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The Deep Sea Series is a marine treasure chest of binoculars designed specifically for the nautical world and boating enthusiasts. With 7x magnification (most popular size because of the steady image achievable under rough sea conditions) and exceptional optics, these binoculars provide clear views of marine observation from dusk till dawn. In addition, selected models include an internal rangefinder and directional compass for navigation. The Deep Sea series includes a wide range of seaworthy roof and porro styles and sizes to meet the needs of the experienced or beginning mariner. There's even a Deep Sea model that FLOATS! Backed by Limited Lifetime Warranty.
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Technical Details
- O-ring sealed for complete waterproof protection and Dry nitrogen-purged and sealed to prevent fogging and moisture damage in all weather conditions- Fully multi-coated optics delivers luminous and high contrast images with BAK-4 prisms for increased clarity
- Heavy duty and shockproof rubber armor
- Built in with an internal rangefinder and DIGITAL directional compass
- Features a rugged rubber armor covering that provides a non-slip and secure grip, designed specially for nautical use
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By Stenn (Maryland)
Unfortunately, I'll be sending these back. :(
And it's too bad...because the optical quality is fine...very sharp and bright with their BAK-4 high-quality prisms and Multi-coated lenses, with quick focusing using it's center-focus (the reason I bought them...I have a pair of marine binoculars from another company, that are individual-focus for each eyepiece...and I find that a real pain...it takes too much time focusing each eyepiece individually....especially while sailing.)
Too bad, because the digital compass, and range-finder-scale are nice ideas....this new AB10800 model has been updated from their AB10160 marine binoculars with a digital readout for the compass instead of the rotating scale....a nice idea, easier to quickly read...if it worked. (the optical coating is said to be improved too..."MULTI" coated, vs. the AB10160 "FULLY" coated)
But no matter how carefully I balanced the two wafer 3 volt Lithium batteries on top of each other, balanced on top of the big spring that acts as the negative contact for the underside of the batteries...and then carefully screwed the cap into the battery compartment, I could not get the compass to come one. Pushing what seems to be the ON/OFF button (the inadequate "manual" fails to even mention it's existence) didn't do a thing....
...actually, it did come on once, but the readout looked to be distorted...the digits "jumbled,"... I thought maybe it needed to be "rebooted," or that I didn't have the cap in properly, and so opened it back up to remove and reinsert the batteries, and rethread the cap, but after that the compass never came on again. I'm thinking either the digital circuitry was defective from the beginning, or the loose batteries must have shorted the internal circuitry somehow while screwing the cap back on? I tested them with a voltmeter, and they're still full-strength, so it's not them.
....so, with this malfunctioning digital readout, I was stuck with binoculars that have a large portion of view in one eyepiece obstructed by the big black frame around the area where the readout was supposed to be....with nothing there....I found myself wishing I just had plain binoculars, so at least I'd have a full field of view. (maybe, with a new, improved model, Barska could have more of a "Head's Up" display of the digital readout, that doesn't have the big black frame taking up valuable viewing area....i.e. just numbers overlayed on the field of view?)
Speaking of malfunctioning, the soft plastic threads of both the battery compartment and the compartment screw-in cap are so fine, I am convinced that even if the digital readout worked fine from the beginning, it probably wouldn't be long before those ultra-fine plastic threads are accidentally cross-threaded and stripped, thereby exposing the internal workings to moisture and no longer waterproof. This compartment and cap should be of aluminum, or at least a tougher plastic like nylon...and to resolve the balancing act with the batteries flopping around on top of the big spring inside while screwing the cap in, some sort of battery-holder insert that kept them together and aligned while screwing in the cap might be the solution.
And please, Barska, respect your own product enough to actually write a manual dedicated to the features built-in, instead of a generic sheet that covers multiple models, and doesn't even mention the push-button switch next to the battery compartment....Is it really the ON/OFF button for the compass, or does it activate an internal light for night viewing the digital readout, or what?
Incidentally, these seem to be identical to the West Marine model with the same features, and also sold under other names like Nikula....probably all made in the same Chinese factory....so I would venture to say this review applies to them too....I'd be interested in feedback from owners of these other models if there are differences.
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Buy Barska Deep Sea 7x50 Waterproof, Center Focus, FMC Binocularw/Internal Rangefinder & Digital Compass Now
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