Many of us own a pair of binoculars, whether they be used for birdwatching, hiking or just kept in the car glove box. But many people ask when they buy their binoculars - how can I focus binoculars. Binoculars generally come with a handy case to keep them well protected, a warranty card - but never any instructions! Well, we can help with this simple guide:

*Firstly, if you are a spectacle wearer - remove them - whether they be for reading or distance. This will help the eyepieces of the binoculars fit closer to your eyes. (Contact lenses can be left in).

*Next adjust for the distance between your eyes. You can do this if you push and pull the sides of the binoculars together and apart, you will see that they move. Line them up so that they meet your eyes exactly where they are in your head. Do not adjust your gaze to fit to the eye pieces. Make the binoculars fit your eyes.

*Next find the focusing adjustment. This is usually a round "barrel" between the eyepieces that is moved with the tips of your fingers. Also locate the eyepiece adjustment. This is a circular dial around one of the eye pieces.

*Look through the eyepiece that does not have the eyepiece adjustment and close the other eye. Find something far away that has crisp detail. Letters on a sign work well. Do not attempt to focus on something vague like scenery, since it is too difficult determine whether it is in focus. Move the focus adjustment with your fingertips until the image in the eyepiece is clear and in focus

*Shut the eye you just used to focus and open the other one. Look through the eyepiece with the eyepiece adjustment. Use the dial around the eyepiece to focus on the same thing that you focused on with the other eyepiece.

*Open both eyes and look through the binoculars at objects in the distance. You should be able to see clearly with both eyes without straining. You can focus on other objects with the focus adjustment and it will compensate for both eyes. If you find yourself squinting or crossing your eyes then start over. Keep in mind that you are adjusting the binoculars for your specific eyes. If someone else looks through them, they will have to do their own adjustments.