binoculars for kayaking

Advice
#12

I like these
I don’t take the old non-waterproof Zeiss’s in the kayak, but have had good luck with my Bushnell Legend 8x26 Compacts. For $80, they are surprisingly good - waterproof and they work well for glasses wearers. They are light enough to wear around my neck and stow compactly in the day hatch or deck bag. Amazon and other places will list these.



Cheers, Alan

#13

Thanks
Thanks to all for the very comprehensive and helpful info. I’ll keep you posted as I sort through all of this and zero in on a selection. Thanks again.

Len

#14

Binoculars
Brunton has a new WATERPROOF monocular out for $27.00. I’ve ordered one but it hasn’t come yet. You can order direct from them. Whatever you get go waterproof. VF

#15

Brunton eterna monocular
I also recently purchased the 6x30 brunton eterna monocular for barely over $100 for kayaking also so we will have the nikon trailblazers under $100 that are pretty compact and the monocular which is not very large either and both waterproof. I wanted compact ones so you must sacrifice field of view to get small but for my purposes, that’s ok. The Brunton is also very good quality for the money - now to get rid of this snow!

#16

@
What is the weight of Brunton’s new monocular?

#17

Monocular
2 oz. Can’t get much lighter than that. VF

#18

Monocular
Thanks again for the inputs. The more I investigate this, the more I think that a monocular might be the best compromise for my kayaking. Besides just bird and seal watching I am constantly struggling to make out boats or other objects in the distance so I would like the device to be readily available at all times. A monocular in my PFD sounds very convenient. I do a lot of rolling so true waterproof VS resistant is essential. The Brunton Eterna 6X30 looks great and I will probably end up buying it but I would prefer more than 6X (I think). I couldn’t find the new Brunton that was mentioned for $27 - any leads on that model? Any leads on 7 or 8 X 30 models? Also, I would prefer to try the unit before ordering but none of the local suppliers (Jersey Shore) handle Brunton so I may end up ordering based on paddling.net recommendations.

Len

#19

Cabelas website has much information

#20

Nikon Trail Blazer
8X25 Just bought a one at Campmor today. My wife is at a Figure skating show tonight and wanted a pair of binocs. Had to be small and light weight and waterproof. We agreed to share in it’s use. It was the best of the bunch we looked at.



I used to use a large 10X50 marine binocs, but since I started taking a DLSR camera along, didn’t bother with the binocs.



Andy

#21

Motion issues with higher than 6x -
- on a bobbing platform - as others already mentioned. It’s 6x becase that’s about the best compromise for power vs. marine usability. On a pond - get bigger binocs.



The other cheaper unit is listed on the Brunton site - but no details. Links to product pages for both:



Eterna 6x30 - http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=17 (can usually find online somewhere for under $100).



Lite-Tech 8x22 - http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=575 (I’ve seen these listed as low as $16)

#22

…but if you want an 8x waterproof…
… monocular (for under $50 some places) look at the Vortex 8x25 Solo:



http://www.vortexoptics.com/monoculars/view/vortex_solo_8x25

#23

6x32
Leupold Katmai are my preferred binocs. They track well, are optically refined and are tough. Jsaults mention the Rangers which are also good. I also have a Stokes 8x42 DLS but the Katmais work better in a moving boat.

#24

My favorite

– Last Updated: Mar-10-08 5:02 PM EST –

Monocular and source:
http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/redir?prod=39208379

#25

Latest Update
Per my earlier posting, I’ve decided to buy a monocular. After a lot of searching, I’ve only been able to find three waterproof monoculars which I guess is good since it simplifies my trade study:


  1. Brunton Eterna 6X30 – 6”X2”, 11.5 oz, $116 (http://www.rockynational.com/2538_F-4070W_Brunton_Eterna_Monocular_6X30.html )
  2. Vortex 8X25 – 4.3”X1.8”, 5.8 oz, $49 (http://www.opticsale.com/vortex8x25solomonocular.html )
  3. Barska 10X25 – 6”X2”, 5 oz, $22 (http://www.opticsplanet.net/barska-10x25-atlantic-monocular.html ) (There is a 10X40 Barska but not waterproof)



    I sent e-mails to all three manufacturers asking them to quantify waterproof (i.e. can they withstand immersion in one meter for a quick roll?) and hope to get answers soon. From what I can tell with Internet photo’s, I like the looks/construction of the Brunton and I like the 30 mm objective diameter for more light. It is heavier so I hope a floating neck strap will work. I think I would prefer 7 or 8 magnification VS 6 but I think 6 will be OK and the 6X30 combo gives a decent FOV.

    Any comments or suggestions?

    Len
#26

need some depth of field
The Brunton eterna monocular is a good piece: if you are willing to get a kayak -specific piece (binoculars are preferable on land) this would be a good choice. It’s a good combo of quality optics, waterproofness, magnification and field of view/ : with higher magnifications, unless you have really steady hands you’ll have a jittery image while in a kayak. And the field of view brings in a good amount of light and provides a good depth of field.

I would not advise not getting anything with a field of view less than 30. Those 8 x 20 . 10 x 23 binocs are compact, but depth of field is so shallow you can’t stay in focus, and you want to do as little focusing as possible while in a kayak. Also they don’t let much light in.

As a frame of reference, birders commonly use binoculars ranging from 7 x 35 to 10x 40. I love the Zeiss 7 x 42. Very very bright, and great depth of field, but they are quite big. For years, 7 x 35 was the standard birding binocular, but hard core birder have gone more for 8 x 40’s, 10 x 40’s, 7 x 42’s etc.

#27

Thanks
Thanks Peter – That information is very helpful. I am looking for kayak specific use as I have a bit of a vision problem and often want a quick check before crossing a channel, etc. Also, I’m forever hearing my kayak buddies point out unusual waterfowl, seals, etc. and I miss them. My big problem now is availability. None of the local stores (Jersey Shore) have it and the lower cost Internet suppliers have it on back order – but I’m trying.

Len

#28

where to buy
lots of internet places to shop. i’ve personally had good luck at bhphotovideo.com.



harry

#29

Binocular reatings
On www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds

I can find a rating of scopes but nothing on binocs. Am I overlooking somewthing?



Ragnar

#30

order on-line




Yeah, order on-line (unless you’re off the grid) I did. Easy as pie.







http://www.brunton-binoculars.com/Brunton_Eterna_Binoculars.html?gclid=CNO_qKP-g5ICFU-oGgod_h-D8w







6 x 30, upon reflection, is perfect for kayaking. the 6 power is sufficient for most wildlife spotting, but not so powerful as to be jittery and require a steady platform (spotting scopes, by contrast in the 20 x to 30x range require a tripod, and birders who use 10x binocs are usually pretty seasoned)



and the 30 field of view is bright enough but not so big as to make the monocular big and bulky. he result is a good combo of brightness, depth of field, light weight, ease of focusing, and quality optics. Not the first choice while on land, but great while in a kayak.

#31

Brunton eterna monocular 6x30
I ordered mine from opticsplanet.com and it looks like they are in stock still (not bad price) No problems and this is my first order from them. No shipping fee/or taxes depending on state i guess.