mfunnell
Registered Confuser
...diverted from http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=311261
Sat on a level bench, with maximum extension of both eyecups and measuring with a ruler, the left is a tad under 122mm high, while the right is a tad+ over 122mm, about 0.5mm difference (roughly; using the usual conversion from tads to SI units). This may or may not be a symptom associated with the need for somewhat radical diopter adjustment but, again, I'm inclined to think it could be.
I've attached a photo (apologies for the quick P&S snapshot) showing how far from centre I have to wind the diopter adjustment. Note that my other binoculars (Nikon Action Naturalist III, Celestron Oceana, Zeiss Terra ED) have this set to zero to work with my eyes, with or without glasses.
Since it's consistent, and solid-feeling, and within the usable range of adjustment for my eyesight, I'm going to live with it given the price of the unit and the cost and inconvenience of international returns. This might not be acceptable to others, especially those who need negative diopter adjustment (where there seems to be little range available).
...Mike
That's good advice - which I've taken. I've worked the mechanism, and it seems OK. If it is mis-assembly of some sort (and I'm inclined to think it might be) then it seems solid mis-assembly. (Does that make it better or worse?). I've worked the diopter adjustment back and forth between full ± adjustments multiple times, then returned it to where suits my eyes, and it has not varied (beyond the marginal tweaking made necessary by my rough-and-ready methods).Just a quick update: the Diamondback 8x28s arrived this morning, and I am not disappointed.
They're the right size and weight for my purposes, fitting perfectly in the camera bag they'll live in without weighing it down. They give a good clear view. They focus 'the other way' from my Terras, but that's no big deal. I'll seldom use the two one after the other, and I can adjust quickly to either. Eye position is more critical with the Diamondbacks (not unexpected) and took me a while to sort out.
There are two oddities: the right eyecup sits slightly higher than the left in all positions, and I have to adjust the diopter way to the '+' side, unlike all my other binoculars where I centre it (with or without glasses). Related? I've no idea, nor do I know if this is a defect. But not a problem for me as everything is within the available range of adjustment. For about US$100 (including discount and $25 gift card that I will use) I'm not complaining.
I'll call this a successful exercise all around. Thanks again.
...Mike
Re the diopter on the 8x28 Diamondback. Check it out very thoroughly.
See the 4th review in the link below: The binocular had to be returned because the diopter went haywire.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/vortex/vortex-diamondback-8x28-binocular
Bob
Sat on a level bench, with maximum extension of both eyecups and measuring with a ruler, the left is a tad under 122mm high, while the right is a tad+ over 122mm, about 0.5mm difference (roughly; using the usual conversion from tads to SI units). This may or may not be a symptom associated with the need for somewhat radical diopter adjustment but, again, I'm inclined to think it could be.
I've attached a photo (apologies for the quick P&S snapshot) showing how far from centre I have to wind the diopter adjustment. Note that my other binoculars (Nikon Action Naturalist III, Celestron Oceana, Zeiss Terra ED) have this set to zero to work with my eyes, with or without glasses.
Since it's consistent, and solid-feeling, and within the usable range of adjustment for my eyesight, I'm going to live with it given the price of the unit and the cost and inconvenience of international returns. This might not be acceptable to others, especially those who need negative diopter adjustment (where there seems to be little range available).
...Mike