 The Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars and many other models provide armor-coating. |
In addition to your binocular case and backpack, there are a few things you can do when you’re still shopping for binoculars to ensure your binoculars are protected from the elements, bumps and bangs, and even a drop or two. How are the binoculars you are using water-proofed? Do they have a protective armor-coating? Are you using lens caps or an alternate cover to protect your binocular lenses? You can do a lot to make sure your binoculars are protected – before you buy, and after you’ve hit the field.
The more you pay for your binocular, the more you want to treat it like a long-term investment, starting with simple protection solutions.
Weather-proofing – Let’s start with weather-proofing, which ranges from none to shower-proof to water-proof to nitrogen-purged.
- The installation of rubber "O" rings provides a water-proof seal for binoculars, which is done during the manufacturing process.
- Active birders should get nitrogen-purged water-proofing, whether you live in a wet or humid climate or not. Nitrogen-purging keeps binoculars from fogging up from the inside.
- Nitrogen-purging can also keep out dust, sand, or anything else that might get inside a binocular.
Armor-coating – Usually made of a synthetic rubber, armor-coating protects the body of the binocular from physical harm due to bangs, bumps, and corrosive elements.
Lens Caps – Most binocular manufacturers provide lens caps that protect binoculars’ glass lenses. Lens caps will protect your binoculars as long as you use them. But too often, one way or another, we tend to lose them, or they simply vanish. If you need replacement lens caps, refer to https://www.optics4birding.com/misc.aspxto see if your model’s lens caps are available, or to see what other protective options are available.
For more information about weather-proofing, armor-coating and other binocular options, see https://www.optics4birding.com/chbin.aspx for insights from the pros at Optics4Birding.