How to Protect the Lenses on Binoculars

Birders, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to check out the terrain consider their binoculars a necessity. Nature watchers rely on them for quick species identification. Rafters or mountaineers use them to scout up ahead. You may need to take extra precautions to protect your binocular lenses and keep these sensitive instruments safe. With persistent, gentle lens care and routine lens replacement, binoculars can perform for a lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Neck strap
• Binoculars
• Cleaning materials
• Four lens caps
• Case

Protect the Lenses Through Proper Handling

1. Keep your binoculars in their case when you are not planning to use them for a period of time. Protect them for a short while as you eat lunch on a hike, or store them at home in a cool, dry place.

2. Remove the lens caps when you begin viewing and replace them as soon as you finish to avoid prolonged exposure to the elements.

3. Carry cleaning materials, such as soft cloths or a lens pen, when you take your binoculars on excursions.

4. Use the neck strap on the binoculars whenever you handle them. It might minimize the risk of accidental damage to lenses. The neck strap may also steady the instrument for optimal viewing.

5. Use a rain guard when viewing in inclement weather. It protects the sealant around the lenses from getting too wet.

Protect the Lenses Through Regular Cleanings

6. Remove visible dust, sand or debris first with a soft lens brush made especially for optics.

7. Clean the lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth, a disposable lens tissue or cleaning solution. If you use cleaning solution, though, make sure the lenses are completely dry before you store them.

8. Soften any dried salt-spray by dampening your lenses with natural cotton or a soft cloth before regular cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• On binoculars, ocular lenses are the smaller ones, and objective lenses are the larger.
• A rain guard is a one-piece dual cap for ocular lenses that offers quick protection.
• Use objective lens caps with a keeper string that attaches to the instrument so you won't lose it.
• A lens pen is an easy way to apply cleaning solution. Some lens pens also have a handy lens brush attached.
• Never wear binoculars tucked inside your clothing. Moving them from body heat and humidity to cooler air can cause internal fogging of the lenses.
• Try not to bump or drop optics, which could nick lenses or damage alignment.
• Lenses last longer the less you handle them, so clean only when absolutely necessary.
• A single scratch can ruin lenses. The key to longevity is consistent, careful handling and cleaning.