• For mounting the binoculars on a tripod
• Hands-free/non-tiring use
• Thin column for large lenses
• Ideal for lenses up to 56 mm
• Long slotted screw
• Standard 1/4"-20 mounting ... Read More
With the Nikon TRA-3 Binocular Tripod Adapter, you can mount any binoculars with an integrated 1/4"-20 tripod base to the bridge mount for safe, hands-free and fatigue-free use with greatly reduced vibration. The large thumb screw allows for tool-less installation on the binoculars and the base has a 1/4"-20 threaded socket for photo/video/field tripods, heads and quick release plates. The center post of the adapter is long and thin to provide the necessary clearance for use with binoculars with larger lenses up to 56mm in diameter while maintaining a full (or nearly full) range of interpupillary adjustment.
Review of the TRA3 binocular adapter
Expert Opinion
Specialist in telescopes and microscopes
An accessory from Nikon to mount your binoculars on virtually any tripod. The mount is very subtle so it doesn't get in the way when changing the interpupillary distance, or simply put, when extending the binoculars to the width of your eyes. Compatibility is easy. It is compatible with virtually any binocular that has a classic 1/4 inch thread available after removing the cap from the center hinge.
Mounting to the tripod head is possible via 4 positions of 1/4 inch threads again, the ample positions allow enough variation to find a suitable position for example in terms of balance. However, I can quite vividly imagine a situation where one 3/8 thread would come in handy, it could easily be one of a number of 4 position threads. This would certainly make the mount more variable and allow direct attachment to monopods that don't have a 1/4 - 3/8 thread swivel. It's a shame, a detail that would cost nothing, but most users probably won't find it a problem."
Because the devil is in the details compared to other adapters when working in the field you appreciate two things. The screw bracket is longer and not as recessed, You'll appreciate this with binoculars that have little room between the lenses for clumsy, frozen fingers or when working with gloves on. When working in winter with gloves on, you'll appreciate the extra grooved screw that is easy to tighten.
Simple, sturdy, functional, stackable .. what more could you want.Summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the adapter as they appeared to me in use
- Lightweight
- Functional
- 4 positions for tripod head attachment
- A small piece of accessory that you can keep in your tripod case pocket at all times
- Sharply slotted screw to tighten the telescope
- Missing 3/8 inch threaded position