Monoculars are similar to binoculars in that they provide magnified image of far-away objects. Some people find that using a monocular is actually easier and more effective than binoculars. Since they only contain a single eyepiece, they’re lighter weight and easier to handle. They also tend to be more powerful than binoculars. Furthermore, they don’t require as much maintenance as binoculars.
How to Care for your Monocular
Whether you use a monocular for bird watching, hunting, for hiking, or for any other reason, there’s no doubt that you want to ensure it stays in the best condition possible so that you can enjoy years of use. To keep your monocular in tip-top condition, here’s a look at some simple yet effective maintenance and cleaning tips that you should practice.
1. Always Use a Case
Whenever you aren’t using your monocular, make sure that you store it in an appropriate case. Doing so will prevent it from being exposed to dust, dirt, and grime. A lined case with a hard outer shell is ideal, as it will provide your monocular with the protection it needs when not in use. Be sure to bring the case along with you whenever you intend on using the instrument so that you can safely stow it away between sessions or when you are finished using it.
2. Wipe the Lenses Down
You will also want to wipe the lenses down after each use. Each time you pull your monocular out, it’s exposed to dirt, debris, dust, and oils from your fingers. All of that grime can create scratches in the lenses, which can distort the images, and oils create smudge marks, which also distort the images and minimize their clarity.
When cleaning the lenses, avoid using a general all-purpose glass cleaner, as well as paper towels, tissues, napkins, or other similar materials, as they can scratch the lenses and cause irreparable damage. Instead, create a mixture of distilled water and gentle cleaning solution or just use rubbing alcohol. Dip a clean, soft, lint-free cloth into the solution or the alcohol and wipe the lenses down. Make sure that they are thoroughly dried before storing.
3. Blow Away Debris
To remove dirt and debris from the exterior of your monocular, use pressurized air to blow it away. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as that can damage the monocular; instead, set the blower to a low setting. Focus on the cracks and crevices of your monocular, where dirt and debris can easily become lodged.
4. Store in an Appropriate Location
You should always store your monocular in an appropriate location. Make sure that you place it in your storage case before storing, and then set in in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. Additionally, make sure that the storage location is not exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight can damage all of the components of a monocular, so be sure that you choose a storage location that offers suitable environmental conditions.
Recommended Reading: