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7.00x - 7.00x
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50.00 mm - 50.00 mm
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Open Bridge Binoculars

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Binoculars with Compass

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Introduction

Is the built design of binoculars merely a matter of liking, or are there genuine advantages to this type of device? When picking the right pair of binoculars, considering the type of bridge might be worth it. The type of bridge is of utmost importance when it comes to holding the binoculars regarding the comfort, weight, or it could merely help you when choosing the more aesthetically appealing pair of optics.

The open-bridge design is a newer design, mostly in the last two decades. First, the manufacturers producing this type of optics only produced the more expensive models that way, such as Swarovski's EL model. Now, as time has moved forward, the very affordable binoculars from entry-level classes can also feature the open bridge.

However, not all pairs of binoculars are built this way, as the open-bridge ones are mostly used with roof prism binoculars. These binoculars feature a two joint construction and are always used with central focusing. The barrels provide an open space in the middle, between the barrels, which makes the space wide enough for the user's hand. This is one of the advantages, but let us take a look at more:

Leica Geovid 10x42 3200.COM

Pros

An advantage of binoculars having an open bridge design is, firstly, a better grip, so they feel more secure – which is the most obvious one. Simultaneously, a better grip means a construction that is sturdier, as well as easier to use with one hand. Another advantage would be, in some cases, smaller weight. Consequently, open-bridge binoculars are easier to use with smaller hands, and there is an added bonus: the design is nicer and the binoculars (for most) look more aesthetically pleasing than single bridge binoculars.

Cons

With that many advantages, there are also some disadvantages, but not as plenty, except if the price of the binoculars is your main concern, as these optics can be on the pricier side. The binoculars are built in a way that they are longer, which may pose a problem for some, and the focusing knob position on some models is positioned too towards the face, which makes it difficult to reach.

Swarovski EL 8x32 WB

Conclusion

If you are seeking to figure out if the positive advertised open-bridge binoculars are an instance of a publicity stunt in the optics world, or if the design truly has its benefits, we can confidently confirm it is the latter. True, in some instances, these binoculars are more expensive, like in the case of all the best premium binoculars from the higher classes, like Swarovski EL, Zeiss Victory SF, and Leica Noctivid. However, in this case, getting a great deal should not be your priority – open-bridge binoculars are worth paying extra for.

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VIDEO

Marine binoculars are designed to be used at sea, where magnification over 7x usually causes seasickness. These binoculars also offer great protection against the water and are not sensitive to high temperatures or their housing being exposed to sunlight.

Many of these binoculars also include a compass or some kind of reticle for range finding.

General features:

Waterproof housing
Porro prism design
7x magnification
Individual focusing
Compass
A reticle for range estimations

Marine Binoculars with a Compass

At sea, having a compass is very useful for navigating and coordinating positions. To combine the compass and binoculars in one device seemed logical so that you do not have two things at once in your hands.

There are 2 principles of displaying the compass reading:

An analog scale on the bottom of the field of view of the compass with degrees written on (can be illuminated in more expensive models)
The digital display in the middle of the field of view (push the button to read the degrees, transparent display, which reduces transmittance. The compass is easier to use if it displays degrees in the middle).

Steiner Commander Global 7x50

Built-in Rangefinder

Rangefinding Binoculars are more or less all very similar- having a scale in the middle of the field of view, with which you can calculate the distance to the observed objects if you know their size.

Good „miling“ requires a lot of experience and good prediction. It is the same principle as with tactical riflescopes. The scale is milliradian.

For now, there are no marine binoculars available with the laser rangefinder.

Why is 7x50 the most common Marine Binoculars configuration?

The 7x50 has established itself as a golden standard. While looking through the binoculars the 7x magnification does not shake the image to the point of getting seasickness, and our brains can normally compensate it.

Most of them have Porro prism because it makes them easier to seal and individual focus for each eye separately. 50 mm objective lens and 7x magnification give the 7 mm exit pupil, which is the most comfortable to use as it eliminates the trembling and allows us to always see a "full" picture.

Marine Binoculars with Image Stabilization and Individual Focusing

Image Stabilization

Most modern marine binoculars have this function, as it is possible to use higher magnification for better details. Normally, such binoculars are larger, heavier, and more expensive.

They usually do not offer as good resolution as the classic ones with the same magnification. It is also a major weakness that they are not as reliable (less permeable if they fall into the sea and less resistant to falls) and bumps and are less bright.

They do, however, offer the use of higher magnification on moving boats due to their ability to stabilize the image.

Individual Focusing

This feature is extremely common in this type of binoculars, as it also achieves the best water tightness.

Steiner Marine Binoculars

In Europe, Steiner has become an established provider of marine binocular to the extent that nobody else in the premium class actually produces them anymore (Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski ...).

Steiner has 3 series of this type of binoculars.

Steiner Navigator Pro
Steiner Commander
Steiner Commander Global

Steiner Binoculars - Navigation

Steiner Binoculars (Photo by Konrad Frost/Volvo Ocean Race. 23 October, 2017)

Low Light Binoculars

Configuration 7x50 and Porro prism are optimal because of a 7mm exit pupil, good light transmission, and focusing separated for each eye.

All these features mean that this type of binoculars is also the best choice for observing in the dark.

Due to all of the above configurations, they are perfect for dusk and dawn - however, they are not popular in hunting due to their special appearance, size, and inadequate colors.

Open Bridge Binoculars

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VIDEO

Introduction

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Steiner Navigator 7x50c

Steiner Navigator 7x50

VIDEO

General features:

Marine Binoculars with a Compass

There are 2 principles of displaying the compass reading:

Built-in Rangefinder

Why is 7x50 the most common Marine Binoculars configuration?

Marine Binoculars with Image Stabilization and Individual Focusing

Image Stabilization

Individual Focusing

Steiner Marine Binoculars

Steiner has 3 series of this type of binoculars.

Steiner Navigator Pro

Steiner Commander

Low Light Binoculars

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Open Bridge Binoculars

Sub Categories

VIDEO

Introduction

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

VIDEO

General features:

Marine Binoculars with a Compass

There are 2 principles of displaying the compass reading:

Built-in Rangefinder

Why is 7x50 the most common Marine Binoculars configuration?

Marine Binoculars with Image Stabilization and Individual Focusing

Image Stabilization

Steiner has 3 series of this type of binoculars.

Steiner Navigator Pro

Steiner Commander

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