5 Best Binoculars For Alaska Cruise of 2024

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2024-03-28

Going on an Alaska cruise is one-of-a-kind, but only with the aid of a binocular can it be an unforgettable experience.

If you want to enjoy your trip at its fullest, you binoculars must be rugged and durable enough to withstand any weather conditions, yet lightweight and compact enough to pack and carry around.

You don’t have to invest a lot in a binocular but you can use it for other applications. Buy one right now and have a better time sailing in Alaska!

Here are the best binoculars for Alaska cruise (Mar 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall: Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S
  • Runner-Up: Bushnell H2O BN150142
  • Best Budget: Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201
  • Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
  • Best For Light Travelers: Nikon 8248 ACULON A211
Top 5 Best Binoculars For Alaska Cruise
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Top 5 Best Binoculars For Alaska Cruise
Top 5 Best Binoculars For Alaska Cruise
Best Overall
Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S
  • Perfect choice for those who are into casual outdoor activities
  • Magnification: 10x
  • Objective Lens/Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 42 / 4.2
Read Our Review
Runner-Up
Bushnell H2O BN150142
  • Good user-friendly features with optimal sturdiness at a pocket-friendly price
  • Magnification: 10x
  • Objective Lens/Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 42 / 4.2
Read Our Review
Best Budget
Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201
  • Most popular among bird-watching lovers and any type of wildlife spotting, open water enthusiasts in the Alaskan wilderness
  • Magnification: 8x
  • Objective Lens/Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 32 / 4.0
Read Our Review
Best For Eyeglass Wearers
Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
  • Best choice for eyeglass wearers, made for dedicated wildlife spotting enthusiasts
  • Magnification: 8x
  • Objective Lens/Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 42 / 5.3
Read Our Review
Best For Light Travelers
Nikon 8248 ACULON A211
  • Most multifunctional and versatile binocular in this list,could ensure sharper images at the higher end of magnification
  • Magnification: 10x
  • Objective Lens/Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 50 / 5.0
Read Our Review

Best Overall: Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S

Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S
Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S
Pros
  • Arsenic-free eco-glass optics

  • Wide 63° apparent angle of view

  • Lightweight and compact design

  • Affordable

Cons
  • Eye covers could be better

Why is the Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10x42 Binocular the top-rated model on our list? Because it combines first-class optical glass with great usability making such a perfect companion for your Alaska sailings!

Its optical tubes are fully O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled to be waterproof and submersible to the depth of 1m for approximately 10 minutes.

Also, these internal lenses are resistant to fogging thus giving you peace of mind when you go through extreme weather variations and even harsh environmental conditions.

Another cool feature: The 42mm objective lenses maximize light-transmitting ability without adding some extra pounds while the 10x magnification promises brighter images for detailed observations.

But for the poor-quality of the eye covers, the Nikon PROSTAFF 3S could be better.

Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S Specifications

Magnification

10x

Objective Lens Diameter (mm)

42

Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)

4.2

Prism Type

High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coated prisms

Lens Coatings

Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses

Eye Relief Distance (mm)

15.7

Environmental Protection

100% waterproof and fog resistant

Highlight Features

Compact roof prism optical path
Corrosion-resistant reinforced polycarbonate resin chassis
Anti-reflection multi-coated optics.

Nikon 10x42 ProStaff 3S is a perfect choice for those who are into casual outdoor activities.

Runner-Up: Bushnell H2O BN150142

Top Pick
Bushnell H2O BN150142
Bushnell H2O BN150142
Pros
  • Come with a lifetime warranty

  • A belt loop, neck strap, and soft carrying case included

  • Easy to operate

  • Ultimate light transmitting efficiency

Cons
  • A little bit heavy to float

When it comes to the best overall travel binoculars for Alaska Cruise, it is hard to beat the Bushnell's 10x42 H20 Roof Prism Binocular.

With BAK-4 proto prism – (a type of optical glass providing exceptional color contrast and light transmission) and the field of view extending up to 305 feet at 1,000 yards, it is arguably the best unit for adventurers on an Alaska cruise.

Fully nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, these binoculars are completely protected against the water and fog. That way, it saves you from any worries about raining sideways.

What users don’t like about this product is extra pounds making it a little bit difficult to float.

Bushnell H2O BN150142 Specifications

Magnification

10x

Objective Lens Diameter (mm)

42

Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)

4.2

Prism Type

Baritleichkron (BaK-4) Porro

Lens Coatings

Multi-coated lenses

Eye Relief Distance (mm)

17.0

Environmental Protection

100% waterproof and fog resistant

Highlight Features

Multi-coated optics, non-slip rubber armor
Large center-focus knob, and soft shock-absorbing Texture Grip

Bushnell H2O BN150142 Binocular offers adventurers all the best friendly features with optimal sturdiness at a pocket-friendly price.

Best Budget: Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201

Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201
Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201
Pros
  • Supreme crisp and vibrant color and bright images

  • Super lightweight and small pocket-sized

  • Come at a budget-friendly price

  • Easy to carry around

Cons
  • Disappointing instructions

The ideal combination of non-slip grip, eye relief, exit pupil, and magnification means you can watch outdoor games or go bird watching for extended periods without fear of blurriness and damage.

And that’s exactly what the Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 has to offer. This solid pair ensures crystal clear optics in a practically Alaskan-weather-proof package.

All you have to do now is to enjoy your precious time spent outdoors at its fullest.

What makes this product less appealing is the lack of instructions. Though it is not hard to use a binocular, it could be better to add more information for inexperienced birders.

Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201 Specifications

Magnification

8x

Objective Lens Diameter (mm)

32

Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)

4.0

Prism Type

Baritleichkron (BaK-4) Porro

Lens Coatings

Multi-coated lenses

Eye Relief Distance (mm)

14.8

Environmental Protection

100% waterproof and fog resistant

Highlight Features

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Non-slip grip
Wide field of view, bright & sharp images

Wingspan Optics Spectator 8x32 PS – 83201 Binocular is the most popular unit among bird-watching lovers and any type of wildlife spotting, open water enthusiasts in the Alaskan wilderness.

Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5

Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5
Pros
  • Long eye relief

  • Easy to position your eyes at the precise eye point

  • Fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin for a lightweight body

Cons
  • The overall quality of glass

Boasting BAK-4 proto prism coatings, fully multi-coated lenses, and easy-to-adjust eyecups, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 is a top pick for Alaska cruise.

Among a handful of this model’s excellent features, what’s really impressive is the rugged Alaska-proof coatings.

It is 100% fog proof and waterproof (up to 1m/3.3 feet for about 10 minutes)with a shock-proof rubber-armored cover to withstand any bruises of riding around in your cruise.

That way, you can carry it through any outdoor terrain kinds.

Though the Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 comes with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, it is not the highest-quality one in the market.

Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 Specifications

Magnification

8x

Objective Lens Diameter (mm)

42

Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)

5.3

Prism Type

Baritleichkron (BaK-4) Porro

Lens Coatings

Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses

Eye Relief Distance (mm)

19.5

Environmental Protection

100% waterproof and fog resistant

Highlight Features

Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass
Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups
Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings
Smooth Central Focus Knob, and Flip Down Lens Caps

Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 is the best choice for eyeglass wearers, made for dedicated wildlife spotting enthusiasts.

Best For Light Travelers: Nikon 8248 ACULON A211

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211
Nikon 8248 ACULON A211
Pros
  • Crystal clear picture in all lighting and weather conditions

  • Easy to focus

  • Simple to operate

  • Ergonomic, compact design

Cons
  • A little bit blurry images at the higher end of magnification

The 5th model reviewed on our list is another product by Nikon - the Nikon 8248 ACULON A211.

The features receiving a lot of positive praises are the roof prism technology helping gather all the light surrounding you for a wider field of view and the rugged rubber-armored coating for better traction even in wet conditions.

So, if you use the multi-coated optics on your Alaska cruise, you don’t have to worry about your binocular being jeopardized when you submerge it in water.

The Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 10x50 is great, but it would be better if it could ensure sharper images at the higher end of magnification.

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 Specifications

Magnification

10x

Objective Lens Diameter (mm)

50

Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)

5.0

Prism Type

Baritleichkron (BaK-4) Porro prism

Lens Coatings

Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses

Eye Relief Distance (mm)

11.8

Environmental Protection

100% waterproof and fog resistant

Highlight Features

Spherical Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses
Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups
Smooth central focus knob, and durable rubber-armored coatings

Nikon 8248 ACULON A211 is the most multifunctional and versatile binocular in this list.

How To Choose The Best Binoculars For Alaska Cruise?

Here are these factors to consider when choosing the a binoculars for Alaska cruise:

Magnification and Objective lens diameter

  • A binocular is described by a set of numbers, such as 8x42 and 10x50, which respectively refer to its magnification and objective lens diameter.

Magnification

  • The higher the first number is, the bigger and clearer images you can see. For example, a 10x50 pair provides the 10x magnification meaning that you can see things look 10 times larger.

  • However, it will be a little bit challenging to get a stable image with too much magnification power.

Objective lens diameter

  • The second number refers to the lens’ size at the front of your binocular. The larger the objective is, the more light the binocular can transmit.

  • Despite small, a 25mm compact binocular is considered as measly as you will have a narrow field of view and the less bright and vibrant images.

  • However, because the objectives are often the biggest portion of any optics, the biggest tradeoff of the higher second number is a bulkier design.

Water-proof and fog-proof

  • Because the lenses’ fogging can affect your binoculars’ general functioning and light transmittance, your device should be water-proof and fog-proof.

  • However, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a pair durable enough for your next Alaska trip. Take time to shop around for a fairly-priced unit which ensures a crystal clear image!

Image stability

  • For an unforgettable Alaska cruise experience, it’s better to go with a device offering a 7x or 8x magnification power. For optimal image stability, a model with 10x zoom level is also not a bad idea.

Size and Weight

  • As you will keep and utilize your cruise binocular while floating on the water, the model you choose should have a compact and lightweight design.
  • If you want to travel light, you should purchase a compact-sized marine binocular. Meanwhile, those looking for a good balance between the image’s quality and size will be pleased with a mid-sized unit.

Which Brands Make The best binoculars for Alaska Cruise?

Nikon

  • The reputation of Nikon brand is often associated with high-quality cameras, and their binoculars boast that as well.

  • Though the optical instruments by this Japanese manufacturer area bit more expensive than those of other brands, they offer a higher definition and will last for many years to come.

  • If you are looking for the best binocular for light travelers and eyeglass wearers on Alaska Cruise, take a look at Nikon’s lineup.

Bushnell

  • The market value of this American-based brand is well worth looking out for. Founded in 1948, this sporting optics and outdoor equipment company is now becoming the most popular name among outdoor activity enthusiasts.

  • On our list, you can find the best overall binocular for Alaska cruise by Bushnell.

FAQs

Can you use binoculars to see stars?

Of course, yes. You can use binoculars to see stars. And they might be a better place to cure your curiosity than a telescope.

To get used to your optics, you should view the moon and stars first, and then move on to observing other planets.

What is the best magnification for binoculars?

Regardless of your marine glassing context, you should choose a unit with the magnification ranging from 7x to 10x.

Those going on a ship trip should go with a 7x or 8x binocular. Meanwhile, wildlife-viewing lovers can choose a 10x zoom level for an optimal image stabilizer.

Are 10x42 binoculars better than 8x42?

An 8x42 binocular is often more budget-friendly than a 10x42 model and better for close-range glassing. Meanwhile, 10x42 is a multi-purpose binocular coming handy in long-distance glassing.

How do you hold binoculars steady?

Some tips to hold your binoculars steady:

  • Lean on something solid to get some support

  • Lower magnification is steadier – A binocular with lower magnification is easier to hold and get better image stabilization

  • Get in position: Put your two first fingers around your binoculars’ eyepieces and the two other ones around its prism housing.

Porro Prism vs. Roof Prism Binoculars – Which one is better for Alaska cruise?

Porro and roof are the two prism types of binoculars. The former is often associated with bulkier binoculars, but it ensures better depth perception and a wider FoV while the latter goes with a compact shape.

So, my answer is it depends on each adventurer’s priority.

Conclusion

Planning your Alaska trip? All of the 5 binoculars above come with a featherweight design and a ton of adventurer-friendly features. Choose the best one for you & have a nice trip!


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