Using the Right Binoculars in the Proper Way

1. Using the Right Binoculars in the Proper Way Knowing how to use your binoculars will let you get the most out of it. It’s not enough to read the user manual—it also helps to know some real-world tricks. Here are some tips to keep in mind: •Always use the neck strap. It’s not safe to carry your optics around in your hand. The straps are there for a reason—they keep your binoculars safe against your chest and around your neck, within easy reach. You can also use binocular harnesses (which are particularly popular in the bird-watching circles). They feature straps across the back and over the shoulders to better distribute the weight of your gear. •For fine focusing, close your left eye and use only your right eye. Adjust the focus wheel as necessary until you can see clearly. Open your left eye close the right eye. Use the diopter adjustment to achieve a sharper focus. Open both eyes and check if the view is crystal clear. If not, repeat these steps and make small adjustments until you are satisfied. You can tell that the view is crystal clear if the objects you are focusing on appear three-dimensional, almost like they are popping right at you. Your eyes shouldn’t have to strain as you use your binoculars. •To focus, simply adjust the distance between the barrels. It’s important to get the proper spacing for the width for your eyes. If they are too close together or too far apart, your field of view will show black edges. You should see a perfect circle when you get the right adjustment. •Regularly cleaning your binoculars is also important. Wiping the lenses with your shirt might seem like a convenient way to get rid of dust, but beware—you are probably scratching the lens coating or the glass. These tiny scratches can dramatically reduce the clarity of your views over time. The best way to go is to use soft brushes or compressed air for blowing away dust, grit, dirt, or crumbs, then dip a lens cloth in cleaning solution and wipe the lenses with it. Dry the lenses using the dry part of the same cloth. Finally, you need to know how to protect your binoculars against damage. Put it back in the case or bag that it came with after you. You can also invest in soft neoprene ‘bibs’ that fit snugly for maximum protection.