Binocular Recommendations

[nboyer]

Hello Folks. I'm looking for recommendations for a good pair of binoculars. I have high end Nikon's but the magnification is too high to get steady views while underway. We are on an R23 moving at about 25mph so the ride is a little bumpy at times. I also tried using a 10x25 Minox, which again was unsteady while moving. We would generally use the binos while in the cabin looking for channel markers, so weatherproof is not necessary. Seems most non-stabilized marine binos are 7X power and wonder if they offer 'enough' steadiness while underway? Any thoughts on the Busnell 4x30? Would that be enough magnification to spot the next distant channel marker? Or should I forgo the standard handheld and go with an image-stabilized, say the Canon 8x25 IS? Any commentary greatly appreciated. Cheers! -Norm

 

[Tippetknot]

I have the Canon 8x25 is binoculars. They’re great. Several of my fishing buddies also bought them after trying mine on various trips. About $400 now I think.


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[Capt’nKarl]

I use a 12X50 (314 ft@1000yards) monocular scope. Easy to hold with one hand, clear vision even in low light.

 

[nboyer]

Thanks Capt’nKarl. Seems anything 10x is too much for me to be making out distant channel markers when underway. There is just too much chop on the river for us. Glad it's working out for you though. Cheers! -Norm

 

[Diatom]

I have Canon 8x25-IS on the boat, 18x50 for terra firma. Both are well worth the money for their respective purposes.
The small ones are perfect for your purpose. Field of view, sufficient magnification, impressive stabilization.
Unlike the monster size, the image lock button is active only while pressed - saving batteries.

Unfortunately Canon (Canada) has discontinued the small ones - grab them while you can.

/tmm

 

[S. Todd]

We use Fujinon 14x40 techno-stabi. After using image stabilization binocular we would never use one without that feature.

 

[Mr. Ed]

We use Fujinon 14x40 techno-stabi. After using image stabilization binocular we would never use one without that feature.

+1 on the techno-stabi unit. Terrific performance when underway. I also have a pair of Steiner 7x50 non-stabilized binoculars, which are incredible in low light conditions. Both have their uses, and they compliment each other nicely.

 

[Haifisch]

I have the Steiner Marine 7x50. They are heavy and super bright.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

We use Fujinon 14x40 techno-stabi. After using image stabilization binocular we would never use one without that feature.

Underway, stabilization is a Godsend.

 

[boaterjoe]

As a long time birder and boater I think the issue is the magnification. anything above a 10 is going to be unsteady and difficult to see through well. Of course the amount of light is important. I suggest 7X or 8X50 binos. LIght is very importat early in morning and late afternoon/early evening. As for brand, Canon is good, but Nikon ($275.00)is great for price point. both are water resistant or waterproof.You can buy more expensive, but why?
good luck

 

[nboyer]

Thanks Folks, I appreciate everyone's response and sharing your experience. Cheers! -Norm