Binoculars have evolved from the time when they could only help you enjoy bird-watching or stargazing. Today, with the right tool, you can even see through the water and marvel at the beauty of the marine ecosystem.
This is when a marine binocular comes into place. But do you know which factors you have to consider when searching for the best marine binoculars?
First of all, it’s the water-resistance level. A high-quality marine binocular must be able to endure the underwater environment, thus preventing it from getting ruined should it come into contact with the water.
Secondly, let’s not forget the front lenses. The bigger a lens is, the more light it could collect, so you can see the reflections in better quality. However, if you are snorkeling, you might want something with a compact lens, or else it can get bulky and cumbersome to move around.
And finally, the quality of the optics is not to be missed. Remember, this is a marine binocular, which means you may want to bring it into the water. Cheaply made optics will sure suffer from the ATM, trust us! Make sure you pay attention to what kind of optics your binocular has. You do not want to spoil your experience with water-leaked optics and low magnification, do you?
A Table Of Comparison Among The Best Marine Binoculars
| Product | Clarity | Brightness | Ease of adjustment | Construction quality | Comfort | Close focus range | Field of view | Brand & warranty | Price |
| Wingspan | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | $137.92 |
| Bushnell waterproof | 9/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | $89.99 |
| Carson | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | $284.24 |
| Bushnell Legacy | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | $77.99 |
| ZEISS | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | $929 |
A Review Of The Best Marine Binoculars
1. Wingspan Professional Binocular – best for those with a medium budget
Price: $137.92
Clarity: 8/10
Brightness: 9/10
Ease of adjustment: 8/10
Construction quality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Close focus range: 8/10
Field of view: 9/10
Brand & warranty: 10/10
On top of my list today is a product from Wingspan – designed to be an ideal choice for customers with a medium budget. Let’s see what this pair of binocular has to offer!
What strikes us at first is the exclusive structure of Wingspan binocular. The field of view is wide enough to cover a vast area, with a close focus for the highest quality possible. You can see in great details little marine creatures even if they are from 1000 yards out. Wow!
We are also particularly impressed at the quality of the binocular’s HD optics. The diameter of the lenses goes up to 42mm, multi-coated by phase-correction for the brightest reflection. In case you need to zoom out, let’s not forget the 8X magnification!
Another reason why you should try out the Wingspan binocular is its waterproofness. The whole lenses are filled with nitrogen, while the body of the binocular is carefully sealed to avoid moisture coming in. Even if you are walking under heavy rain, you can still bring along your binocular without fearing it may get ruined.
Still, we think Wingspan might need to adjust its right eye diopter. Some customers have complained about the diopter’s awkward position, which can make the whole viewing experience a bit off-putting.
In short, Wingspan is an excellent choice if you are looking for a medium-end, high-quality binocular next time you take a voyage!
Pros:
- Wingspan binocular is waterproof and fog-proof.
- Wingspan binocular has an 8X magnification power.
- Wingspan binocular has a 2-meter close focus.
Cons:
- Wingspan binocular has no attached manual.
- Wingspan binocular’s right eye diopter is oddly positioned.
2. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular – best for affordability
Price: $89.99
Clarity: 9/10
Brightness: 9/10
Ease of adjustment: 7/10
Construction quality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Close focus range: 7/10
Field of view: 7/10
Brand & warranty: 8/10
Next up, we will have a look at a binocular coming from Bushnell. In case you have to tighten your belt, this is the product that deserves your attention.
Bushnell makes sure it is one of the best marine binoculars by providing an O-ring seal and a nitrogen-filled lens, which prevents water and fog from breaking into the device. Furthermore, the manufacturers have used high-quality, non-slip rubber pads to cover the body of the product. Rest assured that your H2O binocular will stay firmly in your hands, even if you are in a marine environment.
You may also be glad to know that Bushnell optimizes its user experience by featuring BaK-4 prisms, which offers a clear view. The exit pupil is 4.2 mm, so the light transmission can reach its highest level, offering a sharp HD reflection.
However, we do think that there is still room for improvement in this Bushnell binocular. While the lens quality is good enough for brightly lit environments, it is not sufficient enough if you are in the dark. The view might get narrower, and the image might not be as sharp.
But still, we would say that for something under $100, Bushnell makes a worthwhile product. If you need something affordable, go for this little babe!
Pros:
- Bushnell binocular has a non-slip rubber armour.
- Bushnell binocular is 100% waterproof.
- Bushnell binocular comes with a neck strap for easier carriage.
Cons:
- Bushnell binocular functions poorly in the dark.
- Bushnell binocular has cheaply made bottom lens caps.
3. Carson 3D Binocular – Best marine binoculars for quality
Price: $284.24
Clarity: 9/10
Brightness: 9/10
Ease of adjustment: 8/10
Construction quality: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Close focus range: 9/10
Field of view: 9/10
Brand & warranty: 10/10
Are you someone with a professional interest in marine lives? If so, you should consider buying a Carson 3D binocular.
The most distinctive feature of Carson 3D binocular is probably its magnifying lens of up to 10X power. The objective lens comes with an extra-long eye-relief, so even people wearing spectacles will feel at ease while using this beast.
To give you the highest-quality reflections, Carson incorporates dielectric coated components. The resolution, the color, and the sharpness of each image are greatly enhanced by the phase-corrected prisms. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
What is more, purchasing of Carson 3D binocular means you can get a deluxe pack of accessories. There are a carry case and a neck strap for better portability. You will also have the lens covers and then lens cloth, so that your objective lenses can retain its performance for a long time.
Sadly, we would say that the singular locking position on the eyecups of the Carson binocular is a disappointment. Other brands like Nikon or Maven have up to three locking positions, which can enhance the stabilization of the binocular. Phew!
Apart from that minor flaw, Carson is still very much a high-end product for those of you who need a supreme binocular.
Pros:
- Carson binocular has several attached accessories.
- Carson binocular has an ergonomic design for a firm grip.
- Carson binocular can be attached to a tripod through an adapter.
Cons:
- Carson binocular’s neck strap is easy to fall out.
- There are no lens covers in this product.
4. Bushnell Legacy Binocular – best for price
Price: $77.99
Clarity: 8/10
Brightness: 8/10
Ease of adjustment: 8/10
Construction quality: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10
Close focus range: 7/10
Field of view: 7/10
Brand & warranty: 8/10
The next item we want to introduce is the Legacy binocular from Bushnell. This model comes in three different sizes, but most of their features are the same. So what are they?
First, the durable construction of the Bushnell Legacy is something not to be missed. The armour is made from rugged rubber, which ensures a strong grip for you.
What’s more, the objective lenses of the binocular is multi-coated with the BaK-4 prisms, thus guaranteeing an uninterrupted light flow. You will experience a much sharper reflection thanks to this feature. Wonderful, right?
However, do not expect Bushnell Legacy to be perfect. Despite the wide field of view, a blackout can still happen if you move your eyes too much to the left or the right. There, most of the images reflected will go dark.
But since blackout is a common problem for all binoculars, we think it is still forgivable. If you want a cost-saving, yet highly functional binocular, then Bushnell Legacy is for you.
Pros:
- Bushnell Legacy is waterproof and fog-proof.
- Bushnell Legacy has a porro prism construction for better viewing quality.
- Bushnell Legacy comes with a neck strap, lens covers, and a carrying case.
Cons:
- Bushnell Legacy has a slightly off-putting smell.
- The shoulder strap of the Bushnell Legacy is awkwardly positioned.
5. ZEISS Conquest Binocular – best for professional users
Price: $929
Clarity: 10/10
Brightness: 10/10
Ease of adjustment: 9/10
Construction quality: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Close focus range: 9/10
Field of view: 9/10
Brand & warranty: 9/10
Finally is a binocular from ZEISS Conquest. If you want to engage in nature observation as a pro, then ZEISS Conquest is your best bet.
This model comes in different sizes, so we will review the smallest size for your preference. The optics of this binocular is of excellent quality thanks to its HD lens system. The color rendition is optimized, combined with the T-premium lens coating for the sharpness reflections.
Furthermore, the external lens coatings are made from LotuTec – a special material designed to cast away any moisture and scratches. ZEISS Conquest is a product built to last.
Yet, you may want to know that the attached objective lens covers are a joke. They keep falling out of place, so you might want to throw them away because they are useless.
Still, ZEISS Conquest is a beast in the binocular industry. If you can afford it, go and see how it works!
Pros:
- ZEISS Conquest offers a sharp and clear image.
- ZEISS Conquest has an ergonomic design.
- ZEISS Conquest is waterproof and fog-proof.
Cons:
- The price of the ZEISS Conquest is exorbitant.
- ZEISS Conquest has poorly designed lens covers and eye-relief.
Final Thought
Next time you take a snorkeling trip, or a short cruise, remember to bring along a marine binocular. Having the best marine binoculars by your side can greatly improve how you view the underwater world.
Do you think our article has been of great help? Send it over to your friends and see how they think!