For any sailing, Steiner 7x50 Commander Race Edition. It cost a fortune but so what?
This is with compass, so it is not just brilliant - literally - even at night but is the perfect weapon for piloting.
Will take it to my grave, too!
Would not touch anything else.

southace said..
Nothing beats these self focusing Steiner navigators.
There was a pair on gumtree a few months ago for $200 in mint condition.
I Paid $1900 from whitworths about 15 years ago and intend taking them to my grave!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Steiner-Navigator-Pro-7x30-Binoculars/311984201039?hash=item48a3b51d4f:g:EF0AAOSwUoNZ6Wq3

My Steiner Navigator's are over 20 years old and have been dropped, kicked and abused and are still in perfect working order. If you buy Steiner's it will be the last pair you will ever buy. Nothing else is worth looking at.

The usual standard for sailing is 7x50, ie. seven times magnification with a 50 mm lens.

That specification usually results with a bulky binoc.

I have a Yashica 8x40 binocular which is a very handy size.

Compass overlay, night vision and auto focussing are the latest fad but I tend to think we may have outsmarted our selves.

Binoculars require adjustment to eye offset and each eye focus. When somebody else picks up YOUR binocular and adjusts it to their vision, it is near enough reason to wrap a winch handle around their head.

DON'T TOUCH MY NOCS!!!

On a rocking boat, as most of us are observibing from, high magnificatioin becomes fairly useless.

I tend to think that a back pocket telescope may be a better tool than binoculars. Quick and easy, only one eye focus.

Wanted to buy:- Quality handheld telescope. Where??

I use half a 7 x50 binocular. One of the 30 to 50 year old Japanese brands! I had two binoculars, a 7 x 50 and a 10 x 50 that have had a drop at sometime and got out of alignment. I pulled them down and made 4 monoculars. One half has the focus control and the other has a fixed focus with washers as shims. One stays at the house, one on the yacht and the other two live in my cars.
In a seaway I can stand and hold myself secure with my left hand. I hold the monocular with my right hand with the prism hard against my cheek I find it's quite stable. You can also use the other eye to get a quick alignment amongst the waves.

AshleyM said..
OK, what is the best binocular for the budget conscious bay or coastal sailor who is on a...budget?

www.ebay.com/i/391926191075?rt=nc

I have an antique pair of opera glasses that are adequate.

Yashica 8x40 wide. By modern standards a little heavy but still as sharp as ever even with my old eyes.