One of the most flattering tribute you can pay to an invention is, “Why didn’t I think of that?” It comes close to a backhanded compliment, but the praise acknowledges the practicality, efficiency, and solution provided.
I recently tested a product that provided that slap-in-the-forehead moment. Manufacturer i-Cuffs has created eyecups specifically for binoculars and telescopes. Eyecups are nothing new to optics, but these stand out.
I took two i-Cuffs and my Oberwerk 10x50 binoculars to an observing location near Lake Michigan. The site provides a wonderful eastern and southern view, but the lighting from the park’s security lights present a few issues.
The i-Cuffs mount to binocular and telescope eyepieces through a sleeve, tightened with a Velcro strap. The eyepieces were easy to attach, the eyecups were sturdy, and did not need tightening. I used the i-Cuffs only twice, so it will take more time to measure Velcro fatigue.
The i-Cuffs worked perfectly for blocking nearby nuisance light, so much that it took time to adjust to the unfamiliar darkness in my peripheral vision. These eyecups seemed to make objects pop more, especially clusters like M44. These are quite comfortable, with a chamois lining at the top. The lightweight material means the i-Cuffs don’t add much weight to the binoculars. The i-Cuffs are also wind and moisture resistant, so the winter wind whipping near lakeshore didn’t ice over my eyelids.
You can buy directly from the i-Cuff site, a binocular set costs $60 (free shipping). If you would like to buy only an eyecup for your telescope, the i-Cuff Pro ($45) fits up to a 9.5-inch circumference.
To learn more about these eyecups, click here.