Binoculars

[CRB Barta Billfish]

I want to buy some Stabilizing Binoculars for my husband but have no idea what is good for fishing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Ultralite]

You have two technology choices: gyro stabilized or image stabilized. Of the two, gyro stabilized are the best, but they're going to cost a pretty penny, on the order of $5K. Your top choices are from Fraser-Volpe and Fujinon. I see shops retailing both these for $5300, but with a good search you can find the Fraser-Volpes for $4800. Out here on the West Coast, your top drawer marlin guys such as Team Bad Company, opt for the Fraser Volpes, primarily because they're lighter and can go 12 hours on two AA batteries. The Fujinons require 4 AA batteries and drain them faster. The Fraser-Volpes are military spec binos which have been marinized. From people who have both, I understand that the Fraser Volpes can withstand a drop far better than the Fujinons.

In doing a search, I stumbled on the following gyro stabilized binos for $2K. Can't vouch for them and as usual, you get what you pay for.
http://www.youroutdooroutfitter.com/...oducts_id=1674

Image stabilized binos accomplish the stabilization electronically. They use the same image stabilization found in video cameras. They are much cheaper than gyro stabilized, like on the order of less than 20% of the cost. Then again, you get what you pay for. They don't work nearly as good as the gyro stabilized. No professional crews that I know of use image stabilized binos.

If you're looking to impress him, get the Fraser Volpes. He will not be disappointed.

[alltackle]

Here are the Fraser-Volpe's which are Marine Grade and the ultimate:



Here is a Nikon, also Marine Grade:


See them both:
http://www.alltackle.com/binoculars.htm

[Admin]

Fraser-Volpe's kick ass ! he will love you long time

[bisquit]

I can recommend the Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 VR Marine / Land Image Stabilized Binoculars 8211. I've had a pair since 2004, and they are great on the water and on land. The only negative is the weight--gets tiresome holding them up after a while, but that's probably true with any of the other brands of this type of binocular.

I paid $1200 for mine, but I've seen them available nowadays for around $750.