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 How to Care For Binoculars

Recommended procedures

Your binoculars are precision instruments. This article will inform you of the best and most recently recommended methods of caring for your binoculars. Proper care will insure longer life, proper viewing and sharper optic viewing. This article does not include cleaning your binoculars.

"Caring for your Binoculars"

Caring for your binoculars should not be considered a task or time consuming project. Caring for your binoculars is relatively simple and takes very little time, effort or equipment. Good habits are easily attained and simple if you follow the information listed below. Binoculars can range from inexpensive to very expensive models although caring for them is basically the same. Your binoculars will give you years of great service when handled with proper care. Protect your investment.

o In almost all cases your binoculars came in a 'Carrying/Protective Case' with an attached strap for carrying on your shoulder or around your neck. The 'case' is for carrying, storage and protection. Keep your binoculars in their 'case' whenever you are not viewing to prevent banging of your binoculars as well as to keep dirt, foreign debris and inclement weather from effecting the life and performance of your optics. Also store with the rubber eye cups in the up or unfolded position and keep all protective lens covers and caps on unless viewing. If you are out walking, such as hunting, birding or just general landscape/nature viewing, carry your binoculars in their case for protection until ready to use, especially in inclement weather. Keeping your binoculars in their case with the lens covers 'on' until needed for viewing is the 'most' effective and recommended way of protection.

o Banging, as mentioned above, along with dropping, is the most common source of mistreating binoculars (besides improper lens cleaning which is discussed below). Banging and or dropping can cause misalignment of the barrels (the two low power telescopes attached by a hinge) which in turn will result in a blurred or double image rendering your binoculars basically useless, unless you view through only one lens. Your binoculars are then only useful as a "monocular" and are no longer binoculars as you will not be able to see a clear image through both eyepieces at the same time. Even slight misalignment can be devastating to your viewing. Banging or dropping can also result in cracking or breaking of your optic lenses. The cost to repair misaligned binoculars or a broken lens is not usually worth the repair cost unless the binoculars are of a very expensive nature or have an unconditional replacement warranty. Warranties will normally not cover misalignment or a broken lens although some manufacturers may.

o Binocular manufacturers know that banging and or dropping can cause misalignment of the barrels and most have taken steps to insure the connection between the two barrels is sturdy and precise. Even so, banging and dropping can still cause misalignment so handle your binoculars with care at all times.

o If your binoculars are waterproof/fog proof, excessive banging and or dropping can cause the nitrogen inside the barrels to escape voiding their waterproof/fog proof status.

o All binoculars come with a 'safety' or 'neck strap' attached to the binoculars that is normally adjustable in length. When viewing, always put the safety strap over your head to prevent accidental dropping of your binoculars. Insure that if others use your binoculars, they too install the safety strap over their head.

o 'Armor' or 'rubber' coated binoculars are great at absorbing most of the shock generated by low impact banging. This rubber coating does not necessarily help if your binoculars are dropped or banged excessively.

o Even though your binoculars may be waterproof and or fog proof, keep them dry when possible. Wipe any water off with a soft cloth or towel before storing.

o Do not store your binoculars in an excessively hot or cold vehicle. The excessive heat can cause swelling of the barrels which in turn can cause one or both of the objective (large lens) lenses to pop out or crack. Excessive heat and cold can also cause moisture or condensation to build up inside the binoculars. Don't leave your binoculars on the dash of a vehicle even if they are in the case. The sun shining through the windshield can magnify the outside temperature many times.

In conclusion, practice care in handling your binoculars as they are precision instruments.

Should you still have concerns regarding "Caring for your Binoculars", contact the manufacturer's technical department or website to insure proper cleaning.

The author of this article, Donald Tuttle, is the owner of the website BinocularsWildlife.com and is an enthusiast and seller of binoculars, rangefinders and night vision optic equipment. Mr. Tuttle lives in Big Wonderful Wyoming where binoculars and rangefinders are a way of life for the avid hunter, sportsman and outdoor enthusiast.

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