National Geographic Expedition Series 25mm Compact Roof Binoculars
Instruction Manual
Model: 80-76540 8x25
Model: 80-76550 10x25
Important Safety Instructions
☀️⚠️ SUN WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO OBSERVE THE SUN WITH THIS DEVICE! Observing the sun, even for a moment, will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye or even blindness. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that the damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the device at or near the sun. Do not look through the device as it is moving.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
Respect Privacy: When using this device, respect the privacy of other people. For example, do not use it to look into people's homes.
?⚠️ CHOKING HAZARD: Children should only use the device under adult supervision. Keep packaging materials like plastic bags and rubber bands out of the reach of children as these materials pose a choking hazard.
?️⚠️ RISK OF BLINDNESS: Never use this device to look directly at the sun or in the direct proximity of the sun. Doing so may result in a permanent loss of vision.
?⚠️ RISK OF FIRE: Do not place the device, particularly the lenses, in direct sunlight. The concentration of light rays could cause a fire.
Do Not Disassemble: In the event of a defect, please contact your dealer. The dealer will contact the customer service department and can send the device in to be repaired if necessary.
Do not subject the device to temperatures exceeding 60 °C (140 °F).
Disposal: Keep packaging materials, like plastic bags and rubber bands, away from children as they pose a risk of suffocation. Dispose of packaging materials as legally required. Consult the local authority on the matter if necessary and recycle materials when possible.
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Parts Identification
- 01. Ocular Lens: The lens closest to your eye.
- 02. Center Focus: Wheel used for general focusing.
- 03. Rubber Eyecup: Protects the ocular lens and helps exclude extraneous light.
- 04. Diopter: Adjustment ring for fine-tuning focus for individual eyesight.
- 05. Strap Attachment: Point where the neckstrap connects.
- 06. Objective Lens: The front lens that gathers light.
- 07. Tripod Adapter Socket: Threaded socket for attaching a tripod adapter.
Using Your Binoculars
Eyecup Adjustment
Your binoculars are fitted with eyecups that can be rolled or twisted up or down (depending on your model) to optimize the view for your eyes and to exclude extraneous light.
- If you are not wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses, keep the eyecups fully extended (the "up" position). This is often achieved by twisting the eyecup upwards.
- If you are wearing glasses, roll down the eyecups or twist them to the down position. This brings your eyes closer to the binocular's eyepiece (ocular) lens, ensuring you can see the entire image (full field of view with no "cutoff" or "tunnel vision").
[Diagram Description: Shows two states of the eyecup: one "Rolled Eyecup" (down) and one "Twisted Eyecup" (up).]
IPD (Interpupillary Distance) Adjustment
The distance or spacing between the center of the pupils, called "interpupillary distance" (IPD), varies from person to person. To adjust the binoculars to match your eyes, follow these simple steps:
- Hold your binoculars in the normal viewing position. Grasp each barrel firmly.
- Move the barrels closer together or further apart until you see a single circular field of view. (Do not worry about focus yet.)
- Always re-set your binoculars to this position before using them.
[Diagram Description: Illustrates adjusting the binoculars by moving the two barrels closer or further apart to achieve a single circular view.]
Diopter Adjustment and Focusing
This adjustment allows you to fine-tune the focus for your individual eyesight.
- Ensure eyecups and interpupillary distance are adjusted as described in the previous sections.
- Set the diopter adjustment ring (usually on the right eyepiece) to zero.
- View a distant object. Keep both eyes open at all times.
- Using a lens cover or your hand, cover the objective (front) lens of the side with the diopter adjustment ring (typically the right side).
- Using the center focus wheel, focus on the distant object with fine detail (e.g., a brick wall, tree branches) until it appears as sharp as possible.
- Uncover the objective lens on the diopter side. Cover the other objective lens (the left side) and view the same object.
- Using the diopter adjustment ring, move the diopter adjustment marker to the '+' or '-' until the image is in sharp focus.
- Your binoculars should now be adjusted for your eyesight. Focusing for any distance can now be done simply by turning the center focus wheel. Make a note of your diopter setting for future reference.
Caution: Over-turning or forcing the diopter ring can cause damage or cause the eyepiece to break away from the chassis.
[Diagram Description: Shows the diopter adjustment ring and marker on the binocular eyepiece.]
Neckstrap Attachment
To securely attach your binoculars to the binocular strap:
- Thread the end of the strap from the bottom up through the strap attachment loop.
- Hold the buckle and thread the end of the strap inside the buckle.
- Adjust the overall length and pull the strap webbing tight so it is secure within the buckle.
[Diagram Description: Illustrates threading the neckstrap through the attachment loop and buckle.]
Model Specifics
Waterproof / Fogproof Models
(This will be noted on the product packaging)
National Geographic binoculars are designed and built utilizing the latest waterproof and fogproof technology. Waterproof models are O-ring sealed for complete moisture protection. Fogproof protection is achieved from dry nitrogen purging that removes all internal moisture.
[Diagram Description: Shows a cross-section illustrating O-ring seals and nitrogen purging for waterproofing and fogproofing.]
Water-Resistant Models
(This will be noted on the product packaging)
Binoculars that are water-resistant have a housing that protects the binocular from minor exposure to damp conditions such as mist or splashes and are not protected from full submersion in water.
[Diagram Description: Shows a binocular with a protective housing, indicating resistance to splashes but not submersion.]
Tripod Mounting
(Tripod and tripod adapter not included)
To attach the binoculars to a tripod or monopod:
- Unscrew (counter-clockwise) the cap which covers the threaded socket at the far end of the center hinge, and set it aside in a safe place.
- Use a compatible binocular tripod adapter accessory to attach your binoculars to any standard tripod in a horizontal position to provide a stable image during prolonged viewing.
[Diagram Description: Illustrates unscrewing a cap to reveal a threaded socket on the binocular's center hinge.]
Care and Cleaning
Your binoculars will provide years of trouble-free service if they receive the normal care you would give any fine optical instrument.
- Do not expose non-waterproof models to heavy rain or other excessive moisture.
- If your binoculars have roll-down, flexible eyecups, store them with the eyecups up. This avoids excessive stress and wear on the eyecups in the down position.
- Avoid sharp impacts. Use the included neckstrap to avoid accidentally dropping the binoculars, which can prevent mis-alignment of the optics.
- When not in use, store your binoculars in the provided case in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid storing the binoculars in hot places, such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle on a hot day. High temperatures could adversely affect lubricants and sealants.
- Never leave the binoculars where direct sunlight can enter either the objective or the eyepiece lens. Damage may result from the concentration (burning glass effect) of the sun's rays.
- All moving parts of the binoculars are permanently lubricated. Do not attempt to lubricate them.
To Clean Your Binoculars Lenses
- Blow away any dust or debris on the lens (or use a soft lens brush).
- To remove fingerprints or other smears, clean with a soft cotton cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. A "microfiber" cleaning cloth (available from camera or computer retailers) is ideal for the routine cleaning of your optics.
- For a more thorough cleaning, photographic lens tissue and photographic-type lens cleaning fluid or isopropyl alcohol may be used. Always apply the fluid to the cleaning cloth – never directly on the lens.