Binoculars which one would you recommend

[Ailatan]

Binoculars is an important item of the security package of every boat.
Because of that I would like to know if you are happy with your binoculars, if you recommend them or not and why.

[IslandAlchemy]

We have a cheap pair of 7 x 50 from Lidl.  They are absolutely fine, and only £20.

[Lazy Pelican]

Steiner Commander- had them for 20 years & still brilliant!

[tiger79]

Steiner Commander- had them for 20 years & still brilliant!

Same here, except I must have had mine for 40 years!  Great optics.  However, if buying today I'd look for a waterproof stabilised binocular.

[Yngmar]

We've got some Danubia Nautical 7x50 with compass and light since 2015. They've been dropped once or twice and the mask with the crosshairs inside has rotated from that, probably fixable, but doesn't really matter. We use them all the time and they do the job okay. Compass and light turned out pretty pointless and never get used, so I'd skip that feature next time. They're still sealed and clear and never fog up. The rubber degraded a little from seeing too much sun, but is still in one piece.

I see them for 170 EUR online now, I could swear we only paid 70 GBP, which I feel was a fair price for them.

[sy_Anniina]

Haven been super happy for one season with our new fujinon 7x50 wpc-xl. Found compass helpful in following approaching ships: If bearing stays the same we are on colliding course as well as communicating with crew 'can you verify the bouy at 240 degrees is a north-buoy.

[Joe]

We are really happy with our old Steiner Commander. Had been a bit worn out after 30 years of use, sent it back to Steiner for a check up and got it back a few days later fully refurbished and looking like new. And, free of charge - what a service after 30 years.

Yngmar: Nice meeting you at Isola Rossa - what as small world!

[Ailatan]

Thanks All for your inputs.

I think that the Steiner Commander is the reference but the price can be like 8x other with similar characteristics.

Regarding the characteristics that a marine binocular must have I have found:
Waterproof
Floatable
7x50 use to be the standard
Compass (illuminated desirable)
Left and right dioptre ring for those who use glasses
Shrouded in rubber
Nitrogen filled
The stabilizer is a good option but very expensive

[Krumelur]

Fujinon 7x50 serves me well. The compass and illumation work really well. With strap connected it's also floating.
Meanwhile I have two of them.

[Jake]

Steiner 7x50 without the compass.  Great feel and superior in low light conditions.  Mine are 36 years old and work like new.

Jake