Guys

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the best way to carry binoculars while hunting. I will probably get a mid size set, something around 8 power with 40mm or less lenses. I want to be able to carry these all day, be able to run with them in if needed, and not have them bounce around too much. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Fergus

The Crooked Horn Outfitters "Bino-System" of course. A link? Sumbuddy who know?

If you are a right hand shooter then carry the binoculars under your left arm (Strap over your right shoulder) .

Then they will not get in your way when you have to make a fast shot.

You will also be able to crawl around without the binoculars hitting the ground.



On this picture you can see a man who carries them like that



http://www.nitroexpress.tv/



Cheers,



Andr�

Many PH's carry as Andre has said.

Many PH's have also tried Crooked Horn and prefer it.



http://www.crookedhorn.com



click on Optics/accessecories, then select the "slide&flex bino system"



I use Andre's method only if I forgot my Crooked Horn.

Also available at the Dallas Safari Club site. I must say the that our elephant logo on these is fantastic.

http://www.biggame.org/StoreSpecial/index.html

I sometimes carry binocular's Andre's way, especially on hunts that involve dangerous game.

But I more often carry binoculars Jack O'Connor's way, with the strap adjusted just long enough to get the binoculars over my head. This ensures quick and easy access, and the binoculars don't bounce around very much.

Two PHs I was around this season used the Crooked Horn system, and swore by it. I tried it and didn't care for it. I felt too constricted........

AD

On my safari last year I didn't take binoculars thinking I'd use the scope on my rifle like I do here in the states hunting deer and that was a very serious mistake. Since then I've found a fine set that actually fit into my shirt pocket and hang on a leash around my neck.

They're 10X and work well for me and I like the fact that they're not bouncing all over while in my shirt pocket.

My PH used the "harness" method described by others and was sold on that style of carry.

I think if you was to choose a larger set of glass I'd do that too but I like the compacts and especially those that fit my shirt pocket.

PHC was seen using the shirt pocket binos often in his videos and that's where the idea came from.

Minkman,

When you refer to "our" do you mean the DSC "our" or did YOU design the logo?

Have been looking for a good elephant design to embroider a couple hats for myself. Just curious.

For Africia I prefer Licia 10 X 25. They fit in my shirt pocket with a thin strap over my neck for safety against loss. The PH does the primary glassing in most cases. In the states I usually use a retainer type system (Cabelas) like the CH.

Fergus,

I carry a pair of Nikons, 10X42's. My PH in Zimbabwe showed me a good trick, not really a trick but , he keeps the strap very short, just enough to get them over his head, they stay tight to your body and there right there when you need them, hardly any movement to get them to your eyes.And they're never in the way for shouldering you rifle and don't bounce around when you run. Try it, you don't have to buy anything and personally I don't like that "harness" around me.

The first thing I do is replace the factory strap with a good neoprene camera strap. The slight stretch and give they provide makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods.

For carry, I place the strap on my right shoulder, and carry the binos under my left arm.

All thoes harnesses are crap, just for suckers to get their money, one born every day... Why be trussed up like a hog to butcher with staps all over you body..they look good in therory, but in reality are a joke..Now thats just my opine as to myself using them, I don't care if someone else uses them....Kinda like camo, wide thick slings,scope caps and all that stuff...

I make a cotton webbing strap 1" wide and as Andre suggests carry them under my armpit, strap on the right shoulder and binocs under the left armpit..the webbing will hold the binocs in any position on your body, on your chest, under your armpit just above the waist or in the center of your back, and never move unless you move it..and you will never have a headache, neckache, or backache at the end of a day...you can even sleep with them on!

Ray, ".....trussed up like a hog" is the way I felt in that damned harness, and I think it looks like heck as well.



This is my opinion only, but I take the use of binoculars very seriously for African hunting, and I take serious binoculars. Those little opera glasses don't cut it. I can't tell you how many times I've glassed and spotted game before the PH or trackers did, and this has resulted in some of my best trophies. You can't count on anyone to do all the serious glassing for you while you take a casual approach.



AD

I use a regular sized pair of 8x40s and just sling them around my neck. I unbutton the top couple of buttons on my shirt and tuck them inside. They're handy that way and out of the way when I'm not using them.

Will, "Our" meant the clubs logo. But I'm pleased that you thought I was such a great artist.

Fergus,

I have used the wide Bonnie Packer "Side Carry" binocular strap for many years and I love it.

I was a beta tester on these straps, which are made by my good freind Dave Johnson, of JFS and Bonnie PAcker.

These are available with free shipping for $11.00 US. I wonder if they will ship for free to Australia!!!!

Seriously, these are the most comfortable and secure strap I have ever used. I use them on a large 8 x 56 Zeiss draped over my right shoulder and carry the rifle muzzle down on left.

I use the binos constantly and hardly ever touch the rifle.

I think Daves website is www.bonniepacker.com.

they really work!

Andy

Trussed up like a hog my ass. The Crokked Horn or Cabela's harness is the best thing there is.

On and off in seconds, less fatigue. You guys just can't deal with advances.

I think you guys don't like anything you didn't think...

and yeah I am trying to pick a fight...

Especially, with that ornery atkinson...LOL

I personally don't care much for the harness type binoc carriers. They work well for carrying, but you have to fight the elastic when actually looking through the binocs. That's no good in the long run.

If you don't feel constrained by the harness type carrier, I have seen a good system with a Crooked Horn Universal Optics Case worn on the front of the chest with a Crooked Horn Bino Flex harness. That system worked well - at least in cold weather - as it allowed very fast access to the binocs, great protection, and no fighting the elastic when glassing. Don't know if this would be too warm or cumbersome for Africa, though??

I tend to use 8x30 class glasses, and like to keep a little utility pouch (Uncle Mike etc) on my belt, where they can be stored if not in immediate use.
- mike

As these replies indicate, there is no single "best" way.



There are three or four different ways, one of which you will probably prefer over the others.



I like the harness, because I use a full-sized binocular and the harness keeps it under control. No bouncing while running, no dragging on the ground while crawling and always hands-free handy. I also like the elastic tension, since it makes for a steadier hold.



I had an extra binocular along year before last, and my PH liked the harness so much I gave him my extra. He converted to the harness after several decades of using the "under the left arm" carry.



Just give each of the ways described above a try, and use the one you like best.

For Africa, I like binocs no larger than 8X40mm, and much prefere the smaller 8x25s that are rubber coated, and water proof. Many of the better names make them, mine are Zeiss. I have used the Crooked Horn, and I do not like it at all. I prefere the under the left arm carry, as they stay out of my way. When brought to your eyes, while useing the African carry of your rifle, by hooking the little finger of the right hand around the barrel of the rifle, and letting the rifle balance on your shoulder steadies the binocs.

If hunting alone, especially in mountain, or canyon country, I carry larger binocs, because I'm the only one glassing, but I still use the under arm carry. Most times when hunting in North America, I have a pack frame on my back, with a napsack containing a few emergency items. The harness is simply one thing too many around my chest.

Guys

Thanks for all the suggestions. I really appreciate the input.

Fergus

I've got a pair of 10x Leupold GoldenRing compacts and have been very pleased with them. They're very clear and I've had no trouble glassing for long periods with them. They're very compact and light. I keep them tucked inside the front of my shirt/jacket while they hang around my neck or if in the way I put them in the cargo pocket of my hunting vest.

I'll throw in my two cents for the over the shoulder carry. The binoculars are protected and out of the way but there when you need them. You can crawl or go prone very quickly and not have to worry about them. They don't swing annoyingly and you don't have to strap anything on over or under a pack you might be carrying.

Plus you can carry a fairly heavy binocular, in my case a pair of Leica 8X42's, and the weight is negligible. Carry those same binos around the neck and they get heavy very fast.

I hunt 5-6 days a week from Sept-Jan and you'll always see my Swarovskis attached to my Crooked Horn straps. They just work well and the straps stretch as needed so that you can turn and twist to most any position and have your binocs ready to go. They have worked well for me in Africa, too.
The only problem with the Crooked Horn system is that there is not a way to attach dust covers on the eye pieces of your binocs. I hate dust and/or moisture on my bincos and would prefer to keep them covered until I need them. I even called the Crooked Horn manufacturer about 2 years ago and asked them if they had a suggestion about the lens covers. The only thing they offered was an idea about rigging your eye covers that didn't sound very practical to me.
I really like the Crooked Horn system, and if you can help me solve the dust problem, I think they'll finally be perfect!

OK : �The first thing I do is replace the factory strap with a good neoprene camera strap.�
OK : �Jack O'Connor's way, with the strap adjusted just long enough to get the binoculars over my head�.
OK : �All thoes harnesses are crap, just for suckers to get their money, one born every day... Why be trussed up like a hog to butcher with staps all over you body�

I keep my binoculars tucked under my shirt . No bumping and no inconvenience when crawling.
If I am carrying a rucksack, the strap is hooked to the rucksack, no weight on my neck.
If I am using a heavy Swaro 8x56, I tie the strap with another strap down my back from my neck to my belt. This way, all the weight is lifting my belt, not breaking my vertebras..
In Africa or in the mountains, I am using a tiny Zeiss Diafun 10x30 http://planetarium.unr.nevada.edu/shop/binoculars/zeissdiafun10x30b.html Try what You want, it remains the best : light, very powerful, splendid clarity. My best hunting partner is an optician who made many researchs before choosing these binoculars. Usually I don�t worry about money, ammos or my virginity but I spent a lot of time fending off PHs, Friends, trackers and such.. from stealing my Diafun. If You don�t have 380$, absolutely don�t try the Diafun 10x30.

The Swaroholic : Jean

Fergus

I use a harness made here in OZ by Blackfoot Designs. It consists of 2 shoulder straps and a bungy cord that holds the binos close to your chest and allows you to bring the glasses up to your eyes, by stretching.

My binos are 8x32's and weigh 22oz from memory. After a full day with them hanging around my neck with the standard strap I would invariably end up with a head/neck ache. Not any more tho with the harness. Also good for when stalking or on hands and knees.

One disadvantage is when glassing for long periods and having to fight the stretch of the cord - so I just unhook the bungy cord in these instances.

Here is their website - www.blackfoot.com.au

If you want to have a try before buying you can borrow mine if you like cos the wet is here and my hunting season is finished. Let me know.

Cheers.

GG

I like the pocket size binoculars when a lot of walking is called for (in other words, most of the time) and use the little Steiner 8 X 24. I carry them in my chest pocket as in the photo below.

Very good.

quote:

Originally posted by allen day:
Ray, ".....trussed up like a hog" is the way I felt in that damned harness, and I think it looks like heck as well.
<br />
<br />This is my opinion only, but I take the use of binoculars very seriously for African hunting, and I take serious binoculars. Those little opera glasses don't cut it. I can't tell you how many times I've glassed and spotted game before the PH or trackers did, and this has resulted in some of my best trophies. You can't count on anyone to do all the serious glassing for you while you take a casual approach.
<br />
<br />AD

I like Wink's reply; In Africa my last PH used light Leica 8x32's, they fit easily in a cargo pants or large shirt pocket. If & when you MUST have them around your neck, very little weight = very little fatigue. They need to be GOOD glass, though - Leica, Swaro, Kahles, Zeiss

In really wide open ranges (eg: parts of RSA or US west) bigger is better, then a neckstrap and/or harness is pretty much needed.

I only walk around with small optics, either an 8x32 bino or the Swarovski range finder with the 8x32 monocular on one side. I keep a larger 10x42 bino in my pack for when I am sitting and doing serious glassing.

I prefer two methods of carry when moving. The first is as discussed, with the strap over the shoulder and the optics under the arm. If you leave the strap long enough it is easy to swing the optics up to your eyes. However, one problem with this method is that it doesn't always work well if you are carrying a rucksack or day pack.

The second method, and the one I find myself using most often, is with the optics around my neck and placed inside my shirt or jacket, against my chest. They are always there and can easily be taken out and used with one hand. That way they don't swing around, don't rattle against the rifle, the lenses don't get covered with water, dirt or dust, and it works just fine when carrying a rucksack.

I use Steiner 8x42s with an old GI Universal strap and carry under my left arm. Out of the way and easy to access. No trussing up in a harness.

Best way to carry binos . . . in the truck.

I always carry my 10 power Swarovskis on a "Butler Creek" strap. It stretches, and the strap is over my right shoulder, and binos tucked a few inches under my left arm. They don't flop around, are very comfortable this way, and it takes only a second to bring them up to my eyes. They are out of the way when I need to shoot & back my client. If I need to crawl a bit, then I flip them somewhat over my back, and out of the way. It works great for me in my 20 years in African bush.

The ubiquitous binobra seems to work fine. I've used them in a variety of conditions and with a variety of weapons and they seem to work great. I like them because the weight doesn't just hang on the back of your neck and also when you lean forward they don't just wildly/freely swing forward.

Brett

I carry mine on a short wide Neoprene strap. Just long enough to get over head,but strap actually has quick disconnects on each end. Binos are 10x50 Swarovski's, rather heavy but have carried them daily for the 8 safari's I made. I prefer the higher power glasses,my second pair are 10x42 Swarovski's. I am a long time birder and that has been my preferred method for years. The older I get the higher power glasses I prefer. I don't want to just SEE it I want to see it in detail.

My favorite is to hand them to a tracker to carry.

Bino harness, or binobra, whichever you prefer to call it. Slung under the arm tugs unevenly on my neck / shoulder and the binos get in the way. In the harness, all is tucked out of the way, against the chest, and they don't go bouncing around if you need to run a short distance.

BTW, nice digging up of an old and dead thread!

Unfortunately, if you wanna use binos, you gotta have them hanging somewhere on your body and everyone has different comfort zone.

My favorite for the last couple of years: