instruction Manual
®
™
orion Paragon-Plus
Binocular Mount
#5379 with tripod
#5376 tripod not included
Binocular
mounting
knob
Parallelogram
Counterweight
shaft lock knobs
Altitude
knob
Tension
knobs
Counterweight
Pivot disk
Counterweight
shaft
Elevator
shaft lock
lever
Elevator
shaft crank
Brace lock knob
Tripod leg
Lever
lock
knobs
Dual rubber/
spike foot
Center brace
Figure 1. The Paragon-Plus binocular mount
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
oriontelescopes.com
corporate offices (831) 763-7000 • 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, ca 95076
© 2008-2010 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
IN 397 Rev. A 8/10
Figure 6. The binocular mount
can be used to view objects at or
near the zenith. Adjust the tripod
so that you can stand under the
binocular to view objects located
high in the sky.
tilt angle
Altitude knob
Figure 4. The “tilt angle” of the binoculars
Each leg of the tripod has two telescoping sections. To extend a
leg, loosen the lever lock knob, then extend the leg. When it has
been extended to the desired length, tighten the lever knob back
down. There is a handy scale printed on the middle segment of
each leg, which can be used to judge the relative height of the
legs.
Although the Paragon-Plus tripod also has an elevator shaft, this
should be used with the binocular mount only after raising the
tripod by use of the legs. Extending the elevator shaft reduces
the stability of the binocular mount. To operate the elevator shaft,
loosen the elevator lock knob and turn the elevator hand crank to
adjust to the desired height. Then tighten the elevator lock knob.
a.
b.
Figure 5. The binocular will remain on target as you adjust
the height using the parallelogram. The standing person in (a) is
looking at the same thing while seated in (b). Note that only the
parallelogram has moved; the tilt angle of the binocular has not.
The pivot disk and binocular altitude should not be adjusted for this
feature to work.
Dual rubber/spike Feet (#5379)
The tripod is equipped with dual-purpose feet that consist of a
retractable rubber foot and a metal spike. The rubber feet are
intended for use of the tripod indoors or on a smooth, paved
surface. The metal spikes are desirable for achieving a firm grip
on soft surfaces. To use the rubber feet, thread the foot counter-
clockwise until it stops. In this position, the metal spike will be well
recessed within the rubber. Be sure all three rubber feet are flat
on the floor, not tipped sideways.
lar will move when pushed, but will not move on its own. Keep
in mind that as the angle of the binocular approaches the zenith,
the knob tension will need to be increased so that the binocular
does not flop over. Increase the knob tension when bringing the
binocular 40˚ or more from horizontal.
adjusting azimuth
To expose the spike feet, thread the rubber foot clockwise until
the spike protrudes from the rubber. In some instances you may
wish to remove the rubber feet altogether so more of the metal
spike is exposed. This can be done by pulling the rubber feet off
their anchors. They can be pressed on again at any time.
Moving the binocular in azimuth (left/right) is a simple matter of turn-
ing the mount on its pivot disk. There is no azimuth lock feature.
adjusting the Height of the Binocular
A nice feature of the Paragon-Plus binocular mount is that when
the binocular is pointed at an object, the height can be adjusted
for different viewers without moving the binocular off its target. To
do this, simply move the binocular so that only the parallelogram
part of the mount is moving. Do not adjust the tilt angle of the
binocular or move the mount on its pivot disk. Figure 5 shows this
feature in action. Using this feature, people of varying heights will
be able to enjoy binocular views without any crouching over or
straining to reach the binocular.
Parallelogram safety stop
The parallelogram has a safety stop to prevent the aluminum
bars from completely collapsing. This ensures that no fingers will
be caught and crushed by an accidental fast closing of the paral-
lelogram. This feature will also prevent the counterweight from
hitting the tripod.
astronomical use
The Paragon-Plus binocular mount allows viewing of subjects
from the horizon all the way up to the zenith. To view objects at
the zenith, adjust the binocular mount and tripod so that they will
be tall enough for you to stand underneath the binocular. Then
adjust the tilt angle of the binocular to point it at the zenith. Stand
underneath the binocular and look up into them. When done
properly, this should resemble Figure 6.
adjusting the Paragon-Plus tripod Height
(#5379)
You may find that the binocular position is too low when the tripod
legs are fully retracted. To raise the height you should extend the
legs of the tripod.You should remove the binocular mount before
extending the tripod legs to prevent the mount and tripod from
falling over.
3
transporting
specifications
When moving the binocular mount any significant distance, you
should remove the binocular to prevent them from being dam-
aged. To make moving easier, you may want to separate the
mount from the tripod. An optional carrying case (#15161) is also
available from Orion to make transportation easier.
Maximum binocular weight: 5.5 lbs.
Counterweight: 8 lbs.
Binocular mounting knob: Accommodates Binocular with 1/4"-20
tripod adapter
Minimum binocular height (with Paragon-Plus tripod): 31"
Maximum binocular height (with Paragon-Plus tripod): 91"
Weight (without Paragon-Plus tripod): 12 lbs. 9 oz.
Weight (With Paragon-Plus tripod): 19 lbs. 10 oz.
Carry case: Optional
care and Maintenance
When using the mount in direct sunlight, be aware that its black
surface can become hot. If the mount is used in wet conditions,
dry it completely with a soft cloth after use. Clean the tripod and
mount with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
one-Year limited Warranty
This Orion Paragon Binocular Mount is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail pur-
chaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s
option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to:
Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of
purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or
modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service information,
contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville,
CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.
orion telescopes & Binoculars
oriontelescopes.com
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville ca 95076
Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343 • Day or Evening
© 2008-2010 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
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