With so many different types of binoculars on the market, how do you know which ones are the best for use by sailors at sea? In this article, we will take a look at what to look for in a marine binocular, the benefits of using one, and our top three picks for the best marine binoculars in 2022.
What to look for in a marine binocular
When choosing a marine binocular, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Nitrogen filled: This is important to prevent the lenses from fogging up in humid or wet conditions.
- Individual focusing: This allows each eye to focus independently, which is important for those with different vision in each eye.
- Reticle scale: This is a feature that allows you to measure distances.
- Compass: This is a handy feature to have if you need to know your bearings while at sea.
- Floating strap: This is important so that your binoculars don’t sink if dropped in the water.
Benefits of Using Marine Binoculars
There are many benefits to using marine binoculars, including the following:
- They allow you to see things in low light conditions, such as sunrise and sunset.
- They allow you to see things at a distance, such as other boats or land.
- They can be used for navigation purposes, such as measuring distances or taking bearings.
- They can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation, such as spotting a distress signal.
- They are fun to use and can help you enjoy your time at sea even more.
Here’s The List of The Best Marine Binoculars
Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX |
Steiner Navigator Pro 7×30 Marine Binoculars |
Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Floating Binoculars |
Bushnell 7×50 Marine Binoculars with compass |
Nikon Oceanpro 7×50 CF WP Binoculars |
Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX

Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX is one of the best marine binoculars which is designed for use by sailors at sea. It is nitrogen filled and has an individual focusing system. It also has a reticle scale and a compass. The strap is floating and it comes with a case. It has a weight of 1.95kg and dimensions of 11.2×33.1×24.9cm.
These high-end, heavy-duty binoculars are perfect for use on a boat, as they are both water and shock resistant. The large objective lenses allow for a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions. The compass and reticle scale are a handy addition, making it easy to navigate and take bearings. The binoculars come with a padded carrying case and floating strap, making them easy to transport and keep safe.
With a 7x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, the Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX binoculars offer a bright, clear image with excellent detail.
The individual focusing system allows you to quickly and easily focus on your target, while the reticle scale and compass are handy additions for navigation. These binoculars are nitrogen filled and fully waterproof, making them ideal for use in all weather conditions. The padded carrying case and floating strap make them easy to transport and keep safe, while the large objective lenses offer a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective diameter: 50mm
- Field of view at 1000m: 131m
- Field of view at 1000 yards: 393.7 ft
- Closest focusing distance: 9.8m
- Eye relief: 23mm
- Weight: 1.95kg
- Dimensions: 11.2×33.1×24.9cm
Pros
- Rubber exterior aids grip and durability
- Built-in world compass
- EBC coatings for 95% light transmission
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Expensive options
Steiner Navigator Pro 7×30 Marine Binoculars

Steiner Navigator Pro 7×30 marine binoculars are a top choice for sailors. They are nitrogen-filled and waterproof, with a 7x magnification and 30mm objective lenses. The binoculars also have an integrated compass and reticle scale, making them ideal for navigation. They have a wide field of view and are easy to focus, even in low light conditions. The binoculars come with a floating strap and case, and are covered by Steiner’s Heritage Warranty.
Steiner’s Navigator binoculars have been around for a long time, and the Pro 7×30 model is the latest version. These binoculars are designed for use at sea, and they have a number of features that make them ideal for this environment.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective diameter: 30mm
- Field of view at 1000m: 128 metres
- Field of view at 1000 yards: 385 ft
- Closest focusing distance: 20 metres
- Eye relief: 30mm
- Weight: 530g with compass or 499g without
- Dimensions: 165x106x62.5mm
Pros
- Compass with backlight
- Waterproofed to 5 metres
- Anti-fogging
- Optimized grip
- Compact
Cons
- No tripod mount
Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Floating Binoculars

Barska deep sea 7×50 floating binoculars are one of the best marine binoculars available in the market. It is nitrogen filled and has an individual focusing system. The reticle scale is also present in this binocular. It also has a compass which makes it more convenient to use. This binocular also has a floating strap which makes it easy to carry.
These American binoculars furthermore ticks boxes for being fully waterproof and submersible to a depth of 3 meters as well as being nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective diameter: 50mm
- Field of view at 1000m: 132m
- Field of view at 1000 yds: 396 ft
- Closest focusing distance: 6.8 metres
- Eye relief: 23mm
- Weight: 453g
- Dimensions: 18.03×8.89×19.56cm
Pros
- O-ring sealed
- Value for money
- Internal rangefinder
Cons
- No tripod mount
Bushnell 7×50 Marine Binoculars with compass

The Bushnell 7×50 Marine Binoculars are designed for use by sailors at sea. They are nitrogen filled and have an individual focusing system which makes them easy to use. The reticle scale is in metric units and the compass is illuminated for easy use in low light conditions. The floating strap ensures that the binoculars stay afloat if they are dropped overboard.
The main benefit of using marine binoculars is that they allow you to see clearly in all weather conditions. The Bushnell 7×50 Marine Binoculars are also ideal for use in low light conditions and can be used with or without glasses.
If you are looking for a pair of binoculars that are specifically designed for use by sailors at sea, then the Bushnell 7×50 Marine Binoculars are a great choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective diameter: 50mm
- Field of view at 1000m: 116.2 metres
- Closest focusing distance: 20 metres
- Eye relief: 18mm
- Weight: 1.05kg
- Dimensions: 95x87x39cm
Pros
- O-ring sealed
- Illuminated digital compass
- Fully multi coated optics
Cons
- Weighty over
- No built-in tripod mount
Nikon Oceanpro 7×50 CF WP Binoculars

The Nikon Oceanpro 7×50 CF WP binoculars are designed for use by sailors at sea.
Naturally this durably rubber-armoured and nitrogen-filled waterproof binocular is for the more serious yachtsman, cruiser or powerboat owner who wants the very best in optical performance, particularly in low light conditions when other binoculars would struggle.
The Oceanpro’s large 50mm objective lenses give a bright image even in poor light and the 7x magnification is more than enough for most users, providing a stable image and a wide field of view.
The individual eyepiece focusing gives the user the ability to focus each side independently, meaning that the binoculars can be used with or without glasses.
There is also a reticle scale in feet and the compass is in degrees for easy navigation. The floating strap is included.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective diameter: 50mm
- Field of view at 1000 yds: 377ft
- Field of view at 1000m: 126m
- Closest focusing distance: 33ft / 10m
- Eye relief: 22.7mm
- Weight: 1.13kg (39.9oz)
- Dimensions: 2.76×8.27×2.76 inches
Pros
- Nitrogen filled
- O-ring sealed
- Rubber armored
Cons
- Focus knob small-ish
- Over 1kg
Conclusion
Marine binoculars can be a great asset for any sailor, whether you are a beginner or experienced. They can help you navigate, spot land or other boats, and even signal for help in an emergency situation.
When choosing a pair of marine binoculars, be sure to keep in mind the factors we discussed above. And most importantly, have fun and stay safe out there.
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