How to care for binoculars

WARNING:

Do not look at the Sun through binoculars! This can lead to permanent damage to your eyesight.

There is no point in buying expensive binoculars if you don't know how to keep them in good condition. Below are some tips for caring for your binoculars.

1. For those who are just about to buy binoculars:
If you are only planning to buy binoculars, get one that will be designed for the intended area of ​​​​application. For example, if you need to use it on the water, make sure it is water resistant and not just "water repellent". If there is a high chance of dropping the binoculars while using them, make sure they can withstand such tests.

2. Know your load limit:
Find out how rough the binoculars can withstand. Contact the manufacturer or retailer, describe to them the possible troubles associated with the intended use of the binoculars, and find out which of them are able to survive and which are not. If situations that lead to breakage are known, try not to use the binoculars in such cases.

3. Always use a strap:
Always wear a binocular strap around your neck. Most binocular falls happen when the binoculars are grabbed quickly with one hand and the neck strap is not on. This happens when there is simply no time to put the strap on the neck, because the next moment there will be nothing to look at.

4. Choose a strap with good locks and check them periodically:
Always check that the strap is securely fastened to the binoculars. Check the strap fasteners by tightening and loosening a few times to make sure they are tight enough.

5. Carry your binoculars in a case or case:
When not in use, always keep your binoculars in a case or case with padded inserts. With binoculars left without a case, some kind of trouble can always happen. Spend a minute packing your binoculars into their case.

6. Do not leave the binoculars in direct sunlight:
Do not leave the binoculars in the sun for a long time or in the cab of a car. The heat can hurt him.

7. Clean the optics gently and regularly:
Read the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning binocular lenses. Try to blow any dust or dirt off the lenses of your binoculars first before handling them with a tissue or brush. Next, breathe on the lenses and remove any visible stains with a Cleaning Pen or cleaning pad. Use only high-quality optical cleaning products that do not damage the anti-reflective coating and do not leave marks on the lenses.

8. Rinse off the salt water:
Do not attempt to clean the lenses with a tissue if the glass has been exposed to salt water, otherwise you may leave scratches. First, rinse the lenses under a stream of fresh water (avoid getting it inside if the binoculars are not fully waterproof).

9. Don't try to fix anything yourself:
No matter how small the problem seems, let the professionals take care of it.

10. Extend the life of eyecups:
You can extend the life of rubber eyecups with a little vinyl or rubber preservative. If the eyecups can roll up, always return them to their original position after you have finished using the binoculars.

Note: Do not board a kayak or catamaran with binoculars around your neck. An extremely dangerous situation can arise if you fall into the water with a strap around your neck.

Don't forget to take care of your binoculars regularly - for example, when you return from hiking, etc.