Binoc's - center vs. individ focus

[HukilauMike]

I was using my binoculars last night on a lovely after work sail, and I got frustrated enough to finally ask for some advice. I have a pair of waterproof West Marine binocs. Nothing fancy, no built in compass or anything, just your standard, rubber housed binocs. I got them as a gift, but find that I rarely use them. Why? Because focussing them is such a pain in the ass. Each eyepiece focusses independently, and it is such an effort to do so that I can't believe I'm doing it correctly.

For example, if I am using my small center focus binocs, I must focus on the object I want to view. This is easy to do by spinning the center control. However, I find doing this same thing with the individually focussed eyepieces is almost a never ending effort; it seems that every change on one side leads to the need for changes on the other, which again leads to changes back on the first, etc. I never get it right. When I try to roll both eyepieces simultaneously, it never leads to a focussed view.

Am I doing something wrong, or does everyone else have the same issues as me? If this is really just my inability to do a simple task that others have mastered, I am ready to use my non-waterproof binocs on the boat until I get a new pair of centerfocus waterproof binocs. But before I throw in the towel, I'd like to hear from the collective group. Any help?

 

[RichH]

Dont have that problem on my boat anymore.

I have MY binoculars (indiv. reticule focus) and my wife has HER binoculars (center focus) and we religiously dont use each other's binocs so we dont have to constantly 'refocus'. We both adjust our binocs for 'infinity' and *tape down the adjustment* so they dont change focus and dont get 'inadvertently changed' ... for on dark & stormy nights, etc. when you simply dont have the time to 'futz & fiddle' with adjusting binocs.

Once a binoc is set up and 'taped down' for infinity, there is hardly ever a need to change it .... if no one but ONE SINGLE PERSON is exclusively allowed to use the binocs. If you need to define an object at less than infinity .... use your 'eyeballs'.


The 'secret' when adjusting individual adjustable eyepiece binocs is to NOT CLOSE ONE EYE when adjusting the 'other'. Instead keep BOTH eyes open but cover the objective lens with your hand, etc. when adjusting the 'uncovered' objective lens. The focus of the eyes is controlled by TWO 'direct' nerves, one which automatically 'mal-adjusts' or 'overcompensates' when the 'other eyelid is CLOSED when adjusting binocs - just cover the objective lens of the side that you are not adjusting.

Hint:
Good marksmen/women NEVER EVER close one eye when sighting their target .... with practice, your brain will 'sort out' what is 'necessary' ... and with BOTH eyes open.

 

[Tim R.]

I have a pair of WM Moorea waterproof binocs. They are a little higher level than yours. They are autofocus and have a compass built in. I only need to focus the separate eye pieces once to account for my eye's weaknesses. Once I do that(and nobody touches them) they work great for any distance except very close up.

 

[Clark]

The orthers have hit on it. Don't share the IF bino's and if you find they do change accidently, tape them down. IF binos are generally more rugged and less prone to moisture intrusion. If you have a sailing companion whose eyesight is different from yours, reward them with their own set! They'll love you for it.

 

[HukilauMike]

Dont have that problem on my boat anymore.

I have MY binoculars (indiv. reticule focus) and my wife has HER binoculars (center focus) and we religiously dont use each other's binocs so we dont have to constantly 'refocus'. We both adjust our binocs for 'infinity' and *tape down the adjustment* so they dont change focus and dont get 'inadvertently changed' ... for on dark & stormy nights, etc. when you simply dont have the time to 'futz & fiddle' with adjusting binocs.

Once a binoc is set up and 'taped down' for infinity, there is hardly ever a need to change it .... if no one but ONE SINGLE PERSON is exclusively allowed to use the binocs. If you need to define an object at less than infinity .... use your 'eyeballs'.


The 'secret' when adjusting individual adjustable eyepiece binocs is to NOT CLOSE ONE EYE when adjusting the 'other'. Instead keep BOTH eyes open but cover the objective lens with your hand, etc. when adjusting the 'uncovered' objective lens. The focus of the eyes is controlled by TWO 'direct' nerves, one which automatically 'mal-adjusts' or 'overcompensates' when the 'other eyelid is CLOSED when adjusting binocs - just cover the objective lens of the side that you are not adjusting.

Hint:
Good marksmen/women NEVER EVER close one eye when sighting their target .... with practice, your brain will 'sort out' what is 'necessary' ... and with BOTH eyes open.

Excellent tip about the objective covers and single eye adjustments, thanks. please excuse my ignorance, but when you say adjust the binocs to "infinity", what exactly does that mean, and how do you do it?

 

[RichH]

Excellent tip about the objective covers and single eye adjustments, thanks. please excuse my ignorance, but when you say adjust the binocs to "infinity", what exactly does that mean, and how do you do it?

In practice, I adjust the binocs for the 'most distant' object I can see: the north star or any other star, the surface of the moon, an object on the far distant horizon, etc. .... then setting the adjustment for the 'clearest' and most defined setting of the object. When you do this all objects over ~1/4 mile will be 'clear'.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You can also be helped by reading the instructions that came with the binoculars.

 

[Stephen K]

I have guests that frequently use my binoc's, so I made it a point to remember the +/- adjustment settings for my eyes...that way I don't have to "sight them in" again each time.

"I never get it right. When I try to roll both eyepieces simultaneously, it never leads to a focussed view." You need to sight one eye at a time following the guidance given above.

Hope this helps.