So, you’re ready to explore the cosmos, but the stars seem to dance and shimmer whenever you try to get a closer look. You, my friend, need a binocular mount! While telescopes are great, binoculars are an excellent, affordable way to begin your stargazing journey. The problem is, holding those binoculars steady enough for a clear view can feel like a Herculean task.
Don’t worry, Robert Kline Art is here with a solution! Building your own binocular tripod adapter is easier than you might think. This guide will help you create a stable platform for your binoculars using simple materials and tools you probably already have around the house. Forget expensive, store-bought mounts, let’s get crafting!
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before we embark on this DIY adventure, let’s gather our cosmic crafting supplies:
Materials:
- Your trusty binoculars
- A tripod with a quick-release plate
- A small piece of scrap wood (slightly larger than the quick-release plate)
- A medium piece of scrap wood (longer than your binoculars are wide, and narrower than they are deep)
- Two screws (long enough to go through both pieces of wood, thin enough not to split the wood)
- Two fasteners (zip-ties, heavy-duty twist-ties, Velcro straps, bendable coat hangers – get creative!)
Tools:
- A saw (for small cuts on the wood and cutting the screws)
- A wood file (for smoothing edges and finishing the screws)
- A drill
- A pencil (or other marking tool)
Building Your Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Craft Your New Quick-Release Plate
- Carefully remove the quick-release plate from your tripod.
- Using the small piece of scrap wood, cut a replica of the quick-release plate. Remember, the wood can be thicker but should match the plate’s dimensions precisely for a secure fit.
- Pay close attention to the angled sides of the quick-release plate. File the edges of your wooden replica to match these angles. Test the fit by inserting your new wooden plate into the tripod head. Aim for a snug and secure fit.
Step 2: Connect to the Binocular Support
- Now, grab your medium-sized piece of wood, which will serve as the support for your binoculars. Choose a piece that is wider than your binoculars to allow for flexibility in positioning. It should also be shallower than your binoculars to provide comfortable viewing space for your nose.
- Find the center of both your new quick-release plate and your binocular support wood.
- Drill two pilot holes for your screws, positioning them towards opposite corners of the quick-release plate. This helps prevent the wood from splitting and ensures a strong connection.
- To create a flush bottom surface, consider countersinking your screws.
- Finally, use your saw to trim the protruding ends of the screws to prevent them from scratching your binoculars.
Step 3: Attaching Your Binoculars
- Before attaching your binoculars, focus them on a distant object. This ensures they are properly aligned for your eyes before securing them to the mount.
- Attach the mount to your tripod and rest the binoculars on the support.
- Secure the binoculars using your chosen fasteners (zip-ties, Velcro, etc.), looping them around the middle of the binoculars and under the mount. Make sure the fasteners are secure without altering the binocular alignment.
Time to Explore the Cosmos!
Congratulations, you’ve built your very own binocular tripod mount! Now you can enjoy steady views of the night sky. Experiment with different tripod positions and explore the wonders of the universe. Remember to share your creations and stargazing experiences with Robert Kline Art!