What is the purpose of Binocular Eyecups and what do they mean to me?

There are only two reasons manufacturers provide Eyecups for binoculars. One is provide "shade/cover" between the focal lens of the binoculars eyepiece and the eye and two, to provide a "stand-off" from the eye to the focal lens or eyepiece of the binoculars.

• EYECUPS The eyecups of binoculars or the extension on top of the binocular focal eyepiece (the lens you look through) are normally made of rubber and are called "rubber eyecups". Some binocular manufacturers have switched to or installed 'metal' or 'plastic' eyecups on their binoculars as a selling point and say these will last longer rubber eyecups and are easier to operate. Binocular rubber eyecups are designed to be 'folded' or 'rolled' down while metal eyecups are designed to be 'twisted' up or 'pop' up. It makes no difference which kind of eyecups your binoculars have as far as the intended purpose of the binocular eyecups is concerned.

• SHADE/COVER The first purpose of the binoculars eyecups is to provide shade or cover from sunlight, either direct or indirect, between the eye and the binoculars eyepiece. Providing shade or cover between the eye and the binoculars eyepiece greatly enhances the clarity and sharpness of the object being viewed through the binoculars by reducing glare onto the focal lens of the binoculars and the eye. Binocular eyecups should always be in the 'up' or normal position when viewing through your binoculars if you are not wearing glasses. If you are wearing glasses for corrective vision or sunglasses and do not want to remove them before viewing through your binoculars, fold or twist the binoculars eyecups down before viewing. This will bring the binoculars closer to your eyes while providing the approximate eye to lens stand-off of the binoculars (discussed in the nest paragraph). When the binoculars eyecups are in the down position for glasses use, the binocular eyecups provide very little shade/cover from outside light sources.

• STAND-OFF Binocular stand-off is referred to by binocular manufacturers as "eye relief". This is the distance from the eye to the focal lens of the binoculars that offers the greatest ability of the binoculars 'full field of view" in millimeters when held that distance from the eye. Example, Eye relief = 15mm. Eye relief can range anywhere between 5mm to 20mm depending on lens diameters. Most binocular manufacturers design their eyecups, whether rubber, metal or plastic to a length that offers the approximate eye relief distance designated in their specifications. In other words, if the binoculars eye relief is 15mm, the binoculars eyecups are normally 15mm in length from the eyepiece lens to where the eyecups will touch your eyelids or brow, creating a 15mm stand-off for the optimum field of view of the binoculars.

• GLASSES WEARERS If you wear glasses it is recommended that you remove your glasses when viewing through your binoculars if your vision is such that you can focus clearly without them. For most people that wear glasses this is no problem but for some, especially those with astigmatisms, this is not always the best situation for clear, sharp binocular viewing. Viewing through your binoculars without your glasses when you can still focus clearly will offer you the best viewing through your binoculars as far as eye relief/stand-off and light glare are concerned.

In conclusion, now that you know the purpose of binocular eyecups we hope you will be able to view more clearly and glare free by using your binocular eyecups as they were designed and intended to be used.

ADDITIONAL EYECUPS NOTE: Store your binoculars in their case or wherever you store them with the eyecups in the "UP POSITION" especially if they are rubber. This keeps strain and stress away from the rubber where it folds over, which over long periods of time may cause stretching and or cracking of the rubber binocular eyecups. Also, in all cases, the binoculars protective lens covers are designed to fit over the binocular eyecups in the 'up' position. The binoculars lens covers will not fit in the down or folded position. Keep binocular lens covers on at all times when not viewing.

By following the below listed procedures for cleaning your binoculars you will gain many years of up-close optic viewing with very little effort and or materials. Practice good cleaning habits and your binoculars will give you the service and reliability you expect.

Cleaning your Binoculars

Following the cleaning methods listed below will insure proper cleaning of your binoculars and binocular lenses, which in turn will result in a longer binocular life as well as sustained optic viewing.

- Number one, keep the lens covers 'on' and your binoculars in their protective carrying case at all times unless viewing.

- Keep the lens covers on when cleaning the outside or body of your binoculars to prevent dirt from getting on the binoculars lens.

- Excluding the binoculars lens, wipe all dirt and debris from your binoculars with a soft cleaning cloth or a terry cloth towel. In some cases you may need a wet or damp cleaning cloth or towel to remove dried dirt or mud. Dry your binoculars off with a clean dry cloth after using a damp or wet cloth.

- To clean the binocular lens, first blow away any dust or debris on the lens, (commercially produced compressed canned air is recommended for blowing off the binocular lens but don't use the type containing a lubricant) or use a soft lens cleaning brush (available at all camera stores) to brush away dust and debris.

- Binocular lenses are normally 'coated' with one or more layers of lens coating that reduce glare and improve clarity and depth perception. This coating can be easily scratched so use caution when cleaning your binocular lens by following these instructions.

1. If your binoculars came with a micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth, use this to clean your lens after blowing or brushing away any dust or debris. Gently and with light pressure, wipe the lens in a circular motion. On the larger objective lens you may want to 'ball up' the cleaning cloth and twist lightly in a circular motion on the lens. By doing this you will exert less pressure on the lens than when using your fingers on the cloth to press down on the lens.

2. If a cleaning solution is to be used, make sure it is recommended by the binocular manufacturer before using as some cleaners may discolor or dissolve the lens coating. Use the micro-fiber cloth in conjunction with any cleaning solutions. Always apply liquid cleaners to the cloth and not directly on the lens. Lens cleaning pens as found in camera stores are also a good way to clean the lens of your binoculars.

3. Do not use a paper towel to clean your binocular lens. Paper towels are made from wood and wood is abrasive. Even when used wet or with a cleaning solution they will scratch your binocular lens.

4. Insure that your binocular case is clean inside and out before storing your binoculars in the case. Wipe and or blow any dirt from the inside of the case and clean the outside with a damp cloth.

5. Do not attempt to 'field clean' your binoculars unless you have the proper cleaning materials with you, especially the binocular lens. If you should drop your binoculars in the dirt, sand, mud or snow, blow them off with your mouth as good as possible until you can clean them properly. Compressed air is a good way to clean the dirt or sand from all the nooks and crannies of your binoculars including the hinge area and focus knob.

6. If your binoculars are waterproof/fog proof, a quick rinsing under running water will not hurt them. Make sure you dry them off and clean the lens immediately.

7. The binocular safety/neck strap can be cleaned with a damp or wet cloth and or mild cleaning solution applied to the cloth. Dry the strap as good as possible after cleaning by using a dry cloth pulled along the strap using moderate pressure.

In conclusion, by following the above recommended procedures for cleaning your binoculars you will assure your binoculars will perform as they are designed to as well as give you many years of up-close optic viewing. If you treat your binoculars with respect, they will view as you expect.

Should you still have concerns regarding "Cleaning your Binoculars", contact your binocular manufacturer's technical department or website to insure proper cleaning of your binoculars.

Binoculars are complex, precision instruments. First time buyers of binoculars are often surprised to learn that magnification (power) is not the only factor worth considering, and that magnification alone; without carefully considering the purpose or application for which the binocular is being purchased, is often meaningless. This article provides the typical Sports Fan, Concert Attendee, or general out-door enthusiast with 5 Helpful Tips to follow when buying Spectator binoculars. This article does not explain every single binocular attribute in detail, nor does it address binocular features and attributes that should be considered by star-gazers (astronomy), birders, and hunters.

1. Don't make it complicated. When searching for your first pair of spectator binoculars, always remember what you should be looking for in a binocular: 1) optics that yield bright, clear images without causing eye strain over an extended period of use; 2) a comfortable carrying weight; and 3) a model or design that is suitable for the activity or sport for which you are purchasing it for. In this case, we are specifically speaking about viewing spectator sports or events, i.e., baseball, horse racing, and concerts. No matter how confusing it may seem given the large volume and variety of binoculars that are available, at the end of the day it is THAT simple.

2. Establish your price and stay put. Everyone's willingness to spend will obviously differ. Similarly, each of us will have varying enthusiasm levels for sport and spectator events. Establishing a limit for what you are willing to spend will certainly narrow your selection options considerably. The reason I am suggesting you remain firm with your maximum dollar spend amount is because if you buy an inexpensive binocular that you are not totally satisfied with; you can always upgrade to a higher performing binocular later. On the other hand, spending more than $500 for binoculars you don't find yourself using very often may not be a good investment.

3. Educate yourself. While I mentioned earlier that while binoculars are very complex instruments, you should be able to understand the basics with less than one hour of research. Just because you aren't an avid birder or sports optics enthusiast, understanding technical terms like magnification, objective diameter, and Field of View are a MUST. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure you learn about Exit Pupil. Additionally, knowing the difference between a roof prism and porro prism design, as well as discerning the different lens coatings that are offered will be a big help. Why? Because binoculars can range anywhere from $35 all the way up to $2,000 or even more; and as a general rule, the higher the price, the higher the quality of the optics you are purchasing. Understanding these terms and features, and what impact they have on optical performance, the size and weight of a binocular, and the purchase price will make your purchase decision less stressful. There are many FAQ's and Binocular 101 buying guides available offered by on-line binocular retailers that are very comprehensive and easy to follow. A simple Google search such as "how to buy binoculars" or "binoculars 101" will give you plenty of resource options.

4. Consider an all purpose or general purpose binocular. Spectator binoculars should be easy to use, compact, lightweight, and easy to stuff into your bag and take with you. For most people who enjoy spectator sports, I recommend wide angle compact binoculars with magnifications levels that range from 6x to 8x; and objective lens sizes ranging from 25mm to 35mm. These binoculars usually weigh in at well under the 30 oz. that most people can carry around comfortably; and are easier to keep steady (unless you are willing to pay extra for image stabilization) than binoculars with magnification levels of 10x or greater. However, given that you are usually sitting down at spectator events, the extra weight of a full size binocular around your neck (an 8X42 or 10X50 may weigh 35 oz.) shouldn't weigh you down all that much; plus when compared to binoculars of equal quality, a full size will yield better images while also bringing you closer to the action. A full size binocular will also provide versatility in case you do want to try them for longer range viewing activities later on, i.e., birding or hunting. For any binocular purchase, I always recommend Fully Multi-Coated Lenses, Bak-4 prisms, and those that are 100% waterproof / fog proof. Don't short change yourself with either of these performance features.

5. You don't have to spend $500. In fact, you can purchase high performing spectator binoculars you will be pleased with for under $200, trust me. There are more than a few articles published by authors who believe that binoculars purchased for less than $400 are not worth having. They claim you will always be short-changed from an optics performance perspective otherwise. This is not true for even most avid birders who cherish their binoculars; and is especially NOT TRUE of spectator binoculars or general purpose binoculars. Putting it in perspective, high-end manufacturers like Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss typically offer binoculars for a minimum of $1,000. These manufacturers, as well as some others, DO offer the absolute best in optics performance, but please consider that you are taking them to a ball game where they can be easily knocked out of your hands or dropped. Plus you don't want to worry about accidentally leaving these binoculars at your seat while you go to the rest room or buy a hot dog. Other manufacturers like Leupold, Nikon, Pentax and many others will not match the optics quality of the aforementioned, but still offer high-quality binoculars you will be satisfied with for much, much less.

What is digiscoping?

Digiscoping is a form of photography that involves using a compact digital camera in conjunction with a telescope or spotting scope. Using some basic equipment, amateur photographers can get incredible shots of nature and other things that rival professional photographs! All it takes to get unique, crystal-clear close ups is a bit of patience and a lot of practice! It may sound time consuming, but when you get to load these awesome shots onto your computer and share them with friends, it will be well worth the effort.

What do you need to start?

The only thing you really need to start is a digital camera and a spotting scope. Other equipment that may be worth purchasing includes an adapter and tripod. An adaptor helps to keep the camera steady and prevents blurring. A tripod allows you to keep a camera in the same position for a long length of time without tiring your arms. If you are serious about getting the best digiscopy shots, particularly in wildlife, then the award winning Swarovski Optik spotting scopes should be your first product stop.

The best for all applications...

Perhaps when you hear the name Swarovski, you think of Austrian crystal, and you would not be wrong. Swarovski Optik is the brain child of Wilhelm Swarovski, son of Daniel Swarovski, who founded the very successful Swarovski crystal company. Using his father's resources and superb glass-cutting techniques, Wilhelm Swarovski developed a pair of binoculars to feed his astronomy hobby. Wilhelm moved on from his first pair of binoculars to build many more telescopes and binoculars, and started the Swarovski Optik company.

You can find more information about the contest at swarovskioptik.com

Like his father's crystals, Wilhelm's optics are known all over the world. Except, instead of being a house-hold name in the circle of jewelry lovers and makers, Wilhelm Swarovski's last name is well-known among nature lovers and digital photography enthusiasts. Bird-watchers in particular seem to favor the Swarovski brand, and one can easily find dozens of bird-watching sites who endorse the top-of-the line scopes and optics.

With a philosophy that drives unbeatable quality and a claim that they provide the best product for each application they attempt, Swarovski Optik has risen to the top of the market. They provide telescopes, rifle scopes, binoculars, and other optic equipment. And they also provide digiscoping kits.

Digiscoping Kit

Swarovski offers several digiscoping kits that include a scope, a tripod, and an adaptor. Generally, the scopes offered in these kits are angled, allowing the photographer to attach the scope to a tripod and use the camera in a comfortable, downward angle while the spotting scope can be pointed just about anywhere. The adaptors included in these kits attach to a variety of digital cameras, allowing for quick alignment with the spotting scope. An adaptor saves precious alignment seconds, allowing the photographer to get spontaneous shots. This is especially important with photographing wildlife. You can't expect that rare bird to sit waiting while you get the camera aligned perfectly with the scope!

Will I have to buy a special camera?

Individuals and nature lovers new to the idea of digiscoping may think they need special camera equipment. While it is true that not every digital camera lends itself well to digiscoping, if you have a good quality camera, you are probably okay. Swarovski scopes and adaptors can be purchased that are compatible with hundreds of cameras, including cameras made by Canon, Fuji, HP, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony.

Tips for getting the best shots

When digiscoping, remember: all movement is bad. In fact, even touching the camera may provide too much movement. If your camera has a self-timer, you may consider using it to time a picture several seconds after you've stepped away.

Practice, practice, practice

As with any worthwhile hobby, digiscoping takes practice. But, once you've practiced on many shots, and you've finally got that perfect, one-of-a-kind close-up, consider entering Swarovski's annual Digiscoper of the Year contest. Winners and runners up in the contest win some very nice products from Swarovski.

You would never guess that the past would bring about optical technology from the crystal cutting sources. The Swarovski Company did not ever dream that their business would extend into the world of anything but glass and crystal cutting.

In 1905, Swarovski Optik was born. New technology from smelting projects was created for better products. About thirty years later, optical lenses were rolling off the line thanks to that first step in new ideas. This ingenuity was the mother of the Swarovski binocular. This was an 8x30 magnification piece.

You will get the best reputation in a Swarovski binocular. Well known for their ability to give crystal clear images and the brightest colors, you will not be disappointed in it. Three distinct lines of binoculars are created by the Swarovski Company.

The EL models are one of the models that are used for bird watching enthusiasts. They weight almost nothing and are guaranteed to be in perfect harmony and balance for better viewing. They eye piece that are on the front are large in diameter and the objective lenses comes in three different parts.

The SLC line has eight different binocular models in it. Each one is very different from the other one offering you something different. This line of binoculars has a great outer design and are better for an active lifestyle and better for you pocketbook.

There are some binoculars that are made to be not as large as the other two models. These are called pocket binoculars and do not even weight a half pound. You can carry these compact binoculars in any bag or even your pocket. You can choose from over sixteen different lenses sizes and will give you the option to choose which one is better for you to get a clear image through.

The Swarovski line of binoculars ore some of the best that you can buy. The price is definitely higher that the others are. It is absolutely worth every penny you spend on it. You may be able to save some money when you find a used pair to purchase. Many websites online offer them for sale.

Make sure that the equipment you buy is not a fake copy of the original. You will find that fake ones are becoming more and more popular. You will find that getting your binoculars from a dealer with a good reputation will give you more comfortable feeling about getting an original. You can find a dealer that is accredited and more stores are coming out for the Swarovski binoculars. Getting you binoculars online, for the simple reason of getting some great discounts and sales for your item will be great.

The Swarovski Company has kept up a great reputation in everything they do. This holds true especially in their binoculars. They may cost you more than others do, you will find that the quality you have gotten does not have a price on it.

Well, I’ve been using binoculars for my birding habit for more than 15 years. I’ve possibly seen and used almost every type of binoculars available out there. I’ve been able to get my hands on some of the most expensive equipment you might ever imagine but yet, nothing has ever had the feeling that Swarovski binoculars have had on me.

Lately, I had the chance to get my hands on the Swarovski 10x32 EL model; the 32mm little brother of the classic 42mm EL model. I could directly jump on to the actual characteristics but I first feel the need to say it for one more time that Swarovski has done a miraculous job again!

Those binoculars are pretty small, 5.4 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide. The barrels have a pretty satisfying diameter of 2 inches. Your fingers will easily slide in between the 2 barrels and you will have the ability to grip the EL very comfortably. Although they guys at Swarovski should have considered a slightly softer rubber material, the texturing surface is really helpful when you want to grip your binoculars tightly with your hands. When you are not using them, you can always hang them off your neck or your shoulder; the EL will never bug you because they are really light; just 21.3 ounces!

Jumping to the more interesting part now, the ELs are fully sealed and nitrogen purged; naturally, they are also waterproof, fog-proof as well as dust-proof. The 32mm ELs feature Swarovski’s proprietary Swarobright® technology, a great phase coating as well as many other refinements which deliver bright, vivid and high-contrast image to the user.

Regarding other aspects of the viewing quality, the 32mm ELs have a 360 foot FOV (Field of View) at approximately 1000 yards; this is really good considering the magnification level. The minimum focusing distance that the manufacturer declares is 7 feet; the truth is that with a small effort you might get to something as close as 5 feet. Not bad, is it? The focus knob is very friendly and it will let you focus with precision. Even when the binoculars are brand new, you will have no trouble adjusting the focus.

Finally, for an MSRP of 1754$ you will get a pack that includes the Swarovski 32mm EL, an extra rain-guard, a practical case and of course a lifetime, non transferable guarantee! Yes, I know that 1700 bucks is way too much for binoculars but then again, you get what you pay for.

For most people, a pair of binoculars are going to be a serious investment. While undoubtedly, that investment will pay its worth repeatedly over the years in the owner's hunting, astrology, or bird watching pursuits, that can only be guaranteed if the owner understands how to best optimize their tools. If you pay $2000 for a pair of swarovski binoculars for $2000, you want to achieve $2000 worth of results. Unfortunately, five common mistakes in binocular use plague consumers and prevent them from achieving their ultimate goals. Happily, however, those mistakes can be easily avoided.

Mistake #1 - Not having the right binoculars for the job. Know what you are primarily going to use your binoculars for, and pick your tools accordingly. The magnification you'll need for hunting will be different from magnification you'll need for your night out to the opera. The exact activity you plan to engage in will also dictate your necessary apparent view of field and the height and weight of your tools. Bird watchers need light binoculars that are easy to carry, for example, while astronomers prefer tools that are heavier and usually need to be set upon a tripod.

Additionally, you'll need to consider where you are going to use the binoculars. Are you going somewhere that will expose your binoculars to water? If so, you'll need a pair that are waterproof.

Mistake #2 - Failing to use the neck strap: Many people fail to use their neck strap. This is absolutely essential! Carrying around your binoculars by hand is almost a guarantee for disaster. No one ever means to drop their binoculars, but it happens frequently anyway, especially in the rougher terrain traversed by hunters or bird watchers. Using a neck strap prevents this. If you are troubled with back problems and find that the weight of the binoculars around your neck is bothersome, opt instead for a binocular harness, which will provide a more even distribution of weight.

Mistake #3 - Not having the right focus: Always make sure that you have the right focus. The most important step in getting the right focus is to always make sure that the binoculars are the right width for your eyes. Once you have that accomplished, pick a specific stationary item to focus on. Close your left eye while you adjust the focus wheel, and your right eye to adjust the diopter adjustment (sharp focus). When you open both eyes, your tool should be in focus. If not, repeat the steps until they are.

Mistake #4 - Lacking an adequate storage: In order for the swarovski binoculars you purchased to have a full life, it only makes sense to store them in a waterproof case in order to protect that investment.

Mistake #5 - Not cleaning the binoculars frequently enough: Your binoculars are a valuable tool in your recreational activities, and should be cleaned after each use. Even people who do clean their binoculars frequently grab any old rag (or worse, part of their shirt!) to clean off the lense. This can cause scratching which will, over time, deteriorate the quality of your tool. Instead, use specially made lens cloth or lens tissue combined with cleaning solution. These items can be found at most camera stores.

Many people balk at shelling out the money necessary for a good pair of binoculars, but for serious hobbyists, the option to pay less for the type of high quality tool they need isn't available. Fortunately, protecting this investment is simple. If the owner follows the tips above, their heavy-duty $1000- $2000 swarovski binoculars should last a long time and provide more than enough enjoyment to justify the investment.

When you get to high end binoculars they are all pretty good, they have to be to command the prices but there is always going to one pair of binoculars that stands out from the crowd and for me that is most definitely the Swarovski Binoculars. The EL 8.5x42's are absolutely amazing, you pick them up and you hardly know that you have them in your hand, the weight and balance is superb. The 8x42 HG DCF Nikon Binoculars definitely feel heavier and yet they are the lighter of the two (795g vs 819g).

When you pick up a pair of Swarovski binoculars they just feel special even when they are among the elite of the elite. The Nikon High Grade feel good but there is a definite difference which makes Swarovski, for me, win hands down.

As you expect the optical quality of both the Nikon and the Swarovski binoculars is outstanding. The Swarovski EL's have a slight advantage of an extra 0.5x magnification which gives them an additional edge. Both deliver a sharp image, the contrast of the Nikon's is perhaps slightly better but the Swarovski binoculars, in my opinion, are the brightest and have the best resolution, although the resolution of the 8x42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars is close.

Some people prefer the colour retention of the Nikon HG 8x42 Binoculars but I found the Swarovski binoculars to be exceptionally good. The EL 8.5x42's boast the latest technology with Swarobright prism coating which dramatically increases light transmission and ensures natural colour.

For depth of field the Swarovski EL 8.5x42's come in top and again with field of view which is 62.0o compared to 52.1o with the 8x42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars.

Both the EL 8.5x42 Swarovski binoculars and the 8x42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars enable close focusing, 2.5 mtrs and 3.0 mtrs respectively, not much to choose between them, both with excellent image quality.

Spectacle wearers can use either, the Swarovski binoculars come with twist-in eyecups (eye relief 18mm) and the Nikon have turn and slide rubber cups (eye relief 20mm), both are comfortable to use but I definitely preferred the Swarovski which just has the edge despite a slightly smaller exit pupil of 4.9mm (compared to 5.3mm with the Nikon).

The 8x42 HG DCF Nikon binoculars are waterproof to 2mtrs, nitrogen filled and sealed and perform well in extreme conditions. The Swarovski binoculars are waterproof to 4mtrs, also nitrogen filled and sealed. Both are rubber armoured and highly durable, little to choose between them.

I think you can take it as read that my preferred binoculars are the Swarovski EL 8.5 x42's, exceptional all round wildlife / bird watching binoculars, beautiful to hold, excellent image quality and perform well in low light conditions. For anyone who is in the market for a high end binocular then the EL Swarovski binoculars have most definitely got to be strong contender. Use them once and you'll never want to be without them so if you don't have £1,000+ to spend on a pair of binoculars I highly recommend that you don't try them!