Customer Reviews

Nikon Binoc-U-Mount Universal Tripod Adapter

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased this "universal" tripod adapter for a Brunton binocular that I've owned for many years. I needed something to take the load off my arms as I watch great blue herons for long periods of time...they're nesting at a nature preserve.
Unfortunately, I discovered that the loop portion of the velcro which was supposed to secure my favorite binos to the mount would not work because the binos only measure 5" across (to fit my face) and the sticky loop part was positioned out on the outer ends of the straps! So I actually removed the velcro loop parts on both straps, repositioned them closer to the mount part of the adapter, and resewed it on a sewing machine using a heavy duty needle. This keeps my binos very secure. Apparently wider binoculars would not experience this problem. Works great now!

Reference for this item are my Zeiss Dailyt 10x40B T* and Barska 7x42, both are roof prism binoculars armored water resistant/proof. Tripod is a Slik U212 Universal. Product was compared to similar binocular tripod adaptors by Leica and Zeiss via Amazon and the web, no actual physical/hands-on comparison because of the lack of local retail.

Pros: Quality construction of top grain cow hide body with treaded metal female 1/4" post. Weaved nylon straps (2) with Velcro. Velcro is also on body. Compact when laid flat. Binocular type/size range is good from roof prism 40/42 mm objective lens to perhaps porro 50 mm objective lens. Life expectancy appears good to excellent. Made in the USA.

Cons: Rather cumbersome and slow dismount of binocular from adaptor. As mentioned in another posting Velcro positioning could benefit modification, I chose to add more Velcro on the body. Lower binocular size limit appears to be roof prisms with objective lenses of 40/42 mm, using a smaller roof prism binocular may be problematic.

Comparison with Leica Stabilite and Zeiss adaptors/adapters. Leica appears to be the least universal of the three adaptors by using a plastic base plate with two grooves/channels, one for each barrel of the binocular. One groove appears to be rather specific for a 40/42 mm roof prism binocular barrel while the other groove is wider for compensation of ocular spacing of the barrels. This adaptor may not work with a porro. Zeiss is perhaps the most universal of the three adaptors having a curved base. It also raises and offsets the binocular from the tripod. Dismounting of binocular from adaptor from both adaptors appears to be superior to that of the Nikon. Both appear to use straps of rubber/plastic with questionable long term life.

Conclusion: Modified adaptor by lengthening Velcro strips on body of adaptor by adding self adhesive Velcro strips of about 2.5" to each of the two Velcro strips on body of adaptor. Adaptor will still work without this modification with my binoculars of 40/42 mm objective lens but strap will hang loose, aesthetic. The additional Velcro helps improve the hold on the binoculars.

Dedicating a Slik quick release post to the Nikon adaptor will enable quick dismount of the binocular and adaptor as an assembly. The addition of a ball head to the tripod can increase height of the binocular/adaptor assembly by a few inches.

Overall I find this product to be good and better if your willing to tinker a bit.

I bought the Nikon binoc-U-mount for my Leica 10x42 Trinovid, which doesn't have a screw mount on its own (odd for such an expensive and high quality piece of optics). The tripod adapter that Leica offers is very pricey (generally 3x this one) and I haven't seen very good reviews of it. In contrast, the binoc-U-mount works just fine for most viewing. I can see that it won't work with very small binocs, since the entire leather/velcro assembly would be just too big.

I use this well-constructed adapter for a large Porro-prism 10x50 mm binocular, without any modifications. I added a picture to the site to show that what is offered is an acapter, and not a tripod.

I thought by the picture and the price that this was a tripod plus mount. Even the "bought with" don't show a tripod as bought with. I'm disappointed.

When I spotted this as an accessory to the Bushnell Binoculars I bought the picture is misleading so you think that the mount and the tripod come together as a package. That is not the case. Now I have to order a tripod. They could have done a better job at letting you know that for $50 you only get the mount and not the tripod (which by the way goes for $15-$23 - thats what led me to believe the mount and the tripod came together). Bad job Amazon.