Optics and Rain/Snow

[NVBird'n'Big]

I got my first pair of good binos this year, Vortex Viper 10x42s. Being new to good optics I have a question. Snow and freezing rain is forecast this weekend while I will be elk hunting and I am a little wary of how wet my binos get and want to see what you guys think. I know they are waterproof, does this mean I should just let em rock with no hesitation or should I still be careful?

I have a Kuiu harness with the rain cover for when I'm walking.

Also, when they do get wet is there something special you like to do out in the field when you get back to camp? I use a cloth optics lens cleaner attached to my harness but if there is something else I should keep handy it would be good to know.

Thanks again guys!

 

[ssliger]

A cleaning cloth that you keep in a waterproof ziplock bag. I had 2 days of straight rain in Canada this year and it was worthless to try and use my bino's. My guide kept Kleenex in a ziplock bag in his pocket and it worked great for him. I wouldn't use Kleenex on good glass though.

 

[battlebornnv]

They make individual packs of lens cleaner that I keep in my pack for when then get wet. Keeping them in your harness with the rain cover as much as you can while you aren't glassing is your best bet in my opinion. My brother has the same binos and they are well made and durable..they have been used in the rain several times and he dries them off as best as he can before he puts them back in his harness and hasn't had any issues

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I agree with both. Your biggest issue will be the lenses fogging. Keep them clean but they are good to go in the rain so don't be afraid to use them. They are fog proof but seems they still with in cold temps.

 

[BigSurArcher]

Water won't hurt them, I regularly submerge my binos in warm soapy water for cleaning. As far as the bino harness goes, it takes a ton of water to soak through and make the lenses fog even without the rain cover on. That rain cover can be cumbersome so it's not a big deal if you don't feel like messing with it. Good luck on your elk hunt.

 

[Musket Man]

If its raining or snowing I try yo keep my binos inside to coat to protect them when Im not using them. I think in the 10-12 years I have had my Swaro's I have done about everything to them that you really shouldnt do to them and they are still as clear as they ever were.

 

[coues52]

+1 musket man...I also use a bino sock ( crooked horn outfitters ) to keep dirt & water off them...stops the bouncing & very lite weight..coues52

 

[OregonJim]

I keep the rubber covers on my Swarovski as much as possible.
I keep a little CLEAN (repeat CLEAN) lens cloth in a ziplock.

I also keep a small can of the compressed air computer cleaner when I want to blow them off and start fresh.
If they are wet when I get back to camp I make sure to hang them up where they get some air.
If I have to stow them I get them as dry as I can and I put a desiccant pack in the container before I put them away.

 

[Shooter09]

Keep a microfiber cloth and a lens pen dry by using a zip lock. Don't wipe the lens with anything else or you will damage the coatings on the lens.