Binocular Mounts and Modifications

Backyard Voyager

Binocular Astronomy -- Plans for various types of binocular mounts and tripods

Jupiter's northern hemisphere altitude and size in future oppositions

7-09-2008/12:43 a.m.

33° /47 arcseconds

Jupiter 7-9-2008

9-21-2010/12:43 a.m./
Altitude 53°
Size 50 arcseconds

Jupiter in 2010

12-3-2012/12:39 a.m.
Altitude 76°
Size 48 arcseconds

Jupiter in 2012

02-08-2015/1:20 a.m.
Altitude 71°
Size 45 Arcseconds

Jupiter in 2015

05-09-2018/ 12:23 a.m. Altitude 39° Size 45 arcseconds

Jupiter in 2018

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Binocular Mirror by Craig Colvin

This project came about due to a very long chain of events. It started off when I got Rukl's Atlas of the Moon for Christmas. I went out one night to look at the moon and was having trouble deciding what to observe so I decided to try the Astromonical League's Lunar Club , figuring it would be a good list of features to start off with. Well it turns out that most of the lunar observations are supposed to be done with binoculars.

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Mounting Binoculars for Astronomy by Stephen Tonkin

The tripod and head should be chosen with care. As the binocular is pointed at higher altitudes, the height of the eyepieces decreases. Simultaneously, the height of your eyes increases as your head is tilted back. Some form of height adjustment is therefore necessary. This usually takes the form of a raisable centre-post on the tripod.

The tripod must be sturdy enough so as not to permit excessive vibration, and...

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Making a Binocular Chair by Rod Nabholz

As anyone who has done much of this type of observing can tell you, the nature of the equipment can mean some uncomfortable positions or shaky views. Hand holding any binocular with magnification higher than 10X is very difficult to do well. When you add to that the awkward upward angles you have shaky and uncomfortable - not likely to be an enjoyable experience. Astronomers have come up with many approaches to solve these limitations. Tripods, parallelogram mounts, mirror mounts, expensive stabilized binoculars are some of the solutions, and I have tried many of them. More..........

A Parallelogram Binocular Mount by Graham Wood

Here is a guide to how all these factors add up. Remembering our schoolday physics lessons on mechanics, such a counter balanced system will be in balance when the binocular end mass times the length of the viewing arm is equal to the counter weight mass times the length of the counter weight arm and the two centres of mass and the pivot are in a straight line.

So after fixing a length for the viewing arm and weighing the binocular end mass, we have established mass times...More......

Binocular Mirror Mount by Pao

Astronomers are frequently asked "what telescope should I buy?" by people just getting started in astronomy. Inexpensive and department store telescopes sold with claims of "750x Power!" are almost always a disappointment even if you're able to find something with them.

A more practical and rewarding way to start is with binoculars. A good quality pair is often less than that department store telescope and many people already have a pair sitting on the closet shelf. They're easier to transport and use and take no time to set up. More...

Six Inch Binoculars -- Construction Details by Dave Trott

It would be unfortunate if you believed that the spending was nearly over. Truthfully, it's only begun, but, if it's any consolation, this first year will be the worst-- well, at least the worst for this telescope.But if you bought an SCT, then you already spent a healthy sum and own a decent telescope. A couple of the accessories on this list are pricey, but you can always think of it this way: you wouldn't replace the tires on a relatively new Mercedes with twenty-five dollar recaps. Why treat your telescope any differently? More...

My Version of the Binocular Box by Glenn Muller

Designed as a self contained unit, here is the box ready for travel.
Exact dimensions: 14 1/2" H x 16" L x 15" W.
Approx. weight with binoculars on board: 22 lbs
Binoculars shown are 10 x 50 Carton Adlerblicks
The mirror is 5" x 10" (for larger binoculars an 8" x 10" mirror is recommended) More...

Florian's Binocular Viewing Accessories by Florian

After trying out this method of binocular stargazing i was quite surprised at how pleasant and comfortable it is. Can really just relax and look. On the other hand, there is something to be said for looking "up" toward the sky. (Scroll down for my crossbar solution.) When looking down one tends to miss satellites and meteors. Still, this is quite an inexpensive little mount and gives me the option of very relaxed tabletop viewing. More...