Might sound a daft question, but bear with me!!
Just wondering if the salt content in the air on coastal locations can have a damaging effect on lense coatings etc, walking close to the sea shore on windy days it's quite common to get sea spray blow over me and wonder if this might also effect the metal components within the binoculars themselves ~ though most roofs are watertight these days so shouldn't be effected?
Matt
I have been concerned about the salt effect on coating myself Matt. I find myself wiping my objectives more often when at the coast. If I dont and the water evaporates it leaving far more damaging salt deposits behind. I don't know if it would be a problem chemicaly but it presents the danger of removing abrasive particles.
As for the body and internals, I would hope that the seals at least in gas purged bins would protect the internals. The outer body is normaly coated anyway with any bare metal only showing on worn edges. I would think it should not be in contact with salt water long enough for serious corrosion to set in. I would wipe them well before putting them away though.
I think the weakest link would be the focus mechanism and pivots. Impossible to clean but hopefully well protected by proper seals and lubricants.
Hi Matt, I'm not sure I want to 'bare' with you!
However the effect of salt spray and worse, salt water, has very significant and harmful effect on the metals that most bins are made of, including getting between the vulcanite (?) or rubber type coating where it cannot be flushed out, and will cause corrosion. Quite often, bins that have been used on or around boats (usually non-waterproof porros) will show white 'frosting' of corrosion even on the inside, as well as the outside. When in an environment where my bins are subjected to salt water, or spray, I carefully flush them ASAP after with fresh water. (I should add that any bins I use in that environment are waterproof!) Sorry, I don't know about the effects on the coatings, and look forward to other posters on that subject so that I may learn.
Regards, John