Once you know how to use binoculars properly, you can experience the full excitement they can offer. Understanding a few simple procedures will ensure your enjoyment.
Difficult to see the target
Adjust the binocular tubes so that the left and right fields of view become one circle. Hold the binoculars firmly with both hands and adjust the binocular tubes gently as shown by the arrows in the figure below, until the left and right fields are correctly aligned, forming a perfect circle.
Eyes get tired
To look through binoculars with both eyes, you need to adjust the diopter. Supposing you have a different visual acuity between left and right eyes, if you look through binoculars without doing this, you will not see sharp, crisp images because one eye will see objects in focus while the other will not. This can also lead to eye fatigue.
To correct the difference in visual acuity between the right eye and the left eye, follow the steps below:
- First, focus on your left eye. Turn the focusing ring to focus on a distant target
- Next, focus on the right eye. Turn the diopter adjustment ring to focus on the same target
Focusing will be easier if you cover the objective lens with your hand or a lens cap on the side you are not adjusting.
* If the diopter adjustment is located on the left eyepiece, follow the procedure above in reverse order.
* If you use zoom binoculars, set them at the maximum magnification first. Then focus with the diopter adjustment ring.
The area around the field of view is dark
Adjust the height of the eyecup so that you can see the entire field of view.
- When using the binoculars with eyeglasses, twist down the eyecup and look into the eyepiece
- When using the binoculars with the naked eye, pull out the eyecup and look into the eyepiece
If the distance between the eye and the eyepiece is too close or too far, you will not be able to see the entire field of view.
The area around of the field of view is dark. The whole area of the field of view is clear.
a. Eyecup.
A position slightly shorter than the eye relief* is the appropriate distance. For products with an intermediate click on the eyecup, finer adjustments are possible.
* Eye relief is the distance from the outer surface of the eyepiece lens to the position where the exit pupil is formed (eyepoint). If you look through binoculars from the eyepoint, you can obtain the whole field of view without vignetting. It is recommended for eyeglass wearers to use binoculars with a longer eye relief (high eyepoint).
The target at a short distance is out of focus
Check the "shortest focusing distance" in the instruction manual. If the target is closer than the "shortest focusing distance", it will not be possible to focus.
The target and the object you are looking at shake
When using binoculars by hand, the higher the magnification of the product, the more noticeable the shake. There are individual differences, but it may be difficult to steady objects when holding binoculars that have 10X or more magnification. In this case, it is recommended to use a tripod.
To minimize hand movement when you hold binoculars, grip the binocular tubes with both hands and brace your elbows against your body. Gripping binoculars too hard might cause hand movement. Keep the binoculars balanced well between your index fingers and thumbs, and then gently wrap your other fingers around the binoculars.
If there is a tree or wall near you, lean your body against it to maintain a steady view. A stable posture is effective in reducing shake.
For long-time observation or at high magnification, the use of a tripod is effective. Set and stabilize the tripod on a flat surface. Nikon has various tripod adapters suitable for your particular needs.
The target is not clearly visible and looks foggy
Check if the eyepiece or objective lens is dirty and clean it if necessary. To clean the lens, use a soft, dry cloth such as a microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses.
If the dirt cannot be removed, use a soft cloth moistened with an optical cleaning solution. Wipe slowly in a circular motion from the center of the lens to the outside.
If the internal lens of a waterproof product gets foggy, please contact the retail facility where the product was purchased or Nikon Customer Support.
Cannot see the target
Check if you see the object from the eyepiece side as detailed in the instruction manual. If you are looking into the objective lens, you cannot focus by turning the focusing ring.
Precautions
- Never look at the sun directly through binoculars - Doing so may seriously damage your eyes.
- Do not leave binoculars in a car on a hot or sunny day, or near heat-generating equipment - This may damage or negatively affect them.
- Avoid exposing binoculars to sudden temperature changes - When binoculars are exposed to sudden temperature changes, water condensation may occur on interior lens surfaces. In this case, thoroughly dry the binoculars naturally until no fog is visible. If the surface of the lens remains wet, lens quality may deteriorate.
- Do not soak binoculars in water - Binoculars cannot be used in water. Even if you have waterproof models, wipe off rain, dew or mist thoroughly with a dry cloth and dry for storage. If you accidentally drop the binoculars in water, pick them up as soon as possible. Wipe the water off with a dry cloth. Then immediately consult the shop where you purchased them or Nikon Customer Support.
- Do not try to adjust beyond limits - Be careful not to rotate the diopter adjustment ring, focusing ring and other movable parts of the binoculars' body beyond their limits.
- Always protect binoculars from shock - Do not subject binoculars to high impacts, drops or other hard blows which may cause damage, or badly affect their precisely designed optical axis.
Maintenance & Storage
Cleaning
Remove any dust or sand that stains the lens surfaces with a soft oil-free brush. When removing stains or smudges such as fingerprints from lens surfaces, wipe lens very gently with quality oil-free lens tissue or a soft clean cotton cloth moistened with some absolute alcohol. We do not recommend using velvet cloth or ordinary tissue, as these may scratch the lens surface.
Storage
Avoid keeping binoculars in high humidity, high temperature and/or dusty areas. It is best to keep them in a plastic bag or an airtight container with a desiccant. If this is not possible, do not store the binoculars in the supplied case, because they are easily affected by moisture.
Preventing mold
In high humidity, water condensation or mold can accumulate on lens surfaces. If binoculars get wet, wipe them off with a dry cloth and store them in a cool, dry place. Be careful not to keep binoculars in the case all the time, otherwise mold may easily gather on them.
Waterproof models
Waterproof models are airtight which means using them under severe conditions (such as rain, splashing water, high humidity and dusty areas) will not damage their internal structure, and they are not likely to be afflicted by mold. If binoculars become wet with sea water or muddy water, however, immediately rinse and thoroughly wipe off their exterior. Be especially careful to avoid letting waterproof binoculars dry naturally, otherwise the quality of their lens surfaces may change. Nikon recommends regular servicing by an authorized dealer to keep your waterproof binoculars in the best condition.
For further assistance, please contact Nikon Customer Support.
The text above may not apply to all models, for further details please refer to documentation for specific products on the Nikon Download Center.
