New to the already impressive line up of Minox binoculars is their new Nautik (Nautic) Range – optics specifically designed for marine use and other water sports.

Within this Minox Marine range there are currently two models that have designed to meet the extreme conditions encountered at sea. Marine binoculars in particular have many specific requirements, but these, especially the Minox BN 7X50 DC model go past way the ordinary with many unique and innovate features. Just like their other ranges, Minox Nautik binoculars have been engineered to provide maximum precision and reliability, crisp clear viewing with the highest levels of brilliance, brightness, contrast and resolution down to the smallest detail, as well as natural color rendition.

• MINOX BN 7X50 DC – comes with a fully integrated digital compass
• MINOX BN 7X50 C – with analog compass

Press Release – 01/2011

MINOX BN 7X50 DC with integrated digital compass

Top-level optical performance and innovation:
With the new innovative BN 7×50 DC MINOX presents a new generation of binoculars for water sports that offers decisive advantages over other navigation binoculars that use conventional analog compass technology.

The new MINOX BN 7X50 DC features a digital compass that is fully integrated in the body. All key skipper information is presented to the user at the press of a button, such as the digital compass display with automatic tilt compensation, barometric pressure reading, a tilt function for setting the height of objects or the digital stopwatch. These are shown in the center of the display allowing the user to view essential information at all times – an advantage that puts the new BN 7×50 DC in a class of its own in terms of convenient ergonomic design and functionality.

A unique and revolutionary feature is the digital compass display in the center of the field of view. The user can keep track of the object in view together with the compass information. The compass display can either be selected using “Center Mark” or viewed with a digital reticle plate. The brilliant field of view otherwise remains undisturbed and free of any markings or readings.

Another highlight of the new MINOX BN 7X50 DC is the digital barometric reading function. This shows the current atmospheric pressure as well as its development over the past 8 hours. Changes in the weather can therefore be detected and forecast.
The BN 7×50 DC also features a digital stopwatch with intermediate time function. There is also a tilt function that determines the size of far off objects. This is made possible through the display of the angle of inclination.

The MINOX optics of the new BN 7×50 DC have been calculated and engineered to highest precision standards and offer crisp and clear viewing with the highest levels of brilliance, brightness, contrast and resolution down to the smallest detail as well as natural color rendition. To prevent fogging and to ensure watertightness the MINOX BN 7×50 DC is filled with nitrogen. Rubber armoring provides an extremely good grip and ruggedness making these binoculars excellently suited for rough conditions at sea.

Whether wearing glasses or sunglasses – the quick-to-adjust eyecups of the NAUTIK LINE are comfortable and convenient to use. The individual eyepiece adjustment ensures that the binoculars are always in focus from 20 meters to infinity.

MINOX provides a 10-year warrantee for the binoculars of the new NAUTIK LINE. The new MINOX BN 7×50 DC is available in both a white and a black design. The scope of delivery includes a practical float strap.

For more information read my guide to the Minox BN 7X50 DC Nautic Binoculars

MINOX BN 7X50 DC with analog compass

The classic Nautic binoculars
The basic model in the new MINOX NAUTIC LINE is the BN 7×50 C, offering top-of-the-range technology, high quality and functionality with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Robust and reliable these new binoculars for water sports feature a precision analog compass and an analog reticle plate. The BN 7X50 C guarantees accurate navigational assistance when out on high seas and also in any port. Comfortable handling and solid quality are combined in a state-of-the-art robust body.

The optics of the new MINOX BN 7×50 C have been calculated and engineered to immaculate precision offering optical brilliance, high contrast and neutral color rendition. The body has an extremely good non-slip and robust rubber armoring that excellently protects the optics against salt water and sun radiation. With the individual eyepiece adjustment feature images are always razor sharp from 20 meters to infinity.

MINOX offers a 10-year warrantee for the binoculars of the new NAUTIK LINE. The scope of delivery of the new BN 7×50 C includes a practical float strap.

For more information read my guide to the Minox BN 7X50 C Nautic Binoculars

More Information

• Minox binoculars
• Minox Nautic binoculars
• Marine Binoculars
• Where to Buy Minox Binoculars

There are a few marine binoculars that float, but most don’t – what is more common and can be used on all binoculars and other equipment like cameras and even keys is to have a floating strap that will keep them from sinking.

A few marine optics like the Vanguard Mariner Binoculars come with a floating neck strap, but many don’t so you will have to choose your own as an accessory. So to help, in this article I take a look at a few of the best floating binocular straps on the market:

Steiner Marine Binocular Float Strap

Steiner make one of the best floating straps on the market and has been designed to float all Steiner’s marine binoculars as well as most others. The padding is comfortable around your neck and shoulders and is bright yellow for enhanced visibility both in and out of the water.

The same binocular strap comes with two different ends so make sue you get the one that is right for your binoculars:

• 769 – Steiner Clic-Loc Float strap fits on Steiner’s Commander V, Commander XP and Nighthunter XP binoculars
• 768 – Steiner Yellow Binocular Float Strap – Is the same strap but comes with universal loop ends and should fit most binoculars as well as other equipment.

Buy & Compare Prices

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.com

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.co.uk

Nikon Marine Grade Floating Neckstrap

This floating Nikon binocular strap was designed for Nikon optics in mind, but will work equally well with other makes, so long as you don’t mind the large logo printed on them!

It has been very well made with a neoprene exterior, that I think has a foam filling to make it float. The strap is wide and very well padded and has been split into sections making it very comfortable to wear around the neck even with a heavy pair of binoculars attached.

Buy & Compare Prices

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.com

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.co.uk

Unbranded Floating Neck straps

If you don’t wish to have either the Steiner or Nikon logo proudly displayed on your strap, there are a few options, a few have been designed with binoculars in mind, but most of which are sold as a camera floating strap, but will work fine on your binoculars. The good news is that most are also cheaper than the two “branded” ones above.

Names to look out for are the Zeikos ZE-FS10 Floating Straps that come in either bright orange or red or the Vero Vellini Binocular Float Strap, that is manufactured in Germany and is specifically designed for binoculars and floats all major manufactures 7×50 or smaller binoculars.

Buy & Compare Prices

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.com

Floating Neck Straps on Amazon.co.uk

The Waterproof Fogproof Binocular

Many binoculars are either waterproof, fogproof or both where as some manufacturers call their optics weather protected or even weather proof. But what exactly does it all mean, do you really need it and just what do they do to make a pair of binoculars waterproof and fogproof?

Waterproofing

Waterproof binoculars and spotting scopes are sealed internally using O-rings to prevent moisture as well as dust and other small debris from entering the inside of the unit.

Fogproofing

Fogproofing means that the optical barrels are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging caused when subjecting the optic to temperature extremes, especially in high humidity. Fogproofing is sometimes referred to as nitrogen-purging. This term is probably more descriptive of the actual process; O2 (oxygen) is purged from the barrel(s) and replaced with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) which doesn’t condense.

A pair of binoculars or can be waterproof without being fogproof. This merely means that the instrument is sealed, but the oxygen inside the barrels haven’t been purged and replaced with an inert gas. But if an optical instrument is fogproof, it has to be waterproof (sealed) as well.

Today even fairly inexpensive binoculars and scopes are both waterproof and fogproof. Just look out for manufacturers that claim that their optics are “weather protected” or “water protected” this usually means that they are not 100% water or fog proof, but they should survive a little moisture. If you think that you will need to use your binoculars in a wet environment, make sure that they are 100% waterproof.

Applications

Whilst it is never a bad thing, but if you are choosing between two binoculars and the one that is more expensive is water and fogproof you need to decide if you really need it. Having used fogged up binoculars I can tell you from experience that it becomes very annoying and any optical device that becomes compromised by moisture will obstruct your view and may ultimately become damaged from mold growing on the inside the barrels.

Marine Binoculars: If you plan on using your optics in any marine or water environment, I would highly recommend getting water proof binoculars as no matter how careful you are, mistakes will happen! If you are using your binoculars on a boat take a look at my article on choosing marine binoculars that are purposely designed for life on the water, that will not only handle the weather, but some will even float, have built in compasses and rangefinders and are optimized for stability.

Waterproof and fogproof binoculars are also highly recommended if you plan on using them anywhere where the humidity is high in like, rainforests, or if you’re around water like a wetland. Some of the best birdwatching can be experienced during inclement weather and one of the main reasons birdwatchers go with binoculars that have both of these features. Whilst not essential, waterproofing is also a good idea if you are taking your binoculars on safari, hunting or most other wildlife viewing as I have often taken guests out in the bush whilst it is raining with some of my bet experiences occurring during wet weather.

Dry and Sandy Environments

It is not only watery and humid conditions where water and fog-proofing can help: in an extremely dry and dusty climate, the O-ring seal will prevent dust and tiny debris from entering the unit.

Water Repellent Lens Coatings

Another feature to look out for and one that is often found on high end optics are special lens coatings that are actually water repellent or sometimes known as “hydrophobic coatings”. These water and dirt repelling properties, not only repel water, but they are have more resistance to abrasions and make it much easier to remove your fingerprints and dirt particles from the lenses. Lenses treated with the hydrophobic coating allow water to just roll off them. Take a look at the LotuTech® coating on Carl Zeiss Binoculars or the AquaDuraTM-Coating on Leica Binoculars.

Sailing World are giving you the chance to win a fantastic pair of Steiner Binoculars, the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars. All you have to do is register on their website and submit your best sailing photos onto their photo gallery, the competition is open until September 21, 2009. To Enter, follow this link to the competition.

If you Cannot wait until September:
These are a very popular set of marine binoculars, used for sailing as well as motorised boating. As such they deliver everything you would expect from a binocular that is surrounded by water:

• Waterproof
• Integrated range finder
• Built in Stabilized Compass
• Focus free binoculars (Self Focusing Binoculars)
• Anti glare and haze optics

I have written about these Steiner’s before:

For full Binocular review as well as price comparison, see my article on the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars as well as another article on this blog: Steiner 7×50 marine binoculars

Or take a look at my guide to the Marine Binocular.

The Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars are waterproof, have anti glare and haze optics, come with an integrated range finder and stabilized compass, are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for any small marine vessel.

The Navigator Pros have Steiner’s Sports Auto Focus system which are basically focus free binoculars or self focusing binoculars that keep all objects in focus from about 20 yards to infinity this allows you to locate navigational marks that much quicker.

So to summarise, The Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro are a great pair of binoculars for most marine vessels including sport fishing boats, smaller fresh water boats, coastal yachts and powerboats that have need for a navigational compass and range finder for locating fishing hotspots, racing or general marine navigation.

For full Binocular review as well as price comparison, see my article on the Steiner 7×30 Navigator Pro C Marine Binoculars or take a look at my guide to the Marine Binocular.