Old binoculars

Now and then, I am asked about the value of old binoculars, whether the binoculars are worth fixing, if it would better to get a new model of binocular and so on. For the record, I like old binoculars; in some cases the binoculars are unique, sometimes the binoculars just bring back memories of the old days; sometimes I’m just curious as to when the binocular was made and so on. In a very few cases and, only in a few cases, the binocular in question is actually collectible in terms of its make, model and age. These collectible binoculars I refer to a specialist that can assess value and provide estimates as to restoration. That is not my area of expertise.

So, assuming you just have an old binocular, but not a collectible old binocular, should you fix your binocular if it is broken or malfunctioning or should you just replace it by buying a binocular, new in the box? In most cases, the answer is no. With the exception of Zeiss binoculars, Leica binoculars, Swarovski binoculars and other premium Europen binoculars or vintage Bausch&Lomb binoculars, old binoculars you fish out of the closet are likely to be of average quality or below average quality and those binoculars are seldom cost effective to repair. In many cases, what you spend on repair will buy a better new and current binocular. Then, too, parts availability on most old binoculars is very limited.

One reason for this includes advances that have been made in optics over the last twenty years. Thanks to computerization, even a cheap binocular, today, is ground and polished to better tolerances than many expensive binoculars made thirty years, ago. Then, too, sophisticated lens coatings and other improvements in optical technology that used to be reserved for only the most expensive binoculars in the old days are now found on today’s inexpensive binoculars. In other words, an average binocular today has noticeably better optics than the average binocular made twenty or thirty years, ago.

The other reason is advances in body materials. That has changed, significantly, as well. Bottom line is that current binoculars are, on the average, lighter and also easier to handle than the average binocular from twenty years, ago or even fifteen years, ago. Improvements have also been made in seals, eyecups and other user features. Today’s average binocular, then, is also more durable and user friendly.

All in all, if mom or dad’s old binocular doesn’t work, anymore, it is probably not worth fixing, unless, of course, it has sentimental value.

About the pic: Found this old-timer in the basement. Double images plus too much slop in the focuser means the end of the road for this binocular.