Waterproof Binoculars – A Must Have For Twitchers

August 22nd, 2008 by admin

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Waterproof Binoculars

If you’ve ever seen a gathering of bird watchers who have discovered a long awaited bird or are witness to some rare bird behavior, then you will readily see why they are known as twitchers. In order to get this sometimes fleeting glimpse of the prize, they usually endure a lot of staying quite still and a long way away from the target. And if that’s not bad enough, it’s usually raining. So, waterproof binoculars or a waterproof monocular are a twitchers best friend.

They Are Going To Get Wet

Bird watching means organizing your schedule around the activities of the birds. They live outdoors and don’t seem to worry too much about the weather. In fact, many of them become more active when it is raining lightly than when the sun is shining? The rain brings the worms closer to the surface, making them easy pickings. To be in the game, you’ve got to have waterproof binoculars.

Aren’t all binoculars waterproof?

There waterproof binoculars and then there are specifically waterproof binoculars. You won’t be able to go SCUBA diving with them strapped to your back and expect them to work afterwards. But they should at least stand up to get a long day in the great outdoors.

If you need really waterproof binoculars, the best ones to go for are boating or marine binoculars. They aren’t just sealed and protected against water – they are sealed up to prevent corrosive salt water from getting in. They often have fog-proof lenses as well. Many will come with coated lenses so that there won’t be any annoying glare

How much will I pay?

These will be a little more expensive than the average binocular of similar optical power. However, if you are going to get a lifetime of reliable performance out of them, that initial extra cost could end up being a saving in the long run.

Good quality waterproof binoculars need not cost you the earth and will be a long term companion. $100 (US) can buy you some excellent quality waterproof, fog-proof and glare-proof binoculars. If you don’t have a good sporting goods or outdoors store or ships chandler in your area, there are plenty of sources online.