Tasco Essentials 10x50 WA Zip Focus Binocular Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Tasco Essentials 10x50 WA Zip Focus Binocular is a high-power optical instrument designed for a variety of outdoor activities, including remote camping, bird watching, and scenic viewing. Featuring a 10x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, these binoculars provide a bright and clear wide-angle performance. The robust design includes fully multicoated lenses for optimal clarity and brightness, and a rugged, weather-resistant housing with rubber armor for durability and a secure grip. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your binoculars to ensure long-lasting performance.

Image: A young person, seen from behind, is kneeling in a field of autumn leaves, looking through a pair of black binoculars. The sun casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the golden and brown foliage.

2. Key Features

• 10x Magnification: Brings distant objects 10 times closer for detailed viewing.
• 50mm Objective Lens: Large objective lenses gather ample light for bright, clear images, even in low-light conditions.
• Zip Focus System: Allows for quick and easy focusing on subjects.
• Porro-Prism Design: Provides a rich depth of field and a wide field of view (367 feet @ 1,000 yards).
• Fully Multicoated Lenses: Enhances light transmission for superior brightness and clarity.
• Rugged, Weather-Resistant Housing: Durable construction designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
• Rubber Armor: Provides a secure, non-slip grip and absorbs shock for added protection.
• Tripod-Adaptable: Can be mounted on a tripod for extended, stable viewing sessions.
• Fold-Down Eyecups: Comfortable for both eyeglass and non-eyeglass wearers.
• Weight: Approximately 26.4 ounces (748 grams) for comfortable handling.

3. Setup Instructions

1. Unpack Contents: Carefully remove the binoculars and all accessories (carrying case, neck strap, lens caps, cleaning cloth) from the packaging.
2. Attach Neck Strap: Thread the neck strap through the strap lugs on the binocular body. Ensure it is securely fastened on both sides.
3. Adjust Eyecups:
   • For non-eyeglass wearers: Keep the eyecups in the fully extended position.
   • For eyeglass wearers: Fold down the eyecups to bring your eyes closer to the binocular lenses, allowing for a full field of view.
4. Adjust Interpupillary Distance (IPD): This is the distance between the centers of your pupils.
   • Hold the binoculars up to your eyes and look through them.
   • Adjust the hinge between the two barrels by moving them closer together or further apart until you see a single, clear, circular field of view.
5. Diopter Adjustment: This compensates for differences in vision between your left and right eyes.
   • Close your right eye and look through the left barrel with your left eye. Focus on a distant object using the central focus wheel until the image is sharp.
   • Close your left eye and look through the right barrel with your right eye. Adjust the diopter ring (usually on the right eyepiece) until the image is sharp. Do not use the central focus wheel for this step.
   • Once set, your binoculars are adjusted for your eyes. For future use, you will only need to use the central focus wheel.
6. Tripod Mounting (Optional): These binoculars are tripod-adaptable. To mount them, locate the threaded socket (usually under a cap) on the front hinge. Screw a compatible tripod adapter (sold separately) into this socket, then attach it to your tripod.

4. Operating Instructions

Once your binoculars are set up for your individual vision, operating them is straightforward:

1. Holding the Binoculars: Hold the binoculars firmly with both hands. For maximum stability, brace your elbows against your body or use a tripod.
2. Focusing: Look through the binoculars at your desired object. Rotate the central focus wheel (the "Zip Focus" mechanism) until the image appears sharp and clear. Since you've already set the diopter, only the central focus wheel is needed for general focusing.
3. Scanning: When scanning a wide area, move your eyes slowly across the scene rather than rapidly moving the binoculars. This helps maintain a stable image and reduces eye strain.
4. Low Light Viewing: The 50mm objective lenses are excellent for gathering light. In low-light conditions (dawn, dusk), these binoculars will provide a brighter image than models with smaller objective lenses.

5. Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will extend the life and performance of your binoculars.

• Cleaning Lenses:
  • Always use the provided lens cleaning cloth or a soft, lint-free optical cloth.
  • First, gently brush away any dust or debris from the lens surface using a soft brush or compressed air.
  • If further cleaning is needed, apply a small amount of lens cleaning fluid to the cloth (not directly to the lens) and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion.
  • Avoid touching the lens surfaces with your fingers.
• Cleaning Body: Wipe the rubber armored body with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Storage: Store your binoculars in their protective carrying case in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures and high humidity.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never look directly at the sun through your binoculars, as this can cause severe and permanent eye damage.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your binoculars, try these common troubleshooting steps:

• Blurry Image:
  • Ensure the central focus wheel is adjusted correctly for your viewing distance.
  • Re-check your diopter setting (Section 3, Step 4) to ensure it's calibrated for your eyes.
  • Verify that the objective lenses and eyepieces are clean and free of smudges or debris.
• Double Image or Two Overlapping Circles:
  • Adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD) by moving the binocular barrels closer together or further apart until you see a single, perfectly circular field of view (Section 3, Step 3).
  • If the issue persists after adjusting IPD, the binoculars may be out of collimation. Contact customer support for assistance.
• Fogging Lenses: While the binoculars are weather-resistant, rapid temperature changes can cause external fogging. Allow the binoculars to accclimate to the ambient temperature. Internal fogging may indicate a seal issue; contact customer support.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, product registration, or technical support, please refer to the official Bushnell website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Important: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Proposition 65 warning). Please handle with care and wash hands after use.