Best Marine Binocular in 2023 (Top 14 Picks)

The Bushnell Marine 7*50 Waterproof Marine Binocular tops our list of the best marine binocular in 2023. These binoculars feature quality optics of Bak-4 prism glass with stunning HD to enhance clarity and visibility, as well as non-skid rubber armor that provides a comfortable grip. They are made of quality materials and can work even in extreme environments. Our second pick is the West Marine- Coastal 400 7 x 50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars. These feature a BAK-44 Porro prism giving you bright, clear pictures. They also have an IPX7 Waterproof certification and are nitrogen charged, so they can be submerged for about 30 minutes without the fog and water getting in the internal lens surface. Its attached lens caps and rubber-armored body increases efficiency.

Adventure lovers understand the importance of seeing the world as they cruise around open waters. A pair of marine binoculars will help you spot things in the distance. To relieve you of the hassle of analyzing thousands of binoculars in the market today, we’ve compiled the top 14 finest binoculars in 2023.

14 Best Marine Binoculars

1. Best Overall Marine Binoculars-Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binocular 
2. Best For Harsh Outdoor Activities-West Marine- Coastal 400 7 x 50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars 
3. Best For Everyday Use-Promariner Weekender 7×50 Marine Binoculars
4. Best For Affordable Marine Binoculars-Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars
5. Best For Onboard Marine Use-Promariner Watersport 7×50 Marine Binoculars
6. Best for 10x Magnification-West Marine Shoreline 10 x 50 Waterproof Binoculars
7. Best Fujinon Marine Binoculars For 16x Magnification-Fujinon 16×40 Stabiscope Gyro Stabilized Binoculars 
8. Best for Zooming-Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars
9. Best for Coastal Cruising-Nikon OceanPro CF 7x50mm Global Compass Binoculars
10. Best for Active Sailors-Steiner Commander 7×50 Binoculars
11. Best for 7x Magnification-Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars
12. Best for Navigation Binos-Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX
13. Best for Hunting-Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Floating Binoculars
14. Best for Entry Level-Celestron Oceana 7×50 Binoculars

1. Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binocular 

Best Overall Marine Binoculars

Key Features:

• Made of 100% waterproof and durable materials
• Features wide field of view with HD quality
• Bak-4 prism glass offers the best clarity on open water

The Bushnell 750 marine binocular is corrosion-resistant and waterproof, and it is designed for use in severe environments. This long-lasting, fog-free marine binocular has a non-skid rubber armor that makes it easy to use and comfortable grip.

It’s not just O-ring sealed and coated in rubber ‘armor’ to absorb stress while giving a tighter non-slip grip for wet-handed usage, but it’s also nitrogen purged to avoid fogging. The Porro prism system with Bak-4 prism glass provides the greatest image clarity and range in open seas.

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2. West Marine- Coastal 400 7 x 50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars 

Best For Harsh Outdoor Activities

Key Features:

• Has a nitrogen-charged inside to prevent fogging on the internal lens surface
• Features a BAK-4 Porro prism for bright, crisp pictures throughout the whole field of view
• Has a rubber-armored body that provides excellent shock resistance 
• Has an IPX7 Waterproof certification and can be submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter.

The Coastal 400 marine binoculars are a small, light, and handy set of waterproof marine binoculars ideal for sailing or other harsh outdoor activities. It is very simple to operate, with the internal center focus is simple to change, improved waterproofing, and a sleek look.

It also features a Nitrogen-charged inside to prevent fogging on the internal lens surface. This marine binocular has a high image quality, and a rubber-coated body for stress resistance, thanks to its BAK-4 prisms.

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3. Promariner Weekender 7×50 Marine Binoculars

Best For Everyday Use

Key Features:

• Has a sleek and stylish design
• Features a center-focused and green Coated Lenses
• Has BAK 4 Prisms for clear and bright images 

The ProMariner Weekender Water-Resistant marine binoculars feature a sleek, thin design that is ideal for daily usage. It includes attached lens caps, which means there’s one less item to misplace or drop overboard.

The BAK-4 prism lenses are green-coated to reduce glare and offer clear, high-contrast pictures.

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4. Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars

Best For Affordable Marine Binoculars

Key Features:

• Features variable zoom options make target acquisition easier
• Has single focus knob for easy use
• Has a reticle rangefinder and digital illuminated compass for an affordable pair of marine binoculars
• Compact, light-weight design

The finest item you can buy at a very budget-friendly price is BARSKA Deep Sea Waterproof Floating Binoculars.

This waterproof and fog proof marine binocular has an internal rangefinder and an illuminated compass is suitable for all-weather conditions. Furthermore, they float on water in the instance that they are dropped overboard.

These American binoculars check all the boxes for O-ring sealed waterproofing, nitrogen purged guts, non-slip rubberized exterior, illuminated compass, and multi-coated lenses that provide a clear picture.

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5. Promariner Watersport 7×50 Marine Binoculars 

Best For Onboard Marine Use

Key Features:

• Made of waterproof and fog proof materials
• Features a BAK 4 prisms for crisp images
• Has ruby coated lenses and is center-focused

The rubber-coated quality binoculars from ProMariner Binoculars are ideal for onboard usage. It has BAK4 prisms used in its ruby-coated lenses for excellent light retention and glare reduction, producing a bright image. 

ProMariner Marine Binocular is also nitrogen-filled, fog-proof, and completely waterproof. Best of all, if they’re thrown overboard, they’ll float.

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6. West Marine Shoreline 10 x 50 Waterproof Binoculars

Best for 10x Magnification

Key Features:

• Has a magnification of 10x
• Made of Rhino tough rubber armor with high protection from shock and damage
• Has nitrogen inside so it will not fog up as the temperature changes
• Has twist-up eyecups with up to 18mm of eye relief
• Waterproof binoculars

West Marine’s latest edition of the Shoreline 10 x 50 Binoculars may be your best choice from daylight to low light conditions. Because these are compact binoculars, they are very easy to grab and go.

These binoculars include several layers of optical lens coating for excellent light transmission, picture sharpness, and color accuracy. The lenses are built to the IPX7 Waterproof Standard and can withstand immersion in water at a depth of 1 meter for not more than 30 minutes.

What’s more, it features twist-up eyecups with up to 18mm of eye relief that may be adjusted to suit the curve of your face. Because the soft rubber avoids scratching, you may even place it if you are wearing glasses right against the eyecups.

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7. Fujinon 16×40 Stabiscope Gyro Stabilized Binoculars 

Best Fujinon Marine Binoculars For 16x Magnification

Key Features: 

• Stabilization works with binoculars pointed in any direction
• Accepts optional haze eyepiece filters
• Designed for either left- or right-hand use
• Has a Peel-down-type eyecups
• Enhanced 16x magnification

Rotational stabilization is used in the image-stabilized Fujinon 16×40 S1640D Stabiscope Binoculars to counteract any motions imparted to the binoculars, whether from unsteady hands or rushing boats. 

The Stabiscope may be pointed straight up or down and still provide steady viewing. With a minimum distance of 167′, these image-stabilized binoculars are intended for longer-distance observation. 

Optional attachments include polarizing filters and eyecups, and this Stabiscope marine binocular may be used with either left or right hands.

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8. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars

Best for Zooming

Key Features: 

• 12x magnification ratio
• Superb image stabilization
• Highly portable
• It has a doublet field-flattener 
• Outstanding image resolution

When you need a small, light-weight, and powerful binocular, the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binocular is an excellent choice. With a 12x magnification and 36mm objective lenses, these binoculars provide clear and bright images that are perfect for birdwatching, hunting, and more. 

And, with Canon’s Image Stabilization technology, you’ll be able to get sharp, steady images even when you’re on the move. The binoculars also have an improved power efficiency that helps to reduce battery consumption.

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9. Nikon OceanPro CF 7x50mm Global Compass Binoculars

Best for Coastal Cruising

Key Features: 

• 7x magnification
• 50mm objective lenses
• Anti-reflection multi-coated optics
• 380′ field of view at 1000 yards
• Floating neck strap

You’ll appreciate the wide field of view and bright, sharp image these Nikon OceanPro CF 7x50mm Global Compass Binoculars provide. And, you’ll be able to follow moving objects more easily with the 7x magnification. 

The BAK4 Porro prism optical path offers a wide depth of field for easy subject acquisition and tracking. And the multi-coated optics improve light transmission for brighter high-contrast images. Furthermore, these binoculars also offer a global compass with a reticle for taking bearings and a floating neck strap.

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10. Steiner Commander 7×50 Binoculars

Best for Active Sailors

Key Features: 

• rubber-armored coating
• NANO PROTECTION
• HD OPTICS
• Delivers 3D images

There’s a reason Steiner is the preferred optics choice of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Commander 7×50 marine binoculars are rugged, reliable and offer superior image quality, even in low-light or foggy conditions. 

With their rubber-armored coating and shock-resistant polycarbonate housing, they can withstand the rigors of life on the water. And their Sports-Auto Focus system keeps images sharp and clear, from 20 yards to infinity, without the need for constant refocusing. 

So whether you’re navigating choppy waters or enjoying a day out on the boat, the Commander 7×50 binoculars will help you make the most of your time on the water.

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11. Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars

Best for 7x Magnification

Key Features: 

• Non-slip rubber armor 
• Internal rangefinder for determining distance 
• Completely waterproof binoculars
• Nitrogen-purged fog proof binoculars
• Built in compass
• Impressive field of view

The Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars are perfect for anyone who loves being out on the water. You’ll be able to see clearly with the 7x magnification and 50mm objective lens. 

And its exit pupil is 6.8mm, so you’ll have no problem seeing it in low light conditions. Its impressive field of view will let you spot any potential danger or enjoy the beauty of the ocean. 

The nitrogen-purged fog proofing means you won’t have to worry about the binoculars fogging up in humid or wet conditions. And the waterproofing means they can even float if you drop them in the water. 

The built in compass and rangefinder are a great addition for anyone who wants to be able to navigate or find their way back to their boat. The Hooway Marine Binoculars are a great choice for anyone who loves being out on the water.

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12. Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX

Best for Navigation Binos

Key Features: 

• A rubber armor on an all-metal housing
• Nitrogen-purged waterproof 
• Fog proof lenses
• EBC multi-coatings
• Has a 7.5° field of view

With Fujinon Polaris binoculars, witness the world in a different light. The Fujinon Polaris series is one of the most popular binocular lines ever created. These binoculars offer an amazing value with their high-quality optics and rugged construction. 

The Fujinon Polaris 7×50 FMTRC-SX is the best military-specification 7×50 porro prism binocular that Fujinon offers. This binocular has a 7.5° field of view and is nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and fog proof. 

And the optical surfaces are coated with EBC multi-coatings, which produce amazing quality. It has an Interpupillary adjustment range of 56-74mm and a thick, protective rubber armor covering all-metal housing. With this binocular, you’ll see the world in a whole new light.

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13. Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Floating Binoculars

Best for Hunting

Key Features: 

• Waterproof
• It has a rangefinder and directional compass
• Hunting optics binoculars
• Features a rugged rubber armor

The Barska Deep Sea Floating Binoculars are the perfect choice for those who want to take their marine adventures to the next level. With fully multicoated optics and BAK-4 prisms, you’ll enjoy luminous images with increased clarity. 

And, if you should happen to drop them in the water, no worries! They float on the surface, thanks to their special design. Plus, with an internal rangefinder and directional compass, you’ll always know where you are and where you’re going.

Best of all, the rugged rubber armor provides a non-slip grip, making them easier to use in wet and slippery conditions. So, whether you’re sailing the high seas or just exploring your local waterways, the Barska Binoculars will help you make the most of your experience.

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14. Celestron Oceana 7×50 Binoculars

Best for Entry Level

Key Features: 

• Illuminated Compass built-in for direction location
• Fully Multi-Coated
• Waterproof and Fogproof with nitrogen purging
• Calculator Dial for quick distance measurement
• Tripod adapter fitting for tripod mounting 

Celestron Oceana 7×50 Binoculars are perfect for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, whether on a boat, at the beach, or just enjoying a nature hike. 

They’re perfect for spotting wildlife or admiring the scenery with fully multi-coated lenses for maximum resolution and high contrast views.

And because they’re waterproof and fog-proof with nitrogen purging, you can use them in any weather conditions. Plus, the rubber-covered exterior provides protection and a firm grip, and the built-in compass and reticle display make it easy to locate direction and distance.

For even more stability, there’s a tripod adapter fitting so you can mount the binoculars on a tripod.

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What Makes Marine Binoculars Different?

Field of View

The breadth of a field of view is usually measured in feet or meters from a fixed location. Field of view defines the horizontal picture seen while gazing through a binocular without moving the same.

The field of view is measured in feet when it is 1000 yards or meters away. Each degree of vision is equivalent to 52.5 feet at 1000 yards.

It is important to remember that the magnification and field of view are inversely related. When magnification rises, the area of vision of the marine binocular diminishes, resulting in a narrower picture. And so, it is necessary to have the broadest field of view possible while using binoculars.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter

Binoculars are classified by numbers, like, for example, the 7×50. While the first number represents the magnification, the second number represents the lens diameter.

At sea, it is clear that the higher the magnification, the more information we can receive via our eyes. However, it should be noted that as the magnification rises, it becomes more difficult to maintain an item in focus, causing it to blur as the brightness decreases. 

A higher lens is needed to enhance the brightness of the picture to avoid a decrease in brightness. As a result,  cautious magnification of 7×50 marine binoculars and an objective lens diameter of 50mm are recommended.

Waterproof/Fog proof Binoculars

Given the severe environment in which binoculars are used, they must be waterproof and fog-resistant. 

High-end marine binoculars are waterproofed by sealing all of the openings with O-rings. It helps to keep dust and moisture out of the binocular body. However, although waterproof, they are inherently fog-proof; water may still condense on the lens’s exterior.

More so, some excellent binoculars include a waterproof function that lasts until a particular submersion depth and duration, as stated on the binocular.

Focus

Marine binoculars are usually produced in two configurations: center and individual focus or fixed focus. The center-focus binoculars are the most popular kind on the market.

It has a central focus knob that can simultaneously adjust the focus on both eyepieces. This conventional binocular is helpful if you share it with the rest of the crew, as everyone can adjust focus according to their needs. On the other hand, the majority of maritime people prefer individual eyepiece focus.  

Compass

A built-in compass is included in a few marine binoculars on the market. While looking through the binoculars, they show a superimposed compass right below the picture.

An integrated compass is extremely useful when watching a vessel from a distance and knowing its orientation. From a vessel’s safety standpoint, the compass function is beneficial.

Nitrogen Filled

Nitrogen prevents moisture from entering the binocular. It means you can use your binoculars whether it’s raining or when you’re swimming or diving in the water. Other impurities such as dust, dirt, fungi, and corrosion are all resistant to nitrogen, which keeps your binoculars extremely clean from the inside. 

Moreover, nitrogen ensures that no fungus or corrosion grows in your binoculars when mistreated, such as when kept in a wet area without any protective measures. Thus, many marine binoculars filled with nitrogen are very sturdy and safe from these elements. 

Frequently Asked Questions