Match Pro ED 15x56 Binocular Setup

The Match Pro ED Binocular is a direct response to the public requesting that we put a reticle into our Forge 15x56 binocular. Just putting a reticle in wouldn’t be good enough - To make the best tool we wanted to add some additional features. Binoculars have some adjustments that need to be properly used to maximize their use, and the Match Pro ED binoculars have more adjustments than usual. In this post I’m going to explain those adjustments and how to maximize the performance out of the Match Pro ED 15x56 binoculars.

The first step to using this binocular is the normal first step for pretty much every binocular. First you want to get the best eye circle obtained by looking through it with both eyes then and adjusting the interpupillary distance by pivoting the barrels inward or outward until the image is fully visible in both eyes.

Next, adjust the eyecups in or out until the eye relief is proper. Typically, they’ll be more outward for those who are not using eyewear, and inward for those who are. Once correct, the widest field of view possible should be visible and clear round edges centered in view. They should not be blurry or off-center.

Once the full FOV is correct and comfortable to use, you may want to install the BridgeSet IPD Stabilizer onto either the front or the back ¼-20 mounting point to lock in that barrel spacing for your use. When ready to install the BridgeSet Stabilizer, first remove the related protective cap on the chosen position and note that it may be necessary to first open/widen the binocular for access. After installing the BridgeSet Stabilizer with the forward thumb-screw, then collapse the binocular back to your IPD setting and expand the BridgeSet forks using the top thumb-screw until they contact the bottom of the barrels.

Setting up the Match Pro ED binoculars for use requires that the reticle be adjusted for both the focus and level. If you’ve ever setup a rifle scope for the first time you know you have to adjust the diopter to have the reticle in focus, and since this binocular has a reticle you have to do the same. To focus it look up at the blue sky (not the sun!) or a wall – something with no detail, then simply turn the reticle focus diopter on the right barrel – it’s the control in the middle no knurling or grip texture. Adjust that diopter until the reticle is sharp and clearly focused for you. Now, hold the bino on that wall or at the sky, and turn your eyes to the sides for a few seconds. This lets your eyes get off of that reticle. We want to ‘reset’ your eye’s focus to make sure it wasn’t doing any compensating for the reticle’s focus if it was slightly off. After a few seconds looking to the side, go back to looking through the binoculars. The reticle should be clear and sharp. If it isn’t, adjust slightly to get it to be totally in focus in your eye’s natural focus.

Once the Shot-Call reticle’s in focus, for optimum spotting accuracy you’ll need to level it out plumb – that is, straight level and vertical. For this, you could use a building’s wall or anything else that’s giving you a trustworthy reference point, or even a string with a weight hung from tree branch or deck. A plumb bob is the perfect tool for this. Next, mount the binocular on a tripod so it’s steady, and aim it towards your vertical reference. Then simply rotate the inner most ring on the right barrel of the Match Pro ED binoculars to make the vertical stadia parallel with your vertical reference. If you’re using a horizontal reference, align it with the horizontal stadia. Having the reticle plumb will give you the most accurate spotting information for things like bullet drop.

Now that the reticle is setup and ready to go it’s time to sync the left barrel’s focus to the right barrel. This is like a typical binocular except in reverse due to right barrel reticle. This is done using the focus wheel and left barrel diopter adjustment. This diopter control/adjustment locks, by the way and has a + & - symbol imprinted into it. Pull the ring towards the eyecup to unlock or push it away to lock.

With the binocular aligned to a target with fine detail, start by the left barrel lens cover or simply covering the objective lens with your hand. Note that if you rely on closing one eye or the other throughout this process, your face muscles will impart minor inaccuracies because closing or squinting the eye also affects the other eye’s focus. Focus the image in the right barrel using the main focus wheel. If you can pick a specific object it will help. When the object is as sharp as possible, look to the side again then look back into the binocular to confirm that instant focus (pop) in the right barrel. When finished, uncover the left barrel and cover the right. Unlock the left barrel’s diopter adjustment. Turn the diopter to get that same object in focus in the left barrel. Remember to always check for that instant sharpness. When you like it, go ahead and push the diopter forward to lock it back down.

The repetition regarding the look-away and instant sharpness may seem redundant and if it’s your first time, tedious, but trust us, this is worth your while. These steps ensure you can use your binocular for hours on end without eye-fatigue or headaches. This is a spotting binocular after all!

Your Match Pro ED 15x56 binocular is now ready to hit the range.

The Match Pro ED 15x56 Binoculars were developed at the request of our customers and pro shooters. We believe it’s unmatched in performance and capability with its proven optics from the Forge 15x56 binoculars, the MRAD Shot-Call reticle, and the ability to precisely adjust every facet of the binoculars for optimal performance. It’s simply unmatched in the market today. If you have one I congratulate you on getting a great piece of gear. If you’re thinking about getting one, we highly recommend it. You can spot for hours comfortably and with these features you can get data and feedback unheard of at this price point. We hope this setup guide helps all current and future Match Pro ED 15x56 binocular owners to get the most out of their optic.