This is a video reviewof 7 x 50 Marine Binoculars. Without doubt a bearing compass and a pair of binoculars are to important pieces of equipment for the safe navigation of any vessel.
I enjoy traditional navigation and one of the best ways of obtaining a position fix is by taking compass bearings from an identifiable mark such as a navigation marking or land structure. The bearings are transferred to a chart to attain a fix, A bearing compass can also be used as a means of establishing if there is a risk of collision with another vessel. So, if there is a constant bearing with another vessel there is a risk of collision and action is required. A good marine compass most be robust to survive a harsh marine environment, clearly readable, have the ability to be readable at night and for the compass to be very stable and dampened to combat the affects of the vessels movement.
A good pair of binoculars are essential to be able to identify distant markings, other vessels and objects before the vessel is put in a position of peril. A pair of binoculars for marine usage must have various characteristics; generally the size of the binoculars is 7 x 50. The 7 relates to the magnification of the binoculars, less than seven the magnification is not strong enough and more than seven the magnification is so high that it makes it difficult to look at an object because the movement of the vessel is also magnified. Therefore 7 magnification is considered to be ideal for marine usage. The 50 relates to the size of the lens at the front of the binoculars, as the larger the lens the more light is let into the binoculars making for low light and night usage. The clarity of the lens is further enhanced by the coatings on the lens. A good pair of marine binoculars would be robust and water resistant being commonly gas filled to keep out moisture.
What better than combining both a compass and binoculars so it is possible to identify distant objects and take a baring at the same time.
These binoculars are considered to be high end marine binoculars, but are not as good as would be expected for the smaller vessel skipper. While both these binoculars are 7 x 50 with good lens coatings, I found that the Bushnell is not very robust and the compass is not dampened enough for a small vessel. Probably ok for a large vessel with stabilizers. I have found that the Steiner is more robust and the compass is better dampened and more usable, although again better for the larger stabilized vessel.
Since the making of this video the Steiner binoculars have been replaced with a new model which have not been tested at the time of writing this post.
For the small vessel I would suggest the best option would be a pair of 7 x 50 marine binoculars and a hand held compass.
Amazon Links to these binoculars; (Amazon Affiliate)
Click on this image to view on Amazon.
The binoculars in the review video has been discontinued and replaced with this model which has not been tested at the time of writing.
Click on this image to view on Amazon.
Bushnell Marine 7×50 Binoculars with compass: (Amazon Affiliate)
Click this image to link to Amazon
This is a link to the hand held marine compass that I use.
Click on the image to link to this product on Amazon.
This is a link to the Steiner marine 7 x 50 binoculars.
