The binocular-toss test consists of tossing a binocular across a 15’ length of concrete. If you can’t bring yourself to conduct the test, the bin fails. The idea is that if you’re not willing to lose the binocular it probably spends too much time hidden under protective cover, unavailable for real birding. If you don’t believe me, read the article in this month’s BirdWatcher’s Digest.
John
PS
Yes, someone should be there to catch your binocular!!
[QUOTE=John Traynor]The binocular-toss test consists of tossing a binocular across a 15’ length of concrete. If you can’t bring yourself to conduct the test, the bin fails. The idea is that if you’re not willing to lose the binocular it probably spends too much time hidden under protective cover, unavailable for real birding. If you don’t believe me, read the article in this month’s BirdWatcher’s Digest.
John
PS
Yes, someone should be there to catch your binocular!![/QUOTE]
I know from my time on camera forums that there are most certainly camera 'fondlers' who do more caressing of their equipment than actually using it.
I imagine there are binocular 'fondlers' as well.
I couldn't bring myself to do it, ie. the toss, because its like... say... putting your left testicle in a pair of pliers and giving it to your wife to hold trusting it won't slip or be squeezed. If you're not willing to try then it means you don't trust....
In both cases, it may not become damaged, but why risk it at all in the first place?
Regards.