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Are you planning to witness the beauty of Alaska, and need the best binoculars for an Alaska cruise? You’re at the right place as I am going to give you the insight to choose the perfect pairs.
Alaska is a land of stunning natural beauty, and taking an Alaska cruise is an experience like no other. But, to truly appreciate the beauty of this region, you will surely need some tools, and binoculars are one of those. I know that finding and grabbing the perfect pairs is a daunting task. Worry not because I am here to help you find the perfect binos for your trip.
Are you thinking about what is going to be offered in this guide? I’ll go into detail about those factors that should be considered before buying binoculars for an Alaska cruise. More than that, my research team has done the research and found some very useful pairs of binos and I will review them to make your buying decision a lot easier.
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Buyers Guide: What should you look for when buying binoculars for an Alaska trip?
Are you planning to embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruise? Then you need to make sure you have the best binoculars to take in all the stunning natural sights that Alaska has to offer.
But making decisions about binoculars without having the proper knowledge is like you’re putting your money at risk. But I don’t want this to happen. So, in the section below, I will talk about some very important factors that must never be overlooked when you are making a decision about binos.
1- Magnification
Magnification power is the most important factor that makes a binocular good or trash. I always prefer 8x and 10x for watching natural beauty. Choosing higher magnification makes your binoculars very sensitive to small movements of hands.
The magnification power of 8x is good enough to show you a well-detailed image of targeted objects. The good thing is that you’ll get a perfectly wider view as the FOV and magnification are inversely proportional. When you choose higher magnification power, it will reduce the field of view and make binoculars more sensitive to the movement of hands.
2- Field of View
Are you confused about what the actual field of view is? Don’t be confused! It is the area of space that you see through the barrel of binoculars. A wider field of view means that you will be able to see more space through the barrel of binoculars.
Having a field of view of around 300 to 350 feet is what you need to witness the landscape of wonderful Alaska. As said earlier 8x of magnification power will give you a wider field of view. It means that when you choose 8x binoculars, you will automatically get a FOV of greater than 300 feet.
3- Ease of Comfortability
No matter if you’re going to use your new binoculars for an hour or for days, ease of use ability is very important. Always prefer those binoculars that offer good comfort.
To ensure that your chosen binoculars for easy to use, make sure to check the following things:
- Binoculars must be lightweight
- They should ergonomically perfect
- The grip and handling its offers should be optimal
- Never ignore the importance of eye relief.
Those binoculars which come with ideal eye relief are good to use for a long time as you remain comfortable. Eye relief greater than 15mm is considered ideal.
4- Weight and Size
Ease of usability leads us to our number four buying factor which is the weight and size of binoculars. I have always been a big fan of lightweight and compact binoculars as they don’t put an extra burden on your shoulder.
For Alaska trips, lightweight binoculars are easy to use and carry with you. In fact, compact binoculars will occupy very small space in your backpack or suitcase. During traveling, handling them won’t be a problem for you.
5- Durability and waterproofing
We don’t spend on binoculars on a daily or weekly basis – In Fact, we open our bank once a year. So choosing binoculars with proper waterproofing is inevitable. Water and fog proofing should also be considered seriously as it will enhance your Alaska cruise experience. No matter for what purpose you are going to buy binoculars, water, and fog proofing is very important criteria that you should not ignore.
6- Budget
The most important factor that usually controls our buying decisions is the product prices. I don’t recommend you choose high-priced binoculars in search of top-class performance.
Trust me, higher-priced binoculars are not what you need to get maximum performance. In fact, binoculars equipped with proper specifications usually offer better value. So instead of spending more money, focus on proper specifications and features. All the above-mentioned factors make binoculars performance very optimal, and they don’t raise the price of binos as well.
Also Read: Best 15X56 Binoculars for Lowlight Usability
List & Reviews of Binoculars for Alaskan Cruise
All the factors that are discussed above are very important and if you follow them, I assure you that you won’t become the victim of cheap or underperforming binoculars.
However, to help you, I have some top-performing binoculars that will give you perfect visual performance for an Alaska trip. These binos have been picked by my team through extensive research, and some of them have been tested and used by us to ensure that you don’t choose a cheaper option.
Here is the list of binoculars that I’ve picked for your trip:
- Celestron – Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
- Nikon 7548 MONARCH 5 Binoculars
- Orion 09327 Giant View Binoculars
- Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars
- Swarovski 8.5×42 EL Binoculars
- Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binoculars
- Gosky 10X42 Roof Prism Binoculars
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8×42 Binoculars
Our Top Picks
| Best Budget-Friendly Option | Check Price |
| Best Performing Binoculars | Check Price |
| Premium & High-End Option | Check Price |
1- Celestron – Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
As said earlier that lightweight and compact-sized binoculars will uplift your fun of getting full amusement of your Alaska trip. These Celestron binoculars are very lightweight and compact which helps them stand out in this guide.
Their visual quality is something one can easily fall for. They consist of BAK-4 prisms with modern glass lenses to ensure that the users will get good clarity with excellent resolution. You will be able to spot birds flying very far away.
Durability can be another factor that you might like to consider. We always put weight on choosing optics that are durable and long-lasting. Spending on something which is fragile is like putting your investment at risk.
You will be happy to know that these binoculars are made with a composite material that is very strong and gives them decent durability. However, you take care of them to ensure that you won’t have to spend on optics again. Not to say because they are fragile, but you should take care of every optics.
Are you on a tight budget? Don’t worry, these binoculars are very affordable. I believe that optics are made for all. So, I talked to my team and requested to find one decently performing binos at a lower price, and they came up with these Celestron binoculars. Give it a try as it is worth it! They will give perfect visuals of glaciers and icebergs on your Alaska trip.
The good thing is that these Celestron binoculars also come with some additional accessories which are very good to increase usability and practicality. Keep in mind that having these additional accessories saves you some bucks. The freebies include a neck strap, objective lens cap, rain guard, carrying case, and lens cloth.
Our Thoughts
I picked these binos due to their affordable pricing. In fact, their top-class performance, lightweight, durability, and low-light usability make them a very good option to be used for spotting marine life on an Alaska cruise.
2- Nikon 7548 MONARCH 5 Binoculars
Before I go into a review of these Niko Monarch 5 binoculars, keep in mind that I own them for the last 2 years for my personal usage. They are my favorite, and everyone who owns them never complains.
Thanks to its wide field of view, high-quality construction, and 17mm eye relief make it a premium option in a lower price range. These Alaska cruise binoculars are perfect for anyone who wants a top-of-the-line pair that can handle any terrain or conditions.
They are equipped with oil and water-repellent coating, making them ideal for use in all conditions. With a simple wipe, you’ll be able to remove moisture, fingerprints, and smudges from the lenses, ensuring a clear view every time. In addition, the Monarch M7 binoculars feature phase-corrected roof prisms for high-resolution viewing.
With a close focus of 8.2 feet and a field of view of 420 feet at 1000 yards, these binoculars provide an exceptional viewing experience. The lenses are also fully multi-coated to reduce reflections and improve image clarity. So you will get the perfect birdwatching experience during an Alaska cruise.
If you’re worried about the binoculars getting damaged, don’t be – they’re built to be tough and come with a 1-year global warranty. So if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pair of binoculars that won’t disappoint, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 should be at the top of your list.
How are they different from previous products?
As said earlier, they are my favorite, and loyal friends whenever I go out. Their optical performance is something that you’ll love for sure.
3- Orion 09327 Giant View Binoculars
Are you one of those who love to see distant objects while sitting in one place? If yes, these binoculars are for you. While viewing the beauty of the Alaska cruise, you will get tired. Then if you have these binos, you sit in one place and relax while getting a closer view of the nearby beauty.
These powerful binoculars offer a crisp, clear view with 15x magnification and 70mm objective lenses. With BAK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics, you can enjoy bright images with great contrast, even in low light. This why I consider them premium binoculars for an Alaskan voyage and you must consider them seriously.
The individual eyepiece focus lets you fine-tune each image for enhanced accuracy, while the included tripod adapter allows for extended viewing sessions. The large 70mm lenses also make these binoculars a very good option for viewing beauty in low-light conditions.
Their resistance against water, fog, and shocks are second to none. No matter if you use them harshly or throw them from height, their build quality will never disappoint you. The usage of Aluminum as a major body material makes them robust.
How are they different from previous products?
The individual eyepiece helps in adjusting the focus of both eyes individually. This is a unique feature that only comes with Orion Giant binoculars. Other optics present in this guide have one single knob to adjust the focus of both eyes. Their magnification is also a distinguishing point.
4- Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars
Celestron Outland X binoculars are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy crisp, detailed views of their surroundings. This is the second product from the Celestron brand. The previous was a budget product, however, these outland binoculars require a handsome budget.
With multi-coated optics and BaK prisms, these binoculars will provide you with high resolution and enhanced color fidelity. Using them for viewing the scenery in Alaska will surely give a pleasing experience.
They are also waterproof and fog proof, making them ideal for all weather conditions. You can use them in heavy rain and fog, their result will be optimal – letting you see everything clearly.
We know that eye relief is key when it comes to comfort and ease of use. These Celestron binoculars also come with an ideal eye relief of 18mm. So, you can expect a high level of comfort.
Even in low light conditions, their performance won’t go down as they have an optimal size of the objective lens and exit pupil. Water and proof proofing is also available in these optics.
While researching binoculars to write this guide we came to a point that they are very lightweight and compact in size, We did not feel any tiredness while using them.
The smaller size is also a distinct feature that helps in keeping them in the pocket while traveling. No doubt they are the best compact binoculars that will offer perfect visuals on an Alaska trip.
How are they different from previous products?
They are very compact in size and lightweight. These binoculars are portable as well. Put them in your pocket and they won’t disturb you at all. The portability is something that makes it unique in this guide.
5- Swarovski 8.5×42 EL Binoculars
Well, this may not be a perfect choice because they need a handsome budget. Many people don’t buy expensive binoculars. However, the value they offer is something that attracts special people who love performance more than money.
With a large field of view and edge-to-edge sharpness, these binoculars are perfect for a variety of uses. The 4.9 mm exit pupils also produce bright images in low-light conditions. Their decent-sized objective lens size and 4.9 mm of exit pupil make them very good options for twilight or dawn usage.
The included field bag, eyepiece cover, and objective lens cover make it easy to keep your binoculars protected when not in use. And the comfortable wrap-around grip makes them easy to hold steady in your hand.
These binos weigh 29.5 ounces and have dimensions of 6.3X2.4X5.2 inches, making them a great choice for those who need a compact and lightweight pair of binoculars.
The eye relief of these binoculars is 20 mm, which is great for glasses wearers as it gives you a full field of view comfortably. If you are an older person, I recommend you to go with them as they will give you a decent viewing experience even if you use them with glasses on.
Water and fog proofing is also done with o ring sealings and premium gas purging. With a twilight factor of 18.9, the Swarovski 8.5X42 EL Binoculars are a great choice for those whose usage is extreme in different environments. Their build quality makes them durable and withstand all extreme conditions.
How are they different from previous products?
First things first, they are not affordable to everyone – special people with handsome budgets can only have them. Their light factor of 18.9 makes them unique and they will give you ideal performance in lowlight conditions.
6- Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binoculars
Athlon Midas is a good choice for those looking for an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or functionality. This is the second budget category product: the first one was from the Celestron brand.
I love these binos because of their wider field of view. By keeping eyes on the barrels, you’ll be able to see a 341 feet wider space or area which is ideal, especially for an Alaska cruise full of natural beauty.
Durable and anti-slip, these binoculars are perfect for outdoor activities. They are easy to focus on and come with a soft case, lens cover, cleaning cloth, and neck strap as an additional accessory.
The only downside to these binoculars is that they are fixed at 10x magnification, so you cannot adjust the zoom. However, this should not be a problem for most users. The magnification of 10x is more than enough for almost all the outdoor activities
If you’re looking for a durable and waterproof option, the SkyGenius optics are the way to go. They are designed for both land and water use, so you can take them on your Alaska trip and enjoy the breathtaking Alaskan landscapes.
The eye relief of these optics is up to the mark. The adjustable eyecups further increase comfortability as it enables the users to adjust the eye relief. This is why we have added the best binoculars for the whale-watching list in Alaska.
How are they different from previous products?
These binoculars provide a wider field of view with higher magnification power. No other optics offer such a wider FOV with high magnification power. Moreover, their performance in low light conditions also makes them unique.
7- Gosky 10X42 Roof Prism Binoculars
For me, focusing has always been an issue. It is irritating because most binoculars don’t even come with smooth focus and you will have to do it manually or it will take a few seconds to adjust the focus. But these binoculars are going to give you an easy, smooth, and quick focusing system.
The durable framework and rubber armor protect the binoculars from tough weather conditions. Additionally, the smartphone mount allows you to use your binoculars with your phone for even more convenience. With a lifetime warranty and technical support, you can be confident in your purchase of Gosky Binoculars.
These binoculars are also water, shock, and fog proof, making them ideal for use in a variety of different settings and environments. Throw them from height and put them in water, their performance will be up to the mark.
The eye relief of this product is also pretty good. If you wear glasses, you’ll be able to see the full field of view. If you’re looking for a good pair of binoculars that won’t break the bank, Gosky Binoculars are a great option.
The build quality of this product is also excellent. The lenses are well-coated and the overall construction feels solid and durable. The focusing mechanism is smooth and precise, making it easy to get a clear image.
8- Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8×42 Binoculars
Super lightweight, strong body and user-friendly ergonomics are what explain these vortex binoculars. Keep in mind that they offer excellent optical performance.
Thanks to their phase-correction coated prisms that create sharp, clear, HD images, you will get a perfect, sharper, and brighter visual with a pleasing effect on the eyes. The 42mm fully multi-coated lenses deliver the brightness needed to see in all lighting conditions.
The argon-filled and sealed body is waterproof and fog proof, making these binoculars ideal for use in all weather conditions. With a lifetime warranty, you can have peace of mind that you will be buying something that is secured by the brand.
Due to argon purging, these binos are very durable even if you submerge them in water, they won’t get affected. I believe these are the perfect pairs of binoculars for watching whales at an Alaska cruise.
In the start, I told you that eye relief and ease of usability are very important especially if you’re having weak eyes and you wear glasses. These binos offer eye relief of 17.2 mm which helps them sneak through to this guide.
How are they different from previous products?
All the binoculars reviewed in this guide are purged with nitrogen gas. But these vortex optics have argon gas for purging processes which makes them very secure against the attack of moisture and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need binoculars for an Alaska cruise?
Binoculars enhance your ability to spot wildlife, glaciers, distant landmarks, and stunning landscapes from the deck of your cruise ship, offering a more immersive and detailed viewing experience. So, I highly recommend you carry a nice pair of binoculars and don’t miss anything.
Are compact binoculars suitable for an Alaska cruise?
Compact binoculars are convenient and can surely sacrifice some image quality and low-light performance. For the best experience during your cruise, I recommend you consider mid-sized to full-sized binoculars.
Can I rent binoculars for my Alaska cruise?
Some cruise lines might offer binocular rentals, but it’s advisable to bring your own to ensure you have a comfortable and familiar pair throughout your journey.
Conclusion
It was a complete guide for buying binoculars for Alaska cruises. Our efforts were to provide you with practical and useful information that makes you feel confident while purchasing your binoculars.
To write this guide, we have done complete research and testing to ensure that our readers get perfect pairs for their enjoyment on an Alaska trip. Hopefully, our efforts will be useful for you and become a guiding light as you enter the optics store.
I’m a passionate outdoor activist who has got special love for optics. The school studies in optical mechanics and the travelling experience has made me an expert in optics like binoculars, scopes, and other devices. Stay connected with us for in-depth knowledge!