Boating New Zealand — December 2017

120 Boating New Zealand

LEFT A good

investment will

outlast your boat –

choose wisely.

This is reasonably wide, which makes it easier to instantly locate

objects when you are looking through your binoculars. When on

the water, a wider FOV allows you to more easily spot different

subjects and see more of them without having to search.

Although the field of view is directly related to the

magnification (a lower magnification will mean a wider FOV),

internal variations mean that different models will have slightly

different FOV even at the same magnifications. A view that is

too wide will distort your images along the borders. There is no

substitute for trying out different models to find the one that

feels ‘right’ for you.

COMPASS, STOPWATCH & OTHER ELECTRONICS

Some marine binoculars are available with an integrated compass,

and this is particularly useful to those who like racing, cruising

or passage-making. While looking through the eyepieces you

can pinpoint the bearing of a particular subject, and with the

stopwatch you can time the movement of a vessel relative to a

landmark and thereby calculate the speed. Other features that

may be added include thermometer, barometer or inclinometer.

If you have a need for these features, look for illuminated

displays for night-time use, and the ability to turn the features

on and off. Also check what batteries are needed and ensure you

have spares on hand.

OPTICS & LENS COATINGS

Once you know what specs you want, the final and yet arguably

single most important aspect of the design is the quality of the

optical elements. This is what defines how clearly you will be

able to see things, and can only truly be evaluated by looking

through the lenses with your own eyes. Never buy a pair of

binoculars based on its paper specs – go into a retailer and try

out different pairs alongside each other.

Traditionally, the best optics have been made in Germany,

although the quality coming out of Asia has been steadily

improving over the years. Lenses comprise two elements – the

actual glass pieces, and the coatings that are applied to these.

The materials used in the lens coatings probably have seen

the greatest improvements in recent years, with nano coatings

reducing the amount of light lost to glare while also preventing

dust or spray from sticking to the glass.

When deciding what to buy, explore a wide range. Look at

the budget models. Then compare these to a quality pair, such

as the German-made Minox Nautic range which, despite the

quality optics and superb construction, come in at a mid-range

price. And then look at a top-range model like the exceptional

Steiner Commander model, also made in Germany with

unmatched optics and an incredible 30-year warranty.

Only then will the difference between a $150 pair and a

$1,000 pair of binoculars be apparent. This is a purchase that

will last for decades at least, and half-century old optics can, if

properly cared for, still be as good as they day they were made.

Go for the upper end of what you can afford, and be aware

of what compromises, if any, you are prepared to make. Spend

the extra money for what is truly a long-term investment – you

won’t regret it. BNZ