oetzi
Well-known member
Since I am rarely without a bino these days, I am also constantly on the look-out for useful accessories which make it a bit easier for me. So here are some recommendatiuons, others will follow.
Swarovski Bino Guard EL
Eyepice covers are a necessity, since the eyepices point to the sky and everything tries to get right into them. But I hate the covers supplied by the manufacturers, since they divide into two sections:
-those who sit tight and securely, but are a hassle to put on and remove,
-those who are easily put on and removed, but dont stay put on and therefore are of no use.
The Bino Guard from Swarovski is quite intelligent a construction.
A piece of neopren, quite stretchy, covers the eyepieces and the focussing wheel. Its reinforced with nylon on the outside (still remains stretchy) and a piece of plastic (to protect against sharp corners of the focussing wheel). You simply flip it on and off. When flipped open, it rests between thumb and bino and does not disturb in any way. It works faster than normal covers and protects really good.
The Kowa genesis shown provides a maximum IPD of 75mm. The measured widht of the eyepices (outside to outside) is then a whopping 115mm. The Bino Guard still covers this distance and protects the eyepices completely, but thats as far as it goes.
With a simple strap-and slit construction it will fit on all roof binoculars whose strap lugs are on the sides. That also means they wont work with a porro, whose strap lugs are facing to the user.
Swarovski Standard neoprene strap
Granted, all these straps are more or less alike, I have yet to found one who doesnt do its job. A comfortably shaped piece of neoprene in the center, two narrow nylon straps, some buckles, bog standard stuff.
What sets the one from Swarovski apart is the lenght adjustment. Its quick and fast, done by lockable cams at the end oft the neoprene part. For me, thats what counts, because I like to change length of the strap frequently.
Normally they are quite short to minimize the hassle of them flapping around when in the bag etc. But I usually wear an over-the-head-style anorak with a large chest pocket. When I insert the binocular in this pocket, I can reduce the strain to my neck by having the bino rest at the bottom of that pocket. I also carry my bins cross-over-style sometimes to prevent that annoying swinging. But to achieve all this, the straps must be on their longest setting. Easily done with the Swarovski strap, a PITA with all others.
Swarovski Bino suspender
My personal threshold for carrying a binocular around the neck is 600gr and even then it hurts sooner or later. Those suspender-style straps are quite useful to prevent neck pain and lots of different ones are available. I had a look at some, even purchased one, but ultimately returned it.
The Swarovski was the first to get my approval beacuse of two reasons:
1. Its made from elastic webbing. This alone makes it so much more comfortable to wear and lift the bins to the eyes. Standard nylon webbing is IMO inferior in use.
2. It has quick-realease buckles. With other straps, I found a combination of zip-ties and plastic carabiners to do the jop. That works, but they rattle, have sharp edges and the system looks cheap. Those quick-release buckles, on the other hand, are a standard construction as used in millions of backpacks etc. Fast and easy to operate, smooth in the hand when putting the bins to the eyes, what more do I want?
(In fact, I would like to add a set of these buckles to the Swarovski neck starp to make them interchangeable, buts another story)
To be continued, when I can lay my hands on more stuff.
Swarovski Bino Guard EL
Eyepice covers are a necessity, since the eyepices point to the sky and everything tries to get right into them. But I hate the covers supplied by the manufacturers, since they divide into two sections:
-those who sit tight and securely, but are a hassle to put on and remove,
-those who are easily put on and removed, but dont stay put on and therefore are of no use.
The Bino Guard from Swarovski is quite intelligent a construction.
A piece of neopren, quite stretchy, covers the eyepieces and the focussing wheel. Its reinforced with nylon on the outside (still remains stretchy) and a piece of plastic (to protect against sharp corners of the focussing wheel). You simply flip it on and off. When flipped open, it rests between thumb and bino and does not disturb in any way. It works faster than normal covers and protects really good.
The Kowa genesis shown provides a maximum IPD of 75mm. The measured widht of the eyepices (outside to outside) is then a whopping 115mm. The Bino Guard still covers this distance and protects the eyepices completely, but thats as far as it goes.
With a simple strap-and slit construction it will fit on all roof binoculars whose strap lugs are on the sides. That also means they wont work with a porro, whose strap lugs are facing to the user.
Swarovski Standard neoprene strap
Granted, all these straps are more or less alike, I have yet to found one who doesnt do its job. A comfortably shaped piece of neoprene in the center, two narrow nylon straps, some buckles, bog standard stuff.
What sets the one from Swarovski apart is the lenght adjustment. Its quick and fast, done by lockable cams at the end oft the neoprene part. For me, thats what counts, because I like to change length of the strap frequently.
Normally they are quite short to minimize the hassle of them flapping around when in the bag etc. But I usually wear an over-the-head-style anorak with a large chest pocket. When I insert the binocular in this pocket, I can reduce the strain to my neck by having the bino rest at the bottom of that pocket. I also carry my bins cross-over-style sometimes to prevent that annoying swinging. But to achieve all this, the straps must be on their longest setting. Easily done with the Swarovski strap, a PITA with all others.
Swarovski Bino suspender
My personal threshold for carrying a binocular around the neck is 600gr and even then it hurts sooner or later. Those suspender-style straps are quite useful to prevent neck pain and lots of different ones are available. I had a look at some, even purchased one, but ultimately returned it.
The Swarovski was the first to get my approval beacuse of two reasons:
1. Its made from elastic webbing. This alone makes it so much more comfortable to wear and lift the bins to the eyes. Standard nylon webbing is IMO inferior in use.
2. It has quick-realease buckles. With other straps, I found a combination of zip-ties and plastic carabiners to do the jop. That works, but they rattle, have sharp edges and the system looks cheap. Those quick-release buckles, on the other hand, are a standard construction as used in millions of backpacks etc. Fast and easy to operate, smooth in the hand when putting the bins to the eyes, what more do I want?
(In fact, I would like to add a set of these buckles to the Swarovski neck starp to make them interchangeable, buts another story)
To be continued, when I can lay my hands on more stuff.
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