Our Marine Binocular Review Page

Our binocular review takes a hard look at a number of waterproof 7x50 binoculars specifically suited to the rigors of the marine environment.

A marine binocular is an expensive but essential piece of marine safety gear. Boatmen on all vessels should keep a pair close at hand whenever they are on the helm.

Binocular testing at sea.

Being able to clearly make out and classify anything that comes within range of your boat—be it a ship, raft, a piece of flotsam or jetsam, or simply a nearby shoreline makes for a safe passage and peace of mind.

Experience has shown that binoculars with a maximum magnification of 7x power are best suited for the rough and tumble motion sometimes found aboard a boat at sea. When coupled with a large 50-millimeter front lens this combination has proven to be the ideal setup for viewing objects at a distance aboard a boat especially in low light conditions. That's why our binocular review is very specific in coverage.

A good pair of 7 x 50 binoculars will serve well to aid the navigator in identifying landmarks, markers, and hazards as well as provide stellar service to bird chasing fishermen.

Two well-known names in marine binoculars are Fujinon and Steiner. Our binocular review has reports on models from these two makes as well as a number of others. Marine binocular prices range from a low of around $100 to well over $1000.

How Much to Spend?

What do get when spending big bucks on a pair of binoculars. Two physical things, significantly better optics and improved durability. Another major benefit is a much longer warranty. Are the upgrades worth the money? I think so. For the most discriminating life long boater buying top-of-the-line binoculars is an investment in gear that should provide a lifetime of service even in the sometimes-harsh marine environment. I have owned and have spoken to commercial captains that have owned one pair or another of the binoculars tested here for over a decade without incurring a single maintenance issue.

All About Binoculars and How They Get Tested

To make an informed buying decision on any binocular you’ll need to know certain terminology. You can get acquainted with the lingo on our all about binoculars page. When I do a report on a marine binocular certain test protocols are strictly followed. You can read all about my procedures on my binocular testing page.

Fujinon Binoculars

My Fujinon binoculars page has reports on two distinctly different binoculars. From the Fujinon Polaris series you'll find a review of the Fujinon FMTRC-SX. This armor shielded marine binocular features 23 millimeters of eye relief to make eye glass wearers happy and carries a lifetime limited warranty. I have rated the Fujinon FMTRC-SX as the best marine binocular available today. I also reviewed the far less expensive Fujinon Mariner.

Steiner Binoculars

On the Steiner binoculars page I report on samples of two binoculars from the Steiner Commander line. One is a recent release of the Steiner Commander V and the other is the Steiner Commander XP premium class binocular. Both of these units are equipped with an internal compass and have a strong reputation with a variety of skippers.

More Binocular Reviews

A couple of other expensive units I reviewed were the Marine II built by Steiner for West Marine and the Swarovski SLC 7x50B.

Sub $300 Marine Binoculars

I reviewed a number of lower priced marine binoculars too, these are priced between $100 and $300. ProMariner was our the biggest contributor here, they sent four units including the ProMariner High Seas RC, ProMariner Gulfstream GS50, ProMariner Gulfstream GS30, and ProMariner WaterSport RC.

I also looked at the Bushnell Marine, Celestron Oceana, Nikon Ocean Pro, Olympus Magellan, Swift Sea King, and West Marine Tahiti.