Bring Into View

There is no question that having binoculars aboard can be very useful, but when the seas are rough and the conditions are less than ideal, it can be difficult to find what you are looking for in the distance and then keep it in view. Enter Sig Sauer.

You may be familiar with the name Sig Sauer, not from the marine world but from the firearms and defense contractor industries. It’s a primary supplier of firearms and optics to the U.S. military and troops worldwide. As a company, it knows a thing or two about building equipment that can withstand the harshest conditions. Having developed an optics division that provides world-class glass for the military, hunters and outdoorsmen, it has now branched out to boaters seeking rugged, high-quality, gyro-stabilized optics.

Optics for mariners

Sig Sauer has decided to build on the popularity of its stabilized optics technology by releasing a line of binoculars just for those of us plying the open waters.

The new line comprises three models based on the most popular existing binoculars from its Zulu outdoor line: The ZULU6 HDX 10 x 30mm Marine, the ZULU6 HDX 16 x 42mm Marine and the top-of-the-line ZULU6 HCX Pro 10 x 50m Marine. The internals of these binoculars are not new; they’re just new to the marine market. All models feature blaze-orange, armor-coated housings that are lightweight, fully marinized and completely waterproof with an IPX7 rating. They’re gyro stabilized for a steady view and designed to float when paired with the included strap. Like all Sig Sauer optics, each model is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Smallest and lightest

The ZULU6 HDX 10 x 30mm Marine is the smallest and lightest of the three binoculars and offers a 10 x 30mm magnification and field of view. The 10 is the magnification, and the 30 is the objective lens size in millimeters. Generally, the larger the objective lens, the wider the field of view and the better the operation in low light. This is traditionally one of the most preferred combinations for standard marine binoculars.

The benefit of this pair over others is that it is very compact and lightweight (weighing just 19.2 ounces), and it can be operated and used easily with one hand for extended periods. This is convenient when needing the other hand to helm the boat in rough seas.

The gyro stabilization system features two modes, controlled by a switch at the top center of the binoculars. Using the latest generation of optical image stabilization, the system can be set to Scan mode, which smooths movement while you’re sweeping the horizon for a target, like a passing vessel or jetty. With a quick flick of the switch, it shifts to Target mode, maximizing stabilization to help you stay locked onto the object once it’s in view. The price for these binoculars is the lowest in the range at $999.99. 

Middle of the road

Next up in the line is the ZULU6 HDS 16 x 42 Marine binoculars. This model uses the same gyro stabilization as the 10 x 30mm binoculars but is slightly larger, weighing 21.9 ounces.

The magnification is 16x, which, on a normal pair of binoculars, would probably be too much on a rocking and pitching boat. But with the gyro stabilization, it functions flawlessly. The large 42mm objective lens provides a wide field of view in Scan mode and is effective in low-light conditions. These binoculars are still easy to use one-handed, and all the lens coatings are the same as those of the 10 x 30. These are a great selection if you’re opting for more magnification and a wider field of view, and they retail for $1,999.99.

Top shelf

The flagship of the line is the ZULU6 HDX PRO 18 x 50mm Marine binoculars. Unlike the other two in the line, these binoculars have an upgraded stabilization system (Optical Image Stabilization or OIS). With a specialized internal accelerometer, these binoculars automatically switch from Scan to Target mode, adjusting the level of stabilization as needed.

In rough conditions, it’s very easy to find objects and targets that would otherwise be extremely difficult to locate and stay focused on. Of all the stabilized binoculars I have tried from various brands, these are the most impressive. From experience, this pair is by far the brightest in low-light conditions. It also includes a flip-up polarized objective lens protector.

Still remarkably compact, it weighs 33.9 ounces and floats with the included floating strap. This model also comes with a very nice custom floating Pelican protective case. These binoculars retail for $2,099.99