Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

Discuss binoculars.
Post Reply
Jay6821 United States of America
Earth Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:26 am
4
Location: Michigan
Status:
Offline

Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#1

Post by Jay6821 »


I've been looking (unsuccessfully) for some type of shroud or shield to block ambient light when using larger binoculars. I need something to fit my Oberwerk 20x65 ED binoculars which are fairly large. The ambient light in my peripheral vision in my light polluted suburb is annoying. I'm familiar with a product called Bino Bandits on Amazon, but they don't work with anything larger than 8x42 or 10x50. Anyone have any recommendations?
Celestron NexStar Evolution 8, StarSense AutoAlign, 1.25 "Stellarvue Dielectric Diagonal, Celestron X-Cel LX eyepieces, 2" Celestron diagonal, 2" Luminos eyepieces

Celestron Wedge, Canon EOS 7D

Oberwerk 20x65 ED Deluxe binoculars, Oberwerk 8x42 Sport ED binoculars, Oberwerk Series 4000 tripod with Series 5000 head, Oberwerk Series 2000 monopod (for airline travel)
User avatar
AntennaGuy United States of America
Milky Way Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 1409
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:20 am
4
Location: Tyler, TX USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#2

Post by AntennaGuy »


Looks like a potentially interesting product. Why wouldn't it work on larger binoculars? Are the eyepieces on large binoculars much different in diameter or separation? The website at: https://alpineproducts.com/product/bino ... e-blocker/
claims it "Fits all binoculars."
See also discussion and pictures on moderately-large binoculars at:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6611 ... -are-a-go/
* Meade 323 refractor on a manual equatorial mount.
* Celestron C6 SCT on a Twilight 1 Alt-Az mount
Prof. Barnhardt to Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still: "There are several thousand questions I'd like to ask you.”
Refractordude
Interdicted
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 1493
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 1:05 am
4
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#3

Post by Refractordude »


AntennaGuy wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:08 am Looks like a potentially interesting product. Why wouldn't it work on larger binoculars? Are the eyepieces on large binoculars much different in diameter or separation? The website at: https://alpineproducts.com/product/bino ... e-blocker/
claims it "Fits all binoculars."
See also discussion and pictures on moderately-large binoculars at:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6611 ... -are-a-go/
What I use and it works.
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


How about some winged eyecups for around the okulars? They come in different diameters and are available through a few different retailers
https://www.highpointscientific.com/baa ... ter-eyecp2
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Kingofthehill
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu May 23, 2019 11:30 pm
4
Location: Idyllwild, CA USA
Status:
Offline

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#5

Post by Kingofthehill »


I wear an extra large hood and drape it. No light gets in.
Paul
Main telescope used is Obsession 18UC
Cut my teeth on Orion 10" Dob
AR152 and Orion ST80 sit mostly unused
Lots of binoculars
User avatar
DeanD Australia
Orion Spur Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 653
Joined: Fri May 17, 2019 7:27 am
4
Location: Adelaide South Australia
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#6

Post by DeanD »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:57 am How about some winged eyecups for around the okulars? They come in different diameters and are available through a few different retailers
https://www.highpointscientific.com/baa ... ter-eyecp2
Field Optics have a good range of these: http://www.fieldopticsresearch.com/shop ... eaners.htm

I have the smaller ones for my 8x30's and the larger ones which fit my 15x70's and 25x100's (as well standard 1 1/4 eyepieces). They work very well. I bought their "triple pack"...

I tried to get the "Bino bandits" at one stage (and I was prepared to hear my wife's laughter when I used them!!!), but no-one would ship them to Australia. :(

- Dean

(PS: a possible downside is that they rotate with the eyepiece: so if you are using IF binos, like your Oberwerk's, they will be fine if you set the eye guards when you are focussed on the stars, but not so hot if you then want to re-focus on closer objects, or someone else with different eyes wants to use them... )

(PPS: Can you give us a review of the 20x65's? I would love to hear how you find them...)
Last edited by DeanD on Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:58 am, edited 2 times in total.
Telescopes: 12" f5 dob, Celestron CPC800, 150mmf5 Celestron achro, Tak TSA102, TV76, ETX125...
Binos: Steiner Wildlife XP 10x26, Swarovski 8x30 Habicht, Zeiss SFL 8x40, Vanguard Endeavour 10.5x45, Fuji FMTR-SX 10x50, Tak 22x60, Orion Resolux 15x70
Eyepieces: way too many (is that possible?), but I do like my TV 32mm plossl, 13mm Nagler T6, 27mm Panoptic and 3-6mm Nagler zoom, plus Fujiyama 18mm and 25mm orthos and Tak 7.5mm LE
User avatar
notFritzArgelander
In Memory
In Memory
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 14925
Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 4:13 pm
4
Location: Idaho US
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#7

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Kingofthehill wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:50 am I wear an extra large hood and drape it. No light gets in.
This is my preferred solution. One size fits me and that's all I need.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
User avatar
pakarinen United States of America
Inter-Galactic Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 4013
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:33 pm
4
Location: NE Illinois
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#8

Post by pakarinen »


I sometimes use an old microfiber bath towel with my scopes. I'd guess it would work with binos.
=============================================================================
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
User avatar
AntennaGuy United States of America
Milky Way Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 1409
Joined: Sun May 19, 2019 1:20 am
4
Location: Tyler, TX USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#9

Post by AntennaGuy »


* Meade 323 refractor on a manual equatorial mount.
* Celestron C6 SCT on a Twilight 1 Alt-Az mount
Prof. Barnhardt to Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still: "There are several thousand questions I'd like to ask you.”
User avatar
pakarinen United States of America
Inter-Galactic Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 4013
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:33 pm
4
Location: NE Illinois
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#10

Post by pakarinen »


AntennaGuy wrote: Tue Feb 25, 2020 5:20 pm The low-tech solution?
https://blog.lesterpickerphoto.com/wp-c ... 6/hood.jpg
Heck yeah!
=============================================================================
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
User avatar
ARock
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 363
Joined: Mon May 13, 2019 4:06 am
4
Location: USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#11

Post by ARock »


Refractordude wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:45 am
AntennaGuy wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:08 am Looks like a potentially interesting product. Why wouldn't it work on larger binoculars? Are the eyepieces on large binoculars much different in diameter or separation? The website at: https://alpineproducts.com/product/bino ... e-blocker/
claims it "Fits all binoculars."
See also discussion and pictures on moderately-large binoculars at:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6611 ... -are-a-go/
What I use and it works.
I use a Bino Bandit with a 15x70 ... works for me.
AR
Scopes: Zhumell Z8, Meade Adventure 80mm, Bushnell 1300x100 Goto Mak.
Mount: ES EXOS Nano EQ Mount, DIY Arduino+Stepper drives.
AP: 50mm guidescope, AR0130 based guidecam, Canon T3i, UHC filter.
EPs: ES82 18,11,6.7mm, Zhumell 30,9mm FJ Ortho 9mm, assorted plossls, Meade 2x S-F Barlow, DGM NPB filter.
Binos: Celestron Skymaster 15x70 (Albott tripod/monopod), Nikon Naturalist 7x35.
User avatar
Mandrew
Moon Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:07 am
4
Location: USA Illinois
Status:
Offline

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#12

Post by Mandrew »


I used to have a black “photographer” cloth hat I just draped over my head, worked great. Just get a fairly thick towel of adequate size, throw it over your head. Works great and cheap. Can get warm under it in summer months.
Devout bino lover and Lunaholic! Scopes - Celestron RASA 8, Orion 180mm Mak-Cass, 6"f8 dob, ST80. binos - Orion 7x50, Oberwerk 8x56 LW, Oberwerk 10x50 Deluxe, 15x70 Deluxe, Oberwerk 100mm ED Binocular telescope.
Jay6821 United States of America
Earth Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:26 am
4
Location: Michigan
Status:
Offline

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#13

Post by Jay6821 »


Thank you for all of the replies. I ended up ordering the Bino Bandit, and they do fit my Oberwerk 20x65 binoculars.

I've only used them one time, so maybe my technique will improve but I did have a bit of a problem with them. The problem I ran into is that they fit tightly and it took a little bit of finesse to install them. The 20x65 bino's are individually focused on each side. Installing the Bino Bandit pulled the individual focus of each eye piece out of alignment a bit and then when I fixed one side, it would pull the other side out of focus a bit. So it was a back and forth focusing thing. Again this might be something I improve upon with a bit more experience.

I also tried them on my Oberwerk 8x42 ED binoculars which has one center focus knob that was is not affected by the Bino Bandit installation. Consequently, focusing was very easy. The Bino Bandit blocked out 99.5 % of the ambient light. Performance was excellent, and I think the Bino Bandits are well worth the money on center focused binoculars.
Celestron NexStar Evolution 8, StarSense AutoAlign, 1.25 "Stellarvue Dielectric Diagonal, Celestron X-Cel LX eyepieces, 2" Celestron diagonal, 2" Luminos eyepieces

Celestron Wedge, Canon EOS 7D

Oberwerk 20x65 ED Deluxe binoculars, Oberwerk 8x42 Sport ED binoculars, Oberwerk Series 4000 tripod with Series 5000 head, Oberwerk Series 2000 monopod (for airline travel)
User avatar
ARock
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 363
Joined: Mon May 13, 2019 4:06 am
4
Location: USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#14

Post by ARock »


Jay6821 wrote: Sun Mar 08, 2020 2:05 am The 20x65 bino's are individually focused on each side. Installing the Bino Bandit pulled the individual focus of each eye piece out of alignment a bit and then when I fixed one side, it would pull the other side out of focus a bit. So it was a back and forth focusing thing. Again this might be something I improve upon with a bit more experience.
My 15x70 is center focused, and I do find the diopter adjustment a little difficult to get to with the bino bandit installed, but I haven't had it move the diopter ring. I can see IF adjustment being difficult with the bandit. Can you push the wings of the bandit down towards the objective lens, adjust focus and then pull the wings back up? Will that help?
AR
Scopes: Zhumell Z8, Meade Adventure 80mm, Bushnell 1300x100 Goto Mak.
Mount: ES EXOS Nano EQ Mount, DIY Arduino+Stepper drives.
AP: 50mm guidescope, AR0130 based guidecam, Canon T3i, UHC filter.
EPs: ES82 18,11,6.7mm, Zhumell 30,9mm FJ Ortho 9mm, assorted plossls, Meade 2x S-F Barlow, DGM NPB filter.
Binos: Celestron Skymaster 15x70 (Albott tripod/monopod), Nikon Naturalist 7x35.
Jay6821 United States of America
Earth Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:26 am
4
Location: Michigan
Status:
Offline

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#15

Post by Jay6821 »


Can you push the wings of the bandit down towards the objective lens, adjust focus and then pull the wings back up? Will that help?

Thanks, I will give that a try next time I get some clear skies.
Celestron NexStar Evolution 8, StarSense AutoAlign, 1.25 "Stellarvue Dielectric Diagonal, Celestron X-Cel LX eyepieces, 2" Celestron diagonal, 2" Luminos eyepieces

Celestron Wedge, Canon EOS 7D

Oberwerk 20x65 ED Deluxe binoculars, Oberwerk 8x42 Sport ED binoculars, Oberwerk Series 4000 tripod with Series 5000 head, Oberwerk Series 2000 monopod (for airline travel)
User avatar
pakarinen United States of America
Inter-Galactic Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 4013
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:33 pm
4
Location: NE Illinois
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#16

Post by pakarinen »


For those going the towel route, I might try a shemagh / kufiya (sp?). Light weight and cotton, so maybe tolerable in hot weather. Plus they seem to be multipurpose and they’re cheap.
=============================================================================
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
User avatar
helicon United States of America
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 584
Online
Posts: 12274
Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm
4
Location: Washington
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#17

Post by helicon »


I use either a dark towel thrown over the head or an extra-large hoodie which covers the side of my face and keeps the eyes shielded from extraneous light.
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
User avatar
helicon United States of America
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 584
Online
Posts: 12274
Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm
4
Location: Washington
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#18

Post by helicon »


pakarinen wrote: Sun Mar 08, 2020 11:48 am For those going the towel route, I might try a shemagh / kufiya (sp?). Light weight and cotton, so maybe tolerable in hot weather. Plus they seem to be multipurpose and they’re cheap.
I have two of those, one in a red-and-white pattern and one in a black and white pattern. Used them a lot when I was traveling in the Middle East. Kind of help you to blend in. Good suggestion for something lightweight for spring/summer.
:)
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
User avatar
pakarinen United States of America
Inter-Galactic Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 4013
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:33 pm
4
Location: NE Illinois
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Eye piece shroud to block ambient light on larger binoculars?

#19

Post by pakarinen »


Are they thick / dark enough to block light or would I have to double or triple one? I'm thinking multiple layers might be just as warm as a towel. OTOH, some light block is better than no light block.
=============================================================================
I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

Return to “Binoculars”