Binocular Basics 2: How to use your new binoculars

3 min read
Binocular Basics 2: How to use your new binoculars

If you've chosen your Viking Optical binoculars (having read Binocular Basics 1), you'll be ready to start using them to get to know the birds in your garden a little better. It's amazing the difference it makes when your binoculars fit well and give you a clear view - read on to get started!

Adjusting your Binoculars

The eye pieces on your binoculars are connected via a centre hinge which can be adjusted so they are comfortable for you. Move the eye pieces apart until they are extended as far as they can go, and then put them up to your eyes. Slowly bring them closer together until the two circles you can see become one circle. The eye cups are also adjustable and are used to cushion your eyes and keep them the correct distance from the binocular body. If you wear glasses, keep the eye caps close to the binocular body, if you don't wear glasses you can twist the eye cups out. You can also focus the binoculars using the wheel in the middle of the binocular - close one eye and adjust the centre wheel, focussing on an object around 10m away. When the object appears sharp, repeat the process with your other eye. This should give you a great view through both lenses.

Bird Watching

Start by looking for any movement in your garden or on your walk with the naked eye. When you see a bird and want to focus in a little closer, move the binoculars up to your eyes without taking your eyes off the bird. You'll find this much easier than scanning with the binoculars up to your eyes as your field of view will be wider.

Binocular Cleaning

Your Viking Optical binoculars are waterproof, but they need to be wiped over after time in the rain and fully dry before you pack them back into the case. Avoid getting sand and dirt onto the lenses and clean them as little as possible - it is always best to use a blow brush before the cleaning cloth to ensure you aren't scratching the lenses.

Binocular Storage and Care

It is important to always store your binoculars in the case. The Viking Optical binoculars come with a carry case and lens caps and I keep these on for extra protection when I am not using my binoculars. The eye cups should be twisted in so they are as close as possible to the binocular body and the centre hinge should be closed to prevent damage if the binoculars are accidentally dropped. When I'm using my binoculars on a walk I always use them with the strap provided, and I encourage my girls to keep their Viking Cubs on their wrists with the wrist strap. It is really important that the binoculars aren't knocked or dropped as this can cause them to come out of alignment and they will need repairing by a trained expert (which can be costly).

I absolutely love getting closer to the birds in my garden and on my nature walks with my binoculars, and I know you will too! Buy your Viking Optical binoculars today and get started!

Thank you for reading!

Clare Cahill is an enthusiastic bird lover with a passion for observing and learning about the incredible variety of birds around us. While she doesn’t have a formal degree in ornithology, Clare has dedicated countless hours to reading birding books and exploring nature, constantly expanding her knowledge and deepening her love for wildlife.

For Clare, birdwatching brings a sense of calm and connection to the world, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. She believes that the more we connect with nature, the more we can do to protect and conserve it. Through her writing, Clare hopes to inspire others to take a moment to pause, look up, and appreciate the wonderful birds that share our spaces.

About A Little Bird Co.

The seasonal bird food brand

We're a little company, supporting little birds. Find out more about what sets us apart.

  • Seasonal

    Birds have different dietary needs throughout the year, from nesting to moulting and surviving colder months. To support these changes, we’ve created seasonal blends – order a Seasonal Bird Food bag, and we’ll adjust the blend to match the season, making it easy to do something great for the birds.

  • Sustainable

    Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We don't farm, process, and transport cheap filler ingredients that birds simply kick to the floor. Instead, we focus on premium ingredients they love. Our packaging is compostable, and our bird feeders and nest boxes are tested for durability and longevity.

  • Songbird

    We design our food and select our range of feeders with little birds in mind. Every ingredient in our blends is chosen because small birds love it, simplifying your bird feeding routine. Our feeders provide safe access to food while helping to keep out larger, more dominant species. Look out for robins, blue tits, wrens, finches and more visiting your garden for our food.

  • Support

    With birds in your garden, you’re never alone - they’re the friends who always visit. Feeding them supports wildlife conservation while bringing joy and calm. Whether spotting a new species or simply watching their daily routines, just ten minutes a day strengthens your connection with nature and boosts your wellbeing.

When life feels busy, the birds keep it simple.

There’s something lovely about how feeding the birds becomes part of the rhythm of your day. A scoop of seed, a clean dish of water - and then a pause, just to watch who turns up. It doesn’t have to take long, but those moments can be surprisingly grounding. A little burst of mindfulness, fresh air, a chance to notice your garden as it changes throughout the seasons, and the cheerful flutter of wings - it’s good for the soul.

Join our flock of bird enthusiasts who share a passion for sustainable and thoughtful bird feeding.

Start Your Bird Food Subscription

Shop our bestsellers

From our popular seasonal bird food to the Squirrel Buster squirrel resistant bird feeder, our range is designed to help you to create a haven for little birds in your garden.