Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Scope Cover - Fog Proof

I have tried several neoprene scope covers, which I like and they add protection, but they seem to trap moisture and cause condensation on the lenses. The neoprene is waterproof but somehow moisture gets in during rainy conditions. The neoprene covers seem to trap moisture around the lense almost like a wet rag would do. Once wet, it seems like slipping a wet rag onto your scope.

I tried on a shower cap tonight and they seem like a possible solution. I could put them over binoculars also. These shower caps are loose and that would allow moisture to escape. I haven't tried them in the field yet but they seem like a possible alternative. In the picture below, I also draped it over the bolt handle to cover the bolt opening.

I bought 30 for $5.99 so they are cheap and extremely light.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TP69AC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had the same problem with slip-over flip-up caps. Is there a better alternative out there that I am missing?

Put CatCrap or ScopeDope on the lenses, then the Neo cover. Never had an issue with that combo in PA. We have some wet and wild hunting conditions at times.

I see the plastic as a worse option as there will be zero opportunity for any moisture to escape.

I am trying scope bikini.

I like these or the factory rubbers that come on Leupolds. Zip tie it to the scope tube and you wont loose it. Pull the tab and it slingshots right off...IME

I use flip ups, but on the front only. The rear one extends back an inch & I once got busted in the face with it.

Another reason why I like hunting with a Leupold scope fitted with their Alumina flip covers.

Fog, condensation sticking to your outer lens. Remove all traces of oil from the lens with cleaning solution. Then apply a surfactant to lens, which prevents the small droplets from sticking and forming. You can buy small bottles of the stuff packaged for retail, or you can do like many divers who often coat their lens in a solution made with Dawn dish detergent.

Will surfactants as described here or "cat crap" affect the lens coatings? The key to good light transmission is the lens coatings. I have always been afraid to apply anything to an expensive lens.

You can always expect to damage a lens if you rub any form of hard grit against the surface when wiping it off. You can never go wrong flushing away dirt, grit, and debris with clean water. Oil deposits upon the lens require something stronger than water to remove. Most end-user optical cleaning solutions marketed for home use are based on alcohol, because you can hose down the lens without damage to lens glues and seals. Most professionals use acetone in minute amounts so not to damage lens glue and seals. You don't see acetone marketed to the masses, vs alcohol, because excessive amounts can degrade the lens glue and seals. Most will frown upon any form of canned air, even those without additives, because without following the most strict guidelines to purge the nozzle, it would be easy to accidentally release liquid from the container, which is at such an extremely low frigid temperature, that it can cause irreparable damage to the lens upon contact.

Once you properly remove all dirt, grit, and debris from the lens, use a proper cleaning solution to remove any oil. Application of an anti-fog solution (surfactant) designed for an optical lens will not damage the lens coating on a quality scope. Even a solution made using Dawn will not damage the lens coating. However, there may be some forms of chemical products designed and marketed to apply and bond to windshields in a similar fashion so rain droplets do not form, which may be stronger, or too strong, and be the wrong choice for an optical lens. I'd stick with Dawn or the commercial stuff made for optics.

Go on Ebay and get the old uncle mikes scope covers. I have them on all my scopes.