Ever wonder why your head starts spinning the moment you put your binoculars to your eyes? Why are your binoculars always blurry? That is probably because the diopter on your binoculars is not set right.
If you have a pair of binoculars, you must need to fully understand the binoculars diopter adjustment and centre focus wheel in order to see clear and sharp images.
But first you need to understand what is diopter on a pair of binoculars.
The big knob in the middle of the binoculars is the focus wheel. It helps you focus both sides of the binoculars together.
How To Adjust Binocular Diopter
Sometimes due to differences in both eyes, they both need different focus. For this purpose there is a smaller knob called the diopter. It allows you to adjust only one side. This setting makes the binocular just right for your eye.
Who wouldn’t want a clear view through their binoculars? Everyone does. This article is a simple guide that will help you understand how to adjust your binocular diopter to see a sharp and clear view.
How to properly set the diopter on binoculars?
Most binoculars have a big knob in the middle to focus both eyes at once. But sometimes our eyesight is not similar for both eyes. That is why binoculars also have a small adjustment knob called the diopter. It is present near one of the lenses or in the middle knob. It has numbers like +2 to -2.
Here is a step by step guide to help you properly adjust your binocular diopter so that they do not strain your eyes.
Step 1: Locate the diopter adjustment knob
The first thing you want to do when you want to adjust the focus on your binoculars is to find the diopter adjustment knob. It is mostly present on the right side near the right eyepiece.
Some binoculars have a lock on diopter that prevents you from turning the knob. You need to release the lock before you can make adjustments.
Step 2: Set the diopter to zero
Begin by setting the diopter adjustment to zero or turning it to the middle point. Some binoculars have a zero marking to show the center.
Some binoculars use a different symbol or textured lines to point out the middle spot. You can turn the adjustment ring to the left or right from this middle position.
Step 3: Look for something to focus on
Search for something that is some distance away from you. Make sure it has clear lines like a sign with letters or numbers on it. This will be useful for focusing and calibrating your binoculars correctly.
Step 4: Block your view of the right side
Cover the lens on right side of your binoculars so you can not see through it. You can use a lens cap. If you do not have a lens cap then you can tape a dark card over the lens.
You can also block it with your hand. keep both eyes open. The purpose is not to see anything through the right lens.
Step 5: Focus object using center focus knob
Look through the left side of your binoculars at the distant object. Use the centre focus knob to make it clear and sharp. Keep both eyes open while you focus on that object.
Once you have focused on it properly, make sure you stay in the same position and do not move. Your focus is set so do not touch the center focus knob anymore.
Step 6: Uncover your right eye and cover your left
If you notice that your image is bit blurry then uncover your right eye and cover your left eye and look through your binoculars. This means you are looking through your right eye on the right side of the binoculars.
Step 7: Focus object using diopter adjustment
Now focus using only the diopter adjustment wheel. Keep turning it back and forth until you find the right position where the view is sharpest for your right eye. You are only adjusting the right side of the binoculars so do not change the focus for left eye.
Step 8: Look through both eyes
When the image from the right eye is sharp, take off the lens cap and look through both eyepieces together. The view should be sharp and clear for both eyes. If it is not clear then try to repeat the process of adjusting the focus wheel and then the diopter.
When you have set the diopter properly for your eyes, remember the position of the diopter wheel. This is your personal diopter setting.
Now you have adjusted your binoculars to your eyes. From this time onwards whenever you use your binoculars you will just have to set the focus by using only the center focus knob.
How to adjust binoculars with glasses?
When you are using binoculars for the first time with glasses here is an important tip for you. You do not need to make any diopter adjustments if you wear eye glasses.
Keep your diopter adjustment knob at 0 all the time to see clear images. This is because your glasses already correct your vision so you do not need the diopter adjustment to do it for your eyes.
Clean Binoculars Properly
It’s essential that binocular must be clean to get clear view, if you don’t know how to clean binoculars read our article, How to clean binocular to get clean and bright view.
Do not settle for less than the best
A word of advice if you are buying a set of binoculars for yourself : Do not buy cheap binoculars that do not have diopter adjustment. There is always some difference between the left and right eye vision even if you think your eyes are same. These inexpensive binoculars will not give you a clear image without the diopter adjustment.
If the diopter is not adjusted properly, it can be very tiring to get a better image from the binoculars. So make sure you can do this important step to get the best view from your binoculars.
When searching for what to look for when buying binoculars, your budget becomes a key factor. Therefore, I always recommend that you consider binoculars that fit your budget and are affordable. Nonetheless, it’s equally important to factor in the quality aspect to ensure they meet your specific needs and make your journey truly remarkable.
