Farpoint Universal Binocular Mount (UBM)
7 products
7 products
Farpoint · Universal Binocular Mount
A precision aluminum parallelogram mount that lets your binoculars float — perfectly balanced through every axis, effortlessly pointed from horizon to zenith.
The Farpoint Universal Binocular Mount (UBM) is built for serious binocular astronomy and proudly designed and made in the USA. This collection brings together the UBM itself and every companion part — counterweights, tripod posts, the dovetail assembly, and the Swing Hinge upgrade. Mounting inline-socket binoculars? Pair it with the Far-Sight quick-release system.
Why a parallelogram mount
A parallelogram mount changes binocular observing completely. Adjust eyepiece height across a wide vertical range without losing your target — hand the view to a child or another observer at any height, then bring it right back to yours. With every axis in balance the binocular feels weightless: no arm strain, no neck strain, no wobble. While you observe, it feels like the mount isn't even there.
UBM at a glance
Load capacity
12 lb — handles binoculars up to ~100mm aperture
Mount weight
16.4 lb including two 5-lb counterweights
Dimensions
35″ collapsed, ~51″ fully extended
Construction
Anodized aluminum, made in the USA
Tripod
Not included — requires a standard photo tripod with a 3/8-16 stud (no pan-tilt head)
What's in this collection
The base UBM ships with the parallelogram, two 5-lb counterweights, a 3/8-16 tripod mounting post, and the dovetail assembly. Most observers round out the kit with:
- Swing Hinge — adds a 5th degree of motion for natural pointing in any direction.
- Far-Sight quick-release — required for inline-socket (porro-prism) binoculars. Browse Far-Sight options.
- Additional 5-lb counterweight — for binoculars 100mm and larger.
- Alternate tripod posts — 5/8-11 and Metric 10 threads for surveyor's tripods.
- Dovetail assembly — the mounting surface for bottom-socket binoculars and dovetail-compatible optics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parallelogram binocular mount?
It's a linked-arm mount that keeps your binocular balanced as you raise or lower it, so the view stays on target while you change eyepiece height. Because every axis is counterweighted, the binocular feels weightless and holds steady with no arm or neck fatigue.
Which binoculars work with the UBM?
Bottom-socket binoculars (tripod socket on the underside) attach directly to the UBM dovetail assembly. Inline-socket binoculars — the tripod socket sits between the barrels, common on porro-prism designs — need the Far-Sight quick-release to come into proper balance. The 12 lb capacity covers binoculars up to roughly 100mm aperture.
Does the UBM include a tripod?
No. The UBM mounts on top of a sturdy photo tripod using the included 3/8-16 post — and it needs a plain tripod with no pan-tilt head, since the parallelogram handles all the motion. For surveyor's tripods, use our 5/8-11 or M10 alternate-thread posts.
Do I need the Swing Hinge?
It's optional but popular. The Swing Hinge adds a 5th degree of motion that removes the slight twist a 4-axis parallelogram can have, for the smoothest pointing in any direction. Many observers consider it essential; others are happy with the base mount.
Completing your binocular setup?
Match the UBM with the right mounting adapter and a travel case to protect your kit.
Far-Sight Mounting System Binocular Travel Cases