#37 Optics Tip: Keep Binoculars around your Neck

Do not swing your binoculars by the strap, as the strap may break causing the optics to fly onto the ground. Your optics are a serious investment, and should always be handled carefully. Always have the strap over your neck.

photo © adrian binns

#32 Optics Tip: Keep your Optics Clean

Always keep your optics clean and dry while out birding. Use a soft, oil-free brush - like the Nikon lens pen - to remove dust. Then wipe glass surface gently with a dry, lint-free, lens cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. You may use a soft cloth to wipe the body of the binoculars, but do not wipe the glass surface afterwards, as it may scratch.

photo © adrian binns

#27 Optics Tip: Protect the Eyepiece

Most good binoculars come with an eyepiece cap, also known as a rain-guard. You should immediately attach this rain-guard to the left neck strap and let it hang there, so that it will always be available to quickly fit over the eyecups, and protect the eyepiece when out birding.


This is especially handy if it rains, or the wind whips up fine particles of sand, or if you happen to be eating a sandwich!

photo © adrian binns

#20 Optics Tip: Test Drive Optics

When looking to purchase new optical equipment, always try out a pair of binoculars or spotting scope first. This will give you an idea as to whether you like the look and feel of the product.

Good-quality optics will last a lifetime and can cost a lot of money, so you'll want to make sure that you are satisfied with your investment before the purchase is complete. Good places to test optics are at Birding Festivals, bird and nature stores.

photo © adrian binns

#16 Optics Tip: Taking the Weight off your Shoulders

If your binoculars feel heavy when they are around your neck, consider purchasing a shoulder harness strap which allows you put your arms through the straps.

This will take the weight off your neck by distributing it across your upper body for maximum relief and comfortability. Your binoculars will feel lighter and easier to manage, especially during a long day of birding.

photo © adrian binns

#12 Optics Tip: What do the Numbers Mean?

Every pair of binoculars is described by a set of numbers, for instance 8 x 42, as above. The first number refers to the magnification – the object will appear 8 times closer when looking through the binoculars. The second number is the effective diameter of the objective (front) lens in millimeters, meaning the size of the lens through which the image enters the binocular – 42 mm. The larger the lens size, the greater the field of view, and the brighter the image will appear.

In the case of binoculars, bigger is not always better! If you choose to use a higher magnification (i.e. 10 power) you may see the bird closer and larger, but the field of view will be smaller, and you must hold your hands very steady to keep it in focus. And a large lens size (42-50+ mm) offers a wide field of view, but the optics will be much heavier for it. Choose a pair that is most appropriate for your needs.

The number 7.7 degrees references the field of view, which in itself is not usually a decision-making factor for most birders.  And speaking of numbers, Nikon also includes the 7-digit serial number of the individual equipment on their optics, which is useful if you need to reference them.

photo © adrian binns

#6 Optics Tip: Mind the Bug Spray!

In certain seasons, in some areas, greenheads and mosquitos are out in full force. You reach for the bug spray immediately upon opening the car door, frantically attempting to repel the vicious biters. In doing so, always spray outdoors, never in an enclosed area or inside your car.


Don’t forget to put your optics or camera out of reach first, so that the spray does not touch your valuable equipment.

If you get bug spray on your hands, be sure to wipe it off with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before picking up your bins or camera. The powerful chemicals in the bug spray will quickly erode the equipment. And keep this in mind when spraying around children or pets - bug spray can be harmful!

photo © adrian binns

#4 Optics Tip: I’m All Fogged Up!

There is nothing more frustrating than getting out of your vehicle in this heat and humidity, lifting up your bins to look at a colorful oriole, and finding that your bins are fogged up! This occurs when moving between an air-conditioned enclosure and the humid outdoors.


To reduce or even eliminate the amount of fogging, I have found it helpful to wrap towels or clothes around optical equipment, or bury them deep inside a travel bag when traveling - and keep them in their case. Essentially this keeps the optics warm, so they are less “shocked” when encountering hot, humid weather. Carefully dab a soft chamois cloth on the glass to wick up condensation.

photo © adrian binns