Binoculars come in different sizes and designs which make them suitable for a wide range of applications including marine use. If you are into sailing and boating, having a pair of the best marine binoculars with compass will help enhance the safety of the vessel, bring you close to faraway marine objects, and navigation aid when you are exploring new waters.
However, finding the right pair of marine binoculars with compass is easier said than done. There are countless options from so many brands for you to choose from. These binoculars come with a unique set of features that make them stand out and the quality, functionality, and reliability are different from one product to the other.
For marine applications, it is wise to invest in a high-quality pair of binoculars even if it means spending a fortune. With the high-end price tag comes top-tier features essential for marine use. Nevertheless, making the right selection is not often a walk in the park. You have to go through a multitude of options before you find the ideal pair.
In this guide, we take you through the top-rated marine binoculars with compass that are specifically built to make your expedition on the water safe and memorable. These binoculars are rich in high-quality features and boast a robust construction to withstand the abuse that comes with regular use. But first, here are the key features to look for in marine binoculars with compass.
Features to Look for in Marine Binoculars
Explained below are some of the handy features that every marine binocular ought to have to ensure that you get lasting utility.
Image Stabilization
If you have shaky hands or you just want to take your marine views to the next big level, image stabilization is very important. Marine binoculars with image stabilization provides consistent, shake-free image views which make your glassing sessions more enjoyable.
Floating Straps
Binoculars can accidentally fall in the sea or ocean during use. If that happens, floating straps will keep them afloat and save the day. So, ensure that the marine binoculars you choose to buy come with floating straps.
Weatherproof Construction
Water and fog will not just affect your vision accuracy when using marine binoculars, but they will also damage the optics if they get inside the lenses. It is therefore important that you invest in binoculars that are fully waterproof, dustproof and fog proof.
Compass and Rangefinder
A compass with a rangefinder reticle is an indispensable tool for marine applications. The compass will aid in navigation and the rangefinder will help you measure the size and distance of the faraway objects.
7 Best Marine Binoculars with Compass
Let’s now delve into the best marine binoculars that come with built-in compasses.
1) Nikon OceanPro CF 7×50 Binoculars with Compass
Specifications
- Focusing System: Central Focus
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 377 ft
- Eye Relief: 22.7mm
- Weight: 39.9 oz.39.9 g
- Exit Pupil: 7.1mm
- Size (Length x Width): 7.6×8 in
First up we have the Nikon OceanPro CF 7×50 Binoculars with Compass. In the industry of optics, Nikon is a household name. It is well-known for its top-notch and reliable products and this binocular is not any different.
It is uniquely engineered and built to stand up to the rigors of marine use and offer many years of use. The 7x magnification it possesses helps bring the distant targets closer for easy identification. It also provides a wide field of view to ensure that you leave nothing undiscovered.
To hold up to rough handling, the body of this binocular is made using a corrosion and impact resistant polycarbonate which guarantees longevity as well as durability. It is also covered with a rubber armoring which provides added protection from impacts and salt from the sea while ensuring that you have a secure, slip resistant grip, even when you are wearing gloves.
For added protection in the water, this binocular has its optical tubes filled with nitrogen to drive out moisture and be fog-free. It is also waterproof to 3.3 feet for 5 minutes and comes with a high visibility floating neck strap that will keep the binoculars afloat if you accidentally drop them in water.
This pair of binoculars is also equipped with a global compass designed to operate in both northern and southern hemispheres. The compass is also illuminated for use in all lighting conditions.
Above all, this binocular boasts a highly effective 50mm objective lens and anti-reflection multi-coated optics that yield bright and crisp sight pictures in virtually all lighting conditions.
Pros
- Tripod mountable
- Wide field of view
- Inexpensive
- Bright and highly accurate compass
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Slightly heavy
2) Bushnell Marine 7×50 Binocular
Specifications
- Prism Glass: BaK-4
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 267 ft
- Close Focus: 35 ft
- Weight: 37 oz
- Exit Pupil: 7.1mm
If you are in the market for a quality and reliable all-round set of binoculars, the Bushnell Marine 7×50 Binocular is your ideal option. This optic is suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications including marine and boat use.
It boasts an illuminated compass that makes the ideal for shipboard navigation work and a built-in rangefinder scale to help you estimate the size and range of objects.
This pair of binoculars is made for use in all weather conditions. It has an IPX-7 waterproof rating that makes it safe to use even when it is raining. Better yet, it is built with the latest fog-proof technology to remove all internal moisture and keep the lenses fog free.
Regarding construction, the binoculars is built-well to last long. Also, it is covered with a non-skid rubber armor which provides a firmer grip when your hands are wet or when you have your gloves on. It also shields the optics from bumps, impacts and salty water which causes corrosion.
These binoculars also have premium BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses that amplify light transmission to deliver clear and true-to-detail sight pictures, even when the lighting conditions are less favorable.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Floats on water
- Solid construction
Cons
- The neck strap included is too thin and uncomfortable
3) Fujinon Mariner 7×50 WPC XL Porro Prism Binocular
Specifications
- Prism Glass: Porro (BAK4)
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 367.5ft
- Focus Type: Individual
- Weight: 30.41 oz / 862.12 g
- Eye Relief: 18mm
- Dimensions: 30.41 oz / 862.12 g
The Fujinon Mariner 7×50 Binoculars are the best marine binoculars with compass for beginners. They offer the perfect balance between value and performance, and are very simple to use.
These binoculars offer outstanding optical performance in virtually all lighting conditions. They possess a large 50mm aperture that optimizes performance in low light environments. Besides, the lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and ensure that the images generated are bright and clear.
The compass integrated in these binoculars is a global one so you are able to use it in both the northern or southern hemisphere. It is also illuminated to be easy to read and use even when the sun goes down.
Another highlight about these binoculars is the solid construction. They have a rubber armored polycarbonate body that is sturdy enough to withstand rough handling. They are also fully waterproof and fog proof for operability under any weather condition.
Pros
- Durable and reliable housing
- Lightweight
- Easy on the wallet
- LED illuminated compass
Cons
- Average glass clarity
4) Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars
Specifications
- Prism Glass: Porro (BAK4)
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 395ft
- Focus Type: Individual
- Weight: 38.8 oz / 1100 g
- Eye Relief: 23mm
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.1 x 3.5″ / 195.6 x 180.3 x 88.9 mm
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars. These binoculars are made for all outdoor applications, but designed with boating and nautical fanatics in mind.
It features the standard 7x magnification for marine applications and a large 50mm lens that provides a wide field of view and excellent low light performance. Additionally, these binoculars have fully multi-coated optics which reduce glare and reflection that causes light loss. This amplifies the amount of light transmitted to provide bright and sharp image views.
To broaden the horizon, the binoculars come with a compass that aids in navigation when you are exploring the sea and an internal range finder that comes in handy when you need to determine the distance to a target. They also possess an individual focus system so you will need to focus it once only.
When it comes to construction, the Barska Deep Sea binoculars have a heavy-duty rubber armor which provides additional protection from rough handling, while ensuring that you have a secure grip. They are also O-ring sealed for full waterproof protection and purged with dry nitrogen to prevent fogging and moisture damage.
Pros
- It floats on water
- Compact and lightweight design
- Suitable for multiple outdoor applications
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Basic compass
5) Steiner Navigator Pro Binoculars with Compass
Specifications
- Prism Glass: Porro (BAK4)
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 421.7ft
- Focus Type: Individual
- Weight: 41.6 oz / 1180 g
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 7.1 mm
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.3 x 3.5″ / 208 x 160 x 88 mm
Our next binoculars with compass for marine use is the Steiner Navigator Pro Binoculars. As one of the best marine binoculars with compass, this model offers exceptional optical clarity and consistent reliability that make it a perfect choice for boaters, anglers and sailors.
It is built with a HD fluid-damped illuminated analog compass to help you navigate the sea and oceans with ease. Furthermore, this pair of binoculars possesses a sports-auto focus system which helps you focus each individual eyepiece to your vision and keep the images crisp and tack-sharp from 20 yards to infinity.
These binoculars are not built to military specifications, but they will provide you with a lifetime of use. They boast a durable Makrolon polycarbonate housing that is covered with a NBR Long Life rubber armoring which provides a secure, slip-resistant grip.
Moreover, the binoculars’ optical tubes are filled with nitrogen to drive out moisture and be fully fog proof. The Navigator Pro is also waterproof to 16” for added protection and operable in temperatures ranging from -20 to 60°C/ -4 to 140°F.
Pros
- Slip resistant NBR rubber armoring
- Large field of view
- German quality
- Quick and easy to make adjustments
Cons
- Heavy
6) Konus Tornado 7X50 Binocular
Specifications
- Prism Glass: Porro (BAK4)
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 397.59ft
- Focus Type: Individual
- Weight: 31.4 oz / 890 g
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 6.8 mm
The Konus Tornado 7X50 Binocular is the best marine binoculars with compass for the budget buyers. Though this binocular is easy on the wallet, it offers multiple features to ensure that you get the most out of it.
This pair of binoculars doubles as a navigational tool. It comes with a dampened reticle with a rangefinding reticle to measure the distance and size of the faraway targets. Even better, it provides a massive field of vision to give you an edge in the sea and the compass is illuminated for use even in the dark.
The body of this optic is constructed from highest quality materials to withstand the hazards of marine activity. Furthermore, the tubes are sealed to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the optics, and charged with dry nitrogen to survive harsh weather, extreme temperatures and on-the-water use.
This set of binoculars also brings to the table premium and extra-bright BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics that work in tandem provide crisp clear sight pictures in nearly all lighting conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Floating mechanism
- Inexpensive
- Tripod mountable
- Spacious field of view
Cons
- Poor contrast in dismal environments
7) Fujifilm Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX Binoculars with Compass
Specifications
- Prism Glass: Porro
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV at 1000 yds: 394.6ft
- Eye Relief: 23 mm
- Interpupillary Adjustment: 56 to 74 mm / 2.2 to 2.9″
- Weight: 3.1 lb / 1.4 kg
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.8 x 3.1″ / 218 x 198 x 78.8 mm
Last but not least, we have the Fujifilm Fujinon Polaris 7×50 Binoculars. Among the world’s greatest binoculars, the Fujinon Polaris 7×50 is built with a multitude of military-grade features which make it a perfect companion for marine activities.
It features 7×50 size which is standard for marine use. It also boasts a large 7.5° angle of view that makes target finding a breeze, and a long eye relief to alleviate eye strain and fatigue during lengthy glassing sessions.
Moreover, the views you get from this pair of binoculars are admirably bright, sharp and detailed, even in the not so ideal lighting and weather conditions. This is made possible by the EBC multi-coatings applied on all optical surfaces and the large 50mm objective lens.
Another feature that makes the binocular stand out is the solid construction. It has an all-metal housing that guarantees longevity and durability. The whole body is then covered with a thick and protective rubber armor that shields the optics from shock, and also provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip.
To top it all off, the binocular is 100% waterproof and fog proof to stand up to drastic temperature and humidity changes and provide a lifetime of all-weather reliability.
Features
- Peel-down-style rubber eyecups
- Built-in compass with rangefinding reticle
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Thick and protective rubber armor
- All-metal housing
- Premium Porro prisms
- EBC multi-coated lenses
- Optional eyepiece filters
Pros
- Crystal clear views
- Easy to use
- Suitable for multiple outdoor applications
- Robust and reliable construction
Cons
- Expensive for the budget buyer
- Heavy
Read Also
- Best Image Stabilized Binoculars
- Best Budget Binoculars for Whale Watching
- Best Binoculars for Ocean Viewing
Criteria for Choosing the Best Marine Binoculars with Compass
Here are the key factors you should take into consideration when shopping for the best marine binoculars with compass.
Magnification
The standard magnification for marine binoculars is 7x. It is easy to hold steady even without the use of a tripod. It also provides a wide field of view which is essential for quick target finding.
Any magnification power more than 7x and you will find it difficult to hold the binocular steady while the boat or ship is moving. If you want a marine binocular that has a higher magnification than 7x, consider getting one with image stabilization.
Lens Coatings
Optical coatings are very important in binoculars. They reduce glare and loss of light through reflection. They also protect the optics from scratches and damages. Try and look for a marine binocular that possesses solid lens coatings. A model that has its lenses fully multi-coated will provide stunning image brightness and clarity, even in low lighting conditions and provide adequate protection from scratches.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the e maximum distance binoculars can be held from the eyes and still function. It is an important factor to consider especially for people who put on eyeglasses. Look for a binocular that provides a sufficient eye relief to ensure comfortable glassing.
Durability
Marine binoculars are an investment. When making your selection, look at the quality of construction and opt for a model that is well-made using premium-quality materials. The best marine binoculars with compass also possess a rugged rubber armor that shields the optics from impacts, absorbs shock and provides a secure, anti-slip grip.
Weight
Weight is another important factor to consider. If you plan to use the binoculars for a lengthy period of time, or you are using them one-handed as you steer the boat, a lightweight pair is the best. It will be comfortable on your hands and easy to use as well.
If the binoculars are heavy, you should invest in a tripod. Mounting the binoculars on the tripod will take the heavy weight off your hands and also stabilize the binoculars.
Cost
Lastly, consider the cost. The price of marine binoculars varies from one product to the other, depending on the brand and the features it possesses. Look for a product that has high-end and reliable features, even if you have to pay more for it. It will give you a stunning performance in the waters and in the long run, give you great value for money.
FAQs
- Which are better, 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars?
For marine activities, 7×50 is the standard size. Binoculars with this configuration are easy to hold steady and effortless to focus. They also provide a spacious field of view which is essential for swift target finding.
- Are 7×50 binoculars any good?
Absolutely. 7×50 binoculars offer excellent performance under various lighting conditions. They are also easy to use and suitable for a variety of outdoor activities including birding, wildlife observation, hunting and marine applications among others.
Final Thoughts
It is our hope that you have found this post to be enlightening and helpful. All the binoculars we have mentioned above offer the vital features you need for marine applications. They are easy to use, versatile and reliable as well.
Finding the right pair for your individual marine needs will take some time, but no matter what your budget is, there is an option for you.