OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - What is a marine binocular?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

What is a marine binocular?

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
Author
Message
Whale View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: October/04/2015
Location: NYC
Status: Offline
Points: 180
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whale Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: What is a marine binocular?
    Posted: January/23/2019 at 18:23
 What makes a marine binocular different from other binoculars? Is it the magnification? Coatings or weather proofing? Maybe a combination of all the above? Or is it just some cosmetic changes? I am asking because someone who is serving in out armed forces asked for some good marine binoculars. Maybe a member would know what is issued to our men and women who are serving in the armed forces. People in our community give care baskets, gift cards and other items. Thanks Charles.
Back to Top
Sgt. D View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: February/20/2008
Location: North Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 4525
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2019 at 19:32

 They are generally water proof with a heavy fitted rubber coat or wrap. I have a pair of Swift that have served me very well. Steiner also makes marine bino's but I have no experience with them. keep in mind no matter what the brand a good pair of bino's will not be cheap. Don't know if SWFA carries Swift so I won't offer any suggestions on who carries them but here is a sample of a good set.

Swift 7x50 SeaHawk Series Waterproof Binoculars.        They can run from 375.00 to 425.00.

A good pair of Steiner will cost about the same. And these are on the low end of the cost options for quality.

I commend you for considering such things. I made sure I had my Swift bino's and a good quality range finder when I deployed. They were worth their weight in gold on a few occasions. Do keep in mind who you or they send them to. I hate to even tell what I am about to it is shameful to need to say at the very least. When ever we received a care package that was not addressed "specifically" to the Chaplin or one of my team leaders (by name). One of the majors in admin would take it and keep what he liked and sell the rest to the enlisted or who ever would pay. Not all who serve in our military are "honorable". I know that is no surprise but, I was surprised to see things like that going on.

Hope this helps, good luck with it!!

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Back to Top
NDhunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 601
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2019 at 19:34

 Marine binoculars are made with heavy rubber armor, fully waterproof and usually

in the size of 7x50 or so.  7 power is considered very good to view without shake of image

in rolling seas.

This would be a great gift, and what is your budget ?  That would be important.

Back to Top
Whale View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: October/04/2015
Location: NYC
Status: Offline
Points: 180
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whale Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2019 at 20:39
Don't have a budget.
Back to Top
WJC View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: May/28/2014
Location: Twin Falls, ID
Status: Offline
Points: 328
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2019 at 22:28
Originally posted by Whale Whale wrote:

 What makes a marine binocular different from other binoculars? Is it the magnification? Coatings or weather proofing? Maybe a combination of all the above? Or is it just some cosmetic changes? I am asking because someone who is serving in out armed forces asked for some good marine binoculars. Maybe a member would know what is issued to our men and women who are serving in the armed forces. People in our community give care baskets, gift cards and other items. Thanks Charles.

Hi, Charles, and welcome:

From the time the United States moved into prismatic binoculars in the early 20th century. Their choice centered around two instruments: the 6x30, most frequently used in the field as an easy to carry and wield instrument and the 7x50, used both in the field and especially at sea. The key feature of the 7x50 was the fact that it was the largest practical hand-held binocular. As a 7-power instrument, it was easy to hold steady and had an adequate field of view. That magnification, coupled with a 50 mm objective lens, provided a 7.1 mm exit pupil, thus filling the entrance pupil of most military age folks who would need to use it. The larger the exit pupil, the more stimulation to the receptors in the eye and the brighter the image.

None of the binos of WWII—a time in which the greatest amount of testing and experimentation took place—had armor. Not even those like the Navy Mk45, which was used in sub service. Although they were not armored and had no O-rings until well after the war, they did have heavy wax around areas that could leak. Most was “green wax.” The Mk45 had “black wax” (vacuum wax) which allowed the bino to be left topside (for limited periods) when submerged.

Beware of what magazines call “marine binoculars” because so many of the writers and editors are fall short in their understanding as illustrated in the attachments.

Cheers,

Bill    

“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me

Back to Top
vinn View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: November/23/2018
Location: wa. state
Status: Offline
Points: 24
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote vinn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 08:11
    i like the defination for "after ww 11".  anything before that point are quite collectable.  vin
vin
Back to Top
Son of Ed View Drop Down
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Avatar

Joined: June/18/2011
Location: TEXAS
Status: Online
Points: 122209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 18:58
Originally posted by Whale Whale wrote:

Don't have a budget.

Me, too......Big smile
Visit the Ed Show
Back to Top
Son of Ed View Drop Down
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Avatar

Joined: June/18/2011
Location: TEXAS
Status: Online
Points: 122209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 18:59
Image result for monopoly man broke







Visit the Ed Show
Back to Top
Son of Ed View Drop Down
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Avatar

Joined: June/18/2011
Location: TEXAS
Status: Online
Points: 122209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 18:59
Image result for crowd laughing animated gif










Visit the Ed Show
Back to Top
Son of Ed View Drop Down
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Avatar

Joined: June/18/2011
Location: TEXAS
Status: Online
Points: 122209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 19:00
Image result for will work for food






Visit the Ed Show
Back to Top
Son of Ed View Drop Down
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Avatar

Joined: June/18/2011
Location: TEXAS
Status: Online
Points: 122209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2019 at 19:02
Image result for bob hope









Visit the Ed Show
Back to Top
Whale View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: October/04/2015
Location: NYC
Status: Offline
Points: 180
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whale Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2019 at 11:40
 Should have stated that the price range was substantial.
Back to Top
Whale View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: October/04/2015
Location: NYC
Status: Offline
Points: 180
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whale Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2019 at 11:47
 Sgt. D,
Looking at the Steiner Commander 7x50.
Back to Top
Sgt. D View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: February/20/2008
Location: North Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 4525
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2019 at 17:01

 They are good but not marine ie. waterproof.

              At  SWFA

Steiner 7x50 Commander Binocular

Black, Porro Prism

MPN# 2304     UPC 840229101207     $1,049.99

•Black

•Sports-Auto Focus™ System

•High Definition Optics

•ClicLoc® System

•Memory Ocular

•Floating Neckstrap

•Makrolon® Housing

•N2 Injection™ System

•Steiner Nano-Protection®

Consider these. They are marine meaning waterproof and at these prices you could equip more soldiers.

Steiner 7x50 Military Marine Binocular

Green, Poro Prism

Stock# STE5840     UPC 077068002758     $399.99

•High Contrast Optics

•Floating Prism System

Sports-Auto Focus™ System

•**Waterproof**

•Rubber Armored

 

               or

Steiner 7x50 Marine Binocular

Black, Porro Prism

MPN# 575     UPC 000381805751     $299.99

•Blue

•High Contrast Optics

Floating Prism System

•Sports-Auto Focus™ System

•**Waterproof**

•Rubber Armored



Edited by Sgt. D - January/25/2019 at 19:40
Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Back to Top
NDhunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 601
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2019 at 17:37

 Get the Zeiss 7x50 B/GA T* marine.  This one is probably the most used by

ship or boat captains all over the world.  You may as well get the  best.  Wink

 

Back to Top
Sgt. D View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: February/20/2008
Location: North Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 4525
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2019 at 19:55

 Zeiss!! now your talkin my language..........unfortunately the 7x50 B/GA T* has bee discontinued. You can find a pair on ebay once in a while. And they would likely run 1000.00/1200.00 if you do find some.

Don't know if Zeiss has offered anything in its place. Didn't find any on a quick search.

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2019 at 08:50
Originally posted by Sgt. D Sgt. D wrote:

 They are generally water proof with a heavy fitted rubber coat or wrap. I have a pair of Swift that have served me very well. Steiner also makes marine bino's but I have no experience with them. keep in mind no matter what the brand a good pair of bino's will not be cheap. Don't know if SWFA carries Swift so I won't offer any suggestions on who carries them but here is a sample of a good set.


Yes, SWFA does carry Swift.

Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2019 at 09:09
Originally posted by Sgt. D Sgt. D wrote:

 Zeiss!! now your talkin my language..........unfortunately the 7x50 B/GA T* has bee discontinued. You can find a pair on ebay once in a while. And they would likely run 1000.00/1200.00 if you do find some.

Don't know if Zeiss has offered anything in its place. Didn't find any on a quick search.


No, Zeiss (and Swarovski, and other upper tier manufacturers) have stopped making porro prism binoculars because they don't sell as well as roof prism binoculars. The typical buyer of uber high end binoculars prefers the more compact, more ergonomic shape of roof prism binoculars over porro prisms, so the manufacturers of course have responded by making what sells. 

There is nothing about a porro prism bino that makes it uniquely suited for "marine" use; it's just a tradition thing. Most of the upper tier roof prism binoculars available today are rubber armored and waterproof, so they can be just as well suited for "marine" use as any of the porro prism types called "marine binoculars" as long as you pick one with a rugged hinge design and heavy rubber armoring.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
Peddler View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: July/04/2012
Location: Oswego,NY
Status: Offline
Points: 13526
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2019 at 09:20
Nikon used to make a 7X50 Marine Binocular with a compass in it.
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2019 at 09:34
The term "marine binocular" is mostly just marketing jargon nowadays. A few decades ago, the majority of binoculars produced were porro prism (the dogleg shape) designs and most porro prism binos were not "waterproof." Manufacturers like Steiner started making rubber armored porros that were also waterproof and began marketing them as "marine" binos. 7X50 became the classic configuration for "marine" binos, ostensibly because it was a good compromise of enough magnification but not too much magnification so it was easier to stabilize the view hand-held on a pitching boat deck. However, I've seen some 8X and 10X binos given the "marine" moniker as well. Most (maybe all?) binos with the "marine" designation also have individual focus vs. the center focus you see on the majority of binoculars because the former is easier to seal.

So in summary, a typical "marine" bino is:
- Porro prism
- Individual focus
- Heavy rubber armored
- Typically 7X50, but will have moderate magnification
- "Waterproof" (something that used to be uncommon and a big selling point, but today is common).
- Sometimes includes rangefinding reticles and compasses

Brands like Steiner, Swift, Fujinon, and Nikon still offer high end porros, but today, the vast majority of the porro prism binoculars you see are cheaply made. The predominance of cheap porro prisms has lead to the current perception by many that porro prism binoculars are "low end."

The chief advantage to porro prism binoculars is that they are less expensive to manufacture than roof prism binoculars, so they offer the potential for excellent image quality for less money than a roof prism binocular of similar image quality. The tradeoff is that the dogleg shape is wider, more bulky, less convenient, and less ergonomic than a straight-barreled roof prism of the same magnification and objective size... which is why they have fallen out of favor by the average high end binocular consumer... and as a result, why several optics companies have stopped offering them.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 1.344 seconds.