Binoculars & Optical Equipment
BINOCULAR MAINTENANCE
Binoculars, like other optical devices, are a sensitive piece of optical equipment. Regular maintenance and care when using them are important to their use and longevity. The basic cleaning of optics is key and keeping grit away from the lenses is far too often overlooked.
Basic Self Maintenance of Binoculars & Optics
The first and simplest step for taking care of your binoculars is to always store them in a case that is clean and free of dirt/grit. This will help to protect and preserve the optics. Add a small sachet of desiccant (silica gel) into the case to help remove any humidity or moisture, as optics and moisture don’t mix. Regularly change this as long-term exposure to moisture will lead to degeneration of coatings, fungal growth and an array of other issues.
When cleaning binoculars, firstly ‘blow’ on the lenses lightly or use an air puffer. If not removed, small particles of grit or dirt will scratch or damage the optics coatings.
Once any dirt or grit has been removed you can then clean the surface with a clean, lint free cloth.
First apply a small amount of Isopropyl alcohol (lens cleaner that is suitable for multi-coated lenses).
If using a spray, then only a very fine mist sprayed onto the lens surface is all that is needed. Following this, clean the lens with a gentle circular motion. Do not continually rub the surface as this can cause damage to the coating. Once the coating is damaged, the refractive order of the lens changes (light scatter).
It is advisable to also remove any dirt or marks on the outside of the body of the binocular, as over time this will cause deterioration of the protective covering. Ensure binoculars are clean and dry after each use before storage.
The hinge system on binoculars often collects dirt, so gentle cleaning of the hinge mechanism is also recommended. A gentle blow with an air puffer/brush is a good idea, then a gentle wipe with a cloth (not the same one you use for cleaning the lenses). The grease invariably becomes hard over time and a very small amount of silicone oil can be used to free up the hinge.
Optical Restorers Services.
We have been offering a comprehensive range of optical repairs for over 30 years. We repair and overhaul a wide range of optical devices which include both vintage and more current types of riflescopes , binoculars and the like.
We also specialize in repairs of large telescopic gun sights, laboratory microscopes and even precision refractor heads as used by your optometrist to measure the refractive disorder of your eyes.
We predominantly specialise in the older European optical devices, however we will gladly look at most problems to see if they can be repaired or overhauled and all evaluations are at no cost.
Our customers over the years have come from wide and far. UK, Canada, USA, South Africa, New Zealand and we have also carried out work for the Australian Maritime Service, Australian Federal Police, QLD Governor General and a number of Specialised Hospitals and Clinics associated with Eye disorders both in Australia and overseas.