The OpTech Bino-Cam harness is barely accessible in black however is available in two totally different supplies: commonplace nylon webbing or a extra stretchy elastic for higher consolation. On the time of writing, the fundamental nylon mannequin retails for $17.99, while the elastic model is $28.49, and on Amazon UK, the value is £17.99 or £21.99 respectively, which, for just some kilos extra, makes the elastic model a little bit of a cut price within the UK.
OpTech BINO-CAM harness: Design & Dealing with
Binoculars and even small cameras may be hooked up by two fast launch straps and can grasp down in a snug place in your entrance for straightforward entry (Picture credit score: Dan Mould)
The OpTech Bino-Cam harness is designed to suit most binoculars and comes with its QD (Fast Disconnect) tabs which may be unbuckled from the harness after which threaded by the strap lugs on binoculars and even DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with lugs on both facet – although units with very small strap lugs would require a cut up ring.
It’s a completely adjustable harness accessible in simply the one measurement and claims to ‘match most’ folks, nevertheless the elasticated model I received maintain of is a bit more stretchy and cozy than the usual webbing model which doesn’t have any play in it.
The 2 plastic buckles on both strap may be glided up and down which makes it simple to convey the binoculars as much as eye stage and use. The strap size can be simply adjusted for both facet, although is kind of tough to do while carrying it and higher to do while you’ve taken the harness off. Every of the left and proper shoulder straps may be prolonged to a most size of as much as 58cm and its self-adjusting design stabilizes gear in opposition to physique.
The fast launch buckles are simple to suit by the strap lugs on binoculars and cameras and makes it simple to connect or launch them from the harness (Picture credit score: Dan Mould)
Binoculars grasp in a pure and cozy place, and while it’s not designed to be used with a digicam it may be used for this objective. The binoculars I examined the harness with have been 800g and my lightest mirrorless full-frame digicam setup wasn’t way more at round 950g with a easy 35mm f/1.8 prime lens hooked up. Although be aware right here that the digicam must have strap lugs on each side to work nicely with the harness and likewise relying on the load and steadiness of your digicam it’s more likely to tip upwards with the lens pointing forwards somewhat than down, this doesn’t pose any points apart from it’s worthwhile to watch out of the rear LCD rubbing up in opposition to any metallic zips you could be carrying.
The low profile design of the harness makes it simple to additionally put on with a backpack or digicam bag, and even mixed with a digicam strap such because the OpTech Professional Loop to hold a digicam off your shoulder. It can be worn over or beneath a jacket for a extra low profile and discreet look, or worn excessive of a fleece or jacket which supplies just a little extra padding and luxury.
OpTech BINO-CAM harness: Efficiency
The harness is absolutely adjustable to suit your construct and likewise elasticated which makes it stretchy and cozy to convey your binoculars as much as eye-level (Picture credit score: Dan Mould)
The supplies used within the OpTech Bino-Cam harness are very no-frills, largely consisting of plastic {hardware}, the leather-based backplate and both nylon or elastic webbing relying on the mannequin you go for. This all makes it really feel pretty finances, there’s no metallic {hardware} which might make it really feel extra sturdy, however in its favor this does assist hold weight down and likewise means there’s no metallic elements that might clatter round and trigger noise, doubtlessly scaring away a skittish topic.
The 2 Fast Disconnect buckles can be rigorously pressed to take away your binoculars with out inflicting any sound if it’s worthwhile to be notably stealthy. One nitpick is I’d somewhat each of the QD buckles on the harness have been the identical and the 2 that go on the binoculars are additionally the identical, as a result of on a couple of event I unintentionally put in them on my digicam and binoculars the fallacious method round – they’re not the quickest to connect and detach so this could be a little irritating when it occurs.
The tab on the again which connects the entire straps collectively is manufactured from a leather-based sq. measuring 2.5×2.5” and has a thickness of 3mm. There’s fairly a giant distinction on this design in comparison with the Zeiss Consolation Carry which admittedly is costlier at $70, however had a bigger 4×4.3” footprint to unfold the load and likewise additionally hooked up to the straps at 4 factors somewhat than simply three, so it felt extra comfy.
OpTech BINO-CAM harness: Verdict In my testing I discovered the Zeiss Consolation Carry to be the higher product, nevertheless it does value greater than twice that of the OpTech Bino-Cam harness on take a look at right here – it doesn’t really feel such as you’re getting twice the standard. However the additional consolation may very well be price the additional spend for some folks, particularly if you happen to plan to make use of them rather a lot and for prolonged intervals.
Nonetheless for extra informal birders and people with stricter budgets the OpTech Bino-Cam is sweet fundamental choice with no frills nevertheless it received’t break the financial institution.
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Options
The OpTech BINO-CAM harness gives strong options for the value however lacks the consolation and assist of the pricier Zeiss.
★★★☆☆
Design
Practical and low-profile, the OpTech harness works nicely however feels decrease high quality and fewer comfy than the premium Zeiss choice.
★★★☆☆
Efficiency
Not essentially the most comfy harness, however extremely inexpensive and performs equally to the pricier Zeiss in usability and binocular safety.
★★★☆☆
Worth
Obtainable in nylon or elastic, the OpTech harness gives budget-friendly options to the Zeiss, however with much less consolation and high quality.
★★★★☆