Best binoculars for Whale watching lets start the basics. First you need to know where to go and when. Different places and times of the year are better for seeing whales. Also remember that binoculars are a big help. You can go to the coast or take a special boat tour. Just do a little research to find the best spot for you.
If you want to get up close and personal with whales and other marine animals while out on the water, a good pair of binoculars is important for spotting and observing these beautiful creatures from a distance. Whale watching through binoculars allows you to zoom in and see details you might miss with the naked eye.
How to choose the best binoculars for whale watching? Important Factors
Magnification: I would prefer at least 8x magnification and preferably 10x. This allows me to zoom in and see all details. Higher magnification around 15x to 25x is better if I want to identify species based on features like color patterns. But binoculars become heavier as the magnification increases.
Objective lens diameter: Larger objective lenses of at least 42mm or more gathers more light. It gives me a brighter and clearer image. This is important for low light conditions like dawn, dusk and cloudy days.
Water and fog proof: While on an adventure out on sea I always look for binoculars that are waterproof and fogproof. This will protect them from splashes, spray and humidity while out on the water watching for whales. Fog proofing helps to keep the lenses clear.
Image stabilization: This feature uses technology to detect and balance any hand shake. This gives a steadier view. This is particularly useful for higher magnifications when hand shake is more noticeable due to weight of binoculars.
Top 5 Selected Best binoculars for whale watching
Here is a list of 5 best travel binoculars for whale watching that I prefer. I’m sure any one of these would make your whale watching adventure very amazing.
Leupold BX-1 Rogue Binoculars for whale watching
BX-1 Rogue 8x25mm Compact binoculars are the best compact binoculars for whale watching. They are small but give you a clear and bright view. They use Leupold’s Advanced Optical System which is known for letting in lots of light, reducing glare in bright light and giving you a clear view.
The BX-1 Rogue Compact Binocualrs for kids Series uses an inverted Porro prism design, which makes them very small and light. This design does not compromise their optical performance. They also have a tough rubber coating, making them easy to hold in wet and humid environments while boating or cruising. These binoculars are fog and water proof and they come with a lifetime guarantee.
Specification for Leupold BX-1 Rogue Binoculars,
Pros
- Very sharp image
- Lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Eye cups not adjustable
Nikon 7239 Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
The binoculars come with some amazing features. They have multi coated lenses and BaK4 prisms which make sure you get clear and sharp images. For eyeglass wearers these binoculars offer long eye relief which provides a comfortable view. Adjusting the focus is easy with smooth central focus knob.
Twist out eyecup is my favorite in these bingos. It adjusts easily for eyeglass wearers. Rubber armored coating provides a secure grip in wet conditions when out at sea. These binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof and have the best binoculars for whale watching from shore
Specification for Nikon 7239 Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
Pros
- Sharp view
- Solid build
- Excellent view in low light
- Long eye relief
- Amazing image clarity
Cons
- A bit heavy
Bushnell H2O 10x42mm Binoculars
These binoculars for whale watching are made with BK4 roof prisms. best marine binoculars for whale watching from ship. They show clear and bright images. I’ve personally tested them and they are the best marine binoculars known for gathering plenty of light. The binoculars feature a rubber coating on the exterior, making them easy to grip.
I found them quite comfortable to use while wearing my glasses. focusing was an easy process. They allowed me to capture every detail with clarity. The only minor issue I came across was that the diopter adjustment felt a bit stiff.
Specification for Nikon 7239 Action 7×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
Pros
- Excellent image clarity
- Good results in low light
- Easy to adjust
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Diopter adjustment is a bit stiff
NIKON MONARCH M7, BLACK, 8×42
I have always been a great fan of Best Nikon’s Products. The binoculars have a tough rubber exterior which keeps them safe from bumps and makes them easy to hold. The diopter adjustment setting can be locked to match my eyes. The lenses have a coating that stops oil and water from sticking.
They also use Nikon’s special ED Glass Lenses which are well known for making things look super clear. These binoculars are water and fog proof and suitable for use in every weather condition. The field of view is amazing. I could not stop looking through these binoculars for whale watching.
Specification for NIKON MONARCH M7, BLACK, 8×42
Pros
- Very wide field of view
- Dielectric coating
- Extra low dispersion
- ED glass for amazing image clarity
- Light and compact
- Sharp and bright image
Cons
- Slightly stiff focus wheel
Athlon Optics 10×42 Neos G2 HD Binoculars
These binoculars for whale watching offer a super clear view with their high definition and best budget binocular for whale watching is to up to $100. Athlon Optics Neos takes the viewing experience to the next level with ED glass and top quality BaK4 prisms for a sharper image and accurate colors. They are built tough. They are fog proof and waterproof.
They have a coating that stops them from getting scratched or dirty. I had an excellent experience at sea with these binoculars.
Specification for Athlon Optics 10×42 Neos G2 HD Binoculars
Pros
- Excellent grip and quality
- Good image quality
- Dielectric coating
- Easy one handed use
- Clear view
Cons
- Field of view feels a bit small
Conclusion
I have always been amazed by the amazing sight of whales at sea and binoculars just make it super exciting. Getting a good pair of small binoculars for whale watching can make your experience amazing.
When you know what to look for and how much you want to spend, you can pick the right binoculars for whale watching. They will help you have an unforgettable time on your next whale watching trip. So grab your binoculars, go to the coast and prepare to see incredible ocean giants up close.