Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Warranty
Could you give me more information about the warranty?
Products covered by the Limited Lifetime Warranty are guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. If such a defect appears, we will repair your product or replace it, as appropriate and at our discretion, with the same or an equivalent model, free of charge.
So, if you ever have any issue with any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to repair or replace it for you.
You can find more detail on our Limited Lifetime Warranty on the Warranty Page on our website Here.
My Wingspan product broke after 30 days, can I return it for a replacement?
Under the Limited Lifetime Warranty we will be happy to replace your Wingspan Optics Product if it is damaged for any reason.
You can find more detail on our Limited Lifetime Warranty on the Warranty Page on our website Here.
If I bought the binoculars through a third party will I still be able to use the warranty?
Our limited lifetime warranty only covers products that are sold by our authorized distributors. For more specific detail about our warranty please click on the link below.
Unfortunately, sometimes a third party will purchase our products on our website or Amazon and try to resell it on other sites, which we do not authorize. Because it is sold outside of our authorized distribution channels, we do not cover it under warranty. We can only guarantee the quality of the products we distribute through our authorized channels, but we cannot control the quality of products sold by third parties outside of our distribution network.
What if my warranty replacement is out of stock?
We will be happy to replace your binoculars as soon as they are back in stock. If we no longer make them we will replace with a comparable pair.
Binocular Facts
What is the difference between 8x42 vs 10x42 description in binoculars and monoculars?
For Bird Watchers, the main difference between a 10X42 binocular/monocular and a 8X42 binocular/monocular, is the field of view.
When you increase the magnification (10X42), though the image looks closer, the trade-off is that you will lose field of view. And with a lower magnification (8X42) you get a wider field of view.
Most bird watchers enjoy the wider field of view because it allows them to capture birds quicker because it gives them a wider field to spend looking for the bird they heard. A wider field of view is also beneficial for capturing birds in flight, where having a broader view helps identify them quicker before they get away.
Our suggestion for beginning and intermediate bird watchers is to use the 8X42 binoculars/monocular. And if you are an expert, with greater experience in quickly finding birds, then a higher magnification may serve you better.
What does the "HD" description mean on your binoculars?
When we use the term HD binoculars we mean ""high definition."" Because of advances in technology we are able to design binoculars that allow for an even brighter and clearer view, which increases the experience for the customer.
Usually, you get a greater HD experience the more of the following components are added to the binoculars structure:
- Level 1 High Quality Optics - Fully multi-coated lenses - this means that all air to glass surfaces have received multiple layers of anti-reflection coatings. This significantly increase the transmittance of light to ensure you get as bright, clear and sharp image as possible.
- Level 2 HD - Phase Correction - This is used to keep light in correct color phases. Phase corrected coatings enhance resolution, contrast, and color fidelity.
- Level 3 Ultra HD - ED Glass - ED glass reduces chromatic aberration and therefore the color fringing to a remarkable degree. Generally speaking, the better the aberrations are controlled the cleaner and brighter the image will appear.
Therefore the more of the above properties are applied to the optics, the better the quality of the viewing experience.
Binocular Instructions
How do you adjust the eyecup for better vision and comfort?
The eye piece that twists to the left and opens is called the eye cup. It is used to extend the eye relief (distance between your eyes and the lens) for people without glasses, so they can see better.
If you have glasses it is not necessary to twist up the eye cup, but you can if it is more comfortable for you.
For more detailed instructions on how to use your binocular, please download our binocular instructions Here.
Why do Wingspan Optics products have extra binocular rotation?
Our binoculars and monoculars are specially designed for great far away views, as well as close focus views that bird watchers really appreciate. In order to provide this wide range of views, it required a bit more rotation than non-specialized binoculars.
How do I attach the strap to my binoculars?
Here are some standard instructions for attaching the strap to your that may help.
The process of attaching a strap to binoculars is largely universal, and interchangeable with many different models of binoculars
- Step 1. Locate the strap brackets or loops on the sides or top of the binoculars. The strap brackets can be distinguished by a small latch, loop or bracket-like structure on the binoculars.
- Step 2. Run one end of the strap through the loop and back over onto the strap. Fasten it in place or place it through the belt slip on the strap. Repeat for the other side of the strap. All straps will vary slightly in their fastening mechanism.
- Step 3. Adjust the straps length by releasing the slack out of the strap. The strap may have a sliding buckle, which you can slide away from or toward the binoculars to shorten or lengthen the strap to suit your needs.
For more detailed instructions on how to attach the strap to your binoculars, please download our binocular instructions Here.
Accessories
What is the difference between the two straps I received with my binoculars?
Some binoculars bring both a case strap and a neck strap. The difference between each because the strap for your case has a buckle that clips on, while the binoculars strap is similar to laces that you thread through the attachments on the side of the binoculars themselves.
For more detailed instructions on how to attached your binocular straps, please download our binocular instructions Here.
What accessories come with the Wingspan Optics product?
Our Wingspan Optics products come with a few useful accessories including a Carrying Case (either belt loop [8x32 Series] or shoulder strap [8/10x42 Series]), Lens Cover, Non-abrasive Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth, and Neck Strap.
Monoculars
Which monocular do you recommend for Bird Watchers?
For the best bird watching experience we suggest a monocular that has a good balance of magnification, brightness and field of view. The Wingspan models that have an 8x42 provide great magnification (8x), and brightness with a 42 mm lens, giving the watcher a wide field of view.
Troubleshooting
Why is the image not clear?
Wingspan Optics prides itself in offering one of the sharpest and clearest views of most binoculars and monocular in the market today. Since you could not get a clear image, we suggest following the detailed instructions from your binocular insert.
For more detailed instructions on how to use your binocular, please download our binocular instructions Here.
If after you have followed the detailed instructions you are still having difficulty focusing, it is a good chance you may have received a defective pair. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can send you a replacement pair.
What should I consider if I wear glasses when buying a Wingspan Optics product?
1. If you wear glasses, you need binoculars whose eyepieces are specially designed with long eye relief. You need a minimum of about 16mm. Even more than 16mm is better yet. Exactly how much eye relief you need depends on your glasses. If they are small and close to your eyes, you might get away with a binocular whose eye relief is only 15mm. Most glasses wearers need longer eye relief than that.
2. The eye relief (exit pupil distance) for our models can be found below:
8X32 : 14.8mm – 15.3mm
10x42: 14.8mm -15.2mm
10X50: 17.5mm
12X50: 14mm
8X42 : 17.2- 17.5mm
Why am I getting a black shadow on the lens?
The black shadows are normal on binoculars and are caused by too much eye relief. These black shadows are commonly called kidney bean blackout and are called kidney bean because the blackout is usually around the edges. It is caused by the eye relief of the binocular not matching your eyes.
For glasses wearers the eye cups don't fit close enough to the lens and glass wearers can't get close enough the ocular lens to get the field of view(fov). For non -glass wearers it usually means that the eye cup will not screw out far enough.
We suggest trying your binocular eye cups at all settings, and in different distances from your eyes, in order to find your sweet spot. Then continue using your binoculars in this sweet spot for optimal viewing.
What should I do if I think the wrong product was sent?
Please contact us Here, so that we can send you the correct product you ordered immediately.
Why are my Wingspan Optics binoculars fogging on the outside? I thought they were fog proof?
All optics, when exposed to excessive temperature changes or high humidity, have the potential to fog up on the outside. Always allow the optics to slowly adjust to cold weather by storing the instrument (in its case) in a cold area such as an unheated garage or the trunk of a car for a few hours before use. When bringing the instrument back inside a warm house, store it in a cool area for one to two hours. It is very important to then open up the case, remove the instrument, then remove the caps, and let everything dry out overnight. The instrument should be stored in a cool dry place; storing it in a moist environment will result in mold growth and destroy the optics.
As a second solution, some customers have used anti-fogging lens cloths or anti-fogging sprays to prevent the outside of their lenses from fogging up, which you can find at your local store that sells cameras and lenses.
I want to use my binoculars/ monoculars for astronomy and I am having issues with ghosting. What should I do?
Our binoculars are specially designed for bird watching and wildlife watching during the day. Because of this they are only designed with the reflective coatings needed to have the best experience for viewing during the day.
If you are using them at night for astronomy purposes you will probably not get the best image possible, because they were not designed for this purpose.
For your needs, it will be best to consider purchasing binoculars in the marketplace that are specifically designed with internal anti-reflective coatings that are necessary for astronomy viewing.