Binoculars are convenient for any outdoor adventure. They enhance your vision and make it possible for you to spot your target without hustle. If you are a hunter, binoculars help you make an accurate projection of your target. The question to answer here is Why do I get double vision with binoculars and how to fix it?
A good pair of binoculars allows you to experience your adventure from a different perspective. It also allows you to capture your prey from any direction or distance while within your comfort. Also, binoculars come with instructions that give you as the user directions on how to effectively use the device and achieve greatness.
However, using binoculars is not always straightforward even with the use of manual. Therefore, it takes you time to learn how to use it and achieve your desired performance. In the process, you learn how to adjust the device appropriately to ensure that your adventure is fun-filled and exceptional.
Getting the right binoculars also gives you the assurance that your adventure is on another level. Therefore, it ensures you can conveniently release your bullet and capture your prey. However, there are times when the functionality of your binoculars might not be accurate hence limit your chances of experiencing excellence. At times, you would see double images whenever you look through the lenses.
This is not good, especially when hunting as it presents you with inaccurate information hence limit your chances of getting the target. Double vision in binoculars makes it impossible for you to get a clear view of your prey. In return, it contributes a lot to you losing bullets while hunting as the image you get is not aligned with your actual target location. Additionally, with double vision, the image quality is not always convenient for effective shooting.
However, double vision in binoculars doesn’t always happen overnight.
In this blog, we’ll discuss specific issues that cause double imaging and appropriate ways to solve the problem.
This way, it will be easy for you to get the most from your old or new pair of binoculars for enhanced performances.
Why Does Double Vision Occur?
Double vision otherwise known as two images occurs when the lenses are out of collimation. Collimation is a term used to indicate the direct entrance of light in both lenses of binoculars. When the light path in the binoculars gets blocked or distorted, it causes the binoculars to register different images on both sides.
Therefore, when you take your optics to action, the performance becomes significantly underrated. If you are out on a hunting adventure, then it limits your ability to spot your target accurately. In return, double imaging limits you from experiencing excellence in any outdoor adventure.
When you have double vision, at times, it becomes impossible for you to also distinguish between objects. The fixed double vision makes it impossible for you to tell what you are watching, especially if the object is moving.
What Causes Double Imaging On Binoculars?
Mishandling
Mishandling your binoculars could be the greatest reason why you have double vision. This can be done in numerous shapes, including how you carry and store the binoculars to how you use them, and the terrains of your usage. For instance, if you are hiking and your optics keep slipping off your hands and falling, there are higher chances that it will get loose.
In return, the alignment of passing light will automatically be distorted hence developing double vision. Also, if your device keeps falling every other minute, apart from losing alignment and becoming loose, it also experiences wear and tire.
This eventually leads to its breakdown and even if it has a convenient warranty, it will be ineffective sooner than you would expect. Additionally, when your binoculars develop an issue, the way you repair it matters a lot. Putting your creative skills into repairing your binoculars isn’t bad.
However, when you are not sure of what you are doing, it could lead to double vision. Even as you engage your creative minds, you also need to ensure that when you are unsure, you get help from professionals. This way, it will be easy to maintain quality viewing without possible eye strain. It is also good to learn how to get moisture out of binoculars.
Poor Adjustments
For you to get the best from your binoculars, you have to ensure that it is adjusted appropriately. Both lenses require to be adjusted to zoom on the same item at the same time for better focus.
The essence of the binoculars is to focus on a single image with both lenses. However, when one side adjusts more than the other, the image quality becomes distorted hence affecting the way you see through the lenses.
Additionally, when you adjust the binoculars prisms, it ensures that you will enjoy your adventure with accurate target observation. However, when you adjust the prism poorly, the results will not be as friendly. Poor alignment indicates that both lenses will not have the same image magnification.
In return, this will give you double imaging or worse inaccuracy. Therefore, when you use the binoculars to view, you will not be certain that the image you see is located at the exact distance you see it. Therefore it will impair your ability to make an accurate judgment on the things you see. This will therefore result in missed calculations when releasing the trigger.
When your one eye sees one inch differently from the other, it will automatically change where the bullet lands on your target. For instance, if one eye gives you an accurate bullseye and the other eye gives you different coordinates, your bullet will automatically land somewhere different. Another effect of the poor adjustment is that it hinders your ability to enjoy the adventure as you should.
For instance, if you are using binoculars for bird watching, double imaging will get you confused about the number of birds you are watching at a time. Also, it will be difficult for you to keep up with your target’s movements.
How To Prevent Double Vision
Before you even think of fixing double vision on your binoculars, avoiding the problem before it occurs is the most appropriate way. There is numerous way on how you can prevent the problem and keep your binoculars secure for enhanced performance.
However, it is also essential for you to plan on what to do in case the problem occurs. This way, you will be guaranteed that your device will not only be ready for an adventure but will also be convenient for any time use. Therefore, it is essential for you to be equipped with the right information on how to take care of your lenses as well as how to correct them in case it develops a problem.
Here are some basic step-by-step tips on how to prevent double vision.
Take Care Of The Binoculars
Taking care of your binoculars is the first and most critical way of avoiding double vision. The simple things you do matter a lot to the performance of your binoculars. To avoid de-collimation, you don’t have to go extra for your optics to be secure. Instead, make sure you keep it safe by avoiding mishandling of all nature.
If your binoculars are not designed as waterproof, avoid taking it to rainy conditions. You shouldn’t expect it to thrive in harsh conditions while the manufacturers didn’t design it for such adventures.
It is your responsibility to understand where your binoculars work the best and where you should not risk taking it. In case there is a shift in weather, it is your responsibility to shield the device from experiencing the change. Your binoculars are as good as you are taking care of them.
The way you protect it from possible damage, the better it performs and, more importantly, saves you from buying a new pair.
The way you store it after or before use also matters on how it will perform. Therefore, giving it your all will guarantee that it doesn’t disappoint while you take it for an adventure.
Avoid Feeding Your Curiosity
Curiosity is what killed the rat. The need to know beyond what you see always has consequences whether positive or negative. It is easy to be tempted to know how the binoculars look in the inside. However, as much as this feeling will come, keep reminding yourself you are not a pro mechanic.
The much you are allowed to go is only perform deep cleaning, adjust the strap, and rotate the focus knob. However, unless you know what you are doing, you should never consider disassembling your binoculars at all costs. Some parts are quite delicate and can easily be affected if you play with them.
The prism and lenses of binoculars are nearly impossible to place in their original position once they are removed. When you take them off unless you are sure of how to return them, the device will not be of any help.
Also, when you keep disassembling your binoculars, there are chances that you will get the lenses scratched. In return, its performance will not be as accurate as you would want, or rather it will not give the same experience as it was before disassembling.
Therefore, if you don’t want to deal with issues of double vision or no vision, avoid operating the binoculars. The alignment process is tricky and messy, and for your good, ensure not to consider experimenting.
If you notice an issue that requires fixing, instead of taking it lightly and start working on it, it is essential to give it to people who are specialized in that field.
This way, you will not have to keep stressing or wondering where a certain piece was located.
Therefore, it is essential to avoid getting yourself in a place where you will be responsible for breaking the device while feeding curiosity.
How To Fix The Problem
If you are too late and you are reading this while the problem has already occurred, you also don’t have to panic.
In the same way, there are numerous ways that cause the problem, the same way there are several ways to help fix it. This blog will guide you with simple steps on how to fix double vision and recover your binoculars.
In fixing the problem, it is essential to note that the problem occurs as a result of two main issues—one the insides of the binoculars’ prism and in the lenses. Therefore, the process of fixing will require precision, as you will be handling the most delicate parts of the device.
Gather The Essentials
Of course, you can not fix the interior of the device without getting prepared with the right tools for the job. Before getting busy fixing, ensure to gather necessary items that will help you in aligning the device. Some of the essential include:
- The binoculars
- Scale for measuring
- Black market
- Tape
- Penknife (with an extremely sharp pointed tip)
- Cardboard, and
- Screwdrivers
Start Fixing
Once you have all the necessary tools for fixing, it is time to fold your sleeves and start working. Find yourself a good location where you can relax and arrange everything systematically for easy access.
Using the cardboard, marker, and scale, draw a simple sign on the cardboard with at least 12-inches difference on both lines.
Mark all inches in a straight line to ensure they are perfect. Hang the cardboard on anything you find stable and place it at a considerable distance.
Now using your binoculars, check through the lenses to see which of the two is worse off to start with it in fixing.
At times, you may get double vision simply because one of the lenses is not aligned, while other times it could be a problem on both.
However, even if both lenses have an issue, start with the one that is completely off, work on it then move to the other. Aligning one lens after the other also allows you to fix the issue gradually until you get to the point where it’s all better.
Therefore, once you determine which one has the most issues, it’s time to start working on the device, unscrew it to access the lenses, and thoroughly clean using a soft material to avoid scratching it, then dry-wipe it evenly.
Return the lenses in their position and start screwing them back.
However, as you return it, you don’t have to be in a rush. Take your time and keep focusing on your sign as you tighten the screws. This way, it will be easy to avoid repeating the entire process once you have completed the process.
Get professional assistance
There are times when the problem is not as straightforward as disassembling and assembling the binoculars.
For instance, if your binoculars has lost prism or it was submerged in water, it will require more than simple cleaning.
In such instances, it is essential to find someone who specializes in handling and fixing optics devices. A professional will not only help align or correct the problem but also ensure that the binoculars is strong and ready for your next adventure.
If you are unsure of where to get the best person to fix the binoculars for you, you can start by looking for recommendations from people you know who use binoculars.
You can also visit the nearest binoculars vendors within your location for a reliable connection.
Once you get the appropriate person for the job, ensure to explain the condition or state of your binoculars in detail.
Remember you are the one using the binoculars there are chances you know where the problem could be. However, once you give it to a professional for fixing, all you need is to explain how its behaving and allow the professional to go about fixing it.
Final Words
After the dissembling and re-assembling of your binocular, you can comfortably take it to a test and see how best you have performed.
At times fixing takes more than dissembling and assembling. There are instances where you will find yourself repeating the whole process over and over. Additionally, there are instances where all you need is to simply adjust the focus knob and fix the issue even before you work on the interior of the binoculars.
If you are unsure of how to effectively perform this duty while at home, it is always good to seek professional assistance. Therefore, get to find people who can do this within your area and get your binoculars’ double vision issue fixed professionally.
However, instead of going through all the hustle of fixing the binoculars or double images, why not make it your responsibility to keep it safe.
Ensure to always store it in appropriate storage whenever it is not in use. This will ensure that the binoculars is not at any possible risk of breaking. While you are out, consider using the binoculars within its range without overthinking how much more they can do.
Lastly, keep the binocular’s performance strictly for what it was designed for. If the description says the binoculars are not fit for use in rainy or foggy conditions, don’t risk using them in such weather in the name of wanting to know what will happen.
