Marine binoculars are more than just recreational gadgets. They play a significant role in your safety while at sea as it helps you improve your vision of what’s occurring around you. These devices allow you to zoom into the horizons when boating or sailing to spot and track vessels. For adventurers, marine binoculars make it easy to sea watch and whale watch. Whatever job or adventure takes you to the waters, a pair of marine binoculars comes in handy in viewing bridge numbers, buoys and markers.
That is why it is important to go for one that offers nothing short of the best when it comes to its overall construction, magnification, the field of view, among other features. Below are our top picks for the best marine binoculars in 2022, as well as a detailed buying guide on what features to focus on when buying one.
Best Marine Binoculars In 2025
1. Steiner Commander 7×50 Binoculars
Steiner has a reputation for producing top-tier quality binoculars, and this one is no exception. Judging by its looks, you can tell that it’s built for the long haul. This pair of marine binoculars have a Makrolon housing, featuring a durable polycarbonate with NBR rubber armoring, making it sturdy enough to withstand up to 11Gs of impact.
Its Nano protection and the floating prism system enable the lens to absorb impacts of any kind for maximum durability. And that’s not all; it features an N2 injection where 14-PSI of pressurized nitrogen has been sealed inside the binoculars, making it suitable for any weather.
Its 7X magnification coupled with 50mm lens size offers clear and precise views of your surroundings. What’s more, the high-quality lens glass and coating enhance your views’ clarity. These binoculars also include a memory diopter that allows you to store and indicate your diopter settings for maximum convenience and flexibility.
Another one of its highlights is the included floating padded and bright yellow neck strap, which not only makes it float in case you accidentally drop it but is highly visible due to its bright color. The Clicloc system also allows you to release or harness the neck strap onto the binoculars, just with the push of a button, making it more convenient.
Specifications List
- Magnification:7X
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Eye relief: 20 millimeters
- Size: 8.1 by 6.2 inches
- Weight: 37.9 ounces
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Durable construction
- Floating neck strap
- Wider angle of view
Cons
- The view gets distorted with certain movements.
2 Nikon 7440 OceanPro 7×50 Waterproof Binocular
Our second pick for the best marine binoculars is the Nikon 7440 OceanPro which stands out for its overall construction and image quality.
The Nikon 7440 OceanPro is built with a rigid polycarbonate material for extra durability. The optical tubes have been filled with nitrogen, making them fog proof regardless of your current area’s weather condition. What’s more, it is highly waterproof and features a floatable belt.
The durable rubber armor provides a firm yet comfortable grip even when the binoculars are wet for maximum stability and comfort. Its 7× magnification coupled with the 50mm diameter objective lens and 7.1mm exit pupil, makes it suitable to use in low-light areas. What’s more, this combination also enables you to have clear and distortion-free images, regardless of your movements.
Its anti-reflection multi-colored optics enhance light transmission for brighter and high-contrast images. Another one of its unique features is the central focus knob that allows you to sharpen your images just with a simple turn.
The binoculars also feature BAK-4 prisms that provide a round exit pupil and clear, distortion-free images. Then there’s the 378-feet field of view at 1000 yards that allow you to spot anything without having to scan or move the binoculars.
The 22.7mm eye relief is perfect for users wearing eyeglasses to help them get a full uninterrupted field of view without any dark rings around the objects.
Specifications List
- Magnification:7×
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Eye relief: 22.7mm
- Size: 2.76 by 8.27 by 2.76 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Pros
- Durable construction
- Wider field of view
- Anti-reflection multi-colored optics
- Highly waterproof
- Great for glass wearers
Cons
- The focus knob is too small
3. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fog Proof Military Marine Binocular
There’s no doubt that things have been taken up a notch with the Hooway 7×50 military-grade binoculars. Unlike the first two ones we have reviewed, this one features a built-in illuminated compass that indicates the direction and location and a rangefinder that determines the size of various objects.
However, the rangefinder can be quite misleading as it uses a focus ring and millimeter dots to calculate the size of a particular object.
As expected, it features a durable construction material with an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it perfect for sea sailing. Its optical tubes are filled with nitrogen, preventing the lens from developing fog, regardless of the area you’re sailing.
Its BAK-4 prisms and multi-colored optics provide crisp, clear images with enhanced light transmission. What’s more, it also features a Porro prism system that offers a wider field of view for clearer views without having to move your binoculars.
Specifications List
- Magnification:7×
- Eye relief: 22 millimeters
- Objective lens diameter: 50 millimeters
- Size: 9.45 by 8.66 by 4.69 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
Pros
- Military-grade construction
- In-built illuminated compass and rangefinder
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Non-slip rubber armor for a firm yet comfortable grip
Cons
- You can’t turn the rangefinder or compass off
4. Steiner 575 7×50 Marine Binoculars
Another top-tier marine binocular that offers nothing short of high-quality features and functionality is the Steiner 575 7×50 Marine Binocular.
One of its outstanding capabilities is that it holds your preferred diopter settings without slippage, enhancing your images’ sharpness and clarity, making a great pick for sailors, boaters, and anglers.
Like the Steiner Commander binoculars, it features the Sport Auto Focus system that keeps your images in focus from 20 yards to infinity, consistently providing you with clear images.
Its Makrolon housing, coupled with the polycarbonate material, and NBR rubber armoring, enables the binoculars to withstand up to 11G’s of impact while providing you with a firm yet comfortable grip.
However, all these modifications make it quite heavy, which is quite a downside, especially if you will be wearing it on your neck most of the time. Its Porro prism system and multi-colored lens coatings provide distortion-free images with better light transmission regardless of your movements.
Specifications List
- Magnification: 7×
- Objective lens diameter:50mm
- Eye relief: 20mm
- Size: 5.5 by 8.1 by 3 inches
- Weight: 36.3 ounces
Pros
- NBR rubber armoring
- Makrolon housing
- Sport Auto Focus system
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- It Is quite heavy
5. Fujinon 7×50 WPS-XL Porro Prism Binoculars
The Fujinon 7×50 WPS-XL Porro Prism Binoculars also bring a couple of unique features to the table. For starters, it comes with an in-built nightlight that not only enables you to use it at night but also enables the compass to work perfectly regardless of the lighting situation.
The compass helps in measuring the size of the object, how far it is, and the direction. The binoculars feature Poly-carbonate housing making it one of the lightest models you can get.
It also comes with a foam-filled floating neck strap that enables it to float if you accidentally drop it in the water. The Porro prism system and bright fully-coated optics do a great job of providing clear images with excellent light transmission even when you move.
Specifications List
- Magnification:7×
- Objective lens diameter:50mm
- Eye relief: 18mm
- Size: 3.1 by 13.03 by 9.45 inches
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Bright fully coated optics
- In-built nightlight
- Foam-filled neck strap
Cons
- No image stabilizer.
6. Celestron Oceana 71189-B 7×50 Porro Binoculars
The Celestron Oceana 71189-B 7×50 Porro Binoculars take things a notch higher. Apart from the in-built compass and reticle that helps determine the size and distance of objects, it also features a calculator dial for quick measurements of the distance of various objects or points.
It also features Individual focus eyepieces, enabling you a clear and precise long-distance views. Another one of its highlights is its central focus capability that allows you to share your binoculars without the other person having to readjust the focus level.
We were also impressed by its nightlight that illuminates the compass with a bright yet comfortable blue hue for enhanced comfort and control. And as expected, it features a robust outer casing for maximum durability. Note you will need to turn binoculars to several positions until you find the right angle for the compass to begin dialing in the eyepiece.
Specifications List
- Magnification: 7×
- Objective lens diameter: 50 millimeters
- Eye relief: 22millimeters
- Size: 6.5 by 2.5 by 8 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
Pros
- Bright fully coated optics for enhanced resolution and sharper views
- Center focus capability
- In-built illuminated compass
- Individual focus eyepieces
Cons
- Setting the compass dial can be tricky
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Marine Binoculars
Since binoculars are your second pair of “eyes” while you’re out at sea, it is vital to buy one that not only has excellent features but exceptional performance.
Here’s a rundown of some factors to consider when selecting the best marine binoculars.
Eye Relief
Before buying a pair of binoculars, it is advisable to check their level of eye relief, especially if you’re wearing glasses.
Eye relief is basically the maximum distance between the ocular lens on the binoculars and your eyes when using it.
It is recommendable to go for a pair of binoculars with an eye relief of between 17 and 25mm.
Roof Prism Vs. Porro Prism
As you may have noticed, all the binoculars we have reviewed feature a Porro prism system. This is considered the best one for marine binoculars because the objective lens are more spaced, providing you with a wider angle of view and deeper field of view.
Field Of View
When selecting the perfect marine binoculars to buy, it is also crucial to consider the field of view. Typically, the narrower the field of view, the more challenging it will be to locate what you’re trying to view.
On the other hand, the wider angle of view, the less sharp the images will be, especially around the edges.
Magnification
Most people assume that the higher the level of magnification, the better, but this isn’t entirely true.
In most cases, if your binoculars have higher magnification, the clarity and brightness of your views will deteriorate. What’s more, its depth of field will also become shallow, making it difficult for you to point out the objects you’re viewing.
Binoculars with high magnification levels also tend to be heavier, which is the last thing you would want in this case. So, what is the right magnification range for marine binoculars? Experts recommend choosing one with 7× magnification as it is enough to enlarge the images while keeping them crisp clear.
BAK-4 Vs. BK7 Prisms
These prisms play a significant role in the performance of a pair of binoculars. They allow light to pass through them and exit at the rear of the binoculars, preventing the images from appearing reversed or inverted.
Experts recommend choosing binoculars with a BAK-4 prism system as it is rounder and has better lighting transmission qualities.
Center Focus Vs. Individual Focus
This factor narrows down to the type of situation you will often be in. If you will be sharing your binoculars, then go for a pair with center focus capability. They are easier to use since there’s a focus knob that allows users to adjust the focus level on both eyepieces.
Additional Features
Let’s be honest; who doesn’t like extra features in any gadget they purchase? When it comes to binoculars, some of the additional features to look out for include:
- A compass
- A rangefinder reticle
- A floating neck strap or belt
- A storage case
Conclusion
Marine binoculars go a long way in keeping you aware of what’s happening around you while you are out at sea. That is why it is crucial to choose a pair that is specifically designed for such an environment.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you make a better decision on which is the best marine binoculars for you.