Below is a simple binocular mount made mainly out of standard 3/4" and 1/2" and pipe fittings. The mount holds 15x70 binoculars. The mount does not use any counterweights and has multiple degrees of freedom for positioning the binoculars for viewing from horizontal to overhead. The key element of the mount is the height adustment mechanism which consists of a 3/4" galvanized "tee" fitting sliding on a 1/2" galvanized pipe. The weight of the binoculars keeps the 3/4" tee fitting at a fixed position on the 1/2" pipe until the weight is released by gently lifting the binoculars.

Overview of mount

Mount holding binoculars horizontally

Mount holding binoculars vertically

Mount holding binoculars at about 45 degrees elevation

Bracket assembly

The tee on the left can be positioned anywhere vertically along the 1/2" pipe. The weight of the binoculars then holds the tee in place, but it can still be easily rotated at its fixed vertical position. The wooden binocular holder is connected to a steet elbow by a floor flange which allows elevation adjustment. Another street elbow then connects to a horizontal 3/4" pipe section and another degree of positioning freedom exists between the two street elbows.

The two horizontal degrees of freedom (between the tee and the 1/2" pipe and between the two street elbows) allows the binoculars to be moved forward and backward for comfortable viewing without changing azimuth.

Vertical pipe connected to floor flange and 2x4's at ground level

Connection at binocular

Additional degree of freedom

The L shaped connector holding the binocular can be adjusted left and right relative to the wooden bracket. This is useful for pointing the binocular when looking overhead. This connector is tightened and loosened by a single bolt which connects to a threaded end in a PVC handle underneath the wooden bracket. The white handle is seen in the picture below also.

Overview of mounting bracket

Please e-mail me with any comments at calerner@hotmail.com