What are they doing?

[Graeme]

I'm not sure, but I think they're using some sort of field glasses/binoculars? But I'm not certain.

What are the soldiers in the foreground with the 'long pipes' doing?

 

[rochie]

i think they are using range finding viewers

 

[Konigstiger205]

i think they are using range finding viewers

Thats my opinion too...I saw another picture with a crew of an mg42 using the same thing.

 

[Graeme]

Thanks guys!

How do they work?

 

[Gnomey]

They will be binocular and thus will work something like putting to lines together until they intersect - Rangefinder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Binoculars of the Armed Forces - stereoscopic range finder

 

[Graeme]

Thanks Gnomey. Looks somewhat cumbersome.