The Binocular Site
Waterproof Binoculars
Whether you’re watching water birds or hunting them, waterproof binoculars will be a necessary part of your viewing battery. These are also popular with those who spend a lot of time boating. It’s a good idea to get waterproof binoculars if you plan to use them in various situations and you want to be prepared for any weather conditions.
Many binoculars do have water resistance (much the same as watches), but waterproofing is another matter all together. Your binoculars are no good to you if your lens is covered in condensation.
Most binoculars that claim to be waterproof use nitrogen filling to prevent lens fog. Aside from this, sealing and durability are important issues that will keep your binoculars waterproof. Finally, coating the lenses and other outside surfaces with waterproofing material (or a repellant coating) disperses condensation.
The best method for water protection is to seal the case of the binoculars with special rubbers and plastics; this is called armoring. Of course, the best waterproofing combines all these methods (and perhaps others).
For superb waterproofing, you are going to pay for it. But you are going to need it if you want to have binoculars you can rely on. Even with general use they tend to breakdown over time - especially if you leave your binoculars exposed to many different elements.
Some waterproof binoculars - You don’t need to spend a fortune to get worthwhile waterproof binoculars. Alpen makes an 8x42 pair of waterproof scopes as part of their Pro Series. These feature remarkably clear magnification. Users and reviewers widely acclaim these as a good value, and as a bonus they weigh less than a pound - a nice feature for long days out in the field.
For slightly more money, the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 (or 10x42) Waterproof Binocular is excellent value. It comes with Nikon’s stellar 25 year warranty, and that wide aperture is going to give you a clear, bright image.
Don’t mind blowing a lot of money? Check out Canon’s 10x42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars. Sure, you’ll drop close to a grand on them, but they are simply a great set of binoculars.
