I really like my Celestron Skymaster Pro 15×70 mm binoculars. Their wide field of view, bright optics, and sharp focus enhance views of the night sky. What I don’t like is how heavy they are at 3.75 lbs (1.70 kg). They came with a tripod mount which works fine. But, I have found getting into good viewing position to look steeply up in the sky can be a challenge. The tripod legs are extended too far if I am standing which adds to it shaking. Sitting to view doesn’t work better as the tripod and my legs compete for the same space.
I wondered if there was a better and cheap solution to holding the binoculars steady and giving me flexibility for viewing. I browsed the local hardware store for inspiration and found this tool in the paint section. The tool had a swivel head with about 60˚range of motion.
In a display of extendable poles, I picked one that was a bit taller than me in its longest position. Total cost was $20.
The binoculars rest firmly on the foam pad of the paint tool with enough friction so they don’t slip. A small bungee cord might be a good idea. I can easily grip them and the pad and adjust focus if necessary. The adjustable pole gives comfortable and very stable control of height. I can tilt up-down and right-left easily to scan a portion of sky. Set up and take down is fast. Best of all, no more shaky binoculars. This is a winner for me.
How I See It 
great idea
thanks
Innovative! You also could have used one of those devices used to change light bulbs in high ceilings. Probably more expensive.
As you might suspect, I was going the cheap route. 🙂
The first lesson we learn in retirement.
Simple and cheap extends resource ($) lifetime.
Great idea, Jim. Probably too simple to patent, but Celestron apparently didn’t think of it.
The U.S. Navy uses standard 7×50 power/field (or, they did a couple of decades ago). Someone, sometime, determined that as the optimum for hand-held binoculars. It was the consistent standard since WW II. Each ship was also equipped with at least one set of much larger binoculars hard-mounted on the bridge. I can’t remember the magnification nor do I know the weight (possibly about 20 lbs.), but they were very large. They were very useful but somewhat affected by propulsion vibration. Hardly bird-watching material, but your post brought back this memory. Thanks.
Yeah…too simple to patent. I like simple. 🙂
Check this out:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/615820-navy-ships-binocular-mk-1-1/
Those are serious binocs and they look really heavy. In the comments section, they were described as 20×120. Thanks for that link.
Wow. This is great. I have the same binoculars, and love them, too, but I don’t love that mount. I’ll definitely give this a try. Thanks for the tip.
Glad to help.
Great idea! Being able to make things work with with what is available is a a valuable talent.
One I am pretty good at. I don’t like to spend $$. Not that I’m cheap or anything.
Ah, ingenuity!
It is a useful thing.
what a great idea! This would work well for a camera, too. When I’m trying to focus on a distant (or flying) bird, I always get so much wobble the image is blurred.
You can also buy a monopod that screws into the bottom of a camera. They are designed for the same purpose. Probably cost a lot more.
Yes, probably a lot more. I like your solution a lot better.
Plus, you can paint walls with it. The monopod can’t do that.
Yes, I wonder how it is for painting walls….we just had our kitchen painted yesterday. They did a great job but I HATE the color I chose, and really want to try another. That’s how we artists are. The rest of the family loves the color and won’t let me change it.
Maybe compromise with some of the walls?
I just can’t. I’m waiting for Paul to go on a trip, and then I’ll sweep in there with a paintbrush and correct the situation. 🙂 At least I won’t be adding a whole second floor, the way Lincoln’s wife did!
[…] week, I looked for Sirius with my 15x binoculars. They binoculars are heavy but steadied with my custom support. Both times I was able to see it shining brightly in bright daylight. This is a first for […]
Awesome stuff man! Really interested in hunting material and gears! Keep up the good work buddy, I have a similar blog which I just started, support a hunter! Thanks-JohnDavidson
Thanks. I like practical and low-cost solutions if possible. As to hunting, it has been years since I did any. As a kid we all used BB guns, 22s, and the like. My older brothers let me shoot a scoped rifle as we hunted groundhogs along railroads. An older sister was the bow enthusiast. One time she killed a rabbit and cried for the longest time. That might have been the end of her hunting career.
Ah nice man! Great to know about all this nostalgic stories from you! Continue your great job buddy! We can work together on our blogging too!