Binocular Repairs

Binocular Reviews Home > Binocular Guides > Servicing & Repairing Binoculars

I often get sent questions about peoples optics and one of the most common is "where can I get my binoculars repaired." So I thought I thought that I would put together a page of information and resources related to servicing and repairing binoculars, that I hope will answer most of your questions and get your optics back into working condition.

Which Binoculars can your Repair

As far as I have been able to find out pretty much any pair of binoculars can be repaired. You get some companies that specialise in niches like wartime and vintage binocular repairs and then obviously if you have a newer pair that is still under warranty you can get it repaired or even replaced by the manufacturer or distributor themselves.

Almost all makes of binoculars can be repaired including all the major brands like Swarovski, Steiner, Minox, Zeiss, Leitz, Leica, Canon, Nikon, Opticron, Bausch and Lomb, Avimo, Optolyth, Miyauchi, Fujinon etc etc.

Zoom type binoculars can also repaired.

Which Faults can be Repaired

Again pretty much every problem can be repaired from collimation problems to even modifying some binoculars to focus closer. Once opened to be repaired, your waterproof binoculars can then even be re-sealed and purged again with zero grade nitrogen to ensure that they remain water and fogproof by some of the better repair companies. Binoculars can also be serviced, where they will be completely stripped down to be thoroughly cleaned both inside and out, new lubricants put on all moving parts and then sealed up once again. Any small repairs will also be carried out as well as checking for any collimation issues.

How Much Does it Cost?

What it costs to repair binoculars obviously depends on what need to be done, but also what type and age of binoculars you have. The best companies (see below) will be able to give you a free estimate if you request it, but below are some price guides that I have been able to find out for you:

Depending on type and complexity of binocular, a straightforward correction of assembly, collimation and test will start at about $30 / £30.

For a full porro prism binocular service that includes fully stripping down the binoculars to clean the mechanical parts, renew the lubricants, any minor repairs, clean the optics, reassembly, adjustment for a smooth operation, collimation, testing and cleaning externally is available from about $50 / £40. Note: Roof prism binoculars usually cost a little more.

Nitrogen purging for water-proof or sealed instruments (as part of the overhaul) costs about £20 / £10.

Where to get your Binoculars Repaired

Repairing binoculars is not something that just anyone can do, especially if you want it done properly.

That is why I highly recommend that in the first instance if your binocular is still under warranty that you first contact the manufacturer. Even if your binoculars are not under warranty it is worth contacting the makers, they in many cases will be able to help by suggesting where they recommend that you get the problem fixed.

To find the address of your make, take a look at my page about your manufacturer, at the bottom of most of them I have included their contact details: Binocular Brand Details.

To help I have also listed links to the contact details of a few of the most commonly asked for brands below:

• Bushnell Binocular Repairs
  The Bushnell contact details can be found here: Bushnell Contact Details and I have also managed to find some more information specifically on repairs from Bushnell themselves for US, Canadian and European customers: Bushnell Binocular Repairs.
• Celestron Repairs
  Celestron binoculars come with either a 2-Year or Limited Lifetime Warranty and so it is well worth checking with them. Details: Celestron Repair Center Contact Details
  
• Nikon Binocular Repairs
  The Nikon contact details for both the UK and North American offices can be found here: Nikon Contact Details.
• Pentax Binocular Repair
  Pentax contact details for repair for Japan, Europe and the US can be found here: Pentax Contact Details.
• Swift Binocular Repair
  The North American and European contact details are listed here: Swift Optics Contact Details.
• Steiner Binocular Repair
  I have included the Steiner contact details here, but I have also managed to find some more information specifically on repairs from Steiner themselves: Steiner Binocular Repairs.
  
• Swarovski Binocular Repair
  The contact details for Swarovski can be found here: Swarovski Contact Details and I have also managed to find some more information specifically on repairs from Swarovski themselves: Swarovski Binocular Repairs.
• Zeiss Binocular Repair
  Their contact details fro the US and the UK can be found here: Zeiss Contact Details.
  

Binocular Repairs UK

If you have a problem with you binoculars, especially if it is just a collimation issue, I recommend trying the companies below, both are based in the UK, but they also tell me that they will accept accept binoculars for repair from all over the world.

Binocular Repairs USA

There are a number of companies in the US that specialize in binocular repairs.

My advice as always is to first try contacting the manufacturer. However if you have an older pair or an instrument where you cannot get hold of the manufacturer, or if they are not interested in repairing your instrument (this does happen!) then below are my suggestions as to where you should look:

Binocular Repairs in Australia

 

Unless you are really attached to a pair of binoculars (which I can totally understand), or if they were a cheap pair to begin with, it is sometimes just not worth having them repaired or serviced. If this is the case then it is time to get yourself a new pair of optics.

In a way this can be quite exciting as you have now a clean slate and can get a pair that is exactly right for your particular needs. To do this however, you may need to do a little research and that is where I hope my site can really help you. Please take a look around at my guides and particularly my section on choosing binoculars by use, especially if you have a dominant use for them as it includes advice on things like Choosing Birdwatching Binoculars, Travel & Safari Binoculars and even more obscure uses like Plane Spotting Binoculars or Skiing Binoculars!

Then once you are armed with what features and specifications you need to look out for in the optics that are right for you, decide what budget you can afford and then take time to read my reviews that are totally independent. To get started and to look at some of the best binoculars in different price ranges, I suggest take a look at my section on Best Value Binoculars.

If you know what you want and you just want to get them now, take a look at my page on Where to Buy Binoculars or if you want, below are some new binoculars for sale both in the UK and the USA