The Binocular Site
Binocular Accessories
Binoculars come with an array of accessories, and these are all made by the same people that make binoculars. When you buy binoculars you are never going to buy only scopes in a barrel. You will certainly need lens caps, and you are likely going to lose lens caps along the way or over the years - we recommend that you purchase tethered lens caps. There are also other parts of the binoculars you may lose - for example, the eyepiece.
A binocular maintenance kit is always a worthwhile idea. One of these might include either an anti-static cloth or lens tissue that will wipe dust off the lens without scratching the glass. Many prefer lens tissue that is disposable and won’t get dirty, worn out or clogged up with previous cleanings. You might also want a small bottle of cleaning solution. Don’t use Windex or any similar substitute. If you trust names like Zeiss and Brunton, count on them to make a fine leans cleaner.
One of the handiest items to look for in one of these kits is a plastic set of tweezers - perfect for picking larger specks of sand and grit off the lens without doing any harm. You might think that this is picky, but the one time you set your binoculars in sand or dirt and come up with grit all over the lens, you’ll regret not having these.
All of this should come in a sturdy (if plastic) kit box.
You may discover that it is advantageous to get other accessories such as a case, tripod or mount for your binoculars. Even though we go into great deal concerning binocular cases, it’s also possible (and likely much easier on the pocketbook) to get yourself a bino bag. These are versatile in size and not nearly as expensive.
Binocular Cases
Binocular cases are easy to lose and critical to replace. In some cases (no pun intended), you may have a pair of binoculars and you later realize the need for a binocular case. In either case (no more apologies) a binocular case can be a costly purchase.
If and when you need to buy a binocular case there are two broad options you might have. You can use a similar case you may have lying around the house (such as an old camera carrying case) or you can search out the case made by the same manufacturer for the same model. This latter option is where expense might come in.
If you want to work around this expense, measure the size of your binoculars then find slightly larger, cheaper binocular case that will accommodate them. You can take your binoculars into your local electronics or optics shop to match them up. For the best price, though, shop around the internet.
Of course, the safest bet is to get yourself the exact case that matches the binoculars you have purchased. Depending on the brand and model, the binocular case can cost anywhere from $20 to $1000. The Fujinon aluminum carrying case runs at just under $1,000. The case can be critical for field work or hunting, in order to protect high powered or military binoculars. As a general rule, the more expensive the binoculars, the more expensive the binocular case will be.
The binocular case you choose will really depend on the compromise between your needs and values. The advantage of a hardy binocular case is that it will protect your binoculars in all situations. Even the most cautious people are not always mindful of their binoculars when they are climbing steep hills or rushing to catch sight of a running buck or a rare bird.
Binocular Straps
You’ve lost your strap or it’s become damaged in some other way. When it’s time to get a new strap, there are a number of interesting options to consider. The binocular strap is an easy thing to overlook when you are looking for binoculars. When you are out in the field for an hour or more, you become more aware of the importance of comfort. A factor such as durability will become more noticeable to you, as well.
Binocular straps can be affected by a number of issues:
- Bouncing can be alleviated by a strap with adequate density.
- Chafing and strain can be lessened if you have a strap with the right thickness or one reinforced with cushioning.
- Pulling can be affected by whether or not the strap attaches to the sides or center of the binoculars.
There are three popular styles of straps:
- Standard binocular straps - attach to the sides of the binoculars (so they, in fact, have their own bifurcation).
- Rangefinder straps - attach to the middle of a pair of binoculars or rangefinders. They are thinner and can restrict bouncing and the damage that may occur from bouncing.
- Harnesses - attach around your back. These distribute the weight of the binoculars to your shoulders and can also have elastic straps for added flexibility. These are the most secure but their restrictiveness takes time to get used to. Those with heavy binoculars find harnesses useful once they do get used to them.
When purchasing binoculars, there’s no need to feel you have to be saddled with the straps that come with the model you purchased. Look around the internet and find the straps that will make your viewing experience that much easier and more pleasurable.
Tripods
A high-magnification or pair of giant binoculars wouldn't be very useful without something to hold them steady. Tripods are the equipment responsible for a steady view. Tripods are available in light-weight, table-top, compact/crunch and traveling models, and range in price from about $69 to over $500.
Tripods come in three basic designs:
Altazimuth Tripods - The simplest tripod, the altazimuth has two perpendicular axes of motion - vertical (up/down) and horizontal (left/right). Standard camera tripods are altazimuths. Altazimuths are light, inexpensive, easy to use and set up and allow smooth/fine adjustments. They are ideal for binoculars and small, beginner telescopes.
Dobsonian Tripods - A version of the altazimuth design, Dobsonian tripods are used widely by amateur astronomers. Invented by San Francisco telescope-maker John Dobson in the 1970s, this boxy mount is made of wood and sits low to the ground. Dobsonians are inexpensive and naturally strong.
Equatorial Tripods - The equatorial tripod is preferred by professional astronomers and typically supports large, permanently mounted scopes. Equatorials have two perpendicular axes - right ascension and declination - that allow them to track objects easily with one scope motion instead of two, as with altazimuths. They are also perfect for photography.
Tip - To use binoculars with a tripod, you'll need an adaptor or mount.
Binocular Mounts
The average binocular mount will support between 3 pounds and 300 pounds, and range from junior to heavy-duty models. Binocular mounts currently range in price from between $35-$24.
Mounts can be attached to a tree, your deck railing, car door or a tripod, using a variety of different mounting accessories. Mounts are sold under various brand names but generally come in two designs:
Parallelogram Mounts - A mount that swings the binoculars away from the tripod, allowing the user to frequently change stances without shifting the view through the binoculars. The unique parallelogram is the only mount in the world that allows you to bring the binoculars towards your eyes instead of bringing your eyes to the binoculars. Parallelograms offer hands-free use and can be mounted to standard telescopes or tripods, which can be adjusted to accommodate various heights.
Mirror Mounts - Function at a 90° diagonal, so viewing is done by looking down onto a mirror. A mirror mount is used like a microscope. Mirror mounts are an advantage if you are concerned about arm, neck or back strain, and because the binoculars are stationary, weight isn't a problem. Mirror mounts can be attached to standard tripods and adjusted for various heights.
