non-rubberized armoring?

FL birdwatcher · Guest

Have been educating myself at your great site. I'm in the earliest stages of looking for a new set of binoculars. However, I am noticing that nearly everything seems to have rubber armoring, which I find off-putting. Before I delve deeper, can you tell me which brands/models (if any) do NOT use rubberized armer? It just does not do well here in south Florida - you wouldn't believe how many rubber/rubberized items I've had to toss out prematurely (yes, including a couple otherwise good binoculars) because the rubber on them turned to sticky shedding sludge (and yes, this is in a year-round air-conditioned home). I like the idea of protective armoring, though - but perhaps some are made with something else beside rubber?

Oh, yes - and I'm looking at waterproof roof prism models, 8x or 10x, and hopefully around or under $200. Thanks!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

No simple answer on this one.

These days, some type of armoring is a given, except on low budget binos and some very high end specialty binoculars. However, not all armoring is the same, so it's going to be trial and error as to which works best for your conditions. Even binoculars without armoring will still be covered with some type of material, so still going to be an issue, as these coverings are typically less durable under your conditions than armoring. By the way, you may be getting gummy and sticky binoculars, not because of the climate, but because of insect repellant. Deet compounds, especailly, are notorious as paint and finish removers.
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FL birdwatcher · Guest

No, I doubt it's insect repellant and/or deet (since I haven't used any); and that wouldn't account for all the shoes, floor mats, bags etc. that have suffered similar fate here over the years. I suppose I would still be using my ancient Pentax (non armored) 30 y.o. porro prisms, if they hadn't somehow gotten misaligned at some point... not fun seeing double. Wink

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

I understand. Wish I had something I could guarnatee would work, but I can't, since I don't know the specifics of your environment and what you have used in the past. In general, though, most marine binoculars are designed with salt-water climates in mind. Might try one of those.
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