First time using your binoculars
Once you have purchased a pair of binoculars it is well worth knowing how to look after them and achieve the best results.
When using for the first time:

1. Open or close the binoculars with the hinge, to set the eyepieces at the correct distance apart for your eyes. This is called the interpupillary distance (IPD), which is, for the great majority of people, between 60-70mm. It is also called the interocular distance on military equipment. The IPD scale is usually marked on the front of the hinge pin between the eyepieces.
   
2. Whilst looking through the eyepieces to an object of at least seven metres distant, adjust the centre focusing wheel until the left hand image is sharp to the left eye.
   
3. Adjust the dioptre ring, which is on or behind the right hand eyepiece, until the right image is sharp with the right eye.
   
4. Both images should now be in focus. After a little practice this procedure will take only a couple seconds.

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Looking after your Binoculars

A blow brush is a very useful accessory when cleaning the external lenses, particularly if you’ve used your binoculars where sand or dust particles are present. These particles collect around the eyepieces and objective lenses, and if they are not removed, ideally with a blow brush, the lenses will without doubt be scratched beyond repair when rubbed with a lens cloth. When you’ve finished using your binoculars, it’s always worth cleaning and drying them before storing in their case. If they are not waterproof and used in extreme damp conditions, condensation can occur internally, but this can be removed by leaving the binoculars in a warm dry place for an hour.

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Repairs and Servicing
The first step is to contact us – Telephone: (01460) 54023 or use our contact form on the website to send an email.

Give the make and model of instrument, and details of the problem. We will then usually respond the same day, and give an estimate of the cost of repair or service. Some instruments however, will require viewing by us, before a fixed cost of repair can be given. We can advise on the most appropriate method of shipping, but for small parcels the Royal Mail do an excellent service.

When sending your optical instrument by post, ensure that it is packaged securely and cushioned with suitable packaging materials. Mark or label it with ‘Glass’ or ‘Handle with Care.’ Please fill in as much as possible of our Repair and Servicing Form which you can view here as a PDF. Then print this form and include it with the item.

Once it is received it will be inspected, and the cost of repair, including a description of what has to be done, will be confirmed. This will depend on your preferred mode of communication.

The basic labour cost of re-aligning a standard pair of binoculars is £30 – £35 plus p&p. With more complex models the cost will be higher. The final total cost will depend on how much work has to be done and any parts needed.

There is a two week turn round on most small jobs, but this does depend on whether parts are required and are easily obtainable. A job can usually be done quicker if requested.
A collection and delivery service is sometimes available, especially with large instruments or quantities.