 mm of eye relief
- Lightweight polycarbonate construction
- Price: $$
Best Marine Binoculars Comparison Table
| Picture | Marine Binoculars | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Porro Prism Marine Binocular 8 x 42 | $ |
  | BARSKA Deep Sea 7 x 50 Waterproof Floating Marine Binocular | $$ |
  | Aomekie 7 x 50 Marine Binocular | $$ |
  | Steiner Military Marine Binoculars 10 x 50 | $$$$ |
  | Hooway Military 7 x 50 Marine Binoculars | $$ |
  | Fujinon Mariner 7 x 50 WPC-XL Porro Prism Binocular | $$$ |
  | Canon 10×42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars | $$$$$ |
  | Bushnell Legend L-Series 10 x 42mm Binoculars | $$$ |
  | Nikon Oceanpro 7 x 50 Global Compass | $$$ |
  | Celestron 71333 Nature DX 10 x 42 Binocular | $$ |
| Picture | Marine Binoculars | Price |
Marine Binoculars Buying Guide
Magnification and Lens Size
When you see the numbers associated with binoculars, like 7×50, 10×42, etc., the first number refers to the magnification, and the second to the lens diameter. High magnification would seem like the common-sense feature to look for, but keep in mind that the higher it is, the harder it is to keep an object in the field of view, making the image blurry. The fact that in a marine setting you may be on an unstable surface influenced by waves makes it more difficult to keep the binoculars stable and the problem is exacerbated. For that reason, you should probably consider a magnification of 10 as the maximum for marine settings unless the model includes image stabilization (discussed below). Also, larger diameter lenses will be heavier which can affect portability and ease of use.
Focus
There are two common methods for focusing marine binoculars, center focus and individual focus. Center focus involves adjusting a central knob which simultaneously changes the focus for both eyes. Some marine binoculars also offer individual focus which allows adjustment for the lenses of each eye separately. Generally, center focus is easier and preferred for closer objects. Individual focus allows you to focus just once and the eyes can make the adjustment after that saving time especially useful in emergencies.
Field of View
This refers to the width of the scene when looking through the binoculars. Note that when magnification increases the field of view decreases. The wider the field of view, obviously, the more you can see. For marine binoculars, a wide field of view is essential, especially when scanning for objects like a man overboard or a marker buoy over a broad area.
Eye Relief
This refers to the distance between the eye and the eyepiece. It’s important to have the right distance to be able to view the image clearly. This becomes a concern for glasses wearers. If the eyeglasses require positioning past the eye relief distance it can result in reduced image quality or blurriness. Eyeglass wearers will want as much eye relief as possible, at least 15mm is recommended. Most marine binoculars come with adjustable eyecups to help achieve the appropriate relief. Note that many eyeglass wearers achieve satisfactory results by removing their eyeglasses. Good eye relief, however, will allow you to keep from having to take them off.
Waterproof
Marine binoculars are designed to be used around water and resistance to it is achieved by using O-rings to seal all the openings. Take note that there are degrees of waterproofing. A waterproof rating of IPX7 will allow immersion to 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes. A lesser rating may allow levels of splashing but no immersion.
Fogproof
For binoculars filled with air, significant changes in temperature and pressure can potentially result in fogging up on the interior surfaces of the lenses rendering them useless. Fortunately, waterproof marine binoculars are almost always filled with dry nitrogen at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric level. This prevents lower-pressure air from the outside from entering. Nitrogen gas also cannot hold moisture. All this, though, will not prevent condensation on the outside of the lenses.
Rangefinder
This involves an integrated infrared laser system that measures the distance from an object like a boat or island. The distance is usually displayed in the eyepiece in feet or meters. It won’t be as effective over long distances but can be useful, especially in emergencies.
Compasses
Some marine binoculars incorporate a built-in compass which is superimposed just below the image. In some digital systems, it is illuminated, as well.
Image Stabilization
Some binoculars like the Canon model above use digital image stabilization. High magnification models are prone to a shaky view, especially in a marine environment affected by the movement of the sea. This technology involves the use of a gyroscope to reduce the movement of the binoculars providing a steadier more clear view.
Flotation
When using these marine binoculars around water there is always the chance they will fall in. It would be awful to kiss them goodbye in that way. Fortunately, many models listed above will float or have a floating strap to keep them on the surface where easy retrieval is possible. If the model you prefer is not thus equipped, there are floating straps available to purchase.
Care & Maintenance
Binoculars Care and Maintenance
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on the best marine binoculars interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Wonderful Review, nothing to say, just in a word this is an amazing article. Very informative and helpful. I really enjoyed it. Bushnell H2O is wonderful.
Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative post.
Hopefully, waiting for your more informative article in the future.
I appreciate your kind words. Stay tuned here for more on optics in the future.
Best regards,
Joe