Re: [Paddlewise] Q: Waterproof Binoculars

At 02:08 PM 8/25/98 -0500, you wrote:
>I am looking for binocs that can ride on deck, secured under
>a bungee cord, and survive fresh water waves and the occasional
>submersion due to rolling - without fogging and/or permanent
>damage to optics. 
>
>Does anyone have a recommendation for waterproof binoculars?
>
>I realize that "waterproof" is a rather nebulously defined
> when discussing radios and I anticipate the same
>when discussing optics. I have read that "nitrogen purged"
>binocs with "o-rings" are waterproof. Anyone have experience
>with such binocs?
>
>-chris
>
>On a related note: Is there life (being able to tolerate lesser
>binocs) after using Swarovski's?
>

Chris, why live without Swarovski's?  I have had excellent results using
10x25 nitrogen-filled Swarovski binocs while surfing, rolling, and getting
drenched in every other way.  
	A caution though: by no means would I rely on the deck bungies to secure
binoculars.  They'll be gone in no time.  I either keep them in a secure
deck bag or on a short cord around my neck where they will reach a PFD
pocket.  
	I'm still trying to keep water off the lenses because of salt deposits and
water drops interfering with the view and don't really have a solution to
fogging.  A ziploc plastic baggie around the binocs only sort of works some
of the time.  I always rinse them off in clean fresh water after paddling,
then shake off remaining waterdrops, and use a clean, small piece of soft
chamois for final drying of the lenses.  And after a trip I remove the
rubber eyecups and rinse everything well to get rid of all accumulated salt
or grit, then clean the lenses with lens cleaning fluid and real lens
tissues, available at photo supply shops such as Ritz Camera.
	Due to boat motion you may find that lower power binocs work better for
you when on the water.  
	Enjoy the views!

	John

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