When embarking on a cruise to Alaska, there are some key pieces of gear you don’t want to be caught without. Along with your camera and sturdy shoes, a good pair of binoculars is essential for getting up close and personal with the stunning landscape and wildlife. They help you spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery to the fullest. With binoculars, you can see moose in the forest or whales diving through the deep sea. Binoculars help you get closer to the action and make your trip even better.
But choosing the right pair of binoculars is not an easy-breezy job. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which pair is suitable for your needs. But worry not! We have written a comprehensive guide about the best binoculars for an Alaska cruise that will ease your decision on buying binoculars.
1- Nikon Action 10×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binoculars
Nikon is a reliable name in the optics industry and has produced top-quality binoculars one over another. 7245 Action Binoculars are an example of how good Nikon products are! These are water and fog-proof. Even if you use them in rain or snow their result will be optimal. Their lenses won’t get any fog or mist on them
The most important point to talk about is the build quality of these binoculars. The material utilized is polycarbonate, which is extremely robust and is commonly used to create tough and sturdy products. Polycarbonate is a polymer that contains a carbonate group.
Due to the strong body material, these binoculars have the ability to bear all kinds of shocks and falls from height. The body is coated with rubber which improves the grip on these binos. The user can have a secure and non-flip grip on these binoculars.
During our testing, we observed that these binoculars give very bright images. The sharpness and brightness of images are due to the increased diameter of objective lenses. Due to increased diameter, these optics give optimal results in low light conditions.
These binoculars have multi-coated lenses and the size of the exit pupil is 5 mm. The only drawback is that these optics are heavy as they weigh around 36.6 oz. If you use a neck strap the weight will be increased to 40 oz. If you like a bit heavy and solid and strong optics, these can be the best binoculars for the cruise to Alaska for you.
How is it different from previous Nikon BInoculars?
These binoculars use Porro prism type and with BaK4 glass. In previous Nikon binoculars, BK7 glass was used which was not as good as BaK4 glass. So there is some advancement in glass usage. BaK4 is a prism material with a low critical angle and a high refractive index. It reduces the amount of light that is lost due to internal reflections.
2- Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Vortex is one of our favorite brands. We have written a guide on Vortex Diamondback vs Viper that you might like to read to get more in-depth detail about Vortex Diamondback binoculars. These Vortex Binoculars come with different magnification powers from 8x to 15x and the diameter of the objective lens from 32 mm to 56 mm.
These binoculars have o ring sealings and nitrogen gas purging. The strong solid sealing does not allow moisture to go inside the binoculars. Even if the moisture succeeds in going inside, the nitrogen gas purging immediately acts and removes moisture. Moisture proofing is key when you choose binoculars for the Alaska trip.
Our Test Result: We put these binoculars in a water tub for 15 minutes to test them. The binoculars were in fine working condition when we brought them out from the tub of water.
These binoculars come with tripod stand adaptability. If you don’t want to hold them in hand, use a tripod stand to continue your journey. Another advantage of using a tripod is that the image looks more stable.
The binoculars are made up of strong rubber material which makes them potent enough to withstand all outside pressure. The viewing through these binoculars is also up to the mark as they come with a field of view of 426 feet which is considered ideal. The ideal field of viewing will help you enjoy the beauty on the Alaska trip
Two types of coating are present in these binoculars
Armortek coating
Dielectric coating
Armortek coating is beneficial in protecting the lenses from scratches and abrasion damage. The dielectric coating is used to enhance the image quality giving a sharper, brighter, and more vibrant image.
The multi-coated lens with select glass elements and cut chromatic aberration give outstanding image quality and sharp resolution. The coating on the lens increases the light transmission to the maximum level and ultimately gives a brighter image.
3- Bushnell Legend L-Series 10x42mm Binoculars
These Bushnell binoculars have no drawbacks and are perfect in almost all aspects. Especially if you are looking to buy binoculars for a long Alaska trip, these are made for you.
The magnification power of 10x and objective lens diameter of 42 mm is more than enough for viewing the beauty of nature. These binoculars have an eye relief of 18 millimeters which ensures that those who have weaker eyesight can have the same fun as normal hunters do have.
Fair to say that these Bushnell optics are the best lightweight binoculars for Alaska cruises. The weight of 23 oz and dimension of 5.5 x 7.25 x 6.25 inches also support the claim of them being the most compact and lightweight binoculars.
Binoculars are always used outside, and if they aren’t water and fog-proof, they don’t deserve to be bought. The resistance to moisture should be the first point in binoculars buying checklists. These optics come with both water and fog resistance and can be used in outdoor conditions.
The roof prism type is used along with a multi-coated lens to make sure that your journey won’t get stopped due to low light conditions. The usual rubber material is used to give some protection. Moreover, these binoculars come with a lifetime money-back guarantee. The top-class field of view of 340 feet makes them the best binoculars for an Alaskan cruise
Pros
A roof prism is used
Lightweight and compact size
Ideal field of view to locate the target
The solid build quality to bear the shocks and falls
Cons
These binoculars are perfect and have no flaws at all
Their compact size and light weight have increased their practicality. No matter whether you’re sitting or running, these optics won’t let you feel the burden.
4- Carson VP Series Full-Sized or Compact Waterproof High-Definition Binoculars
These optics are ideal for multitasking and can be used for birding, sightseeing, and stargazing. The different magnification powers are available. It’s all about personal preferences and the need to choose the suitable magnification power.
Choosing 8X42 binoculars will enable you to view everything well while covering more ground through the barrels of the binoculars at once. More importantly in 8x magnification, you will get a better and wider FOV for a better viewing experience.
The binoculars have an eye relief of 17 mm and a focus distance of 6.6 feet which offer comfortable viewing. They have a total weight of 1.55 pounds which is too much. More weight is like carrying an extra burden in the field. We don’t recommend heavy and bulky binoculars.
The Porro prism with BaK4 glass and the fully multi-coated lens are used to give better image quality. The image quality of these Carson VP Series Full-Sized or Compact HD Binoculars is top class and the competitors are far behind.
Pros
Ideal field of view
Affordable pricing
Eye relief is optimal
Ability to perform multi-tasks like hunting birding etc
Celestron optics may not be as famous as Bushnell or Vortex are but their binoculars are good enough to give optimal viewing experience on your Alaska trip.
The Celestron binos have extra-low dispersion glass which helps in eliminating the CA and color problems. If you want to observe nature, these are the go-to choice. The color combination will make the view more aesthetic and real.
These optics are made in such a way that bad weather or even heavy rain has no effect on them. The o-ring sealing and nitrogen gas purging ensure that no moisture, mist, or water goes inside them.
The baK-4 glass used in the prism and multiple coating layers enhance the image quality. The coating on the lens makes the light transmit and passes maximum light through the images.
During a long busy day on an Alaska trip, you can get tired by holding binos in hand. Having tripod adaptability is something you love to have in such conditions. The tripod helps in keeping the binoculars stable and gives a proper view.
The strong rubber armor material makes these optics more robust and durable. The durability is also dependent on how you use them. Proper care can increase their life.
The tripod adaptability of these optics was the point to talk about when the company launched these optics. Till now, people look keen to buy them as these optics are easy to carry and provide comfortable viewing due to their compatibility with tripod stands.
6- Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD 10x42mm Binoculars
Just like Nikon 7245 Action 10×50 binoculars, Leupold binos are made up of polycarbonate material which makes them rigid and vigorous. The usage of Aluminum gives them more strength. Their bodies are coated with rubber to increase the holding grip. Overall these optics are very strong and have the ability to bear shocks and rough falls.
The multi-coating on lenses and increased diameter of objective lenses make them able to be used in low light conditions. They are specially made for those who love to wander in cloudy weather, early in the morning or in the evening as these binoculars are exceptionally good in low light conditions
Their capability of showing resistance against water moisture and fog is second to none. You can use them on rainy and foggy days and their result will amaze you.
These binoculars come with additional accessories. If you buy these binoculars then you will avail following accessories without paying
Lens cloth
Shoulder strap
Binocular case
Lens covers
These additional bonuses make them very unique. The only issue that has been found in these optics is that they are heavyweight. It is quite hard to carry them during adventurous activities.
Their build quality is outstanding and no competitor has been able to match their body strength. The usage of aluminum and polycarbonate material has made them unbreakable.
7- Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars
These binoculars have adjustable eyecups and IPD which stands for interpupillary distance. It is defined as the distance between two eyes. The average IPD is around 42 mm to 75 mm and varies from person to person
The optics give the freedom to adjust the IPD by rotating the barrels. You might have a shorter or longer IPD. Other competitors don’t give the premium feature of adjusting IPD according to personal preference. But these binoculars allow you to manage the IPD by rotating the barrel and fitting them where you are comfortable.
The ideal eye relief of 17 mm and decent field of view also provide a comfortable viewing experience. These binoculars can be used by adjusting them on a tripod stand or car mount. Moreover, these optics are water fog and shock resistant and bear all kinds of external extreme physical pressure.
The most important feature that makes them able to be part of the best binoculars for Alaska cruise is the lifetime warranty. In case you have any problem you can return them back to the manufacturers.
Pros
Water and fog proof
They are not much heavy
Build quality is up to the mark
IPD adjustment is the most prominent feature.
Lenses are multi-coated that allow light transmission at the maximum rate
Cons
The texture is a bit slippery and does not provide a firm grip
These binoculars provide you with the luxury of adjusting the IPD. We have seen people whose IPD is small as compared to the IPD given by manufacturers resulting in an uncomfortable viewing experience. . But with these binoculars, you will be able to increase and decrease your IPD, depending on your needs.
8- Steiner Safari UltraSharp Binoculars
Are you one of those guys who don’t like to carry bigger-size binoculars? If yes! Steiner Safari UltraSharp Binoculars are the perfect match for you as they are compact in size and lighter in weight.
Carrying lightweight hunting equipment can be awesome as you feel less tired. These binoculars have a total weight of 10.5 oz which makes them one of the lightest optics in this guide.
These optics come with an objective lens diameter of 42 mm and a field of view of 312 feet. The combination of better lens coating, objective lens diameter, and BaK-4 prism glass make the image more smooth, clearer and brighter
We have used these binoculars in cloudy weather just to check its result in low light conditions. They are not only low-light champions but also show resistance to moisture and fog. It will be fair to say that these optics are water, fog, and shockproof with useful useability in low light conditions.
As said earlier, these are the best compact binoculars and the dimensions of 4.6 x 4.5 also support the claim. 4.6 inches is the length of the optics and 4.5 inches is the width.
The build quality is also top-notch as the body is made up of polycarbonate and rubber armor material. Both are tough and robust materials and make these optics durable and long-lasting.
Not but obviously not least, these binoculars offer a lifetime warranty. The manufacturer claims to replace the binoculars if they get broken or damaged. It shows the confidence of the company in the product’s quality.
Pros
Durability
Lifetime warranty
Low light useability
Compact and lightweight
Provide brighter images
Cons
After doing extensive, we failed to find any fault
The top-class image result, lightweight, compact size, and lifetime warranty have put these binoculars on the next level. No one has yet matched the standard set by the Steiner Safari binoculars
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for binoculars for an Alaska cruise, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we have discussed everything about those binoculars that can boost your fun on the next Alaska trip. Keep in mind that the optics that have been reviewed in this guide are equally good. It’s totally up to your personal preferences which brand you choose. Ending this guide with the hope that this article will be a great help for you.
I am Richard from Michigan, and who has a craze for hunting. I have been around optics especially binoculars since 2001 and have gotten decent experience while using them to hunt. I have made this website to share my experience with those who are new in the field. My guides & reviews will help my readers to get in-depth information about binoculars. Let’s hunt for binoculars NOW!
