Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof Binoculars

At 06:19 AM 8/28/98 -0500, you wrote:
 Chris, if you put you binocs on your deck, I'd suggest using
>a carabiner, or something, to clip the strap to the rigging so you won't
>lose them in a capsize. Note that Leica and others make floating binocular
>straps that will support your binocs in water should you drop them
>overboard. I haven't seen one in person, but the salesman at Eagle Optics
>said they are VERY bulky and, so, not very comfortable for regular use. I
>think they cost around $35 or so. I'd think they'd have to be pretty thick
>foam, or whatever, to float a pair of heavy Leicas in the water.
>
>I have also seen a shoulder harness system in the birding magazines that
>looks interesting. It might be suitable for safely carrying binocs on the
>water. I assume these have Fastex-type quick release buckles at the ends of
>the straps to make it easy to remove the binocs without climbing out of the
>harness.
>
>Anyone here used one of these binocular harness systems? Will it fit
>comfortably under a PFD?  Would you recommend it for kayaking?
>
>What I've got Marie using with her Nikons right now is a carabiner around a
>shoulder strap on her PFD which allows her to quickly and easily clip her
>binocular strap through. The strap is worn normally around her neck and
>passes right across the carabiner high on her chest making it easy to clip
>into. She says it works fine and doesn't interfere with using the binocs. If
>she has an accident, the binocs will stay with her. I like the simplicity
>and effectiveness of this solution. Changing back and forth from a normal
>strap to a floating strap for water use would be a real nuisance on the
Nikons.
>
>Any other ideas?
>
>Regards,
>
>-Bruce
>
>_________________________________________

I have seen a product called "Binoc. Buddies" or a similar term at a marine
store on Vancouver Island, BC.  They have a neck strap and a bungie cord
arrangement which fastens around your chest, and tension of the cords hold
the binocs. from swinging around.  I believe they also come with a plastic
eyepiece protector.  If your are interested in the 'buddies' you can
contact Sidney Marine Supply by e-mail at:  sms_at_mail.islandnet.com   
where they can advise you of the product name, and description etc.  

I have a floating strap attached to my 7 x 42 Bushnell Marine binocs.  They
are bright yellow, and highly visible.  I suspect that small rectangular
blocks of foam lie beneath the nylon strap.  I do not find them cumbersome,
as the binocs. are quite light (larger than compact models, but smaller
than full size units).  I have no trouble fitting these nitrogen purged
lifetime guaranteed waterproof binocs. in their nylon case, and often take
them along on cycling and hiking trips.   

Hope this helps,

Rick


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