Compass Binoculars

[Dockhead]

I find myself using a handbearing compass a lot in the English Channel, where the ship traffic resembles nothing as much as the Indy 500 going by.

I find the crappy plastic hand bearing compass I use to lack precision, and have decided to acquire a proper pair of compass binocs. I thought Fuji military 7x50's. Pros and cons? Any other recommendations?

[Bash]

Steiner Commander V. The prices have come way down on these, and they come with a lifetime guarantee.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I find myself using a handbearing compass a lot in the English Channel, where the ship traffic resembles nothing as much as the Indy 500 going by.

I find the crappy plastic hand bearing compass I use to lack precision, and have decided to acquire a proper pair of compass binocs. I thought Fuji military 7x50's. Pros and cons? Any other recommendations?

I routinely keep a "hocky-puck" style hand bearing compass on a lanyard around my neck and have found them to be quite accurate. Never-the-less, we also have Fujinon Polaris (compass) binoculars (7x50) and I do think they are good units, particularly at night. However, for close quarters work, particulalrly crossing situations, I find taking relative bearings across a reference fixed object on the boat very dependable.

FWIW...

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by Bash

Steiner Commander V. The prices have come way down on these, and they come with a lifetime guarantee.

I second that. I used a pair during a very lumpy race last year and the optics were ideal and the compass quite accurate to judge from the nearby fluxgate I was comparing it to.

[S/V Antares]

I use the Nikon armored. Super optics .

[MacG]

Originally Posted by Bash

Steiner Commander V. The prices have come way down on these, and they come with a lifetime guarantee.

Yassir!

2nd to that, you have VHF. Call the guy who comes in on a troubling course and ask him for advice.
It is my stratagem being in the Channel. Then they know what you are doing and also that you are alert and attending. You will be highly appreciated!

[NDH]

I had a pair of 7 x 50 Silva with the built in compass, the compass stuck 2 weeks after the warranty expired and Silvas response was "tough its out of warranty" , I asked if I could pay for a repair and they said "No, they can't be repaired buy a new pair"

Needless to say I would not recommend Silva

[delmarrey]

There are lots to choose from. What's your budget? >>> Barska 7x50mm Waterproof Floating Binocular with Compass and Rangefinder Reticle - Binoculars at Binoculars

[FSMike]

I've had my Fujinons for about 10 years and love them. Occasionally I wish I had the model with the lighted compass but not often.