The case,for or against?

[Geoff Pain]

I and about 90% of the birders I see on my outings have a "stay on case" on our scopes.Now whilst they nodoubt offer some protection against knocks and the elements are they really needed or are they a fashion accessory?I go digiscoping so would I be better leaving my case at home or leave it on my scope,do the benefits for outweigh those against?
Comments please.

Geoff :t:

[Paul Rule]

I dont have this problem, as so far there is no case for the Swaro 65mm scopes, so I go naked at the moment.

Paul

[Ashley beolens]

I have never used a case, but at times (like when the rain coats the lense while walking) I really wish I did.

[peter hayes]

I always leave it on. Let's be honest, scopes looks more aesthetically pleasing without a cover (at least mine does) but it's worth leaving it on to save the casing from knocks and the lenses from getting wet.

[IanF]

I always leave mine on too. It would be handier if it wasn't on as I could use the built in sight, but I'd be too worried about the knocks. It's also too handy using the case strap rings to carry it suspended from my camera bag.

[jgtuk]

I've just sold an 8 yr old kowa tsn3 and it has always been dressed in a Skua case. Under the case it looks brand new - not a blemish. I use a Nikon stay on case on my EDIII, not for the waterproofing but against knocks.

James Taylor

[robinm]

I always leave my case against knocks. Also it is easy to cover the lens and eyepiece while walking to prevent tree branches, thorns etc from damaging them. Yes, I could use the plastic covers but they are a nuisance to carry around.

Robin

[Andy Bright]

My Swaro goes out without anything on..... it's a tough waterproof scope made for a rugged life. To me, it's a tool rather than a precious object to be kept in cotton wool... I'm only interested in it's optical performance, a few scratches on the body don't worry me... as long as there aren't any scratches on the glass.
Andy

[MikePearson]

hmmmm, from my own obs, it seems to me that the richer birder wants you to see the quality of his glass and maybe a few (cosmetic) scratches to let you know that he can afford to repair/replace it if all goes pear shaped. Us poverty stricken b's invest in the case and allways put on the caps to protect our precious lenses.

ps had a really good day at Fakenham races and was amazed to see a couple of oystercatchers land in the center of the course. Going was good and it was dry as a bone for them. Did they have a bet on the 3rd race?

:t:

[Steve J - Darlo]

I have an Opticron with the case on. The case has a carry strap so the telescope is carried with tripod attached. I once carried the other way, tripod with telescope attached, and the telescope came undone and fell in the mud. Very expensive cleaning bill. Now I carry the telescope and if the tripod falls in the mud its easily cleaned

Steve J - Darlo

[stevo]

I always use a stay on case the amount of times when I have walked through areas that have brambles/bushes & brushed the scope against them.No case= ruined optics.

[Andrew]

Stay on cases offer easy flip up cover of the exit lens. I put a round piece of thick sanded down perspex in the end cover so I can flip it up and have a solid protective cover without having to put the end cap on everytime. The sanding down rids the perspex of any glare.

Paul Rule, there are stay on cases for the 65 scopes. I have one from LCE and Skua do one too. The LCE got my vote.

[Colin]

I keep the case on my Kowa. It keeps the rain off the lenses and it is quicker to unzip the two ends rather than unscrew the lens caps which are permanently in the draw at home. The case protects the eyepiece from damage as well because I tend to carry the scope over my shoulder attached to the tripod and the lens esp the eyepiece end can get scratched from bushes and doorways or tunnel roofs (there is one of them at Slimbridge) which are quite low and if I forget to lower my shoulder when passing through this or a doorway I hear and feel the scope case rubbing against said object so cos it was free, it stays on. Also, it is much easier to carry the scope without the tripod because the scope case has a handle (not to be trusted with the weight of tripod and associated leverage by itself).

Colin

[Colin]

Another handy thing with the case on is in the pouring rain. With the lens hood fully out and the scope pointing down it can be set up ready for action in the rain. The zip over the eyepiece can be done have way up and then when the target bird appears it is just a matter of levelling the scope, putting your eye to the eyepiece and half unzipping it and with practice no raindrops gets on the eyepiece. The two halves of the eyepiece end of the Kowa case sort of wrap against each of your cheeks and with a baseball cap it is even better as this provides overhead protection against rain on the eyepiece so you rarely have to wipe the said lens and smear it in the rain.

Colin

[Paul Rule]

Thank you Andrew the man at the Lee Valley bird fair told me a porky.

[Walther Loff]

Paul Rule must be a exibitionist going naked all the time ha ha ha.
Now we know why all the birds take off upon his arrival :-)

Well mine, the scope that is, came with a cover which opens very easy and as a retiree, pension funds do not strech the emagination, so the case stay's on all the time..
cheers
Walther Loff
www.walther-loff.com