Featherlight Magnetic Binocular Case
Marine Binoculars with Compass
About Bushnell
Bushnell binoculars, a monocular, spotting scopes, tripod adapters and binocular cases and harnesses, from the full-size R7 and Forge down to the pocket A1 and PowerView 10x25. Bushnell is an optics maker whose own site describes its range as optics for hunting and precision, and much of our selection is waterproof and fog-proof for boat days and coastal viewing. Order online from Scuba Evolution in Johannesburg, delivered anywhere in South Africa.
Bushnell in South Africa
Bushnell makes binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes, rangefinders and trail cameras, and describes its range as optics for hunting and precision. We carry the binoculars, a monocular, the spotting scopes and the carry gear, chosen with boats, shorelines and dive trips in mind. All of it sits in marine binoculars and optics.
Start with the numbers
A binocular called 10x42 magnifies ten times through 42 mm front lenses. Bigger front lenses gather more light, which helps at dawn, dusk and over grey water, but add weight. Higher magnification shows more detail and more shake, which matters on a moving deck. That's why 7x50 is the classic sea binocular: a steady image and plenty of light. Then check the waterproof rating. Most of our Bushnell models are rated IPX7, which Bushnell tests by submerging at 1 m for 30 minutes, and nitrogen purged so they don't fog inside.
For the boat
The Marine 7x50 Binoculars with Compass are the skipper's pair, with an internal rangefinder scale and an illuminated compass so you can take a bearing without lowering them. The H2O Binoculars are a simpler sealed 7x50 porro with a non-slip rubber body, made for a wet deck. Both suit a dive boat where they'll be splashed and knocked.
All-round binoculars
The A-Series is built for travel, with wave-textured rubber armour, EXO Barrier lens coating and IPX7 waterproofing. The A5 is the 42 mm flagship, the A3 a mid-size 10x32, and the A1 the smallest, in 8x25 and 10x25, small enough for a jacket pocket or a dive bag. For a single hand, the A3 Monocular is a 10x32 that slips into a pocket.
If low light matters most, step up the glass. The R7 Binoculars use ED Prime glass with field-flattener optics in a 770 g magnesium body, and the Forge and Nitro also use ED Prime glass. The Legend and Engage DX are well-specified roof prism pairs below that level. For a tight budget, the PowerView 2.0, Falcon, Pacifica and All-Purpose models cover the basics, and the PowerView 10x25 Compact is a sensible glovebox or first pair. The Spectator Sport uses PermaFocus, so distant objects stay in focus without adjusting.
Spotting scopes
A spotting scope takes over when binoculars run out of reach, for a yacht on the horizon or a seabird colony. All three of ours zoom from 20x to 60x and need a tripod. The Engage DX Spotting Scope has the largest 80 mm lens for low light, the Nitro 20-60x65 adds ED Prime glass, and the Prime comes with a tabletop tripod and a car window mount.
Carrying them
Binoculars only help if they're to hand. The Universal Binocular Harness spreads the weight across your shoulders instead of your neck. The Featherlight cases from Butler Creek, part of Bushnell, and the Vault pack add a magnetic lid for one-handed access and cover from dust and spray. To hold a pair steady for long viewing, the Quick Release Binocular Tripod Adapter mounts tripod-ready binoculars on a standard tripod.
Questions we get asked
Which Bushnell binoculars are good on a boat?
The Marine 7x50 with compass and the H2O 7x50 are made for use afloat. A 7x magnification keeps the image steadier on a moving deck, and both are sealed and nitrogen purged against water and fogging.
What does IPX7 mean on Bushnell binoculars?
Bushnell tests IPX7 models by submerging them at 1 m for 30 minutes. They'll take spray, rain and a drop over the side in shallow water, but they aren't for diving with.
Should I choose 8x or 10x magnification?
8x gives a wider, steadier view and is easier on a boat or with children. 10x shows more detail at distance but shows more hand shake, so it suits steadier viewing from land.
Do I need a tripod for a spotting scope?
Yes. At 20x to 60x any hand movement fills the view, so all three Bushnell scopes are meant to be used on a tripod, and the Prime includes a tabletop one.
What warranty do Bushnell binoculars carry?
Many of the models we list carry Bushnell's lifetime warranty, and the H2O is covered by the Ironclad warranty. Check the individual product page for the model you choose.