Best Binoculars for Paddle Boarding
Binoculars are an important tool for paddle boarding. Whether you are paddle boarding in the ocean, river, lake or any other water body, a decent pair of binoculars will make your expedition better and more fun. You will be able to identify birds at a distance or get closer to marine creatures.
However, the trick is finding the best binoculars for paddle boarding. With so many models to choose from, finding a pair that meets your specific needs can be a daunting task. To help, we have a detailed list of 7 best binoculars for paddle boarding. Let’s take a look.
7 Best Binoculars for Paddle Boarding-Our Top Choices
-
Steiner 7×50 Navigator Pro Binocular
The Steiner 7×50 Navigator Pro Binocular is a marine standard binocular suitable for multiple applications among them paddle boarding. It’s made with premium quality optics which produce brilliant and clear as crystal images in all lighting conditions.
Featuring 7x magnification, this binocular brings distant objects 7 times closer. This moderate optical power provides a wide and unobstructed field of view for easy tracking of marine creatures and other boats even in rough water. It also features an autofocus system that maintains focus from 65’ to infinity.
To hold up to weather elements, this unit has a durable Makrolon housing which is both impact and temperature resistant. The NBR rubber armoring provides a slip-resistant grip even when your hands are wet and shields the binocular from oil, dirt, acid and weathering. More importantly, the optical tubes and filled with nitrogen to provide reliable fog proof and waterproof performance.
Features
- 7x magnification
- NBR rubber armoring
- 50mm objective lens
- Rain protection caps for eyepieces
- Wide field of view
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Razor-sharp focus from 20 yards to infinity
- Impact proof Makrolon polycarbonate housing
- High contrast optics
- Sports-auto focus system
-
Barska Deep Sea 7×50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars
The Barska Deep Sea is specifically made with boating enthusiast and nautical observers in mind. It boasts 7x magnification for bringing distant objects closer and a 50mm objective lens that provides the needed wide field of view.
These binoculars are made ready for rugged sea conditions. They are purged with dry nitrogen to prevent internal fogging caused by rapid humidity change and sealed to prevent entry of moisture, dirt and more. Even better, they have a slip-resistant and shock-absorbing rubber armor for added durability and a floating neck strap.
Another notable feature about the binoculars is that they have a manageable weight for easy handling. Other than that, they boast high-quality optics which provide clear observation in any marine environment from dawn to dusk. They also come with an internal rangefinder and directional compass that aids in navigation.
Features
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Non-slip rubber armor
- High-quality BAK4 prisms
- 7x magnification
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fully coated optics
- Internal rangefinder and compass
- Center focus
- Floating neck strap
- 50mm objective lens
-
ZEISS Terra ED Compact Binoculars 10×42
ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars are the compact binoculars that you need for every trip, both on land and on water. They are fully waterproof and fog proof to provide reliable performance even in extreme weather conditions.
They are compact, lightweight and easy to carry around. The large and easy-to-grip focus wheel make quick focusing a breeze so you don’t miss any action. The 10x magnification delivers spectacular enlarged images, while the 42mm objective lens offers a wide viewing angle and steady images.
These binoculars feature the highest optical precision that provides clear and bright sight in any light condition. The hydrophobic coating applied on the external lenses sheds dirt, oil and moisture to provide clear views even in wet conditions. To top it all, this unit brings to the table a long eye relief that provides a comfortable viewing experience.
Features
- Compact and light
- Robust construction
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Comfortable fast focusing
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view: 330 ft @ 1000 yards
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens
- Highest optical precision
- Hydrophobic anti-reflective multi-coating
-
USCAMEL 10×50 Marine Binoculars for Adults
Next on our list is the USCAMEL 10×50 Marine Binoculars. These binoculars make a perfect companion when paddle boarding. They have a lightweight design for easy carrying and are fully waterproof so they are safe to use on water.
These binoculars are made for both marine and terrestrial observation. They feature fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission to give you bright and vivid sight images even in poor light conditions. They also boast a large 50mm objective lens which provide spectacular image brightness from dawn to dusk.
With the built-in rangefinder, you will be able to know the size of the object if you wish to calculate its distance. The binocular also comes with an illuminated compass for easy navigation at night. Above all, it comes with a rugged rubber armored coating which is snug to hold securely and tough enough to withstand anything thrown at it.
Features
- IPX7 water resistant
- Large 50mm objective lens
- Durable rubber armor coating
- BaK4 prisms
- Tripod adaptable
- Lightweight design
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated compass
- Built-in rangefinder
- Left and right diopter adjustment rings
- Foldable eyecups
-
Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars
Celestron is a big name in the field of optics. It makes high-quality optics and the Outland X 8×42 Binoculars are no exception. These binoculars are amazingly cheap but quality. They provide detailed views and reliable performance.
Weighing just 22 oz, these binoculars are incredibly light, portable and an excellent companion for any outdoor adventure. They are filled with dry nitrogen to prevent internal fogging and fully sealed to prevent entry of dirt, sand and moisture. Even better, they have a protective rubber covering that provides an anti-slip grip in wet conditions.
When it comes to the optical features, this unit boasts high-quality BaK-4 glass which provides excellent color fidelity and multi-coated optics for bright and vivid images. For added convenience, all Outland X 8×42 Binoculars have twist-up eyecups for quick adjustments and a large focusing wheel for simple and precise focusing.
Features
- Long 18mm eye relief
- Protective rubber covering
- High-quality bak-4 glass
- Twist-up eyecups
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Multi-coated optics
- Large focusing wheel
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- 8x magnification, 42mm objective lens
-
Nikon Monarch 5 10×42 Binoculars
As one of the best binoculars for paddle boarding, the Monarch 5 10×42 Binoculars provides sharp, clear and brilliant views. The new Monarch 5 10×42 is incredibly light so it will be easier for you to carry along on your next paddle boarding adventure.
Featuring premium ED glass and fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses, this unit provides excellent light transmission for great image views even in poor light settings. Moreover, it is made with convenience in mind. It comes with turn-and-slide eyecups that make it eyeglass friendly, a smooth central focus knob as well as flip down lens caps that protect the lens from dirt and rain.
In terms of construction, it is well-made for extreme usage. It has a protective rubber armor that strengthens its durability. To add on that, it’s filled with nitrogen and O-ring sealed to provide total waterproof and fog proof performance.
Features
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Premium ed glass
- Protective rubber armor
- Nikon’s high eyepoint design
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and portable
-
Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binoculars
These roof prism binoculars from Bushnell are specifically made for use in wet conditions. They are 100% waterproof and fog free for all-weather performance. Additionally, they come with a non-slip and shock-absorbing rubber armor that provides additional protection from weather elements.
Featuring high-quality optics, BaK4 prisms and multi-coated lenses, this optic provides bright, vivid and sharp as razor sight pictures in any lighting condition. To add on that, it comes with a large field of vision to help identify your subjects with ease. This pair also brings to the table an easy center focus knob and twist-up eyecups that makes it eyeglass-friendly.
Features
- 100% waterproof and fog resistant
- Multi-coated optics
- Non-slip rubber armor
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens
- 12-foot close focus
- Decent 17mm eye relief
- Durable construction
- Easy center focus knob
- Twist-up eyecups
- Lightweight and beautiful design
See Also
- Best Waterproof Binoculars For Kayaking
- Best Budget Safari Binoculars
- 10 Best Binoculars for Hunting Ducks
- 6 Best Marine Image Stabilized Binoculars
Best Binoculars for Paddle Boarding Buyer’s Guide
Waterproof
The primary feature that binoculars for paddle boating should have is a waterproof and fog proof construction. When paddle boarding, anything can happen. You can accidentally drop the binoculars in water or splash water on it. Therefore, it’s a wise thing to get a pair that’s fully waterproof and fog proof.
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing you will notice when shopping for binoculars. magnification which is represented by the first number before the x indicated how many times an object will appear closer to you compared with when you view it with your naked eyes. For paddle boarding, binoculars with 7x to 10x are sufficient.
Eye Relief
Not all binoculars are eyeglass-friendly. The amount of eye relief that the binocular presents will tell whether it’s eyeglass-friendly or not. With the correct eye relief, you will be able to see your subjects clearly and comfortably. Try to look for a pair that has at least 15mm eye relief.
Lens Coating
Lens coating is very important in binoculars as it determines the quality and clarity of images produced. The coating maximizes light transmission in low light settings and helps reduce light loss through reflection. This improves the brightness and clarity of the sight picture you see through the binocular. The best binoculars for paddle boarding have fully multi-coated or full-coated lenses.
Durability
When shopping around for the best binoculars for paddle boarding, it’s important that you take a keen look at the quality of construction the binoculars present. While all binoculars for paddle boarding are completely waterproof and fog free, not all are resistant to shock, accidental falls and impacts.
Make sure that you get a unit that has a rugged rubber armor. This will not only cushion it from shock and impacts, but it will also give you’re a secure and slip-resistant grip. Also make sure that the unit is made with high-quality materials so you will get many years from it.
Field of View
The field of view that a set of binoculars provide is another important factor to consider. Field of view refers to the area you can see without moving your binoculars around. The larger the specification, the better. For paddle boarding, try to look for a unit that offers a field of view specification of at least 300 feet at 1000 yards.
Weight
Additionally, the weight of the binoculars is a significant consideration. As you prepare for longer paddleboarding trips, reducing the weight of your gear becomes critical.
As a result, it is best to invest in a pair of lightweight binoculars. The lighter weight not only makes it easier to carry and hold the binoculars during lengthy glassing sessions, but it also improves overall efficiency on long paddleboarding journeys.
FAQs On The Best Binoculars For Paddle Boarding
What binoculars do marine use?
Majority of marines use the 7×50 binocular. It offers a versatile magnification power, excellent light gathering abilities, wide field view and a decent exit pupil. However, it is worth noting that any set of binoculars can be used on water as long as they are entirely waterproof and produce high-quality sight images.
What magnification is best for marine binoculars?
7x. Binoculars with 7x optical power are the best for marine use. Higher magnification compromises on the field of view and makes it hard for you to focus on targets as your boat moves.
What is the difference between marine binoculars and regular binoculars?
In addition, most maritime binoculars are completely waterproof and include navigation instruments like a compass and rangefinder. Notably, these binoculars have separate eyepiece focusing, which differs from the common central focusing knob seen in ordinary binocular.
How do I know what size binoculars I need?
For most situation, binoculars with 7x to 10x are the best for water-based adventure activities. These binoculars are simple to hold steady and they offer a wide field of view which is essential for easy target spotting.
Conclusion
We do hope that you have found this post enlightening. The best part of paddle boarding is being able to take in everything that’s around you. All the binoculars listed above will help you enjoy the views and offer extension where your bare eyes can’t reach.