If you’ve ever tried to hold your smartphone camera up to a pair of binoculars to snap a photo of a buck or a target, you know it’s a recipe for frustration. You usually end up with a blurry photo of your own reflection or a black “crescent moon” video because you didn’t hold it just right.
Some new, high end phones have really decent optical zoom built-in to the phone but I don’t own one of those $1500+ ultra phones.
I wanted a way to get high-quality video of my rifles in action at the range without lugging a spotting scope setup every time. I reached out to Gravel Agency here in Canada, and they sent me a Magview B1 Binocular Adapter. Unlike the systems that use clunky plastic clamps, the Magview system relies on magnets to align your phone cameras to a binocular lens.
How it Works
The B1 system is dead simple in theory, consisting of two main parts:
- The Eyepiece Adapter: A semi-permanent ring that mounts directly onto one of your binocular eyepieces.
- The Phone Plate: A thin metal plate that sticks to the back of your phone (or phone case).
Once installed, you slap the phone onto the bino and align the camera you want to the eyepiece. There’s a bit of fiddling around to get it aligned perfectly but the magnets are strong enough that the phone won’t shift once you have it in place.
Specifications
- Compatibility: B1 fits eyepieces from 1.5-1.7″ (38.5-43mm), while the B1 Max fits 1.73-1.89″ (44-48mm)
- Material: Lightweight, high-strength aluminum.
- Connection: Magnets, how do they work?
Usability
In the field or at the range the B1 shines because of its compactness.
- At the Range: I used this to record impacts at long distances. Once you have it in the right spot on the bino, you’re good to go.
- The Magnet Strength: The magnets are surprisingly strong. You don’t have to worry about your phone sliding off if you bump the tripod, yet it’s easy enough to “break” the magnetic seal when you need to take a call or put your phone away.
- Form Factor: One of the best parts is that the adapter is unobtrusive. You can still use your binos normally without the phone attached, and it doesn’t get in the way of the twist-up eyecups.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
The system comes with a metal plate for your phone. If you switch phones or cases, you’ll need to grab a new adhesive plate.
Note: If you use a heavy phone, make sure your tripod head and bino holders are tensioned correctly. The added weight of the phone on one side of the binoculars can cause a cheap tripod head or the bino holder to “creep” or tilt.
Competitors
The main competition comes from “universal” adapters like the PhoneSkope or various plastic clamps found on Amazon.
- Universal Clamps: Usually cheaper, faster to align, but way bulkier.
Conclusion
The Magview B1 is a low profile, unobtrusive way to get magnified video/photos. It’s built like a piece of hunting gear—tough, streamlined, and functional—rather than a fragile tech accessory. If you’re tired of fiddling with plastic brackets while the animal is walking out of the frame, check out the Magview.
