A Little Help In A Marine Binoculars Choice (1 Viewer)

[BAK-4]

I would like to buy a pair of marine binoculars for my little nephew. I need something good but not overly expensive, suitable for a child. I thought i'd choose one of these four alternatives:
A) Celestron Oceana 7x50 WP-IF/RC.
B) Tasco Offshore OS36 (not OS54-1 because the Rubicon anti reflective treatment is not very suitable in dark light conditions or bad weather).
C) Konus Tornado 7x50.
D) Bresser Binocom CLS 7x50 (the only one that has the central focusing system).
What can you advise me to choose?
Thanks to all in advance.
Happy and peaceful 2010.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[ceasar]

Hi Vincenzo,
Here is an ideal binocular for a child! The Leupold Yosemite 6 x 30 Porro Prism binocular. You may have to search for a dealer in Europe but they can be found there. They were designed as a family binocular for use primarily by children. They are small, rugged and water proof and very reasonably priced!

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/leupold/leupold-yosemite-6x30-porro-prism-binocular-natural

Cordially,
Bob

 

[BAK-4]

Thank you Bob, the Leupold firm is widely sold in Italy, like other famous U.S. companies, such as Bushnell, Burris (directly distribuited by the Pietro Beretta company), Nightforce, or more cheaper company, such as Barska.
However, i expressed my thoughts pretty bad: my nephew already own a standard 7x50 pair of binoculars, that regularly use.
Now, i want give him a nautical binoculars, because he should become familiar about using compass and rangefinder in open sea.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[chris lewis]

Hi Vincenzo.
Most of the mid level marine binoculars are built to a good level of quality to cope with severe marine conditions. I have used A/ B/ and C/ on your list but not the Bressers - however a lot of the marine versions come form the same facories in China and rebadged so they do offer 'similar' optical and build qulaities. I own the Nikon Ocean 7x50 Pro [with out the compass]. I would recommend that over the other two. It is sharp to 90% out and the last 10% is mild curvature of field so the whole image is very usable. There are minimal other aberrations and disortions. The image is primarily flat with good contrast. It has a 7.2 degree FOV. It has 22mm E.R. The image is bright as would expect from a 7.1 exit pupil. They are 'multi coated' - not FMC - but light transmission is very good. Day time and marine glare is well controlled. There are moderate internal secondary reflections on bright objects - mainly at night - so not a real concern really during day time use. The soft rubber eye cups are comfortable to use. One minor negative is that the focuser is reasonably stiff - however I use mine primarily for astro use so tend to leave it in the fixed distant 'infinity' position so obects 150 mtrs. + are always in focus.
Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[BAK-4]

Thank you Chris, for your very clear and comprehensive mini review.
Whit regards to my list of binoculars, perhaps i could understand what is the maine Chinese factory that produces all them: the Bright China Industries Inc. www.bcioptics.com
This Chinese company clearly admits to produce OEM and in the section of the marine binoculars appear, indeed, a Celestron Oceana 7x50 WP and a Tasco Offshore OS54-1, among others. Probably, what make the real difference between the companies that sell the OEM binoculars is the issue of the quality controls.
By the way, it's true that Tasco was purchased by Bushnell?
Ciao.
Vincenzo