Having a great pair of marine binoculars is a great addition to your dive bag. It not only lets you scan the waters for marine wildlife but also zoom in on the common hand signals divers exchange with each other.
However, if you think that any regular pair of binoculars will do, think again. The recommended specs for boat binoculars are quite different from what suffices on land.
You have to keep in mind how the water movement impacts your view and how your field of vision is different. The conditions that boaters deal with are quite different from the conditions on land and the best binoculars for ocean viewing reflect that.
Get more out of the best liveaboard dive trips with any one of our top 10 picks for the best marine binoculars of 2020.
Table of Contents
1. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars
Hooway binoculars are extremely popular among those that spend a lot of time at sea. They offer excellent magnification and are specifically designed to survive wet weather conditions.
This specific model, binoculars with compass and rangefinder, lets you calculate the size and distance of the animals and objects that you see. The BAK-4 prism-type Porro offers perfect clarity.
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These binoculars are made to last even in the toughest conditions. It has nitrogen-purged fog proof lenses so the morning mist does not affect your field of vision.
Thanks to the illuminated reticles you can use this very same set for checking the surroundings at night. It is also 100% waterproof and can float for up to 30 minutes.
What We Like:
- Military-grade materials
- Includes compass and rangefinder
- Tripod adaptable
2. Steiner Marine Series with Tactical Precision Optics
Steiner is known for its mariner binoculars and with this civilian version, you get a taste of that experience. This design is made to withstand the worst weather conditions and survives up to 11 Gs of impact force.
Although these binoculars are incredibly tough, they are also very lightweight at just 17 ounces. Its Makrolon housing features a non-slip rubber grip for safe comfort.
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One of its best features is the sports-auto-focus which keeps everything looking sharp at a distance starting from 20 yards. This lets you use the marine binoculars with just one hand and still have a perfect field of view at all distances.
A final star feature is the floating prism system which is one of the secrets of why these marine binoculars are so strong and sturdy. No matter how harsh the environment, this little unit is made to power through it. Also you can learn how to spot whales with this binoculars.
What We Like:
- Extremely durable, designed for high impact
- Automatic focus
- 362 ft field of view
3. USCAMEL 10X50 Binoculars Waterproof with Rangefinder & Compass
Although army-grade binoculars are often recommended as binoculars for boating, there is one important factor to keep in mind: magnification. 10x magnification is the recommended standard for on land but many of the best boating binoculars have 7x magnification.
The smaller magnification is to compensate for the high movement on boats. However, this problem can be solved with a stabilizing tripod.
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If you plan on having proper gear on your dive boat, this USCAMEL binoculars is a fantastic option. Paired with a good tripod, you will get amazing optics of the sea around you.
Thanks to the BAK-4 Porro prism lens you get 99.9% color reproduction. It comes complete with a bag and straps, making it the ideal travel companion for outdoor activities, both on water and on land.
What We Like:
- Tripod compatible
- Waterproof sealed o-ring
- Suitable for all light conditions
4. Bushnell H2O Binoculars
Expect incredible optics from the Bushnell H2O series. For an affordable price, you can get yourself waterproof and fog proof binoculars with rubber eyecups for extra comfort.
The BAK-4 prism and multi-coated lens have 8x magnification, 42-millimeter objective distance, a focus distance of 12 feet, and eye relief of 17 millimeters. With the extra-large center focus knob, you can adjust the view to your needs easily.
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Its exterior features a textured rubber grip that acts as both protection and a non-slip grip. Not only is this a functional model, but it also adds style to your adventure gear.
The package comes complete with a neck strap and carrying case with a belt loop. The weight of just 27 ounces won’t hold you back in your adventures.
What We Like:
- The cool look of exterior casing style
- Functionality in design
- Easy adjustment of the center focus
5. Steiner Navigation Pro Series with Compasses
Any marine binoculars review will tell you that 7×50 is the best standard for a marine binocular model. Steiner takes this recommended standard to a whole other level.
The Navigation Pro models offer one of the best viewing experiences thanks to the high contrast optics. At sea, where the light conditions and vast space can easily make things appear blurry, these Steiner binos are there to help you see clearly.
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It has all the extras that you expect from Steiner marine binoculars including a sports-auto-focus system, NBR rubber armor, and a floating prism system. It follows the requirements of army types binoculars but at a more accessible price.
Even in low light conditions like fog and early morning hours, your eyes can catch a good picture of the surroundings with these marine binoculars. It is the perfect tool for keeping an eye on other ships.
What We Like:
- Extremely durable, designed for high impact
- Fog proof and waterproof
- Incredible optics
6. Bushnell H2O Series 7X50
Some feel more comfortable with longer eye relief and for those people, this Bushnell model is a great option. It has twist-up eyecups that are more comfortable to look through, even when using a neck strap.
The 7X50 option has all the same convenience details as the other Bushnell H2O marine binoculars mentioned on this list. It features the same rubber textured grip, large field of view adjustment knob and it is of course, waterproof.
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These are some of the best binoculars for boating because of how suitable they are for long-range viewing. It is kind to the eyes and the eyepiece is not the only reason why.
Whether you are looking at something at a glance or need to focus on something on the horizon, these binoculars give you the best focus. These are the type of binoculars that you never realized you have been missing. Improve your experiencie with this guideline for viewing marine life.
What We Like:
- Rubberized textured non-slip exterior
- Excellent focus
- Great eye relief
7. Eight Owls Floating Marine Binoculars
When it comes to marine binoculars, having a pair that floats is one of the extras worth paying a higher price for. After all, being out at sea can put you in choppy waters and anything can fly over the rails.
Both the binoculars themselves and the neck strap float when it falls into the water so they are easier to grab. Combine this with the bright yellow style and you have yourself a pair of waterproof binoculars that you’ll never lose.
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This binocular with 7×50 magnification is the perfect companion for all your water sports, including scuba diving. It gives you an excellent field of view to spot everything happening in your surroundings.
Eight Owls combine functionality with style in this model. It is the type of binoculars where you are surprised that the retail price is not higher.
What We Like:
- Cool look
- Floating body and strap
- Also good in low light
8. AOMEKIE Binoculars Marine Grade with Rangefinder and Compass
There is no better way to focus on the ocean surroundings than with the best boat binoculars, like this model from AOMEKIE. It features an incredible field of view, perfect for the necessary safety requirements on a boat.
You get great accuracy in colors with this lens type. It has an anti-reflective coating that improves light transmission and so captures the objects better.
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It is also fog proof, with a nitrogen purge, which means it doesn’t matter how wet it gets. The o-ring is sealed and it will float whenever it falls into the water.
Another great feature is that this model can be used for night vision. This lets you take in views during dusk and dawn when you don’t have the sun helping you out.
What We Like:
- Night Vision marine binoculars
- Floats
- Optics are not affected by fog
9. Barska Floatmaster in Yellow
The reason why many marine tools are a bright color is so that it is easily spotted in case it falls in the ocean. That is also why this marine binocular is sold in a bright yellow.
Although you can’t help but catch your focus going to its color, there is a lot more to see through its eyepiece. This marine binocular has the recommended 7×50 magnification that gives the most steady view.
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You have a good field of view with this product although it does not offer as much coverage as the more professional models. Still, it is a good find for amateurs, especially at its price.
You get optics that are multi-coated for better clarity and light reflection. Another cool feature is the attached cover for the lenses.
What We Like:
- Easy to spot
- Floats
- Attached cover for the lenses
10. Steiner Marine Binoculars for Adults and Kids
Do you often go diving with your children or are they just getting their scuba diving certification? Then, you might benefit from marine binoculars that both of you can use.
This Steiner set has an adjustable width which means you can make it wider and narrower at your convenience. This way, both you and your kids can focus on spotting marine animals.
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The advantage of a shared binocular type is that you have less to carry in your dive bag. It saves you a few ounces but everyone onboard can have equal amounts of fun.
Once again, this has the same quality and elements that you would expect of a Steiner product. It has a fantastic objective lens size, good eye relief, and top-grade optics.
What We Like:
- Suitable for kids
- Comfortable eyecups
- Withstands full weight impact
For a quick recap, here are our top 3 products:
- Military-grade Materials
- Includes Compass
- Tripod Adaptable
- Amazon's Choice
- Automatic Focus
- 362 ft Field of View
- Trusted Brand
- 8x Magnification
- 2800+ Amazon Reviews
- Extremely Durable
- 100% Waterproof
- 8x Magnification
Marine Binocular FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Are the Best Marine Binoculars?
Hooway and Steiner both create excellent marine binoculars although you can find equally good options from other brands. These are the leading brands in the field but also come at a considerable price.
The main elements to focus on are that it is waterproof & fog proof, has approximately 7×50 magnification, and can float. You might also want to think about the weight and how durable it is.
What Is Better: 7×50 or 10×50 Binoculars?
For marine purposes, 7×50 binoculars are better than 10×50 but it is the other way around for use on land. This is because the constant motion on the water makes it more difficult to focus with higher magnification.
7×50 means that the binocular magnifies 7 times and has a 50 mm objective lens. The magnification is how much larger the objects in your field of vision appear and the objective lens indicates how much light is let in.
For the second number, the more millimeters the better because you often deal with having little light when you are on a boat. However, for a better focus, a 7x is recommended over a 10x because the smaller magnification compensates for the moving water.
What Does 20×50 Mean on Binoculars?
20×50 means that the binocular magnifies 20 times and a 50 millimeters objective lens. With these two numbers, you can calculate the exit pupil – the size of the center of the eyepiece.
To calculate the exit pupil divide the second number by the first number. In this case that is 50/20 which equals 2.5mm.
How Far Can You See with 7×50 Binoculars?
It is difficult to determine the exact field of view just with these two numbers. On average though, binoculars with these specs let you see between 300 – 400 feet, depending on the exact model.
