Which Binoculars To Buy For The Outdoors?

There is a difference in having a set of binoculars that are "weather resistant" as opposed to a set that are "waterproof".

Basically, a set of binoculars is made weather-resistant by using special "O" rings to keep water from entering the internal parts of the product.

A set of waterproof binocular entails using "O" rings internally in a special design that makes the binocular sealed against water AND then the binoculars are filled with nitrogen to make them waterproof AND also submergible.

Both types [weather-resistant and waterproof] are also "fogproof" as well - fog being tiny water droplets


Walking through the woods and getting caught in a light rain or a downpour may ruin more than your bird watching outing. If you go birding in the morning with a lot of dew and moisture in the air you may have a problem if you are not careful. And, of course, tracking a bird and falling in a stream or pond may not do those expensive binoculars any good if they allow water in.

Note: Many of the binoculars you buy today feature a very nice rubber coating. This does NOT make them waterproof. It may prevent some water from getting in to the internal parts, but the coating is mainly a protection against bumps and jarring. You still need o-rings and internal nitrogen to make a set of binoculars waterproof!