How to Make an L-Mount for Binoculars

Many people begin their stargazing hobby with a pair of binoculars, discovering quickly that much of the Milky Way is visible with this visual enhancement. As experience is matched with interest, it becomes evident that holding the binoculars steady is most of the challenge involved in studying these distant objects. The solution is a mount that steadies the binoculars' focus. The easiest way to acquire a rock-steady position for binoculars is an L-bracket mount on a camera tripod.

Things You'll Need

  • Binoculars
  • Wrenches or socket set
  • 1/4-inch by 1-inch by 4-inch stainless steel L-bracket
  • 1/4-inch by 1/2-inch machine bolt
  • Adjustable camera tripod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the binoculars securely and loosen the locking lug on their front-facing side. This is the lug or screw that allows the tension in the rotating head of the frame to be adjusted. The design of the locking lug varies by binocular manufacturer, so there may be a lock washer or separate ring that prevents the lug from coming off. Loosen or remove any ring or locking assembly and remove the lug.

    • 2

      Drive a 1/4-inch by 1/2-inch machine bolt through the lateral hole in the end of the long flange of the L-bracket and into the open threads on the front face of the binoculars.

    • 3

      Slide the bottom hole in the L-bracket onto the 1/4-inch, male threaded machine bolt that protrudes up from the mounting plate on the camera tripod. Secure a 1/4-inch by 1/2-inch machine nut to the threaded bolt and wrench it tight.

    • 4

      Loosen the primary adjustment arm on the camera tripod and rotate the binoculars so the arm is behind the eyepieces and nearest the user. Screw the arm tight.