Eyecups up or down?

holtender · #1 (**permalink**) 27-02-2010, 10:00 PM

Hi everyone,
I have just bought my first pair of binoculars for the purpose of bird watching but I am having an issue with the eyecups - whether to use them in the up or down position. As I do not wear glasses I followed the instructions and firstly use them with the eyecups up but found this uncomfortable coupled with a limited field of view so I tried using them with the eyecups down and that seemed to provide a much larger field of view as well as being more comfortable and just feeling 'right'.
However, this goes against how most people use them and I am just wondering whether it is normal and it depends on personal preference or possibly because I am new to all this is my perspective of how it should look is simply incorrect.

look forward to your replies,
thanks.
thomas

holtender · #2 (**permalink**) 27-02-2010, 10:04 PM

I have just realised I have possibly posted this thread in the wrong section, I do apologise

SheffieldLass · #3 (**permalink**) 27-02-2010, 10:19 PM

I guess it depends on what the eye cups are like. I have Steiner binocs and those eyecups are designed to face to the side, (well very slightly upwards from the horizontal) so they reduce light coming in from the side. They would be awkward in any other position.

holtender · #4 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 12:26 AM

They are these from the 7dayshop, cheap but very well reviewed.
7dayshop.com - Online Store

hope that helps

wizzo · #5 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 04:47 AM

Hi Holtender. Generally eyecups are designed to be used in the up or raised position for people who wear glasses. However, if it's more comfortable for you to use them in that position, then I can't see why not. I wear glasses for driving and watching television, but I prefer to usr my bino's without glasses and the eyecups in the 'closed' position or screwed in (folded down position). Hope this helps. Wizzo

Adam Cheeseman · #6 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizzo

Hi Holtender. Generally eyecups are designed to be used in the up or raised position for people who wear glasses. However, if it's more comfortable for you to use them in that position, then I can't see why not. I wear glasses for driving and watching television, but I prefer to usr my bino's without glasses and the eyecups in the 'closed' position or screwed in (folded down position). Hope this helps. Wizzo

That's the complete opposite of what I know and have experienced. Cups up for non glass wearers, folded/screwed down if you wear glasses.

Cheers,

Adam

yorky · #7 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

That's the complete opposite of what I know and have experienced. Cups up for non glass wearers, folded/screwed down if you wear glasses.

Cheers,

Adam

I'm with you on this Adam. I've just re-read both my instruction books on our bins and both (Nikon & Bresser) state eye cups down with specs - up without specs.

Jack

Stinky Bob · #8 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 08:37 AM

Yep just checked my Nikons and it said eyecups down for spec wearers, going back to the OP though and it a matter of what you find comfortable

aeshna5 · #9 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

That's the complete opposite of what I know and have experienced. Cups up for non glass wearers, folded/screwed down if you wear glasses.

Cheers,

Adam

Agree with this- I was puzzled by Wizzo's comment to the opposite view!

david156 · #10 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 12:38 PM

When I started bird watching I wore glasses and had the eyecups down. It really annoyed me because excess light would get in and cause reflections and when you put the eyecup covers on the cups had to be put in the up position!

So to cure the problem I got contact lenses and since then have the eyecups up and have no problems.

Cheers David