Gear Optics Binoculars

Three Features You Need in a Marine Binocular

A good pair of binoculars meant for open water can do more than just see what’s on the horizon

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Hooway Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars

Hooway 7×50 Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars

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USCAMEL Waterproof Marine Binoculars

USCAMEL 10×50 Marine Binoculars

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Bushnell Waterproof and Fogproof Binoculars

Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars

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The marine environment is rough on equipment. When it comes to optics, a pair of binoculars that might work great for hunting could get trashed onboard a boat, especially in saltwater. But good optics are as important at sea as in the mountains. From common navigation tasks like locating channel markers to spotting gulls diving over bait balls, you need a binocular that won’t fall apart under the demands of safe boating or run-and-gun fishing. Here are a few traits to look for in a dedicated marine binocular.

Hooway Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars

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True marine binoculars usually have a compass integrated into the glass like the Hooway waterproof binoculars, which is helpful for taking a bearing off of critical navigation aids that may go unnoticed to the naked eye. Other marine-binocular features might include a range finder or even stabilization technology, which makes higher-power glass (say above 7x magnification) more functional in the confines of a rocking boat. At the very least, having a compass feature gives you a sense of where you are looking at all times when every direction looks the same.

USCAMEL Marine Binoculars

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If you keep a pair of binoculars on board, there’s a decent chance they are going for a swim at some point. Marine binoculars with a built-in flotation feature increases the likelihood that you can retrieve your glass before surrendering it to Davy Jones’ locker. If they don’t have built-in flotation make sure to attach a small floating buoy in case they fall overboard. These marine binoculars are another awesome waterproof option.

Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars

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If you don’t want to invest in a pair of true marine binoculars, or maybe you spend limited time on the water, at least make sure you are taking aboard waterproof and fog-proof binoculars. The Bushnell H20 Roof Prism binoculars are a great choice for fog-free viewing. They might not do everything real marine binoculars do, but you have the confidence that two of the most destructive features of the marine environment will be sealed out and kept at bay.