Rambling Review – Outdoorsman Tripod Adapter

Why:

In early August, I posted a review on the Swarovski Binocular Tripod Adapter which I had believed was the only quick clip bino-tripod adapter on the market. A couple of my good friends owned the Swarovski Adapter, and having used it for a couple of seasons, I swore by it, with the only complaint being that the binoculars would work loose and fall off the tripod if I was not being attentive. In the comments on that post, someone mentioned that a superior tripod adapter was created and sold right here in Arizona at the Outdoorsman. The folks over at the Outdoorsman have a full lineup of essential gear for the western hunter and their Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is the perfect example of their dedication to functional quality products.

VS.

First impressions:

Simple – To release the binoculars from  the Outdoorsman Bino-Tripod Adapter, simply depress the top button and pull the binoculars free.

Strong fit- I hooked the adapter up to my tripod and fit the adapter together. Once I had the binoculars all set up, I then tried to wiggle them apart. Typically on my Swarovski model, the binoculars could be worked free which usually resulted in my nice optics falling on the ground, but the Outdoorsman adapter held the binoculars firmly in place. The reason for the strong connection is the small groove seen in the above picture. When the button on top is depressed, it allows for the stud to fit right into the tripod adapter.

Then when the button is released, it allows a small piece of metal to slide up into that groove, thereby locking the binoculars firmly into place.

Once the binoculars are fitted into the adapter, the top button (shown above) can actually be screwed down so there is no chance of bumping the adapter and the binoculars slipping out.

Price – The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is priced around $90 dollars which, in comparison to $130 for the Swarovski Adapter, is a pretty decent deal.

Field Use:

I carried the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter on several scouting trips and hunts. It truly is a functional tool, and it is obvious that it was built by a western hunter. The adapter provides a rock solid connection for my optics, which is vital for glassing on those long days in the field.

The quick release button is easy to use with no hassle when I needed to get things packed up quick. The one feature that I did like is that I could tighten the button down and it would lock the binoculars in place. From there I could pack the tripod in my pack with the binoculars still attached, something I would never do with the Swarovski adapter.

One quick note, make sure that when you are first installing the stud on to your binoculars that you take the time to really tighten the little screw with an Allen wrench. It was my own fault, but when I got back to the truck I realized that the binocular stud was gone and had fallen out as I was walking. The instant I made it home I ordered another stud for $16 and remedied my problem by firmly securing that small but vital screw.

Pros:

Well thought out design

Rock solid connection

Ability to lock the binoculars in place by screwing down the top button

Price in comparison to competitors

Local Business

Cons:

Price (although I think its well spent money)

Make sure to firmly Allen wrench down the screw that holds the binocular stud to your binoculars

Prognosis: For the western hunter, the Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter is a must have. Compare them for yourself, but I am a believer that the Outdoorsman far outshines the Swarovski Binocular Adapter

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Outdoorsman Binocular Adapter was provided to Arizona Wanderings for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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