The 6-axis gyro sensor compensates for camera shake, making these Si-Tex binocs a valuable tool for sailing, cruising, and offshore fishing.
Sirius 12 stabilized marine binoculars can nearly double the distance from which you can effectively spot landmarks.
Looking for a better pair of marine binoculars? A new option on the market from electronics manufacturer Si-Tex has opened our eyes in a big way. BoatU.S. Magazine recently field tested one and came away impressed.
Sirius 12 Stabilized Binoculars features six-axis electronic gyrostabilization, but unlike most gyroscopically stabilized binoculars, the Sirius 12 is light, small, and, as a bonus, costs less than most existing gyroscopically stabilized binoculars with the same magnification power.
Most standard marine binoculars can only magnify up to seven times before hand-shake alone makes it nearly impossible to focus on anything, which is why stabilized binoculars greatly expand any boater’s horizons by magnifying a whopping 12 times.
The body is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.
From our experience, the stabilization system in Sirius 12 is so effective, we were able to spot flocks of gulls diving on fish up to 5 miles away. With regular marine binoculars, spotting gulls at 2 or 3 miles is a stretch. Flip a single switch to activate the stabilization, and a dial on top of the unit provides focus.
Sirius 12 can operate for 12 hours on alkaline batteries, according to Si-Tex, and it has a juice-saving automatic power-off. We were also able to scan the horizon for hours on end without our arms growing tired because these binoculars weigh less than 1 pound, which is 20% to 50% less than the closest competitors. At 4.6” x 5.1” x 2” the body is also small enough to fit in a glove box or even a large jacket pocket.
Take a closer look with this short video from Si-Tex:
The Sirius 12 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, has an objective lens diameter of 21 mm, eye relief is 11 mm, and apparent field of view is 57.6 degrees. The exterior is textured for easy gripping and lenses have water- and oil-repellent coatings. The binoculars come with a strap and carrying case; a neoprene glare shield is optional.
$699 | si-tex.com