So on the slightly more generic topic of optics, especially binoculars. I have a question. The lens on both my Nikon and Leupold binocs have a "blotchy" look if you are looking AT them, but not necessarily through them. It seems to be a problem with the coatings and I am guessing this is an issue related due to them hitting extremes on their temperature range. Accidentally leaving them on the dash when the heater is on in winter, wearing and using them when it's -40, etc.
Can anyone elaborate on what I am experiencing and just how expensive of Nikon/Leupold level binocs does a person have to go to not have this issue? Clay???
- - - Updated - - -
note, I am talking about optics in the $200-3XX range.
Use some canned air to get any "grit" off of them. Then try Luke-warm water and a dab of dish soap. Sometimes it's stubborn residue from condensation. Or, possibly your coatings are flaking off, hard to say without seeing them.
"Cleaning" lenses needs to start with a CLEAN cloth of some sort. My preference is the fairly small microfiber cloths that feel like "Terrycloth". If that cloth falls on the floor of the pickup, or onto the ground, that cloth no longer gets to touch any of my lenses. Don't use a shirt-tail, paper-towel pieces, or kleenexes. The very smooth almost like silk microfiber lens cloths work, but, IMO get dirty or "full" fairly quickly. Leupold lens pens are another example of a cleaner that can get "full" pretty quickly. I don't have very good luck washing lens cloths, it seems like there's always some soap residue left and they don't get lenses clean anymore, just smear fingerprints and condensation around without clearing it.
Allen, to answer you more directly. Most AR coatings on binos are pretty darn durable and long-lasting, again, assuming you're cleaning them with a CLEAN cloth.