Waterproof Binoculars

Typhoon 8x26, Vortex Optics
(800) 426-0048
vortexoptics.com
Size: 5 x 4.25 x 1.6 in.
Weight: 11.2 oz.
Minimum focus: 15 ft.
Exit pupil: 3.1mm
Price: $79.99

The Typhoon combines many of the features found in more expensive binoculars with a price level that gives budget buyers an affordable option. Available as 8x26 or 10x26 models in olive green (Search) or bright yellow (Rescue), the Typhoon is nitrogen filled and waterproof. Fully armored and featuring a double-hinged bridge, the Typhoon collapses to less than 3 inches in width. With BaK-4 prisms and multicoated optics, the Typhoon is an example of how features once exclusive to more expensive binoculars have filtered through the market to offer consumers more choices. A few niceties are missing, such as twist-up eyecups, and the Typhoon can't offer the contrast or clarity of premium binoculars, but you won't feel compelled to call out the Coast Guard if you drop them overboard, either. And the 8x26 model I tested produces a 3.1mm exit pupil, large enough for most lighting conditions. The Typhoon provides 17mm eye relief, although I had to take off my glasses to use them comfortably. The focusing knob is near the front of the bridge, and the entire right eyepiece turns to adjust the diopter correction; an index makes for easier repeat settings when you share them with a friend. The Typhoon 8x26 model provides a field of view of 315 feet at 1,000 yards and weighs in at 11.2 ounces. It comes with a flotation neck strap that's comfortable enough to use all the time. The Typhoon is made in China and is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects, including water damage.

Magellan 8x25 WP I, Olympus America Inc.
(800) 622-6372 www.olympusamerica.com
Size: 4.5 x 4.4 x 1.7 in. (fully open)
Weight: 12 oz.
Minimum focus: 9.9 ft.
Exit pupil: 3.1mm
Price: $149

The Magellan manages to pack an impressive list of features into an affordable package. Waterproof to one meter and nitrogen filled to ensure fog-free performance, the Magellan has rubberized surfaces that cushion bumps and scrapes and provide a slip-resistant grip. Softer rubber eyecups twist up with pre-set click stops to offer greater comfort, and long eye relief (16mm) makes the entire image visible, although I found myself taking off my glasses when I used these binoculars. A diopter on the right lens adjusts for differences in vision between left and right eyes. Fully multicoated optics and BaK-4 prisms are usually found on more expensive binoculars, but Olympus puts those features within reach of budget-minded buyers on the Magellan. The result is surprisingly good performance from a moderately priced binocular. A large center focusing ring takes less than a full turn to go from minimum to maximum focus, and the 8x25 focuses down to about 10 feet. The Magellan comes with a neoprene case, eye caps, and a flotation neck strap. It is made in China and is covered by Olympus' limited lifetime warranty.

Premier 8x20 LX L, Nikon USA
(800) 247-3464
www.nikonusa.com
Size: 4.4 x 4.3 x 1.6 in. (fully open)
Weight: 9.5 oz.
Minimum focus: 10.5 ft.
Exit pupil: 2.5mm
Price: $399

Fully closed, the Premier 8x20 LX L will fit into a shirt pocket. But open them up and you realize that these are no mere opera glasses; these are serious binoculars built to survive a dunk in up to six feet of water. Nikon uses fully multicoated optics and proprietary prism coatings to get the most light from the 20mm objective lenses (a 10x25 configuration is also available). The Premier incorporates Nikon's environmentally friendlier "Eco Glass," which is manufactured without arsenic or lead and is also lighter than other glass. A magnesium-alloy body is wrapped in textured rubber for a secure grip, and twist-up rubber eyecups make viewing comfortable, although I was most comfortable using these binoculars without my glasses. The focusing knob is at the front of the double-hinged bridge, and operates smoothly and quickly. A ring underneath the rear of the bridge adjusts the right diopter, and features a scale for accurate settings. These binoculars offer a wider field of view than most, 356 feet at 1,000 yards, which is great for following fast action or scanning a shoreline for a campsite. A wider field of view also makes it easier to stay centered on an object while you are moving. The Premier is made in Japan and is covered by a 25-year limited warranty; Nikon's No Fault warranty repairs any accidental damage for $10 per incident for the life of the product.

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