My old pair of waterproofs finally seized up from saltwater overload.
Any recommendations? I'd like something I can tuck under my PFD, something with decent optical function in moving water and semi-low light.

jneen - that's a tough order to fill. I still carry a pair of waterproof 8X32 binoculars. A bit too large to tuck under my PFD but in moving water and lower light they out perform any of the compact binoculars paddle parters have.

Sailing I still have my trusty 7X50s which seem to be to optimal binocular for navigation on a moving platform. They have enough power along with a wide enough field of vision to keep a buoy or bird in view as you're bounced around in waves.

It will be interesting to see what others in the forum have to say.

Michael

Late to the dance, but a few suggestions:

roof lenses (vs. Porro) - less spread, fewer moving parts, fold down smaller. Porros are more comfortable for some and some find them "brighter". They are the lens of choice for birdwatchers but we are up to something different.

Interpupillary range, which varies by model. So it's always better to try binocs on in the store as we all have a different distance between eye pupils that's best for our faces.

BaK7 lenses -these are the new standard. BaK6 are outdated. If you go BaK6 you should get them at a much discounted price.

magnification - 6x or 7x. Easier to see when water is bouncing.
The sailor's choice is overwhelmingly 7x but they are on a much more stable vessel compared to a kayak.

Close focus is not as important.

wide field of vision - if you use to scan coastline or to look for other vessels on the water. Less wide if for birdwatching.

Exit eye pupil 5 or lower. If your eyes are older they don't need as much light as a younger person's. A lot of marine binocs that are 7x50 (or with an exit eye of 7.7) provide more light than an older person's eyes can effectively utilize. Of course, if a kayaker is young and/or has 20/20 they can go w. a higher exit pupil spec.

nitrogen purged lenses & Orings - fogproofing.
Waterproofing - yes
Fully multicoated lens are the highest standard. Multicoated lenses follow. You don't need FMC lenses on the water.

eyecups if you wear prescription eyeglasses or just generic
sunglasses. Fold up or twistup are fine.

small is better - 12 oz or lower, ~4x3 inches max.

Floatation strap - don't ask '-)

I wound up finding some discontinued LL Bean 6x18s on eBay for under $10. They are 8 oz, 3.5 x 2.5" folded & will fit in a PFD pocket.

I also have some Leupold 6x30 porro prisms ( Yosemite series) but they weigh more & are much better for land use. very fun for critter watching. I like the little Beans, they are simple and do the basic job.

Nikon also has a small foldable set of binocs that will set you back ~$100 at REI. Other highly regarded brands that offer small, waterproof binocs are Vortex, Brunton and a slew of very expensive European makes. Unfortunately it is hard to find the 6x magnifiers and some Vortex and Brunton models in 6x can only be found discontinued. There also was a series developed for the Audubon Society (since discontinued) that is much coveted for their compact size and performance which offers 6x and 7x magnification.

Last thought is that some have tried and liked a monopod. Many of the same desirable features, one cylinder, smaller still.Vortex and Brunton make them, probably others.

I've had a $29 pair of 10 X 50 Bushnell waterproof binoculars for many years of sailing and now days, kayaking. They still work great. I haven't used them extensively around salt water, but in any case, I don;t get them wet if I can help it. I do sometimes wear them around my neck while paddling, but most of the time, if I have them along, they are in my day hatch...well that depends on which boat I'm in. I got them at a Costco store that had a special purchase sale on them. I think they were supposed to retail for about $99 at the time.

I can't imagine spending a lot for binoculars that will be used for any kind of boating. They have a better than fifty, fifty chance of being dropped overboard, broken, lost, or whatever.

I've now had 3 pairs of waterproof kayaking binoculars over the years, and 2 of the 3 developed internal misting/moisture problems; the 3rd, best pair I left inadvertantly at the launch site and of course they were gone when I returned--boo-hoo! Kicked myself all the way home.

I have had now a 6 X 30 waterproof Brunton monocular for maybe 6-7 years, and, so far so good. I still much prefer small good binoculars, and will get a pair sooner or later but the Brunton has served honorably--no misting and easy to store.