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KevinE · 30-12-2005, 10:05

I'm looking for a new pair of binocs. Does anybody have an recommendations, things that you like/dislike with what you have. I don't want to spend more than $250. Prefer with compass and waterproof (obviously).

Cheers,
Kevin

sv_makai · 30-12-2005, 10:46

Based on a recommendation from Practical sailor after there Binoc test (about 2 years ago)we chose the the West Marine 7x50. They are water proof, nitrogen filled, image stable, and with the lighted compass. On sale we paid less than $150.

PS rated them up at the top and gave a best pick due to the quality and price. These were compared against some that were 2-3 times more expensive.

2 years of use and they are great. Work well, clear image, and no issues. They are all plastic so that if dropped they don't take a chunk out of the gel coat.

Only one thing wrong, I wish I would have bought 2.

Talbot · 30-12-2005, 11:49

The best allround bino sizing is 7x50

Any greater magnification than 7 and there is a higher chance of missing stuff as you scan the horizon.
Any smaller view diameter will seriously affect their capability in twilight/low light conditions.

Personally I dont bother with all these modern compasses etc I have a 30 yr old pair of Nikon binos. The lens are superb, and provide the optimum capability at sea.

By Invitation · 30-12-2005, 12:14

Kevin,

I have the West Marine 7x50 with the compass and I love them. I checked most of the others and was not too concerned with price but I found the West Marine ones the most comfortable and easiest to focus and use. My brother liked mine so much, he also bought a pair.

**Boracay** · 30-12-2005, 14:26

I'm curious to know if anyone has tried night vision monoculars or binoculars, and how they went?

**irwinsailor** · 30-12-2005, 15:34

We have night vision that came with the boat. It is Kewl to be able to see almost like daylight when it is almost black. The prices have come down quite a bit so they may be worth looking into.

Morski Krastavac · 30-12-2005, 20:10

I have the no-frills entry level Steiner (Navigator if memory serves); my friends (nobody uses Steiner, but all of them upper end binoculars of the respective lines) regularily ask to exchange theirs for my Steiner. FAT chance.

SailorPaul · 30-12-2005, 20:27

I found the Fujinon Mariner II to be a better fit for me than the WMarine. (believe both built by Fujinon).

The eye cups on the Mariner II are solid twist-up type, and the spacing between the tubes is just a hair narrower at the closest spacing.... helps it fit smaller faces.

I got the individual focus w digital compass. Also light weight polycarbonate body. The other pair we have are Fujinon FMT

Lodesman · 30-12-2005, 20:32

Quote:

Talbot once whispered in the wind:
The best allround bino sizing is 7x50

Any greater magnification than 7 and there is a higher chance of missing stuff as you scan the horizon.

I prefer 10x50; I've used a pair for the past 15 years and always pick up contacts before the lookouts, who use the pusser 7x50's.

Kevin

BC Mike · 30-12-2005, 21:24

When the big number is divided by the little number the answer is about the same as your eyeball. That's why the 7 X 50 is so popular because the eye ball is about 7mm. At least that is what I read somewhere. And I was also told that my Nikon 7 X 35 Naturalist IV binoculars would not have as large a field of view. That bit is not correct as the Nikons have a larger field of view, and they are superior in every way over the old heavier unit. I think most of it is in the quality of the lens. I have viewed a better pair but they were about $750- compared to the Nikon $125-. This pair gets used mostly for birding where ease of spotting and focusing and clarity is important. But wasn't the original question about site bearing compasses.
Michael

SG · 31-12-2005, 06:39

The first number in the denomination of binoculars is the magnification; and the second, is the diameter of the front lens.

So a 7x35 has is 7 power with a 35 mm front lens.

The front diamter has to do more with the light gathering than the field of vision.

The more powerful the magnification, the larger the diamter of the optics that you need to gather an equivalent amount of light.

A good balance is a ratio of 5 for the power vs. the diamter of the front lens.

Lodesman · 31-12-2005, 08:07

Agree with SG, with additional clarification. Field of view is a factor of magnification. The eyeball has a natural limit to its FOV; when you magnify the view, you will naturally push the edges beyond the scope of your view. Like pushing the 'zoom' button on your DVD player - you only get a portion of the picture on the TV, albeit magnified.

Kevin

Lodesman · 31-12-2005, 08:18

I knew I had another point - I recommend a pair without manual focus. I don't know what they call them - 'set-focus' or 'pre-focussed' or some such thing, but from a mariner's point of view, these have everything in focus over the entire range of your view from near to far; whereas a manual-focus pair will only be in focus for a specific distance. Stuff that is nearer or farther than that focal point will be blurry (and possibly remain unseen) even if it is within your field of view.

Kevin

sv_makai · 31-12-2005, 12:23

Our west marine are similar to what you are describing. Once focused you can see closeup to infinity and beyond! oops got carried away.

They do have a focus for each eye. There is great advantage. When you wear glasses and look through binocs your field of fiew is reduced. Remove you glasses and focus each eye to your prescription and you have a great clear view without the annoyance of looking through glasses.

Again we love our WM 7x50's