Waterproof Binoculars

J S · 05 July 2006, 15:25

Hi

Does any one know where to get a decent set of waterproof binoculars or a monocular i am thinking it would be good to have one on the boat.

Does any one else carry them on board

James

codprawn · 05 July 2006, 15:36

Binocs very usefull to carry on board. 7x50 traditional porro prism types are the best - optimum light gathering and you don't want over 7x mag as you will never hold them still.

I have a lovely pair of Steiners with a built in compass - never use them though cos they are so expensive!!! Tend to use my cheapies instead - no compass but then again I have my Raymarine.....

Scary Des · 05 July 2006, 15:46

these are good value for money, stay on the boat all the time and so for no probs, had them for three years

Des

J S · 05 July 2006, 16:10

Thanks Des they look good Reasonable price too. What does everyone think to these. I like the look of the ones with a built in compasses as i have not got one on my boat yet. http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...b-08b3973bad9e

I really like the colour

codprawn · 05 July 2006, 16:12

All gadgets are great to deal with - had my steiners from them.

codprawn · 05 July 2006, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by J S

Thanks Des they look good Reasonable price too. What does everyone think to these. I like the look of the ones with a built in compasses as i have not got one on my boat yet. http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...b-08b3973bad9e

I really like the colour

Look rather exspensive to me - would go for the ones Des has suggested.

if you are paying that sort of money you may as well get these.

http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ag/produ...pf%5Fid=AG3902

Poly · 05 July 2006, 16:38

I have these:

http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/m...t_Code=PL40562
was given them as a present (after destroying a set of non waterproof ones), they do the job, and are about the cheapest you can get that are waterproof and float.

to be honest was a little sceptical about the need for bins - but have used them several times to work out what that bouy in the distance is!

wasn't convinced they needed to be waterproof - but destroyed a perfectly good set of bins the first trip out when salt crystalised on the inside of the lenses.

MikeCC · 05 July 2006, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scary Des

these are good value for money, stay on the boat all the time and so for no probs, had them for three years

Des

Plenty in stock - go on support another RibNet member!

Also have the yellow ones that Polwart suggested: here

Also stock the Bynolyt SearRangers as used by RNLI.

Whatever you get, I strongly recommend you get a float strap if there's not one included in the box.

Mike

mdt · 05 July 2006, 16:48

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product...1&r=2157&g=121

if you 7x50 and cheep and don't mind yellow

don't float but use the neck strap and you should be fine

rbw156 · 05 July 2006, 17:18

IMHO Steiner are the best, eg:

http://www.compass24.com/cgi-bin/abn...rnliste=114450

However, I bought these as they are much cheaper and ideal for my use:

http://www.compass24.com/cgi-bin/abn...rnliste=658806

Northern Tim · 05 July 2006, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeCC

Plenty in stock - go on support another RibNet member!

Also have the yellow ones that Polwart suggested: here

Also stock the Bynolyt SearRangers as used by RNLI.

Whatever you get, I strongly recommend you get a float strap if there's not one included in the box.

Mike

Ok Mike, does this mean that you might sell a float strap separately, as your website says that you only sell it with a pair of bins!

I've seen something similar for handheld VHF as well, do you stock them?

Tim

Jeff Pike · 05 July 2006, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeCC

Also stock the Bynolyt SearRangers as used by RNLI.

Whatever you get, I strongly recommend you get a float strap if there's not one included in the box.

Mike

Go along with that. Bynolyt SeaRanger. Nice bright image, inbuilt compass, rangerfinder (probably will never use this bit), waterproof, rubber armoured & plastic caps for both ends. Mine came with a float strap.

MikeCC · 05 July 2006, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northern Tim

Ok Mike, does this mean that you might sell a float strap separately, as your website says that you only sell it with a pair of bins!

I've seen something similar for handheld VHF as well, do you stock them?

Tim

Tim,

Generally don't sell the Steiner straps separately but can do. There's 2 types - one is a standard loop through and the other is a clic-loc plug-in thingy.

I do have a couple of non-Steiner ones knocking around - drop me a line if you need one for a modest sum!

Mike

Headhunter · 06 July 2006, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeCC

Tim,

Generally don't sell the Steiner straps separately but can do. There's 2 types - one is a standard loop through and the other is a clic-loc plug-in thingy.

I do have a couple of non-Steiner ones knocking around - drop me a line if you need one for a modest sum!

Mike

Mike

I could do with a flotation strap for my Steiner 111 if you are OK to sell me one please?

John

Carlo · 08 July 2006, 06:45

I bought a pair of Plastimo 7x50 self-focusing binoculars and I can honestly say they are fantastic. You see them around in chandlers, boat-shows, websites and they are incredible value at around £30. Sounds too good to be true but they are amazingly good. Rubberised construction so very tough. I find the self-focusing feature really handy. It means that subjects closer than around 30m can be a bit out of focus but binoculars are generally used for a lot longer distances than that. Really excellent product. I bought a padded case for mine for £5 from a binocular stand at an agricultural show.