Spotting system for binoculars and telescopes

Abstract

An auxiliary spotting optical system for binoculars and telescopes includes an auxiliary objective lens proximate the principal objective lens, a principal magnification system field of view indicator and an image transfer arrangement between the field of view indicator and the ocular lens of the binocular to bridge the optical gap created between the image plane of the auxiliary objective lens and the focal plane of the ocular lens to create an optical system delivering a 1.times. magnification to an observer with normal eyesight. A movable mirror in the optical path of the principal magnification system and the spotting system determines which optical system is active. In its first position the mirror directs light passing through the auxiliary objective lens, the field of view indicator, the image transfer arrangement to the ocular lens, and blocks the principal magnification optical path. The viewer is afforded a wide field of view without significant magnification with an indication of the area encompassed in the principal magnification field of view. The user can move the binocular until the target is within the field of view indicator. Shifting the mirror to its second position breaks the light path through the spotting system and opens the principal magnification optical path, and the target appears magnified to the power of the principal magnification system.