Care and Tricks

Caring for Your Optics

Once you've chosen your optics, it's essential to protect your investment. This involves preventing them from hitting the ground or other objects and keeping them clean. Here, we discuss techniques and gadgets to help you maintain your optics efficiently and effectively.

Binoculars

Binoculars can be carried in various ways: using a neck strap, a harness, or in a case or daypack. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. For beginners who don't carry a scope or camera, a neck strap or harness allows quick access to the binoculars. As your gear collection grows, consider a binocular harness to free your hands.

Customizing Binocular Straps:

• Construct a hook and leader system using plastic swiveling snap-hooks, split key rings, rivets, and a rivet kit.
• Attach the snap-hooks to the main strap and the split key rings to the binocular leaders.
• This setup allows you to switch between a neck strap and a harness easily.

Scopes

The simplest way to carry a scope is to mount it on a tripod and carry it over your shoulder. This allows for quick setup but may require you to put down the scope to use your binoculars. For added convenience, consider these options:

Carrying Options:

• Tripod Straps: Allow you to sling the tripod over your shoulder but can be awkward with a mounted scope.
• Leg Wraps: Foam cushions that reduce shoulder pressure. Available pre-made or DIY with pipe insulation.
• Tri-Pack: A triangle-shaped backpack that attaches to the tripod legs, allowing for easy carrying and quick setup.

Keeping Your Optics Steady

Here are techniques to help steady binoculars and scopes in the field:

Face Brace Technique:

• Slide your hands towards your face on the binocular barrels, with only the pinky and ring fingers curled around the back.
• Press your thumbs against your cheekbones and curl the first and middle fingers around the eyepieces.

Sling Technique:

• Attach a long, wide strap to the binoculars.
• Insert your hands through the strap loop and grasp the binoculars.
• Spread your elbows to tighten the strap across your chest, creating a stable platform.

Baseball Cap Technique:

• Wear a baseball cap with a stiff brim.
• Hold the binoculars normally or as in one of the techniques above.
• Reach up with your middle fingers and grab the brim of the cap.

Scope Stability Tricks:

• Hang something heavy below the tripod legs, like a backpack or water bottle.
• Use a beanbag or a ziplock bag filled with sand or water on top of the scope.
• Position the tripod with one leg pointing directly downwind in high winds.

Protecting the Lenses

The key to optimal viewing is maintaining clean and scratch-free lenses. Here are tips to protect and clean your lenses:

Using Lens Caps and Rain Guards:

• Always use rain guards to protect ocular lenses from dust, rain, and debris.
• Attach objective lens caps to protect against dirt and scratches.

Lens Cleaning Tips:

• Always check if your lenses need cleaning; avoid excessive cleaning to prevent scratches.
• Use approved cleaning solutions like Kodak, R.O.R., or Kleer-Vu.
• If lenses are scratched, consider contacting the manufacturer for polishing and re-coating.

LensPen Cleaning System:

• Highly recommended for cleaning lenses. Camera users should consider the Mini LensPen for viewfinder cleaning.

Conclusions

• Binocular Straps: Stretchy straps offer comfort but less stability; harnesses free your hands for other tasks.
• Steadiness: Use techniques to hold binoculars steady and ensure scope stability in the wind.
• Cleaning: Avoid excessive cleaning to protect lens coatings; use proper cleaning solutions and techniques.
• Lens Protection: Use rain guards and lens caps to keep lenses clean and scratch-free.

By following these tips, you can ensure your optics remain in excellent condition, providing you with clear and crisp views for years to come.