One Handed Binocular Use Recommendations (1 Viewer)

[edwincjones]

When I walk my dog on leash, I usually take my Pentax Papillios.
They work as being lightweight, easy to focus, ok FOV, and manageable with one free hand.
But,
never happy with what I have, I wonder if there is something better out there.

I have considered the Bushnell Elite Custom Elite, but understand the focus nob is stiff;
also have considered the smaller Canons, but ? if manageable with one hand both the focus and IS controls.

Anything better out there?

thanks,
edj

 

[Apodemus]

When I walk my dog on leash, I usually take my Pentax Papillios.
They work as being lightweight, easy to focus, ok FOV, and manageable with one free hand.
But,
never happy with what I have, I wonder if there is something better out there.

I have considered the Bushnell Elite Custom Elite, but understand the focus nob is stiff;
also have considered the smaller Canons, but ? if manageable with one hand both the focus and IS controls.

Anything better out there?

thanks,
edj

I have a climbing carabiner on my belt and clip the dog to that when I want to use binoculars.

 

[typo]

The focus on the current version of the Custom is very smooth, certainly not stiff, and from 10m to infinity about 1/4 turn. I would say very easy to use one handed, but you would want steadier hands than mine. One minor gripe is that they hang 'nose-in' on the strap which is less comfortable when walking than some. I prefer a wrist strap or a pocket. Oh! and of course they are not waterproof.

David

 

[Tero]

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=189881
80 dollars

 

[hinnark]

Edwin,

open bridge bins are better than others with one hand use. Very good for example: the Swaro 8x32 EL. But even better for that purpose are at least with my hands, the small Canons, due to their IS. The shaking does increase clearly when using binoculars with one hand. Focussing and pushing the IS button at the same time is not often needed in practise IMO. But I don´t have any problems doing even this. I can push the IS-buttom with the ring finger and focus with the middle finger at the same time. I think it would be helpful if you try a couple of models by yourself.

Steve

 

[giankun]

I have a climbing carabiner on my belt and clip the dog to that when I want to use binoculars.

You clearly do not own a German shepherd...

 

[Apodemus]

You clearly do not own a German shepherd...

Well spotted!

 

[hinnark]

Well spotted!

I thought the climbing carabiner is for hitch up a sled dog. If you want to watch birds from a sled I would definitely advocate for binoculars with some kind of image stabilisation...

 

[bearclawthedonut]

edwincjones:

When Sadie (my English Sringer Spaniel) takes me for a walk I'm always holding her leash with my left hand (otherwise she would be in the pond chasing ducks, geese, herons or squirrels amonst the adjoining trees; Sadie's encounters with squirrels always end badly for the squirrels). This allows me full use of my right hand for holding/operating binoculars. I utilize Vortex Fury 8x28 and 10x28 (in very good light) as well as the full size Nikon Monarch 8x42's. Unfortunately, the Vortex Fury line (at least the 28's) has been discontinued. The 8x28 and 10x28 are still being offered as Vortex Vipers at more $$$ ($320). You could also consider the Vortex Viper 8x32's presently being closed out at eagleoptics.com for $340. I'm probably going to get a pair.

You might give the Monarchs a try; they are available to see and try in most sporting goods stores that have an optics section. Full sized 8x42's or 10x42's give a much more pleasing view than little compacts, have better resolution and provide much greater brightness. The 8x42 Monarchs weigh 21.5 oz and are perfectly balanced; plus their focus control can be readily operated with one hand. The new 8x42 Monarchs with the D-E prism coatings are going for $280. Good luck and enjoy your walks.

bearclawthedonut

 

[edwincjones]

thanks for the good ideas, all,

the climbing carabiner would work for the cocker spaniel,
the sled for my standard poodle might work,(but need more snow)
the columbia binoc is sold out
the Canons is something different that I have never used
the Elites seem workable
full sized binoculars may be too much to manage

edj

 

[lilcrazy2]

thanks for the good ideas, all,

the climbing carabiner would work for the cocker spaniel,
the sled for my standard poodle might work,(but need more snow)
the columbia binoc is sold out
the Canons is something different that I have never used
the Elites seem workable
full sized binoculars may be too much to manage

edj

If you call CameralandNY they may have one Columbia 8x25 Backcountry left in stock. After reading your post, the website shows them out, but when I just called they had 2 pair and I ordered one of them. Amazon still shows them in stock for $20 more shipped. ($108)

Another option for some small reverse porros if you find the 7x26 Custom Elites too expensive, is the 8x25 Olympus Tracker PC1 which is available for around $90, and while not quite as good as the Customs, they are a very nice bino for the $$. I have the B&L 7x26 Customs, Bushnell 7x26 Custom Elites, 8x23 Nikon Diplomat AS, 8x23 Nikon Venturer II and the 8x25 Trackers, and the Olympus Trackers are very decent for the $$.

tom

 

[KorHaan]

Another vote for the Canon IS's.

I've used my Canon 10x30 IS one-handed, while holding an umbrella with my other hand. As I focus with my left index finger, I used my left hand to hold them though I'm righthanded. Image is as steady as holding with both hands. I have my left index finger on the focus wheel ( which is smooth) and my left middle finger on the IS button.
I have small hands and can reach both focus wheel and IS button easily in this way. The grip is wonderful.

IMO there is no other binocular that provides as steady an image as the Canon 10x30's when used one-handed.

Arm fatigue will not influence the steady image, the dampening is effective enough to counteract muscle tremblings.

Best regards,

Ronald

 

[mooreorless]

Swarovski 8x30SLC neu or otherwise. Focuser on the objective side lets you use your strong thumb and pointing finger to hold binocular while turning focuser with your ring finger [not pinky]. It works! One reason I like this binocular. I did this with the 7 and now the 8.

 

[brocknroller]

Edwin,

open bridge bins are better than others with one hand use. Very good for example: the Swaro 8x32 EL. But even better for that purpose are at least with my hands, the small Canons, due to their IS. The shaking does increase clearly when using binoculars with one hand. Focussing and pushing the IS button at the same time is not often needed in practise IMO. But I don´t have any problems doing even this. I can push the IS-buttom with the ring finger and focus with the middle finger at the same time. I think it would be helpful if you try a couple of models by yourself.

Steve

I think that was one of the chief reasons Swaro made the EL, because for some reason a lot of Europeans like to bird one handed (perhaps they walk their dogs while birding? .

I used to walk my neighbor's dog regularly, and I'd take along my 8x32 SE, but the dog was never trained properly and he would tug on the leash and then it was "Shake City". I suspect not even an IS bin would work with him.

I'm going to admit something and get razzed for it, but I walk my cat. Okay, there, the "cat is out of the bag".

When I take him for walks, I use the ZR 7x36 ED2, and I'm able to hold the ZR with one hand. It does shake more with one hand than with two, but it hardly shakes at all with two, so there's not a big increase in "noise". (until a dog spots my cat!).

So if you have a well behaved dog, I would recommend using an open bridge 7x roof. Also works for walking cats and ferrets (not sure about pot-bellied pigs, though.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

I'm going to admit something and get razzed for it, but I walk my cat.

Why does that not surprise me, Brock?

To be more on topic going for lower magnification I suspect is better than going for open bridge. Ah, for lower magnification compacts though the Paillios (I presume the 6.5x?) are pretty much the best for this. The other idea might be one of the older 18mm compacts (Zeiss 6x18 or similar).

 

[edwincjones]

I am not sure if the climbing carabiner was a serious suggestion or a joke,
(I can picture my u tube image of an aging Elvis with hip action dancing with
my dog, trying to view birds)
but it does seem like an interesting concept, and is the cheapest option,
so I am going to try it first.
The custon elites and IS sounds like a good option also,
unless I use this as an excuse to get a baby alpha

thanks for the suggestions,
edj

 

[edwincjones]

my best argument for better glass,
or the best one can reasonably afford

today on the dog walk, I took my minot 8x32s instead of the papillios.
about 100 yards from the trail was a bald eagle perched in the top of a dead tree
(this is the second eagle I have seen from the trail in the last month, the 3rd in the 33 years we have lived here)
I spent about an hour watching the bird, noticing the dirty brown feathers, off white color, bright yellow beak, as the eagle watched me and the dogs.

as they say in the credit card ads,
priceless,
edj

 

[KorHaan]

I think that was one of the chief reasons Swaro made the EL, because for some reason a lot of Europeans like to bird one handed (perhaps they walk their dogs while birding? .

They need one hand to carry the tripod, with scope attached, on the shoulder.

If they took their dog as well, that would be a spectacle I'd like to see. :-O

Best regards,

Ronald

 

[ceasar]

I don't think that one hand binocular use is feasible, but on the other hand............?

Oh, forget it!

Bob

 

[edwincjones]

With the 6.5x papillios, one handed works because the binoculars are small, light weight,
and easy to grip.
Today I tried the carabiner, and it also works;
but the dog needs a little training.

edj