Do my binoculars need to be waterproof?

These days, it is a lot easier to find a waterproof binocular than it was, say, 15 years ago. Waterproofing and fogproofing are standard design elements in most binoculars today. This makes sense since binoculars are often used outside and in all kinds of weather.

Waterproofing allows you to use your binoculars without fear of repairing or replacing them just because they got wet. Fogproofing, which manufacturers achieve by purging the binocular barrels with inert gas, prevents fogging of the lenses during extreme temperature fluctuation— such as moving from an air conditoned car into sub-tropical heat.

Waterproof and fogproof binoculars are literally submersible and any water damage should be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty for the binocular.

Note: To clean a binocular with dried water spots on the lenses, lightly fog the lenses with your breath, then wipe them with a clean cloth or lens cleaning pen. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners which may damage the lens coatings.

Originally published on February 15, 2011