M1580 - Binoculars Steiner - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Binoculars
Brand	Steiner
Model	M1580
Eye Relief	Long eye relief; extendable by folding rubber eyecups down for use with eyeglasses or gas masks
Interpupillary Distance Adjustment	Yes, via hinge with indexed scale; set by pivoting tubes until single image seen
Diopter Adjustment	Yes, individual on each eyepiece with marked diopter scale; note settings for future use
Reticle	Mil-scale reticle (10 mil increments) on applicable models for distance estimation
Compass (Optional)	Analog or digital compass; digital features ON/OFF, bearing display, declination adjustment, auto-off after 10 seconds
Rubber Armoring	Yes, for secure grip and slip resistance on wet surfaces
Carrying Strap	Included, attaches via loops on binocular and eyepiece cover
Objective Caps	Included, right and left, with snaps
Eyepiece Cover	Included, fits over eyepieces when not in use
Eyecups	Foldable rubber eyecups for normal and eyeglass use
Cleaning (Exterior)	Lint-free cloth; soap and water for grease; dry with clean cloth
Cleaning (Optics)	Blower, soft brush, lens tissue with lens cleaner; avoid breathing on lenses
Safety Warning	Never point at sun; risk of serious eye damage and damage to optical elements
Handling Precautions	Use neckstrap; avoid dropping; do not force adjustments beyond stops; keep dry and clean
Extreme Conditions (Heat/Cold)	Avoid direct sun; allow gradual temperature change; use covers when entering air-conditioned areas
Extreme Conditions (Sand/Dust/Salt)	Keep covers on; clean optics before storing; avoid salt spray; dry thoroughly after use
Battery (Digital Compass Models)	Located under thumb screw on objective side; low battery indicated by 'b---'
Repairability	Factory pre-aligned; do not disassemble. Replaceable parts: binocular body, rubber eyecup, eyepiece cover, carrying strap, objective caps

Frequently Asked Questions - M1580 Steiner

How do I focus the Steiner M1580 binoculars?

Choose an object about 50 meters away. Cover one objective lens, look through the binocular with both eyes open, and turn the eyepiece of the uncovered lens until the image is sharp. Repeat for the other lens. For higher power models (10x-20x), initial focus distance may be greater. Note your diopter setting for future use.

How do I clean the lenses properly?

First, use a blower to remove dust and dirt. Then gently brush with a soft brush using light, quick strokes. Finally, moisten lens tissue with lens cleaner and wipe the surface gently. Do not use a dry cloth on glass surfaces. For the exterior, use a lint-free cloth with soap and water for grease spots.

What does the reticle measure and how do I use it?

The reticle has horizontal and vertical scales graduated in 10-mil increments. To estimate distance: if an object fills one 10-mil mark on horizontal and is known to be 10 meters wide, it is 1000 meters away. Formula: Distance = Known Size / Scale Size x 1000. The vertical scale can be used similarly, especially on level terrain.

How do I use the digital compass (if equipped)?

Press ON/M to turn on; after a calibration cycle, the bearing appears. Press the bearing bar for instant bearing; hold for 4x per second averaging. To set declination, turn off compass, then press and hold bearing bar and ON button simultaneously. Adjust with bearing bar (decrease) or ON (increase) in 1-degree steps. The compass auto-saves and turns off after 10 seconds.

How do I adjust the interpupillary distance?

Pivot the two telescope tubes on the central hinge until you see a single, clear image when looking through both eyepieces. Note the reading on the interpupillary scale for future reference.

Can I use the binoculars with eyeglasses?

Yes. The binocular provides long eye relief. Fold the rubber eyecups down over the eyepieces to increase eye relief, allowing comfortable use with eyeglasses or gas masks.

How do I replace the batteries in the digital compass model?

Batteries are located on the large objective lens side of the binocular under a thumb screw. When the display shows 'b---', batteries need replacement. Ensure correct polarity and screw the cap securely.

What precautions should I take in extreme cold or heat?

Avoid rapid temperature changes (e.g., from heated area to sub-zero). Allow the binocular to adjust gradually. In extreme heat, do not leave it in direct sunlight; place covers on before entering air-conditioned areas to prevent condensation. In cold, avoid breathing on lenses to prevent freezing.

How do I attach the carrying strap?

Loosen the loops on the neck strap. Slide the strap through the holding loop on the bottom of the binocular and then through the eyepiece cover holding loop. Fix the loop and repeat for the other side. Ensure the strap is secure before use.

What should I do if the binoculars get wet or exposed to salt spray?

Immediately dry the binocular thoroughly with a clean cloth. Clean the lenses following the cleaning instructions. Install objective and eye lens covers. Avoid direct salt spray as salt water is extremely corrosive and can cause irreparable damage.

USER MANUAL M1580 Steiner

The Binocular-Specialists!

OPERATOR'S

MAINTENANCE MANUAL

Black-and-white photo of a person using binoculars, no visible text or symbols

STEINER BINOCULARS

Military ruggedness and precision

07/03

WARNING!

When using the binocular, never point it directly at the sun.

The heat generated by the focused rays of the sun may cause serious damage to your eyes and to the optical elements of the binocular.

DON'T DO IT!

DESCRIPTION & SPECIAL FEATURES

STEINER binoculars provide long eye relief for eyeglass or gasmask users. By folding the rubber eyecups (1) down and over the eyepiece you will increase the eye relief of the binocular.

All images in this manual for illustration purposes only.

Two identical line drawings of a hat with a textured cap, shown from different angles (no text or symbols)

NORMAL FOLD DOWN

The binoculars are lightweight, compact instruments intended for use in general field observation and fire direction. Where applicable, the right side of the binocular includes a reticle graduated in mils.

The objective and eye piece covers (2) provide protection for the binocular. The binocular is equipped with a carrying strap (3) for easy portability.

The binocular consists of two telescopes hinged at the center by an index pin and sleeve arrangement.

DESCRIPTION & SPECIAL FEATURES (CONT'D)

1. Rubber Eyecups
2. Housing, left
3. Housing, right

4. Objective Caps

5. Interpupillary Scale

6. Knurled Adapter Ring
7. Diopter Scale
8. Eyepiece Cover

Each telescope is comprised of eyecups (1), a housing assembly (2 or 3) and objective covers (4).

The binoculars are optically pre-aligned at the factory and must not be disassembled.

The friction necessary to maintain the proper interpupillary distance (distance between the eyes) is created by rubber O-rings installed in the grooves of the index pin.

Once this distance is set for your eye spacing, the reading on the interpupillary scale (5) can be noted for future reference.

By rotating the knurled adapter ring (6) of the eyepieces, you can focus each telescope to accommodate your particular optical characteristics. The reading on each diopter scale (7) should then be noted for future reference. The eyepiece cover (8) should be placed over the eyepieces when the binocular is not in use.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

DO'S

Handle the binocular with care. Dropping or jarring the binocular can damage or misalign the optics. Use the neckstrap to protect against accidental dropping of the binocular. Keep the binocular as clean and dry as possible and always store in clean, dry place when not actually in use. Follow the instructions outlined in this manual to obtain the best possible usage and service from the binocular.

DON'T S

Do not use a dry cloth to clean the glass surfaces of the binocular. See also "Cleaning Instructions".

Do not attempt to open or close the binocular beyond its stop limits as this may damage internal and external parts. Do not unnecessarily expose the binocular to severe weather elements. For special precautions see also “Extreme Cold / Heat” and “Other Extreme Conditions”.

Do not force the knurled adapter rings beyond marked diopter scale readings as this may damage internal parts.

How to Remove / INSTALL CARRYING STRAP

Loosen loops from neck strap (1)

Slide strap out of binocular holding loops (2)

Slide strap out of eyepiece cover holding loops (3)

Install one end of carrying strap through eyepiece cover holding loop (3)

Slide end of carrying strap (1) through holding loop (2) on bottom of binocular and fix the loop of the carrying strap.

Repeat procedure for other end of carrying strap.

OPERATING ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING!

When using binocular, never point it directly at the sun.

Simple line drawing of a tank inside a circle with crosshairs (no text or symbols)

Adjusting and Using Your Binocular

Adjusting the binocular begins by setting the interpupillary distance.

This is the distance between the pupils of your eyes. The binocular tubes pivot on a hinge, moving the tubes closer or further apart. Pivot the binocular tubes until you see a single image when looking through the binocular.

Illustration of binoculars with no visible text or symbols

How to Focus

• Choose an image, sign or a tree approx. 50 m away to view.
  • Cover one of the objectives lenses.
• Look through the binocular with both eyes open.
• Turn the eyepiece (1) of the uncovered lens until the image appears clear and sharp
• Now repeat the procedure with the opposite lens.
• When viewing through both lenses, all images from 20 m to infinity will be bright, clear and sharp.
• Make note of your diopter setting as it can be unique to each user.
• Higher power models (10x–20x) may require higher initial focus distance.

NORMAL OPERATION

(1) Place carrying strap around your neck.
(2) Remove eyepiece cover by first rotating binocular telescopes inward and then lifting off eye lens cover.
(3) Unsnap objective caps from front of binocular and let them hang down from binocular.
(4) Close the telescopes of the binocular until the interpupillary index scale is at the proper setting for use.
(5) Rotate the eyepiece adapter rings to obtain the proper diopter settings on the diopter scale.
(6) When sighting through the binocular, hold it in a comfortable and stable position.
(7) Refer to "Extreme Cold/Heat" and "Other Extreme Conditions" for precautions to be observed when unusual weather or atmosphere conditions prevail.
(8) Under the special conditions when direct sunlight enters the binocular a portion of this light will be reflected back producing a glitter effect which may be detectable at positions in the general target field.

Line drawing of a person wearing a hard hat and safety vest with gloves (no text or symbols)

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

BINOCULAR EXTERIOR

Clean the exterior of the binoculars (but not the lenses) with a lint-free cloth. Remove grease spots, fingerprints and other soil with soap and water and a well wrung-out cloth; then dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Remove dirt and lint from objective and eye lens cover interior surfaces with a blower.

OPTICAL SURFACES

Blow as much dust and dirt as possible from the exposed lens surfaces. Then, using a soft brush, brush across the surface with light, quick strokes, flicking the brush after each stroke to dislodge the dust it has picked up. When all visible particles of dust and dirt have been removed, moisten a piece of lens tissue with lens cleaner and gently wipe over the surfaces.

Illustration of an open binoculars with a pipette above it (no text or symbols)

(1) Avoid breathing directly on the optical elements of the binocular. The breath may condense and freeze.
(2) Do not expose the binocular to sudden and extreme temperature changes, such as carrying it directly from a well-heated area into sub-zero temperatures. Extreme temperature changes may cause the optical elements to crack.

Cartoon illustration of a person with a thermometer and flame, no text or symbols present

Simple line drawing of a smiling sun with a thermometer beside it (no text or symbols)

EXTREME HEAT

(1) Do not allow the binocular to lie unprotected from the direct rays of the sun. The intensified heat may damage the binocular mechanisms.
(2) Place the binocular objective and eye lens covers on the binocular before entering an airconditioned area. This will permit the binocular to cool down gradually and prevent condensation from forming.

OTHER EXTREME CONDITIONS

SAND AND DUST

(1) Always keep the binocular objective and eye lens covers on when not actually in use. Sand and dust will etch glass surfaces and can penetrate through the smallest openings, thereby causing damage to adjusting mechanisms.
(2) Upon completion of operations, remove all particles of sand and dust from optical elements as per "Cleaning Instructions" before installing protective objective and eye lens covers.

Simple line drawing of desert cacti with no text or symbols

Line drawing of a small boat with a mast and sail, floating on water (no text or symbols)

HIGH HUMIDITY OR SALTY CONDITIONS

(1) Avoid exposing the binocular to direct salt spray. Salt water is extremely corrosive and can cause irreparable damage to the binocular.
(2) Always dry the binocular thoroughly after use and immediately clean lens as per "Cleaning Instructions" and install objective and eye lens covers.

USE OF RETICLE

(where applicable)

One of the telescopes of the binocular includes a horizontal and vertical scale reticle graduated in 10-mil increment unit markings (1 unit – 10 mils, 2 units – 20 mils, etc.). The format of the reticle might differ from the one shown here, but it works the same way.

Fire corrections can be made by viewing the impact area and determining angular corrections by use of the left or right horizontal reticle scale.

USE OF RETICLE (CONT'D)

In determining range, if an object fills one 10 mil unit marking on the horizontal reticle scale and is known to be 10 meters wide, the object is 1000 meters away. If the same size object fills two unit markings (20 mils), it would be 500 meters away. When this formula is used, the distance will be given in the same units of measurement (feet, meters, etc.) as is used in estimating the known size of the object. The same formula can be used to determine range with the vertical reticle scale when the height of an object is known. The use of the vertical scale is preferred (especially on level terrain), since objects are often viewed obliquely along the horizontal axis.

$$ \text { DISTANCE } = \frac {\text { Known size }}{\text { Scale Size }} \times 1. 0 0 0 $$

$$ \text { Size } = \frac {\text { Distance } \times \text { Scale Size }}{1 . 0 0 0} $$

USE OF COMPASS

(where applicable)

How to use the Analog Compass

Read the bearing to which you are pointing the binocular. Line up the object to which you would like to get the bearing on the vertical scale and read the bearing beneath.

For analog compass models the bearing is illuminated by daylight and can be illuminated by a touch of the button on the side of the compass at night (7x50 models).

How to use the Digital Compass

ON/OFF: Press ON/M bar to turn compass on. Display will run through a warm-up cycle and display 'CAL' (calculating). After two seconds, the display will show the current setting, e.g. 'd 0' or 'd 10' (see below). The binocular will turn itself off after 10 seconds of non-use.

Bearings: Press bearing bar: display shows instant bearing. Hold bearing bar down: display shows 4x per second average while you hold the bar down.

Memory: To enter bearings: Sight the binocular on an object and take the bearing, allow the binocular to turn off. The bearing will be automatically saved and will be stored until next usage. When turning the binocular compass on this last bearing will re-appear. To record another bearing, simply reset this process.

Declination: The difference of the angle between true north and magnetic north is called declination. This can vary by your position on the earth and on the compass orientation towards the magnetic north. This declination can be adjusted on the digital compass up to +/- 40 degrees maximum. The declination can be found on all marine charts and enhanced topographic maps. Please also be aware of annual changes in declination.

USE OF COMPASS (CONT'D)

How to use the Digital Compass (cont'd)

Setting the Declination:

The compass has to be switched off with no reading in the display. Press and hold the bearing bar, at the same time, press the ON button. Then release both at once. The reading 'd 00' is shown in the display (if there is a positive or negative number in this location, it may mean that the setting has already been tested or established). Pressing the BEARING bar while in a declination setting mode decreases the declination by 1 degree increments, pressing the ON button increases the declination. After setting the current local and correct declination, allow the compass to shut itself off and the declination will be automatically saved and will be viewed during the start-up process (see above).

Display of Low Battery Warning:

If the batteries need to be replaced, reading 'b---' will be displayed. If the reading 'b---' appears, bearing may no longer be possible or displayed for less than 10 seconds. The batteries are located on the large objective lens side of the binocular under the thumb screw.

Other features:

- Light entrance window (red window on compass).

Measures light and automatically adjusts LED display brightness.

• Reticle – to determining distance.
• Rubber armoured – for good grip and minimizes slipping on wet surfaces.
• Long Eye Relief - easy use with eye glasses by rolling down the eye cups.

REPLACABLE PARTS

The Binocular-Specialists!

No.	Description Qty
1	Binocular	1
2	Rubber	Eyecup
3	Eyepiece	Cover
4	Carrying	Strap
5	Objective Cap, right 1
6	Objective Cap, left 1