compass calibration on steiner commader binoculars

[templequeen]

I am looking at purchasing a set of steiner commander binoculars with built in compass for my partner. I understand that when you purchase a set they are calibrated to the region you will be cruising in. If you are on a circumnaviation, traveling through many zones, how do you recalibrate the compass?

If we have to bring them in to a dealer to be recalibrated for each zone, they really won't fit the bill.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated about calibration and about the quality and usefulness of steiner commander binoculars with compass in general

tq

[Vasco]

The calibration is for "dip". This is to prevent the needle sticking. I would not worry too much about this unless you are sailing in high latitudes. I find the compass handy for spotting marks such as sea buoys and giving the bearing to the helmsperson to steer. That's about the only use I make of it. For fixes from bearings I prefer the Autohelm hand bearing compass.

[templequeen]

Thank you for your response. If there is only minor adjustment to be done the binoculars are of more interest to me. As the binoculars will be probably easier to find than his glasses, and the bearing will be magnified, the binoculars might be an easier solution than the hand bearing compass.

once again

thank you

[GordMay]

Steiner Binocular Instruction Manual:
http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/as...Bedien_USA.pdf

Compass Balancing Zones:
http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/do...mpassZones.pdf

Other Steiner Downloads:
Steiner Binoculars - Downloads

[templequeen]

Hi Gord,

Thank you for your reply. I had looked at the manual previously and have read the calibration zones report, but I still don't know whether the compass is only useful in the area it is calibrated for,ie north america zone 2 or whether you can calibrate it for different zones as you travel through them. I have sent a mail off to Steiner to get clarification.

If we can't calibrate it along the way, we won't be getting accurate readings, so it won't be a very useful tool and might as well settle for a hand held.

tq

[cptnandy]

the accuracy of your reading will also be affected by your location onboard (deviation) so the practical reality of a compass in binoculars is that they will not be that accurate in any case. Certainly no where near as good as your ships compass properly adjusted. I tow years in the South Pacific I found that my bino's (with compass) were great for getting a bearing on another boat or point of land but not so good for accurate navigation.

[templequeen]

Originally Posted by cptnandy

the accuracy of your reading will also be affected by your location onboard (deviation) so the practical reality of a compass in binoculars is that they will not be that accurate in any case. Certainly no where near as good as your ships compass properly adjusted. I tow years in the South Pacific I found that my bino's (with compass) were great for getting a bearing on another boat or point of land but not so good for accurate navigation.

I think I will look for another gift rather than the Steiners. Any suggestions?

[Talbot]

Nikon make a nice compass bino that doesnt cost as much as the steiner, but have great nikon lenses.

[Vasco]

The West Marine "Tahiti" binoculars are great and reasonable, they're usually on sale for around $200.

[templequeen]

Great suggestions, thank you. I'll look into both the the Tahiti and the Nikon.

tq