How to Use Binoculars: 8 Helpful Tips
Not everyone instantly knows how to use binoculars. So don’t worry if you’re awkward at first. Here are tips to help you prepare on how to use binoculars:
1 – Use Your Neck Strap
Carrying around your binoculars with just your hand is not safe for your binoculars.
Using your neck strap will give you peace of mind as you wear it around your neck and against your chest. And it’s easy to reach with your hands.
Others use a binoculars harness to distribute the weight with straps that hang over your shoulders and across the back.
2 – Get to Know Your Binoculars
The first thing you’ll need to do is to familiarize yourself with them.
Know the parts and what their function is. Know their features as well so they can come in handy when you need them.
For example, if you see that it has an IPD (interpupillary distance) scale, you can use it to take note of the value that’s perfect for you when you adjust the distance of the barrels.
3 – Adjust the Distance Between the Binocular Barrels
Hold the barrels and squeeze them in together to adjust the distance. Your goal is to adjust it until you have a perfect circle view.
If you’re seeing black edges, it means the barrels are too far apart.
4 – Retract Your Eyecups for Wider View
If you want to view a wide area, fully retract your eyecups. Push them down as close to the barrels as possible.
This position is ideal for those who wear eyeglasses and those who have deep-set eyes.
But be ready for grit and dust. When the eyecups are retracted, they are prone to the elements.
5 – Extend Your Eyecups to Focus
When your eyecups are fully extended, your eyes are closer to the optic lenses and they block peripheral light. They also protect your lenses from dirt and dust.
You can extend them by pulling them away from the barrels. Pull them as far as possible for a more focused view.
On cold days, you can expect some fogging when the eyecups are extended.
6 – Position the Eyecups in the Middle
If you’re looking for flexibility, position your eyecups in the middle. If you’re going to a new place and you don’t know what to expect, opt for the middle eyecup position.
This position will give you a good view and block out peripheral light. Also, it will protect the ocular lens from dirt and dust.
7 – Find Something to Focus On
When setting the focus, find something to focus on such as a sign, a flower, or a bird. Focus with both of your eyes open and turning the central focus wheel.
8 – Close One Eye for Fine Focusing
Close your right eye and adjust the focus with your left eye. Then close your left eye, make diopter adjustments, and bring it to a clear, sharp focus.
The diopter is a knob in binoculars that lets you compensate for the differences in your two eyes. Because no two eyes are the same especially when it comes to their ability to focus.