Binoculars - which ones are any good nowadays?

[LadyInBed]

Canon stabilised ♡++
As you probably already have waterproof compass bins.

 

[john_morris_uk]

We've had a pair of Fujinon for the last 20 years. Lightweight and superb. http://www.monkoptics.co.uk/Marine/Fuji_marinerwpc.html

I've just had a chat with Richard of Optics who occasionally is on the forum. I have decided to go with the Fuji mariners from Monk Optics ones that the RNLI use.

Thank you to Richard and here's his website if anyone needs Binoculars repairing.

http://www.actionoptics.co.uk/index.html#navbar

 

[nigelmercier]

Canon stabilised ♡++

I've got the Canon 8x25IS, bought because I thought 8x was the max I could use on a boat.
I was wrong, with the Image Stabilisation the 10x30IS or 12x36IS would be even better.

http://bit.ly/Canon8x25IS
http://bit.ly/Canon10x30IS
http://bit.ly/Canon12x36IS

 

[Gin]

Steiner Navigators- brilliant optics and an integrated back lit compass

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Steiner_Navigator_7x50_with_Compass?gclid=CKe2isqApr4CFe3JtAodRC0AUg

 

[Twister_Ken]

I know JM has made his decision, but with £x00's in play I would have suggested considering some night vision equipment as an alternative to bins.

 

[Robin]

I know JM has made his decision, but with £x00's in play I would have suggested considering some night vision equipment as an alternative to bins.

Carrots are cheap and plentiful

 

[Sybarite]

I have been offered a gift of something that costs in the hundreds of £.

The only thing I can think of in that price range is a new pair of binoculars for the boat. I've got some Plastimo ones that are 'OK' and I've got some gnarled and ancient ex Russian 7x50's that are still excellent although they got some water in them once and sometimes need drying out.

What suggestions can anyone make please? I suppose some with a compass in them would be nice (but no essential) and waterproof and good quality are very desirable qualities.

Suggestions please?

I have just got Voile Magazine's annual 2014 special edition on equipment with a section on binoculars:

Le “Must”

• Steiner Commander Race 7X50

• Expensive, excellent luminosity, robust, water tight to 10m, compass very clear and stable, field of vision 130m weight 1040 g 1 140 g with compass € 849 without compass; €949 with.

• Nikon IF WP 7X50

Elegant pure lines, Very luminous thanks to the multicoated treatment of the optics which prevents diffraction; field of vision : 131m; watertight : 2m for 5 minutes; quite heavy : 1 140 g; feel good to hold : rubber €660


Their selection

Plastimo Jumelles 7X50

Good quality/ price compromise. Autofocus; red back lighting for enhanced night work. Good rubber grips, not as robust as the others. Water tight to 1m only. €179 with compass.

Others Reviewed

Minox 7X50 (new) €239
Steiner Navigator Pro (new) €389 without compass; €475 with.
Paralux Fidji 7X50 €48
Topoplastic Rescue 7X50 €190
Optisan Atlantic 7X50 €82