cinclodes said:
Three years ago, I purchased a pair of Swift Audubon binoculars for a trip to Manu Park in Peru. I had a trusty old pair of Nikons that I really liked, but I decided that I better get a pair that are rated waterproof for the Amazon. In the middle of the trip, they fogged up and I was in bird heaven with no binoculars for several days. A good part of my trip was ruined, but Swift sent me a replacement. I went back to using my Nikons, and put the replacement in my closet. A few weeks ago, I had a kayak accident and lost the Nikons. So I broke out the Swifts for the first time. They have already fogged up. At most, they have been exposed to a few drops of rain. It's the same thing that happened to the other pair. The left eyepiece fogged up. Two pairs of these, and they both fogged up within a few weeks. This is supposed to be waterproof?? I owned the Nikons for eight years and never had such problems. I don't like to dump big bucks into equipment in case it gets stolen, lost, etc. It looks like I'll have to get some good binos. I don't want any more trips ruined because of junk from Swift.
Here is some info on the latest Minox in the $300.00ish price range. Great binocular that is certainly waterproof:
The new lightweight MINOX BL 8x42 BR and BL 10x42 BR:
Two perfect companions for weight-conscious outdoor enthusiasts
Recognizing trends and responding to these with innovative products – this is a field in which MINOX excels. In a new line of field glasses the optics specialists from Wetzlar have now brought out two all-round binoculars of the 42 class, which, in spite of their exceptional performance data, are extreme lightweights. The MINOX BL 8x42 BR and BL 10x42 BR are two perfect companions for the price and weight-conscious outdoor enthusiast who does not want to compromise when it comes to optical quality.
The L for “Light“ in the binocular name is based on the robust body of polycarbonate. With its rubber armouring and ergonomic design this optical masterpiece lies steady and sure in the observer’s hand, thanks to its low weight. And it is virtually indestructible – a new generation in MINOX sport optics. In addition to this, the BL 8x42 BR and the BL 10x42 BR are watertight to a depth of five meters as a result of the sophisticated sealing technology developed by MINOX engineers.
The new developed optical systems with high light-gathering power have multicoated lens elements which guarantee highest optical performance and natural color rendition of the object in view. Thanks to the roof prisms with phase-correction coating the user is able to enjoy an image with exceptionally high detail rendition and excellent contrast, even when light conditions are bad. A nitrogen filling inside the binoculars prevents fogging of the glass surfaces, even with extreme temperature fluctuations.
MINOX has also taken the specific needs of people wearing glasses into account. With the extended eye relief the entire field of view can be enjoyed without vignetting, even for those wearing glasses. Rotating rubber eyecups which can be individually adjusted are additional convenient features.
The scope of delivery of these new binoculars includes a Neopren strap as well as a case.
Technical Data MINOX BL 8x42 BR and MINOX BL 10x42 BR:
Magnification: 8x / 10x
Front lens diameter: 42 mm
Exit pupil: 5.25 mm at 8x, 4.2 mm at 10x
Field of view: 113 m / 1.000 m, 6,5° (at 8x), 105 m / 1.000 m, 6,0° (at 10x)
Eye relief: 19,5 mm at 8x, 16 mm at 10x
Close distance: 2,5 m
Over run diopter adjustment: +/- 2 dpt
Twilight number: 18,3 at 8x, 20,5 at 10x
Operating temperature: -10° - +50° C
Waterproof: up to 16.4 ft. / 5m
Heigth, depth, width 146(143) x 126 x 54 mm
Weight: approx. 636 g / 22,9 oz.