Binoculars are important companions of adventurers and find them defective in unacceptable. Double vision is a serious problem in optics and a user sees a double image of a targeted object through binoculars. If a binocular gives a double image of the object, then it is considered useless. In this guide, we will discuss double vision and how to fix binoculars with double vision.
Fixing double vision problems can void the warranty. It mainly depends on the manufacturer’s warranty terms and conditions. We have seen my brand which offers a non-void warranty even if you open binoculars and fix their collimation. However, most binocular manufacturers would void your warranty if you intentionally open or try to fix binoculars.
how to repair double vision of binoculars
What is double vision in binoculars?
Double vision is a common problem in binoculars in which users see blurred and double images of the targeted object. It stops users to focus and see the object. But luckily there is a solution to this double-vision problem. Even without the help of any technical person, you would be able to fix the double vision of binoculars by yourself.
Why do Binoculars Have Double Vision?
The major reason for binocular double vision is the collimation problem. Let’s understand collimation in detail.
Every binocular consists of many components and each complement complements the work of another. There is a specific alignment among these components to give the best result. This alignment in components is called collimation.
The optical components are in alignment, the binoculars will be is in collimation
In other words, collimation represents the point of exit and entry of light. The path used by light to enter and exit the binoculars get disturbed and distorted which leads to a double vision of binoculars. The collimation gets disturbed due to multiple reasons.
Many experts suggest going to mechanics and getting the alignment right. But spending money on the collimation is totally baseless as you can fix the collimation and binocular double vision at your home with the help of some extensive guide.
Why does alignment in binoculars get lost?
There can be many reasons for misalignment among the components of binoculars. The most prominent reason for misalignment is the fall from a decent height and careless management. The newbies startcleaning the binoculars by disassembling them without the aid of any specific guide. This disassembling of binoculars results in the misalignment of binoculars.
There are a variety of other reasons, such as your binoculars being too old, poor management, and careless use. We will dive deeper and guide you on how to fix binoculars with double vision.
How to Fix Binoculars with Double Vision?
Before going deeper to know how to fix double seeing of binoculars, make sure to read the user manual of your binoculars. By fixing the double vision on your own, the warranty will be void. It is totally up to you whether you fix your binoculars on your own or go to the manufacturer in order to keep your warranty.
If you have old binoculars where the warranty is no more a concern, you can fix your binoculars ‘ double vision without any problem. Below are the steps that will help you in understanding how to repair the double vision of binoculars.
Infographics on the topic of how to fix binoculars with double vision
Keep in mind that fixing binoculars with double vision problems will take one hour and you need to be patient to get the best results.
1- Collect tools to Fix Binoculars with Double Vision
There are some tools that you will need in fixing the double vision of your binoculars. Gathering all the equipment before starting the process will help you to save some time. The tools you will need are listed below;
The screwdriver will be used to screw and unscrew the bolts and nuts. In the process of fixing, the tripod stand is very important as it holds the binoculars intact and stable. Adopter will help in mounting the binoculars on the binoculars. A scalpel or razor is a sharp-bladed instrument that helps in dissecting the material.
Tools to Fix Binoculars with Double Vision
2- Collect tools to Fix Binoculars with Double Vision
Mount your binoculars on a tripod stand and see through them. Make sure the binoculars are stable in one position. To make binoculars stable to get a steady view was the reason behind the usage of a tripod and adapter.
Now focus on the target to analyze the collimation of binoculars. The target must be at least one kilometer away to get the information about the collimation. This testing will give a clear image of the binocular double vision. If you see a double image with some blurring spot it means that binoculars have got the fault of double vision.
The question arises of what should be targeted to get the collimation report. Well, it can be anything from a bush to a bird. But the distance between the observer and the target must be at least one kilometer.
In order to confirm whether binoculars are out of collimations or not, make sure to check and recheck. If every time you see a double image through binoculars, it means that binoculars have issues with collimation.
3- Removing Plastic Covering
Now, you have confirmed that your binoculars have an issue of double vision and the alignment of components is disturbed. The body of every binocular is made up of plastic material. Remove the plastic covering with the help of a razor. The plastic covering can be stretched all the way to the eyepiece.
Removing the plastic with a razor can be a bit tricky as the razor may hit the lens and destroy them. So, take extra care in removing the plastic covering of the binoculars. Removing the plastic covering and casing is the most sensitive step that needs special attention.
4- Find Adjustment Screws in Plastic Covering – Fix Binoculars with Double Vision
Finding adjustment screws can be a difficult task as these screws remain hidden in the plastic covering. In the previous step, we told you to remove the plastic covering. While removing the covering, make sure to find the adjustment screws.
If you fail to find the location of the adjustment screws then try to read the user manual of your binoculars which will definitely give you a complete idea of the screws’ location. Every user manual consists of all the guides which are needed to disassemble and reassemble binoculars.
In case you have old binoculars and the user manual has been lost then worry not! The following steps can be handy in this regard.
• Search on google • Contact your manufacturer and request another user manual • Visit the manufacturer’s official website to see if they have uploaded the user manual and diagram of your binoculars
Finding the adjustment screws won’t be as tough as it is usually considered. There are many ways through which you can locate your user adjustment screws.
There are usually two types of adjustment screws in binoculars which are mentioned below
Horizontal adjustment screws: Horizontal adjustment screws are present close to the eyepiece. These screws will have some glue or adhesive strip on them. Remove the adhesive strips with the help of a razor. Usually, there are two horizontal screws which are listed below;
• Right horizontal adjustment screws • Left horizontal adjustment screws
Vertical adjustment screws: The vertical adjustment screws are on the opposite side of the eyepiece towards the barrel sides of the binoculars. Again there are two vertical screws which are mentioned as
• Right vertical adjustment screws • Left vertical adjustment screws
5- Adjust the Horizontal & Vertical Screws
Adjusting the screws is the main step in fixing the double vision of binoculars. Keep in mind that always start screwing from horizontal bolts. Turn each of the two horizontal screws by one-eighth of a turn and make sure that there is no harsh turning or twisting of screws. This turning of bolts must be done with care as extra turning and twisting can have a bad impact on the binoculars’ focus.
The same twisting vertical screws must be done to make sure that alignments get at their best. There must be some pause or break for each turn or twist of screws. After each turn, make sure to check the focus whether it is getting better or not. The screwing extent must be the same for both horizontal and vertical screws and the imbalance in the adjustment between vertical and horizontal screws can result in a worse viewing experience.
6- Tightening the Screws
After making the adjustment of horizontal and vertical screws, it’s time to tighten the screws slowly. It is recommended to start tightening from horizontal screws first as they are difficult to align as compared to vertical screws. Start tightening the horizontal screw until the two images are approximately halfway closer.
When you notice that when screwing the images are not getting closer, it’s an indication for you to stop screwing as the image has reached its final quality.
The same process must be done to all the horizontal screws and tighten them up and make sure the images are getting closer and closer. Don’t be too harsh in tightening and do it gently by noticing the image quality and dimensions.
After all of the horizontal screws have been tightened, begin tightening the vertical screws in the same manner as the horizontal screws. Two images will get closer as you keep screwing the bolts. Keep in mind having a harsh tightening approach can lead you toward a blurry image. So, make sure to screw gently while observing the closeness of the two images. Stop twisting the screws when you see that two images are evenly centered and look like one image.
7- Refocus the Lens and See the Results
Once the process of screwing and tightening is completed, refocus the lens and start using your binoculars. The image will seem clear after refocusing the lens, and there will be no double vision left in your binoculars. Retest the collimation to check if all the alignment of the optical component is corrected or not. We are sure that you will feel that the collimation which was out initially is fixed now.
Tips on fixing binoculars by yourself
If you’ve decided to fix binoculars by yourself, then these tips and guides will be helpful for you to avoid any damage and unwanted consequences.
During the making adjustment, make sure to remember the number of turns that you completed.
If you think the process will not take much time, you’re wrong as fixing binoculars that have double vision may take up to one hour.
If you own new and expensive binoculars, we don’t recommend you to do it by yourself as it can void your warranty.
If your binoculars are still under warranty, visit your manufacturer to get them fixed. Getting binoculars repaired from manufacturer will not affect your warranty.
While using the razor, make double-check that it does not hit the lens mistakenly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can binoculars be realigned?
The alignment or collimation of binoculars can be corrected by adjusting the horizontal and vertical screws.
How do you stop double vision with binoculars?
Double vision in binoculars is usually caused by the collimation or misalignment of binoculars’ components.
Why do I see 2 images through binoculars?
Getting dual images through binoculars is an indication that the optical components are not perfectly aligned together leading to collimation. It can be fixed by adjusting the screws
Conclusion
In this, we have discussed the topic of how to fix binoculars with double vision. After reading the article, you will be able to fix binoculars by yourself. Just a small disclosure that we will not be responsible for any damage. Do it at your own risk and have your binoculars repaired for double vision problems.
I am Richard from Michigan, and who has a craze for hunting. I have been around optics especially binoculars since 2001 and have gotten decent experience while using them to hunt. I have made this website to share my experience with those who are new in the field. My guides & reviews will help my readers to get in-depth information about binoculars. Let’s hunt for binoculars NOW!
