If you’re like me, you probably thought they would only be necessary for someone who was an avid fisherman or bird-watcher, and that a regular pair of binoculars would be fine for your occasional binocular needs.  However, I learned last summer that waterproof binoculars can come in handy when you least expect it. I went whale-watching with my best friend on a day with very rough seas. I had been looking forward to this trip for years and couldn’t wait to get my first glimpse of live whales in the wild.

(Sometimes Birdwatchers go whale watching too!)Due to the poor visibility, we were three hours into our five hour tour before we saw our first whale. Our tour guide explained that because we had been at sea for three hours, we would only have about half an hour to watch the whale before we needed to head back to shore.
I excitedly got out my digital camera and started taking pictures when I realized that it was an impossible task. My glasses kept fogging up and my camera lens kept getting wet. I tried cleaning them, but before I could get the whale back in view, I was fogged up again, and my lens was wet. I was dejected – I had been looking forward to this trip so much. My friend saved the day for me – she handed me a pair of binoculars and told me to try them. I was so surprised when I could see the whale frolicking about so clearly!! She explained to me that I was using her waterproof binoculars, which she had brought along just in case we encountered rain. She told me they were made so that they would not fog up or be affected by water.

She told me that she had received them as a going away gift from her mother before taking a cruise. Her mother had been on a cruise the previous year and had been upset that she could not use her regular binoculars on many occasions because the lenses kept fogging up. Another passenger noticed and recommended that she get a pair of waterproof binoculars. Needless to say, she bought a pair at the next port and never had any problems with fog or spray for the rest of the cruise.

She decided to buy a pair for her niece, who is in a wheelchair and likes to watch birds from her deck. Her niece had mentioned that her regular binoculars would fog up a lot when she brought them outside in the early morning.

I didn’t know how handy waterproof binoculars would be until I bought my own pair. A few weeks later I was out canoeing with my brother. While he was enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, I was enjoying looking at the birds. Then, suddenly, another canoe bumped ours and I found myself in the water!    After fishing me out, by brother was surprised that I could still use my binoculars (which, thankfully I had strapped around my neck). I explained to him that they were waterproof and could still be used after they got wet. After that, he borrowed them every time he went fishing until I got fed up with it and bought him a pair of his own for his birthday.

Who knew a pair of waterproof binoculars could become such a necessary item!

by L. DeGruttola, guest author UAW.

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For example, most reviews include the Nikon Monarch 10×42 as a standard for comparison because they are good and so many people use them.

This is also true for the Stokes DLS bird binoculars which are really appreciated by so many birders. The model that is favored is DSL 8X42. And it is easy to see why when you try them out.

Applying the same format for reviews as before

• Who makes them: Stokes Binoculars are named for Don and Lillian Stokes who are renowned birders who have written many field guides. The binoculars are made by Vortex Optics since the 1980′s in Wisconsin. Vortex is considered to be a premier manufacturer of quality optical instruments for outdoor use.

• Who uses them: Birders, Hunters, Outdoorsmen and women, outdoor activists, families.

• What are they like: The Stokes DSL bird binoculars are extremely versatile. Essentially they use state-of-the-art technology and were designed by and for birdwatchers. They are used and enjoyed by professionals and backyard birders alike.

• What are their Special Features: Excellent resolution and reliable color with the most current prism coatings with a high reflectance ratio. These binoculars are considered to provide the “total optical performance system” and still be affordable. They work well in twilight and have excellent ergonomic design for long periods of birding. They have an excellent range of focus up close and for long distance with 8X magnification

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Bird binoculars are not created equal, nor are they all suited well for field work. This review includes 5 splendid bird binoculars at the high end of the scale. They are among the absolute best binoculars made in the world today. When it comes to luxury binoculars like these it is hard to go wrong with your selection. The differences are subtle and preferences are personal, even among serious field testers. Most of these bird binoculars are considered an investment and rightly so. Some experts report that these optical instruments hold their value better than your new car or stocks and bonds and recommend buying several pairs.

Zeiss. Leica. Swarovski. Leupold. Steiner.

Later, another post will discuss some really fine bird binoculars in more affordable models and brands:
Nikon. Bushnell. Olympus. Minolta. Canon. Pentax.

Other bird binoculars reviewed at this site are Pentax and Nikon binoculars, though only one model for each was discussed. That remains the form for these reviews.  One model for each brand is outlined with some overview information. The basic questions being addressed are:

• Who makes them:
• Who uses them:
• What are they like:
• What are their special features:

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Steiner

Steiners are usually seen as part of the uniform of military or law enforcement personnel. Retirees who are accustomed to them are seen in the field doing some bird-watching, but it is not common.

• Who makes them: Steiner has been a leader in optics for more than 60 years.
• Who uses them: Military and law enforcement activities are the primary uses for these exceptional binoculars.
• What are they like: Military standards require bright detail, durability in tough combat conditions. They offer better evening or night viewing and are shock resistant,fog proof and waterproof. The Predator model at 10X42 is closest to the standard for nature observation.
• What are their special features: Steiner Binoculars are remarkably light weight with exceptional depth-of-field. They have excellent user comfort ratings and allow long extended use. Standard sizes include 20×80 for maximum light and magnification in shadows. The most commonly seen models are 10×50 or 7×50, though newer compact models are now available at 6×30 and 8×30. These lenses amplify red and brown shades and reduce blues, greens and UV light. This gives you a crisp clear image beyond your expectations. Expect a price tag anywhere from $200 to over $1000 for these finely crafted instruments.

• Who makes them: Carl Zeiss, Inc. has been making precision optics since 1846.
  
• Who uses them: Serious birders, hunters and wildlife observers.
• What are they like: Zeiss has exceptional durability and superb wide vision. Some experts say they feel like the perfect binoculars. The FL series is the flagship model for Zeiss birding binoculars with good reason.
  
• What are their special features: They have a unique protective coating that repels water and oil resulting in beading on the surface when wet. Their worldwide lifetime service warranty is a standard.
  

• Who makes them: Leica has been making precision optics, and binoculars since 1907 in Germany.
  
• Who uses them: Serious birders.
  
• What are they like: LEICA ULTRAVID 10 x 42 BL is preferred by many serious birders because of the eye comfort, particularly for people who wear eyeglasses when birding.
• What are their special features:They have excellent image steadiness for long distance viewing. These very compact and elegant binoculars are exceptionally lightweight with a magnesium body and titanium hinge shaft.

• Who makes them: Swarovski, world renowned for precision crystal work, branched into optics in 1949 in Austria.
  
• Who uses them: Serious birders.
• What are they like: Without a doubt these set the standard for all of the high end binoculars, indeed for all binoculars. The precision and engineering is unsurpassed.They have a broader field of view and shorter focus distance than most others in this class.
• What are their special features:Remarkably lightweight magnesium alloy body set the pace for others to lighten up. Ergonomic design and twist and lock eyecups are also leaders.

• Who makes them: Leupold has been making and repairing precision engineering optics since 1907 in Portland, Oregon.
  
• Who uses them: Birders, hunters, wildlife observers, boaters.
• What are they like: The Wind River model is appreciated by many birders in the field.The 10X50 models weigh more than most of those mentioned above.
• What are their special features:The image is bright and clear, their focus is closer than expected and they are slightly more affordable, almost in the next class beside the Nikon 10X42 Monarchs.

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The really special thing about birders (bird-watchers) is they almost always have more than one pair of binoculars.

And often they have many types of binoculars as well as a spotting scope or camera or two. It is the active birders who are perhaps the best people to review and comment on binoculars. True, the companies have valuable input, but it is the everyday application of these types of binoculars that proves the claims.

This is the first in a series of posts on binoculars by specific companies. Nikon is well known for its cameras and binoculars. Therefore, I start here with comments on Nikon binoculars. In this series I plan to include costs, a place to purchase them and customer reviews when they are available.

When it comes to optics, Nikon is hard to beat for quality and value. You can count on Nikon to use good lenses every time. Many of the lenses they use are the same as those used in more expensive brands.

I have one pair of Nikon compact binoculars that have been serving me well for years. So from personal experience, they are sturdy and durable. It is easy to see more than 300 feet with a good field of vision with the Nikon Monarch. These are 8 x 42 which means you are seeing 8 times larger than the unaided eye with a 42 mm coated lens. This Monarch Nikon binoculars model weights about 2 pounds. This model is also available with 10×42 and 12×42 lenses, each of which weighs a little more.

My concerns with this model are the size and weight of the binoculars in addition to its cost. It is affordable for most serious birders yet costs over $200 in most places.

However, this model is not compact and costs more than the budget conscious birdwatcher wants at the beginning. Its special features include being waterproof and fog-proof, both are good to have. The central focus and precision optics make a more comfortable long viewing period. They are also rugged and rubber-armored.