wanted: awesome binoculars for my boat

Last_Call

Last_Call

Well-Known Member
I'm on the hunt for a pair of nice binoculars to keep on my boat. After some initial research it looks like there's a massive range in price and quality and wanted to see what other boaters have found to be good for them.

Lots of relatively cheap options out there but wondering if going for imaging stabilizing binoculars are worth it? They come at a hefty price tag, essentially starting at $1,000 and going up from there.

Choosing Image Stabilization Binoculars for Boating, Sailing, Fishing and Other Marine Use: Reviews and Buying Guide - WhenOutdoors

Binoculars are the most versatile optical gadgets that allow users to zoom in at objects hundreds of yards away. Qualities vary between brands and there are a lot of optics manufacturers that own the market with the high quality and the convenience of their products. But, when you link...
whenoutdoors.com

Open to a nice used pair as well if anyone is selling. thx
 
Last_Call said:
I'm on the hunt for a pair of nice binoculars to keep on my boat. After some initial research it looks like there's a massive range in price and quality and wanted to see what other boaters have found to be good for them.

Lots of relatively cheap options out there but wondering if going for imaging stabilizing binoculars are worth it? They come at a hefty price tag, essentially starting at $1,000 and going up from there.

Choosing Image Stabilization Binoculars for Boating, Sailing, Fishing and Other Marine Use: Reviews and Buying Guide - WhenOutdoors

Binoculars are the most versatile optical gadgets that allow users to zoom in at objects hundreds of yards away. Qualities vary between brands and there are a lot of optics manufacturers that own the market with the high quality and the convenience of their products. But, when you link...
whenoutdoors.com

Open to a nice used pair as well if anyone is selling. thx
Click to expand...
Following as well.
 
I looked at image stablized binoculars as well but a bit too pricey. Have aslo heard that the Canon is a good brand.
I dont think image stabilization would work that well on a small boat. Too much bouncing most of the time. More for a small yacht like 40 or 50 feet.

So I decided to get a good pair of normal binoculars and after doing a bit of research settled on the Nikon Aculon 211 10x50.
Got them at Best Buy and they are far and away the best pair I have ever had. Rubber coated too. There are different models and magnifcation you can get, 12 x 50, 8 x 42, etc.

 
Sir Reel said:
I looked at image stablized binoculars as well but a bit too pricey. Have aslo heard that the Canon is a good brand.
I dont think image stabilization would work that well on a small boat. Too much bouncing most of the time. More for a small yacht like 40 or 50 feet.

So I decided to get a good pair of normal binoculars and after doing a bit of research settled on the Nikon Aculon 211 10x50.
Got them at Best Buy and they are far and away the best pair I have ever had. Rubber coated too. There are different models and magnifcation you can get, 12 x 50, 8 x 42, etc.

Click to expand...
those looks awesome and great price! but I think @Sir Reel @Rain City @Sttr all need to mount telescopes on their command bridges and wear a pirate hat while using it! lol :P
 
I love good binocs.
When I get off the water, I drive around in my truck at 9 knots, head on a swivel and if I see something interesting, I reach down to pull up the binocs. Then I realize I'm in my truck on the main drag in town.
 
Sir Reel said:
I looked at image stablized binoculars as well but a bit too pricey. Have aslo heard that the Canon is a good brand.
I dont think image stabilization would work that well on a small boat. Too much bouncing most of the time. More for a small yacht like 40 or 50 feet.

So I decided to get a good pair of normal binoculars and after doing a bit of research settled on the Nikon Aculon 211 10x50.
Got them at Best Buy and they are far and away the best pair I have ever had. Rubber coated too. There are different models and magnifcation you can get, 12 x 50, 8 x 42, etc.

Click to expand...
I find the 10x50 a little hard to hold steady. The Canon 8x50 binos we used to have had great optics the only complaint I had with them is that they didn't float.
 
Sir Reel said:
I looked at image stablized binoculars as well but a bit too pricey. Have aslo heard that the Canon is a good brand.
I dont think image stabilization would work that well on a small boat. Too much bouncing most of the time. More for a small yacht like 40 or 50 feet.

So I decided to get a good pair of normal binoculars and after doing a bit of research settled on the Nikon Aculon 211 10x50.
Got them at Best Buy and they are far and away the best pair I have ever had. Rubber coated too. There are different models and magnifcation you can get, 12 x 50, 8 x 42, etc.

Click to expand...
Sweet thanks!

I also just found them for cheaper on Amazon.

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 10x50 Binocular (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00B7LQARS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_7X6TBREGAHS56W3TK02P
 
sasqman said:
Sweet thanks!

I also just found them for cheaper on Amazon.

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 10x50 Binocular (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00B7LQARS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_7X6TBREGAHS56W3TK02P
Click to expand...
thx guys. I just ordered a pair of these Nikon's on amazon so that I've got something on my boat for now. Thanks for sharing the info. looks like they have good reviews. I'll continue to look for a good pair of image stabilization ones as well but at least i'll have some time to search now.
 
Last_Call said:
thx guys. I just ordered a pair of these Nikon's on amazon so that I've got something on my boat for now. Thanks for sharing the info. looks like they have good reviews. I'll continue to look for a good pair of image stabilization ones as well but at least i'll have some time to search now.
Click to expand...
Ordered for myself as well. Can't beat the price.
 
i have some leupold gold ring 10/42 I use for hunting, I find hard to focus with on a boat, for just boat use I would go 8x32. If you a bit shaky like me you will see what I mean lol
 
I am on the water most days looking for whales and marine life etc. I have owned a lot of binos and I thought I would roll the dice with a chinese pair.

The quality of the glass is off the charts considering the price. I have Image stabilized binos and IS Canon camera lenses and these binos out perform them all ! quite heavy but can't say enough good things about them! I am in Victoria if you want to check them out.

Brian www.OakBayTours.com
 
Last edited:
Besides looking at cell screens, I have found that use of binos is a sure way for a guest/buddy to get nausea ;-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

smokedvw
Determining my next boat and looking for help (17' DE/Hurston, 185 DE, Campion 542, Hewes Sea Runner 180 etc)
Replies
17
Views
6K
Aces
Aces
Elton "Roy" Hyland
A small blog for those wanting to purchase a boat.
Replies
13
Views
3K
Elton "Roy" Hyland
Elton "Roy" Hyland
Back
Top