Using your Binoculars

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The help on this page should be used in addition to the instructions you got with the product. The help here is general, the help you got with your product will be specific and thus may be slightly different. The steps assume it is the first time the reader is using the binoculars and should be followed in the order shown on the screen.

Numbered parts image of a pair of binoculars
Attaching the strap

To attach the strap loop the end of the strap though the hole on the binocular. Then bring the end of the strap back up under the friction buckle. Do this for both ends of the strap. Each time before using make sure that the strap is firmly attached to the binocular.
Rolling down the eyecups

Most new binoculars have rubber eyecups (2 in the image above) that allow you to fold down. This use is primarily for people who wear spectacles while using binoculars. Rolling down the eyecups brings the dioptic lens close to your spectacles and so improves the field of view.

To roll down the eyecups follow these steps:

  1. Grasp the binocular firmly in your hands in such a way that both of your thumbs can reach the eyecup you wish to fold down.
  2. Starting from a point on the eyecup nearest your torso. In one fluid movement fold the eyecup out towards you using both thumbs and then run both thumbs around the eyecup in oposite directions at the same time
Using a Tripod

To attach the binocular to a tripod first unscrew the cover (5 on the image above). Screw the head of the tripod into the binocular. Depending on the binocular and the size of the head on the tripod, a mount may need to be purchased.
Setting the Interpupillary Distance

The distance between the barrels need to be set to the same as the distance between your eyes. This is called the interpupillary distance. To set this correctly follow the following steps:

  1. Hold the binocular in your normal viewing posture,
  2. Move the barrels closer together or further apart until you see one clear circular image.

Note the width of the barrels for future reference.
Focussing the Image

Unless you have a pair of focus free binoculars you will need to know how to focus an image. To set this correctly follow the following steps:

  1. Set the right eyepiece to null (1 in image above). This is the dioptre setting,
  2. Cover the right objective lens lens with the lens cap. Focus on a distant object by rotating the central focus wheel (3 in the image above). Keep both eyes open while doing this.
  3. Cover the left objective lens with the lens cap. Focus on the same object by rotating the right eye piece. The image should now be focussed.

Note the dioptre setting (the amount the right eyepiece is rotated) for future reference. When ever you use the binoculars you should return the setting to your own.