Binocular Harness Guide

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The binocular harness, or binocular suspenders as they are sometimes called, can be in certain situations a very useful and relatively inexpensive accessory for your binoculars that can make all the difference between you enjoying your day or spending it fumbling around juggling your equipment.

Why use a Binocular Harness
There are actually a couple of reasons why you would use a bino harness, the main one is that they securely and comfortably attach your binoculars to your body, freeing up both your hands when you are not actually using them. Your regular binocular strap can be sufficient, but they don't usually prevent your binoculars from swinging about and are less secure than a harness that makes it almost impossible to drop your optics. A harness also makes it far more comfortable to carry your binoculars, but is most useful to people who carry other equipment with them in the field, this can include birders who carry a bird book, photographers and hunters.

Dual Harness
If like me you often carry your camera as well as a pair of binoculars with you, or indeed if you need to carry two different cameras, camera lenses or other equipment, you should consider a duel harness system that allows you to comfortably carry more than once piece of equipment with you: Dual Harness Straps.

LockDown Optics Deployment System

This has to be one of, if not the best binocular harness that I have ever used:

Why? Well first and most imprortantly it secures your binoculars against your chest in such a way as they will definitly not swing around. As well as this, it fits very comfortably to your body and makes carrying even heavy binoculars for a long time no problem at all. They also make accessing your optics as well as returning them to your chest very quick. Another advantage of the LockDown system compared to most other binocular straps is that it has a pliable cover for a low profile fit that also protect your lenses, meaning you don't have also replace your lens caps every time you use them in the field as you do with a conventional harness. I was also very impressed with the overall quality of the product.

For more, please read my full review of the LockDown Optics Deployment System that includes fitting instructions as well as all the advantages as well as disadvanteges to using them.

There are currently 2 colour combinations available: Black & Gray (pictured) or Black & Camo

The also come in two sizes:

LockDown for binoculars from 6" to 7.5" in length.
LockDown Micro for binoculars from 4.5" to 6" in length.

Where to Buy & Prices
So far I have only been able to find them available in the US, where they are available for around $40:

Shop In the USA LockDown Optics Deployment System on Binoculars.com

More Information
Read the full review of the S4Gear LockDown Optics Deployment System

Bushnell Deluxe Binocular Harness

This deluxe harness from Bushnell comes highly rated and as they say is "a carry solution of unparalleled comfort and performance." It keeps the weight off your neck and keeps your optics front and center, no matter where the you go you.

Bushnell also produce a "standard" binocular harness that does not include the large back plate and has slightly thinner straps.

Where to Buy & Prices
The Deluxe Harness costs around $20 in the US or about £20 to £30 in the UK:

Shop In the USA Bushnell Binocular Harness on Amazon.com

Shop In the UK Binocular Harnesses on Amazon.co.uk

Steiner Clicloc Harness System

The Steiner ClicLoc Harness is a suspension system for sport optics that uses criss-cross straps across a user's back to evenly distribute the weight of a binocular, thus shifting the burden off shoulders and neck. Also, the harness keeps an attached sport optic close to the chest and prevents bouncing and jangling when the user is in motion.

The ClicLoc portion of this harness is a locking attachment point to secure a binocular to the harness. A push-button found at both left and right linking points will release the binocular, otherwise the optics will remain securely fastened to the ClicLoc harness.

Where to Buy & Prices
This Clic-Loc system from Steiner costs around $30 in the US or about £35 -£40 in the UK:

Shop In the USA Steiner ClicLoc on Amazon.com

Shop In the UK Steiner ClicLoc on Amazon.co.uk

Dual Harness

If like me you often carry your camera as well as a pair of binoculars with you, or indeed if you need to carry two different cameras, camera lenses or other equipment, you should consider a dual harness system that allows you to comfortably carry more than once piece of equipment with you:

OpTech Dual Harness Strap

OP/TECH USA, is as the name suggest an American company and is located in Montana, less than ninety miles from Yellowstone National Park. They are proud of the fact that they are family owned and run and almost all of their product still manufactured in their Montana factory. As well as binocular and camera harnesses they produce a wide range of other straps, slings, pouches and covers for cameras, binoculars and other outdoor equipment.

One of their best and most innovative pieces of equipment are the OpTech Dual Harness that allows you to comfortably and securely carry two cameras or binoculars. The design of the U-shaped neoprene neck pad evenly distributes the weight of your gear while absorbing the shock of your movements.

Because the dual harness strap uses the 3/8" connectors, your gear remains safely in the upright position at your sides. This keeps the camera or binoculars stabilized and secured within your view and grasp. By also maintaining the camera in the upright position, no stress is put on your camera, lens or shoe-mount flash units. Your cameras can be quickly and easily brought to the proper shooting position with the self-gliding connectors.