I believe one of the most important tools that any hunter has, is their optics. I think that nearly every hunter uses some form of optics. Whether it's a set of binoculars or spotting scope, they all need good care to insure proper function and extended life.

Here are a few tips that'll help extend the life and allow for better performance of your optics.

1. Use alcohol and a piece of cheese clothe to clean the lenses.

2. Avoid touching the lens with your finger's, the oil residue is very difficult to remove.

3. Use the lens covers that came with the optics. Protecting the lenses from scratches and dust can greatly increase the life of your optics.

4. Keep them dry! Many optic manufactures claim that their product is completely fog-proof, but the fact is, many aren't. So it's better to be safe than sorry. In extreme cold and/or wet weather, many scopes, binoculars and spotting scopes will fog up. To minimize this burden, keep them dry and as warm as possible....

Virtually every big game hunter uses them. They are arguably our most important piece of equipment. Granting a magnified view of distance subjects, binoculars are invaluable; but not every pair mind you. Like most other gear, they are not all created equal. Each is designed for a specific application. Marketing hype leads us to believe that quality is commensurate with cost, but we all know that's not always the case. Popular brands have been on the market for decades but if you follow industry trends you'll notice an interesting shift. More and more new manufacturers are launching their version into the marketplace each year. Deciding which binocular is best for you and then how to best use them can make or break both your wallet and your hunting.

We've all been there at one time or another. Realizing we can't function without a good set of binoculars, we begin our investigative foray into the complex world of optics. Which one do we choose? A potentially daunting task, we're soon confronted with terminology like magnification, objective lens, focus system, field of view, and more. Then there are always additional considerations like weight, size, finish, and the list goes on! Confusing at best, here are a few of the things I've learned in my ongoing quest for the right optics. As a rule I've learned to acknowledge, but not get caught up in, the high-tech lingo and pay more attention to the basic information that's most relevant to me. Hopefully these things will help make your search a little easier and translate the optical dictionary into everyday language.

Getting Started
Application is the most important consideration. You'll need to determine whether the binoculars will primarily be used for hunting, boating, wildlife viewing, or whatever. For example, sheep hunters are constantly searching for the ideal mix of lightweight, high quality, high-powered, and durable optics. In contrast, waterfowl hunters using their binoculars to scout fields and waterways are typically less concerned with weight and size. If your binocular is going to stay in the vehicle, again size and durability may not be as big a concern. On the other hand, if your field glasses are constantly in and out of your backpack, durability may be more of a consideration. Between my wife and I, we own both compact lightweight 7x21 binoculars and full sized 10x50 as well as 11x45 binoculars. Each has its intended use.

Brand
I wish I could offer more academic advice here, but brand choice is really a matter of personal preference. When we think of affordable quality optics, most of us immediately recognize names like Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, Brunton, and Burris. Mention top-of-the-line optics with a premium price tag and names like Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica, and Steiner come to mind. What many of us don't know is that there are many other brand name options out there. Representing everything from econo-versions right through to high end optics; companies like Vortex, ...