How Do I Protect My Binoculars?
Binoculars are an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and hunters. They provide a clear and magnified view of distant objects, making it easier to spot wildlife, enjoy scenic views, or track moving targets.
However, despite their durability and sturdiness, binoculars are not indestructible.
They are vulnerable to various risks that can damage or compromise their performance.
In this article, we will discuss the most common risks that binoculars face and how to protect them.
Environmental Factors that Can Damage Binoculars
The outdoor environment can be harsh and unpredictable, and it can pose a significant threat to your binoculars.
Dust, sand, and dirt can scratch the lenses or get inside the mechanism, causing malfunctions or reduced performance.
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also affect the internal components of the binoculars, causing the lubricants to dry out or the metal parts to expand or contract.
Additionally, exposure to sunlight, humidity, or rain can cause discoloration, fogging, corrosion, or rubber stickiness.
To protect your binoculars from environmental factors, always store them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Use protective covers or cases to shield them from dust or sand when not in use.
When in the field, keep your binoculars in a sealed and waterproof bag or container, especially during rain or water activities.
Physical damage from Mishandling
Binoculars can also suffer from physical damage, particularly from mishandling or accidental drops.
The lenses, prism, or focus mechanism can get misaligned or cracked, rendering the binoculars unusable or blurry.
The body or rubber coating can also get dented, scratched, or dislodged, affecting the grip and ergonomics.
To prevent physical damage, handle your binoculars with care and avoid exposing them to rough or bumpy surfaces.
Use the neck strap or harness to secure them around your neck or shoulder, especially when walking or climbing.
When adjusting the focus or diopter, use gentle and steady movements, and avoid forcing or twisting the knobs.
If you accidentally drop your binoculars, check for any visible damages or misalignments and avoid using them until they are repaired or serviced by a professional.
Exposure to Moisture or Water Damage
All Binoculars are not waterproof by default, and exposure to moisture or water can cause severe damage to their internal components.
Water can seep into the lenses, prisms, or focus mechanism, causing corrosion, mold, or fogging. Moisture can also damage the lubricants or electrical parts, leading to malfunctions or short circuits.
To protect your binoculars from moisture or water damage, always use waterproof or water-resistant models, especially if you plan to use them in rainy or wet environments.
If your binoculars are not waterproof, use protective covers or cases that are resistant to water and humidity.
When cleaning or drying your binoculars, use a soft and dry cloth or towel, and avoid using any harsh or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the lenses or coating.
Check Our In-depth Writeup: Can Binoculars Get Wet: How To Dry Them Up
Tips for Protecting Your Binoculars
Proper care and maintenance can help protect your binoculars from damage, improve their performance, and extend their lifespan.
Here, we will discuss five tips for protecting your binoculars.
Proper Storage when Not in Use
When you are not using your binoculars, it is essential to store them correctly to protect them from environmental factors.
Keep them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid leaving them in your car, especially during hot weather, as the heat can damage the internal components. Store them in a protective case or cover to shield them from dust, dirt, and scratches.
Also, Before storing your binoculars, be sure to twist down any adjustable eye cups to make them more compact and easier to fit inside their case. This also helps to prevent any damage to the threading of the mechanism.
Use of Protective Cases and Covers
Protective cases and covers can help prevent physical damage and protect your binoculars from harsh weather conditions.
When selecting a case or cover, ensure that it is the right size and shape for your binoculars and made of durable and waterproof materials.
Some covers come with a shoulder strap or a harness to make it easier to carry your binoculars around your neck or shoulder.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help ensure that your binoculars perform at their best and stay in excellent condition.
To wipe the body, you may use a damp cloth to wipe the barrels, rims, and focus wheels.
Additionally, a can of compressed air can be used to clear dust from tight spaces. However, it’s crucial to use only short bursts of air to prevent any potential damage to your binoculars.
For cleaning lenses, you should be a little bit careful, In general, Use a soft and dry cloth or a lens cleaning kit to wipe the lenses and prism.
Here is a step-by-step lens-cleaning approach I follow:
- Use a lens brush: Begin by using a lens brush to carefully brush away any loose debris from the lenses. Hold the binoculars upside down to allow the dirt to fall away from the lenses.
- Avoid breathing on the lenses: It’s important to avoid breathing on the lenses, as it can make them even dirtier.
- Dampen a cotton swab: Using water or an optics solution, dampen a cotton swab and gently remove any remaining dust from the lenses. Be careful not to press too hard and damage the lens.
- Use a microfiber or lens cleaning cloth: Finally, use a microfiber or lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the lenses in a circular motion and remove any smudges.
Additionally, Avoid using any harsh or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the coating. Check for any signs of wear or tear and have your binoculars serviced by a professional if necessary.
Also Check: How To Clean Binoculars: Step By Step
Safe handling techniques
Safe handling techniques can help prevent physical damage and protect your binoculars from mishandling.
Always use the neck strap or harness to secure your binoculars when walking or climbing. Avoid exposing them to rough or bumpy surfaces or twisting the knobs too hard when adjusting the focus or diopter.
Never drop or throw your binoculars, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Protective accessories
Protective accessories can help enhance your binoculars’ protection and improve your outdoor experience.
Some examples of protective accessories include lens caps, filters, and sunshades.
Lens caps can help protect the lenses from dust and scratches, while filters can help reduce glare or enhance color contrast.
Sunshades can help block direct sunlight and reduce heat, making it more comfortable to use your binoculars for an extended period.
Here is an interesting Video On Cleaning Binoculars Properly
Additional Precautions for Extreme Environments
Binoculars can be an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts in extreme environments, such as high altitude, cold, dusty or sandy, and water activities.
These environments pose unique challenges for protecting binoculars, and it’s essential to take extra precautions to prevent damage. Here, we will discuss three additional precautions for extreme environments.
Special considerations for high altitude or cold environments
High altitude and cold environments can be harsh on binoculars and affect their performance. So, it’s essential to take special care to protect them.
Store them in a protective case or cover and keep them close to your body or in an insulated bag.
Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature changes or rapid temperature shifts, as this can cause condensation on the lenses, affecting their performance.
Also, choose fog-proof binoculars, which is not difficult nowadays as even binoculars under 100 dollars have lots of choices of fog-proof models.
Moreover, It’s advisable to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the recommended temperature range for your binoculars. If you intend to use your binoculars in extreme cold conditions, consider purchasing ones that are specifically designed to operate in such environments.
Protecting binoculars in Dusty or Sandy conditions
Dusty or sandy environments can be a significant challenge for protecting binoculars.
The dust and sand particles can scratch or damage the lenses and body, affecting their performance.
When using binoculars in dusty or sandy conditions, cover them with a protective case or cover, and avoid exposing them to the wind.
Use a lens brush or blower to remove any dust or sand particles gently. Avoid wiping the lenses with a cloth, as this can cause scratches.
Also, choose binoculars such as Swarovski and Leica that has dust and dirt-repellant coatings, however, these premium binoculars could also put a dent in your pocket.
Read:
What Is The Binoculars Lens Coating For?
From AquaDura to ArmorTek: All About Binocular Water Repellant Coating
You can also check Our Other writeups in which we have listed various fog-proof and waterproof binoculars in different budget ranges. Several of these binoculars have even dust and dirt-repellant coatings on them.
Best Binoculars Under $300 & 400
Best Binoculars Under 500 & 600 Dollar – Top 6 Picks Of 2023
Tips for protecting binoculars during water activities
Water activities, such as boating, fishing, or kayaking, can expose your binoculars to moisture and water damage.
To protect your binoculars during water activities, use a waterproof or water-resistant case or cover. If your binoculars don’t come with a waterproof case or cover, you can purchase a separate one.
Avoid exposing them to saltwater, as this can cause corrosion and damage to the internal components. Rinse them with freshwater after use, and dry them thoroughly with a soft and dry cloth.
Also, you can choose marine binoculars such as Bushnell Marine 7×50 or Fujinon 7×50 binoculars. These binoculars are having a saltwater corrosion-resistant body, so you can confidently use them without fear of dropping them in the water.
Additional Faq’s- Protecting and Maintaining Binoculars
Can I leave Binoculars In The Car?
It is generally not recommended to leave your binoculars in the car for extended periods of time especially in the Sun. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause damage to the internal components of your binoculars, including the lenses and coatings.
In high temperatures, the heat can cause the lubricants in the internal mechanisms to dry out and degrade, affecting the smooth operation of the focus and zoom controls.
On the other hand, low temperatures can cause the lubricants to thicken, making it difficult to operate the binoculars. In addition, moisture can condense on the lenses and inside the binoculars, causing damage to the coatings and the internal components.
If you must leave your binoculars in the car, it is best to store them in a protective case or cover and place them in the trunk or an area that is out of direct sunlight.
What Causes the Plastic on Binoculars to Become Sticky?
The plastic on your binoculars may become sticky due to a process called “plasticizer migration.” This happens when the plasticizers, which are chemicals added to the plastic to make it softer and more flexible, migrate to the surface of the plastic over time.
When the plasticizers reach the surface, they can react with the air and create a sticky residue. This process can be accelerated by exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation.
Other causes of this stickiness could be that over time, oils and dirt can accumulate on the body of binoculars, making them feel sticky.
The natural oils in our skin can also transfer onto the casing and contribute to this buildup.
Now, If the plastic on your binoculars has become sticky, it’s important to clean it off as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
To remove grime that accumulates from frequent handling, gently cleaning the binocular body with rubbing alcohol is recommended. An alcohol-based product is effective in dissolving the fats that cause stickiness on binoculars.
You can also use a specialized cleaner designed for plastic. If the plastic is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced by a professional.
Should you attempt to Clean the Inside of Your Binoculars?
Do not attempt to take apart your binoculars to clean the inside at any time. Doing so could damage the waterproofing and fog proofing, as well as void any warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Instead, if you notice an issue with the inside of your binoculars, it is best to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The key is to handle your binoculars with care to ensure they can be used for a long time.
Can Binoculars Be Serviced or Repaired
Yes, binoculars can be serviced or repaired. Most manufacturers and authorized dealers offer repair and maintenance services for binoculars.
These services may include cleaning, realignment of lenses, replacement of damaged parts, and calibration.
It’s important to have your binoculars serviced regularly to ensure they continue to function optimally and have a long lifespan.
If your binoculars are not working properly, you can get them repaired too.
However, it’s important to consider the severity of the problem and whether it’s worth the cost of repair compared to buying a new pair. Additional costs such as postage or transportation to the repairer should also be factored in. Alternatively, trading in the old pair for a new set of optics may be an option with some stockists.
Also, Check: Binocular Repair Services Near Me
How Long Does a Binocular Last?
The lifespan of a binocular can vary greatly depending on the quality of the materials and construction, as well as how well they are maintained and cared for. A high-quality binocular that is well-cared for and used properly can last for decades, if not a lifetime.
However, if a binocular is made from lower-quality materials and is not well-maintained, it may have a shorter lifespan. In general, most mid-range to high-end binoculars should last for at least 10-20 years with proper care and maintenance.
It’s important to note that some parts of a binocular, such as the rubber armor or lens coatings, may need to be replaced over time, but this does not necessarily mean that the entire binocular needs to be replaced.
Additionally, advancements in technology and changes in personal preferences may also prompt an upgrade or replacement of a binocular before its lifespan is up.
Here is our complete detailed write-up: How Long Should a Binocular Last & How to Increase Its Longevity
Conclusion
Binoculars are valuable and delicate tools that require proper care and protection to last longer and perform better.
By understanding the common risks that they face and following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your binoculars stay in excellent condition and provide you with clear and enjoyable views for years to come.
Happy Glassing!
More reading: How To Choose Binoculars
Interesting Read: Can Binoculars make me dizzy
Additional Resources: Bushnell
