To use objective covers or not (1 Viewer)

[temmie]

I assume (hope) that if Bill Oddie were to update his very amusing book "Bill Oddies Little Black Bird Book" he would categorise users of objective lens covers as "dudes". (Apologies to W.E.O if I'm wrong.

I was fairly firm in my first reaction in this topic, but I didn't want to say anything negative about those using the covers (not saying 'dude' is something negative, especially in these days when everybody needs to be a dude by staying at home like the dude did! ).
It's just another way of using your binoculars. One could say that without covers, you are abusing them a bit (too much), and it is really something personal and each one should decide if it's worth it or not. I don't use them and I actually don't even use eyepiece covers on my 8x25 victory (no cover included), and I don't miss it all that much.

 

[dries1]

Dude? Liquor sales must really be high during these times.

Andy W.

 

[Robert Wallace]

To clarify my use of the word "dude", it was in the context of Bill Oddie's very amusing book (see #60).
He admits his definition was a "grotesque oversimplification" in chapter two. However in chapter three "Equipment and clothing" he gives lots of advice on how to avoid being identified as a "dude". Advice I've followed since reading the book, borrowed from the public library (circa 1980). I later bought the less expensive soft back. I think it may still be in print, either way it an amusing read, some of it should not be taken too seriously.
However Bill was a star of the successful BBC Comedy series "The Goodies" so it is well to remember, "many a true word spoken in jest".
Bill Oddie is a very keen and knowledgeable birder, and his early bird watching career is described in his book "Gone Birding"another interesting read. He was also a presenter on a number of BBC Bird watching/ Natural History programmes.

 

[dries1]

Thanks Robert.... Well since there is more time on our hand these days, are there any humorous tips from the book in Chapter 3 on clothing/equipment that could lighten the mood.

Andy W.

 

[Alexis Powell]

To clarify my use of the word "dude"...

This usage of a "dude" being something akin to a "dandy" has a very long history. Think of dudes on a dude ranch, all dressed up and with the finest equipment but lacking any experience with its proper use as evidenced by everything being shiny new (not broken in) and configured more to look good than to be ready for practical use.

--AP

 

[NDhunter]

I wonder where this thread is going. Off-track, subjective, etc. Yes, it seems so.

Do what you want, with what you have, where you are with any covers.................

Jerry

 

[Robert Wallace]

To help Neil I would like to summarise some of the points raised:
Most serious birders don't use objective lens covers
Most serious birders with many years experience find not using objective lens covers detrimental.
Birders conscious of their "street cred" will avoid using objective lens covers
However it is important to recognise your own role as an ecologist. It occurs to me that you may spend time in the field bending over (perhaps to examine mammal traps) going down or even lying down on different types of habitat. These activities may well justify use of objective covers. Check out with your colleagues and when you go birdwatching for pleasure observe the birdwatchers. If I was naughty I would suggest "dude" spotting, sorry only joking.
Enjoy your Swarovskis and do your own thing.

 

[Kammerdiner]

As a rule I don't use objective covers, but yes at the shore they make sense. It's rather amazing how fast salt spray adds up.

Rainguards I use all the time, needed or not. Never tethered though. i yank them off and shove them in a pocket. Mostly just a habit I suppose, but they have to fit just right, not loose, not tight.

 

[Hauksen]

Hi,

Simpler solution might be to print a couple of 1.5cm deep hoods.
That way you'll never put fingerprints on an objective again and you won't have to rack your brains to make an effective iris mechanism.

Hm, pretty good idea, especially when it comes to small objective diameters.

Here's how it looks like on my Nikon Sportstar 8x25 ... not very elegant, but quite practical:



Regards,

Henning