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? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I have a pair of Nikon waterproof binocs that I bought through Lands' End. I keep them in a dry bag when not in use, so I can't attest to how waterproof they really are. But they are a great pair of binocs...also reasonably compact and work great without taking off my prescription glasses. Tom > -----Original Message----- > From: Christine.Wein_at_sunny.health.state.mn.us > [SMTP:Christine.Wein_at_sunny.health.state.mn.us] > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 1998 3:09 PM > To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: [Paddlewise] Q: Waterproof Binoculars > > 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? > ********************************************************************** > ***** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > ********************************************************************** > ***** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I use a pair of Cabela's waterproof binocs that have been submerged, beat up, dropped, cleaned by dog saliva, and generally abused for a couple of years. I am very happy with them. I usually keep them on my deck and they have survived quite well so far. The best part is that they aren't prohibitively expensive. They are 10X25, wide-angle and small. I also use them climbing, hiking, and birding. Alice Christine Wein 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? > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Leica Trinovid series binocs... too expensive to lose, but they are waterproof. If you tend to lose binocs, better to go with cheap ones, IMHO. I own Leica and Swarovski... the Swarovskis fogged during a sheep hunting trip in the Brooks Range and haven't been the same since. :-( No problems with the Leicas yet. You can check out a bit about the Leicas here: http://www.birdware.com/leiten.htm Christine Wein 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? > -- Karen Hancock San Clemente, CA markie51_at_earthlink.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
On a related note to waterproof binocs. I think the most exciting news for kayakers is the new Cannon stabilized binocs. I forgot their names, but they have a built in gyro which locks out all movement! The resolution looked very good. We're not talking German glass here, but I was impressed with their low light clarity in the store. The downside? Not waterproof --- probably not even water-resistant with that battery in there! But I'll tell you - there's nothing like a clear, sharp, stable image on the water! As most of you know, the higher the power, the more the image jumps around. I played with the 10 power binocs and bounced it like crazy in there air - totally clear and stable image! - Scott *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Markie wrote: >I own Leica and Swarovski... the Swarovskis fogged during a sheep >hunting trip in the Brooks Range and haven't been the same since. >:-( >Christine wrote: >> >> On a related note: Is there life (being able to tolerate lesser >> binocs) after using Swarovski's? I've had a pair of Swarovski's (10x42) for a couple years now and like them a lot. They are waterproof for me so far, though I haven't done any extensive dunk test yet. I understand that any German (& Austrian?) binos made after two years (ago?) have to be waterproof. Markie, Swarovski is supposed to have a longtime (lifetime) guarantee on the waterproofness, send yours back (return to dealer for them to check out) and see what happens. A friend of mine got a pair fixed for nothing, but I don't remember what the deal or problem was. Good luck. Hank Hays *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
At 16:43 8/25/98 -0500, wildwater <wildoats_at_ionet.net> wrote: > >I use a pair of Cabela's waterproof binocs that have been submerged, beat up, >dropped, cleaned by dog saliva, and generally abused for a couple of years. I >am very happy with them. I usually keep them on my deck and they have survived >quite well so far. The best part is that they aren't prohibitively expensive. >They are 10X25, wide-angle and small. I also use them climbing, hiking, and >birding. > >Alice > now _THAT_ is a recommendation... hmmm.... it's only a 5 hr drive to the store ;-) nahhhhh.... it's only 20 minutes to the water!! although last time i drove there, they were having a "we cleaned out the closet sale" lots of great deals!! mark > >Christine Wein 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? >>[snip] #------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com-------------------------------------- mark zen o, o__ o_/| o_. po box 474 </ [\/ [\_| [\_\ ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----') (`----|-------\-') #~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~ http://www.diac.com/~zen/paddler [index of Paddling websites I manage] Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club, Colorado River Flows, Poudre Paddlers The Colorado Paddlers' Resource, Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page #-Fortune: "In a world without fences, who needs 'Gates'" -- Scott McNealy, CEO Sun Microsystems "In a world without walls, who needs 'Windows'" -- Dave Livigni *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 8/25/98 8:09:20 PM EST, lhays_at_canby.com writes: << I've had a pair of Swarovski's (10x42) for a couple years now and like them a lot. >> I would think that 10X is to powerful for kayaking,( hard to hold steady on the water). I am looking for a good cheap 6X. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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: I purchased a pair of Bushnell Marine 7 x 42 binocs. a few months ago. The model I purchased was discontinued last year, (model 12-8742), but are bright yellow, with a bright yellow floating neck strap. They are lifetime guaranteed waterproof and are nitrogen purged. The binocs. are reasonably light for hanging around your neck, but are heavy enough to get a good grip to focus on a far-off object. I understand that there is a relationship between Bushnell and Bausch and Lomb, with one purchasing the other? The binocs. are indeed waterproof, as I purposely threw them in the lake and they floated with the strap highly visible above the water surface. Even better news is that they cost $300 Canadian. The optics are good, enabling me to see objects under failing light conditions. The newer model, in my opinion, is not as good, as they are larger, heavier, and not as well constructed. Bushell has a web site <http://www.bushnell.com>, so perhaps you can contact them to see if a dealer in your area may have a pair. Feel free to e-mail privately if you have any additional questions. Good luck, Rick Brundrige British Columbia, Canada *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I've been using a pair of Swarovski 8x20 compacts for several years. First, on the positive side, they are compact (duh), very sharp, very bright, free from flare, rugged, and waterproof (so far, at least). I wash them off in the sink when I return from sea kayaking, and they have not leaked or fogged. I also use them on river trips. On the down side, the compacts (as opposed to the somewhat larger 8x30s) have relatively limited eye relief, which means that you have to hold them quite close to your eyeballs to get a full field of view. This doesn't bother me (much), but it would be a problem for eyeglass wearers. The short eye relief also makes it a bit more difficult to hold them properly aligned with your eyes. Again, this bothers some folks more than others. As always, you should try before you buy. The Swarovski 8x30 SLC have much longer eye relief, but they are larger, heavier, and more expensive. A potential problem with both the 8x20s and the 8x30s is that 8-power binoculars are harder to hold steady than binoculars with 6 (or even 7) power. Again this is more of a problem for some folks than for others. (Some folks can even use 10-power binoculars while kayaking without any problems.) If you want lower-power binoculars, Steiner makes waterproof 6x30 binoculars in two configurations: "Military/Marine" (or something like that) and "Hunter". That latter are more expensive, but are brighter (due to superior coatings and/or prisms, as I recall). The rubber armor on the Steiners tends to break down as the result of exposure to sun and saltwater, but this can be mitigated through the use of 303 (water-based) protectant. The rubber armor can be replaced once it disintegrates. If you want to go a cheaper route, there are a number of options. The one with which I have some familiarity is Nikon. I used to have a pair of Nikon compacts that were *very* sharp, although they were not as bright or as free from flare as the Swarovskis. They broke on me during a river trip, but it was not the fault of the binoculars--I smashed them into a large piece of granite while swinging them on the end of their strap (ouch!), which I'm sure would have messed up even the best made binoculars. To their credit, the glass did not shatter, but they were knocked out of alignment. I fixed them myself when I got home (I had to breach the seal to do this), and they worked fine after that. Unfortunately they were stolen out of the glove compartment of my car, which I took as a sign that I should buy some Swarovskis. (Well, it made sense at the time...) Anyway, there are lots of excellent designs out there. Enjoy whatever you buy--binoculars are great fun! Dan Hagen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I too have been looking for some new binoculars (I have a Fujinon waterproof w/ compass, from my old sailboat, but they are too big). I was searching the net and came across the Binocular Warehouse. They have all the major brands at discount prices. Looks like a good deal. Anyone here ever bought from them? http://www.binoware.com/index.html-ssi Sir Gary Nilsen -----Original Message----- From: Christine.Wein_at_sunny.health.state.mn.us [mailto:Christine.Wein_at_sunny.health.state.mn.us] Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 1998 3:09 PM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Q: Waterproof Binoculars 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? ************************************************************************ *** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ************************************************************************ *** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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