I'm looking for advice on buying binoculars for coastal sailing.
1) What magnification should I get?
2) What things/features should I be looking for?
3) Any brand or model suggestions?
Regards
John
For any sailing, Steiner 7x50 Commander Race Edition. It cost a fortune but so what?
This is with compass, so it is not just brilliant - literally - even at night but is the perfect weapon for piloting.
Will take it to my grave, too!
Would not touch anything else.
Haha I could not justify adding the compass but now I think about it would be handy. The only problem is that I spilt outboard fuel on the rubber coating and its slowely after time melting . I emailed the dude in Germany and he informed me it's not replaceable so I have peeled most of the rubber off.
The usual standard for sailing is 7x50, ie. seven times magnification with a 50 mm lens.
That specification usually results with a bulky binoc.
I have a Yashica 8x40 binocular which is a very handy size.
Compass overlay, night vision and auto focussing are the latest fad but I tend to think we may have outsmarted our selves.
Binoculars require adjustment to eye offset and each eye focus. When somebody else picks up YOUR binocular and adjusts it to their vision, it is near enough reason to wrap a winch handle around their head.
DON'T TOUCH MY NOCS!!!
On a rocking boat, as most of us are observibing from, high magnificatioin becomes fairly useless.
I tend to think that a back pocket telescope may be a better tool than binoculars. Quick and easy, only one eye focus.
Wanted to buy:- Quality handheld telescope. Where??
Well, for the unwashed masses l kept my old hunting binocular a Tasco 8x20 to use. It is good enough for quick day time observations.
The Steiner is off limit for crew or guest.
How on earth did fuel get to the binocs?
The Tasco you mentioned is interesting, though anything is a poor choice compared to the Steiners, they are sooooo good.
I use half a 7 x50 binocular. One of the 30 to 50 year old Japanese brands! I had two binoculars, a 7 x 50 and a 10 x 50 that have had a drop at sometime and got out of alignment. I pulled them down and made 4 monoculars. One half has the focus control and the other has a fixed focus with washers as shims. One stays at the house, one on the yacht and the other two live in my cars.
In a seaway I can stand and hold myself secure with my left hand. I hold the monocular with my right hand with the prism hard against my cheek I find it's quite stable. You can also use the other eye to get a quick alignment amongst the waves.
OK, what is the best binocular for the budget conscious bay or coastal sailor who is on a...budget?
Select to expand quoteAshleyM said..
OK, what is the best binocular for the budget conscious bay or coastal sailor who is on a...budget?
www.ebay.com/i/391926191075?rt=nc
I never " got around" to buying binoculars before i left for my trip north,on the way out the door i realised i didnt have any. I grabbed my grandfathers ww2 naval binoculars and found them great dispite there age. Any thing is better than nothing, get something to suit your budget.
Select to expand quoteAshleyM said..
OK, what is the best binocular for the budget conscious bay or coastal sailor who is on a...budget?
Pretty sure I have a standard Kinglux binocular I have been using the last 15 years, which has worked fine.
www.whitworths.com.au/binoc-7x5owp-bl-blk
Yashica 8x40 wide. By modern standards a little heavy but still as sharp as ever even with my old eyes.
