Smartphone binocular finder mount hack

We show you how to attach a smartphone to a binocular so that popular stargazing apps, like GoSkyWatch and others, can be used for binocular astronomy target finding. Scroll down for purchase links.
Now this isn’t Blue Peter and we aren’t going to be making anything with a bit of coat-hanger wire, egg cartons, and some sticky-back plastic. No, you may have to buy something. But if you want to attach almost any smartphone to almost any binocular (equipped with a forward facing tripod bracket fitting point) then the parts needed for Robert’s method will be a lot cheaper, more easily found, and more versatile than an off-the-peg custom smartphone to binocular bracket. In fact, if you are a seasoned astro-binocular user you may already have one of the main parts needed to accomplish this ‘hack’. So watch the vid and learn a simple way to attach most smartphones to most binoculars - and please don’t forget to subscribe as it helps our channel to survive - thanks.
To purchase on Amazon.com
Low-cost smartphone to tripod adaptor: amzn.to/3FMlHNc
Ueasy binocular tripod adaptor: amzn.to/3AGeAlt
To purchase on Amazon.co.uk
eBoot smartphone to tripod adaptor: amzn.to/3ANeBnH
Kylietech binocular tripod adaptor: amzn.to/3AJ6wAL
Disclosures: All opinions are our own. If you click on one of the product links above and choose to make a purchase, our channel will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate/Affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Presented by Robert J Dalby FRAS
Produced by Astronomy and Nature TV

[@Batestfastard]

"... and I thought, hold the phone" Another fine video, Robert. Good to see you back. KR Ian

[@Muesli711]

Dipping my toe back into astronomy again and I must say, as a new subscriber, I really like your uploaded videos! So informative, clear and a unique, winning style to them. Many thanks and best wishes!

[@Nottsboy24]

Muesli711 ☺ when you have time pop over and have a look at my observations 👍:)

[@twincities69]

Very informative. Been struggling with a way of mounting a finder to my binoculars. Even better that you show how to attach

[@R3iZoR]

I really like your content! The way you present all this usefull information, It feels like you are a mentor! Looking forward for more videos well done!

[@bullshit_extreme]

"and then I suddenly thought "hold the phone...""

[@FyreMunky69]

I Like This Idea... Now all i have to Do Is get It to also attach Onto a Parallelogram Mount

[@Nottsboy24]

Great video ☺👍

[@user-ww9wd8io1i]

Good idea! thanks

[@nashariff5441]

Excellent!

[@mahendrasompura3103]

So I can use skeye app for manual telescope tube..

[@MichaelUlstrup]

nice video, i enjoy all of your videos!... at 4:37 someone wispers in my left ear.... Dont swear :-) .... anyone else?

[@RocketPlanet]

Hi Michael, Ha! Well spotted, or heard, anyway! Sorry that got through the net but it was caused by failing to suppress the audio track on one of the close up clips. I probably dropped the screw or something and either swore, or was reminding myself not to swear near a microphone. So yes, that was me, reminding myself of sound motherly advice. Thanks for the kind words. KR RJD A&NTV

[@eddwar8597]

Great video

[@freesaxon6835]

Good idea

[@twincities69]

...a smartphone as a finder to binoculars. Thanks

[@socratesthecabdriver]

sky eye cool also

[@mahendrasompura3103]

Thanks for your new video for the same. I am regularly watching your videos. I would like to know how to do the same for telescope..

[@RocketPlanet]

Hi there, and thanks for your post. First a caveat: most of what follows is based on my limited knowledge of the generally available technology in popular smartphones. Maybe a new technology will render my reply faulty and too pessamistic, indeed, perhaps you already possess a new technology product that will defy my predictions. You should try the idea out for yourself anyway - so just keep this in mind as you read on. It's easy enough to bodge the same Smartphone holder from the vid on to a foot that fits the finder shoe (if you have one) - or the two finder screws - on a telescope tube. So the mechanics of fitting are easy enough to resolve. The problem is that the stargazing apps 'feel' pleasingly sensitive to motion when you hold them in your hand - but the feeling of any real precision is rather false. They are not at all sensitive enough to detect the small scale movements that would be necessary to make smartphones useful as accurate finders for telescopes. It must be born in mind that most astronomical telescopes have a field of view (FOV) in the range of half a degree or so - whereas most binoculars are more like 5 or 6 whole degrees. When used with a telescope a smartphone will usually indicate which constellation the telescope field is within - but that's about the level of the resolution. It will successfully put you in the general ball-park of a large target - but it will feel very unreliable and vague as the smartphone will struggle to recover the same position after you move the telescope as it will fail to register much of the movement of the telescope due to the device's low sensitivity. It only works OK - not perfect, just OK - with binoculars to place targets in the approximate centre of the field simply because the FOV is so large with these instruments. I hope this helps define your expectations a little, but without putting you off trying it for yourself. KR RJD A&NTV

[@mahendrasompura3103]

Astronomy and Nature TV Thanks for a valuable reply. I can understand the same. Although I try the same by my level. Once again thank for reply...

[@samham3901]

The app name please? Thank you 😊

[@spamcan9208]

I think he said SkyView, which is a free app with a paid upgrade feature. I use the free version and it works just fine for my needs at the moment.

[@MsLeejo]

Can u give me that nexstar?🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@sonusunny9639]

മലയാളത്തിൽ പറയൂ 😎

[@jazzsalsadrummer9113]

Wait, what? So, you're mounting the phone on the binoculars to function as a finder by adding expensive and heavy adapters to create an inelegant and impractical "solution"? Seriously? Respectfully, I can't believe all the "I like this" reviews below. Zombies everywhere!!! Simply moronic!

[@RocketPlanet]

Hi there? Everyone here is a bit puzzled by the vehemence of your objection to this somewhat unassuming little video. Could it be that you don't realise that smartphone holder brackets for use as binocular astronomy finders have been commercially available for some time? We were just suggesting an almost as light and almost as cheap alternative from items more readily available. It's not immediately obvious to me why our viewers deserve to be classified as 'zombies' for offering a smattering of restrained approval. KR RJD A&NTV

[@spamcan9208]

Calm down. Of course it won't be as elegant or functional as specific, engineered solution. The whole point of this video was to take existing products and piece them together. Boom, done in seconds on your way to the viewing site. Not everyone has the time, skills or equipment to make their own custom bracket (yes, I'm aware it's probably a low bar to bend some flat stock and drill holes or 3D print something but that's not what "zombies" want to do and this is a trade-off they don't mind making) /rant Edit: Also, inelegant and impractical solutions are what saved the three astronauts' lives aboard Apollo 13. You'll never look at socks the same again!