Reduce Strain During Long Observation – Setting Up Binoculars for Long Glassing Sessions. In this article we cover all the ways to set up binoculars for long glassing sessions and reduce strain during long observation, covering interpupillary distance, diopter adjustment, eye relief, support and rest breaks for binoculars. As ever follow local laws and range rules and ideally get something checked out by an expert before any repairs or adjustments that could affect safety.
Start with the real use case
Good decisions about reducing strain during long observation start with the real use case. What is the length of your trip? What are the typical weather conditions? What are the distances you will be observing at? How will you be transporting your binoculars? And lastly, what is the level of experience of the person that will be using the binoculars for long periods of time? Write down this information and keep it with the rest of the points in this section to connect them to the real purpose of reducing strain during long observation.
Inspect before every outing
Interpupillary distance, diopters, eye relief, support of the binoculars and rest breaks all have to be checked in good light in order to determine whether they are in good working order or not. Any signs of wear and tear, loose parts, dirt and damage to the various components must be noted and repairs or replacement of parts recorded on a small note or log. Although an annual check-up may seem to be adequate, a simple five minute check before every use is far more effective in the long run.
Make fit part of the safety check
We don’t need to comment much on this point as Fit is a Safety issue – therefore if your equipment is to cause any kind of discomfort then hurry up and sort it out before you go out and are forced into making sharp decisions when you should be concentrating on what is going on around you. Test the set up wearing the same type of clothes you would wear when going out on a long trip and then mimic the actions you would be doing while out on a long trip. If it only fits when you are standing up in a warm room then it isn’t fit for purpose.
Adjust in a controlled order
All settings need to be changed one at a time. Write down all changes that were made and test the item in short, controlled test sessions. The researcher needs to be able to tell which change improved things and which change caused problems.
Spend where reliability matters
Spend your money on products and services that ensure reliable operation of essential protective gear, good quality instruction and critical main components. You can then go on to look for additional fancy accessories that can be purchased once you have experienced first-hand their specific use in the field.
Plan for weather and transport
- The most exposed part of your equipment will be the weather. So, while planning your range, also think of possible conditions. Think of the extra hydration you will need in hot weather, the rain that might find its way into open seals, the dust that can enter moving parts and the cold that will make small handles very difficult to turn. – Find simple ways to protect your valuable equipment in case of bad weather. – Clean the gear when you return from your trip and allow it to dry completely before storing it away in closed storage.
Use clear range and field habits
Incorporate others into your routine. Share with partners what you are checking. Adhere to a range’s or club’s posted rules. Ask staff for clarification when unsure about a procedure. Remember that on a range or court, local commands take precedence over internet advice.
Clean without causing damage
Same rules apply for the maintenance of your equipment as for its use: follow the manufacturer’s instructions. More of something is not necessarily better: more oil, more force, more cleaning products. Some materials even can cause damage to certain parts like the finish, seals, adhesives, optical coatings, etc. When cleaning equipment always use the same materials as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, be very careful not to get any liquids in sensitive areas, and do not continue to clean something when you cause more damage. Store equipment safely when clean, dry and all parts are accounted for.
Review the kit after the trip
At the end of each day, make a short note of which items were unused, which were not reached and which would have been useful in an unexpected problem. Next, take off any unnecessary weight and re-stock any consumables ready for the next time out. Slowly but surely you will develop a good kit, based on experience rather than just promotional literature.
A simple checklist
- Confirm the equipment’s purpose before you leave for the outing as well as the conditions under which you will be using it and the local rules that may apply.
- The equipment fit, will do the job in the given conditions and has been adjusted properly for use in a practice session.
- Pack only the extra protective and support items that you need on the trip.
- Record all maintenance work, and replace parts as soon as they are damaged instead of trying to repair them.
- Clean, dry and secure everything promptly after returning home.
Final perspective
Using repeatable practices rather than trying to do something dramatic once is the best way to reduce strain during long observation. So practice good practice, test out practices under normal circumstances and improve bit by bit. Leave room for mistakes and forgetting bits rather than rushing to sort out problems and causing more damage. Make your practices on outdoor activities as calming and as useful as possible.
Practical note 1
It is worth remembering that an online review can prompt certain questions about an item, however the reviewer will rarely be able to confirm how an item will perform for a specific individual or confirm the actual condition of a second-hand item. It is always worth visiting a shop in order to see items before purchase and seeking the opinion of a qualified expert in order to highlight both good and bad points of a particular piece of equipment.
Practical note 2
Again, finding out whether the designed arrangement works, is best done within a short practice session. Practice at an easy tempo, finish within a comfortable time frame and, in between and at the end, note one or several corrections that can be put into practice in subsequent sessions. These have to be consistent in order to have an effect.
Practical note 3
Much depends on where you store your equipment, so think carefully about this when choosing a container. It should be kept away from extreme temperatures, damp floors and kept out of reach of children and other unauthorized users. Make sure the cases are clearly labeled with their contents and do not advertise their value to potential thieves.
Practical note 4
When buying online, look for reviews which provide useful questions to ask before you buy, but bear in mind that the item will have been flat-packed, and not tried on by the buyer, and individual items inspected prior to sale.