Binocular Cleaning Tools: The Complete Pillar Guide for Clearer Views, Safer Lenses, and Longer Optics Life

binocular cleaning tools for safe binocular lens care(2)

binocular cleaning tools for safe binocular lens care

Why the Right Binocular Cleaning Tools Matter

Binocular cleaning tools look simple from the outside: a cloth, a brush, maybe a little bottle of solution. But anyone who has carried binoculars through dust, sea air, cold mornings, hunting blinds, birding trails, safari roads, or a messy vehicle console knows the truth. Cleaning binoculars is not just about making the glass look shiny. It is about protecting coatings, avoiding micro-scratches, keeping your view sharp, and making sure your binoculars still feel dependable years later.

A good cleaning setup does not need to be expensive. In fact, the best binocular cleaning tools are usually small, boring-looking items that do one job very well. A proper microfiber cloth removes fingerprints without dragging grit across the lens. A blower clears dust before you touch the glass. A lens brush reaches edges that cloths miss. A lens pen handles oily marks when you are in the field. A safe lens cleaning solution helps with dried spots without attacking coated lenses. These tools work best as a system, not as random accessories tossed into a drawer.

binocular cleaning tools arranged for safe lens care

Why Binocular Cleaning Tools Matter More Than Most People Think

Most binocular owners clean their lenses too late, too aggressively, or with the wrong material. The problem is not always visible immediately. A shirt sleeve may seem harmless once. A tissue may remove the smudge. A quick breath on the lens might appear to work. But over time, those shortcuts can leave fine scratches, coating dullness, smearing, or stubborn haze that does not fully clear.

Modern binocular lenses usually have anti-reflective coatings, phase coatings, hydrophobic coatings, or other surface treatments depending on the model. These coatings help with contrast, brightness, color fidelity, and glare control. They are tough enough for normal outdoor use, but they are not designed for rough wiping, dirty cloths, household cleaners, or repeated pressure with dusty particles still on the glass.

The safest cleaning logic is simple: remove loose particles first, then deal with oils and smudges. Nikon’s lens-cleaning guidance also starts with a blower brush for loose dust before using lint-free cleaning materials for smudges and oily stains. Celestron’s lens cleaning kit description follows the same practical idea: brush for dust, then wipes or fluid for smudges and fingerprints.

That is why binocular cleaning tools are not optional if you actually use your optics outdoors. They are part of ownership, just like a case, harness, neck strap, or lens caps.

What Counts as a Binocular Cleaning Tool?

Binocular cleaning tools are accessories designed to clean lenses, eyecups, barrels, focus wheels, lens edges, and sometimes the exterior body without damaging optical surfaces. The core tools include:

ToolMain JobBest ForAvoid Using It For
Air blowerRemoves loose dust without contactSand, trail dust, pollen, dry particlesOily fingerprints
Lens brushSweeps debris from lens edgesDust around rims, small gritWet cleaning
Microfiber clothWipes smudges safelyFingerprints, light hazeDirty lenses with grit still on them
Lens cleaning solutionBreaks down oil and dried marksCoated lenses, stubborn smearsSpraying directly into binoculars
Lens penField cleaning with brush + cleaning tipQuick outdoor fixesMuddy or wet lenses
Optical wipesConvenient disposable cleaningTravel, range bags, glove boxesDaily heavy cleaning if abrasive
Anti-fog sprayReduces fogging in cold/humid conditionsWinter birding, marine useDirty lenses without cleaning first

A complete cleaning setup does not mean buying every gadget available. It means choosing the right tool for the kind of dirt you actually face.

The Ideal Binocular Cleaning Tools Kit

The best kit for most users includes five essentials: an air blower, a soft lens brush, a clean microfiber cloth, a coated-lens-safe cleaning solution, and a lens pen. Add optical wipes and anti-fog spray only if your lifestyle calls for them.

Here is the setup I would recommend for different users:

User TypeMust-Have ToolsNice-to-Have ToolsWhy
Bird watchersAir blower, microfiber cloth, lens penAnti-fog sprayFrequent outdoor moisture and fingerprints
HuntersLens pen, brush, blower, wipesCompact pouchDust, mud, glove handling
Marine usersMicrofiber cloth, solution, anti-fog sprayBlowerSalt mist and fogging
Safari/travel usersWipes, blower, lens penSpare clothsDusty roads and limited cleaning space
Backyard stargazersBlower, brush, microfiber clothSolutionDust and fingerprints, less harsh exposure
Kids/family useWipes, microfiber clothLens penFingerprints are the main issue

Check the current price for a complete optics cleaning kit here.


binocular cleaning tools arranged for safe lens care(2)

Air Blower for Cleaning Binoculars

An air blower is usually the first tool you should reach for. It removes loose particles without touching the lens. That matters because dust, sand, pollen, and dried trail grit can act like fine abrasive material if you rub them with a cloth.

A manual rubber air blower is better for most binocular users than canned compressed air. Manual blowers are gentle, portable, reusable, and do not blast freezing propellant onto the lens. They are especially useful after hiking, beach use, safari drives, desert glassing, or any trip where the binoculars have been exposed to dry airborne dirt.

Use short bursts of air while holding the binoculars slightly angled downward. That way, loosened particles fall away from the glass instead of settling back into the lens cup.

Before you touch the glass, learn why an [air blower for cleaning binoculars] can save your coatings from unnecessary wiping damage.

Pros of an Air Blower

ProsWhy It Helps
No contact with the lensReduces scratch risk
ReusableNo ongoing wipe cost
Safe for lens edgesClears dust near eyecups and objective rims
Works in the fieldLightweight and easy to pack

Cons of an Air Blower

ConsWhat to Know
Does not remove oilYou still need cloth or solution
Weak blowers feel uselessChoose a medium or large blower
Bulky in tiny pocketsBetter for kit bags than jeans pockets

Lens Cleaning Brush for Binoculars

A lens cleaning brush is not the same as a random paintbrush or makeup brush. A proper optics brush uses soft bristles that sweep away particles without scratching coated glass. The brush is especially useful around lens edges, eyecup grooves, hinge areas, and the small rim where dust likes to sit.

The mistake many users make is brushing too hard. You are not scrubbing a boot sole. You are lifting debris. Let the bristles do the work with light strokes, starting from the center and moving outward, or gently sweeping around the rim before using a blower again.

If your binoculars often ride in a truck, backpack, hunting pack, or beach bag, a brush becomes more important than you might think. Dust does not always sit flat on the lens. Sometimes it collects where the glass meets the housing, and that is exactly where cloths tend to drag dirt across the surface.

If grit keeps collecting around the rim of your optics, a dedicated lens cleaning brush for binocula is the smarter first step than wiping harder.

binocular cleaning tools arranged for safe lens care(3)

Microfiber Cloth for Binocular Lenses

A microfiber cloth is probably the most used binocular cleaning tool, and also the most abused. A clean microfiber cloth is excellent for fingerprints, light haze, and finishing passes after using cleaning solution. A dirty microfiber cloth is just a soft-looking piece of sandpaper.

Keep at least two cloths: one in your field kit and one at home. Wash or replace them regularly. Do not store them loose in a dusty backpack pocket. Do not use the same cloth for sunscreen, knife oil, phone screens, snacks, and binocular lenses. That is how smears become permanent frustration.

For coated lenses, use gentle circular movements or center-to-edge passes depending on the shape and access. Avoid pressing hard. If the smudge does not lift, the answer is usually not more force. It is a small amount of proper lens cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly into the binocular lens housing. Audubon’s binocular care advice also recommends spraying the lens cloth rather than the binoculars themselves.

For a full breakdown of cloth quality, storage, and washing mistakes, see our practical guide to choosing a microfiber cloth for binocular lenses.

What Makes a Good Microfiber Cloth?

FeatureWhy It Matters
Fine, soft weaveReduces lint and surface drag
Clean storage pouchKeeps dust off the cloth
Medium sizeEasier to control than tiny square cloths
Washable materialLonger life and better value
No rough edgesPrevents accidental scratching

Lens Cleaning Solution for Coated Lenses

A lens cleaning solution should be made for optical surfaces, not kitchen counters, windows, or general glass. Household cleaners can contain harsh chemicals, ammonia, or ingredients that may damage coatings. Even when a lens looks like “just glass,” the surface treatment is part of the performance.

For binoculars, I prefer an alcohol-free or coating-safe optical solution when possible. Use it sparingly. One small spray on the microfiber cloth is usually enough. The cloth should be slightly damp, not wet. You do not want liquid running into lens edges, eyepiece assemblies, focus mechanisms, or seals.

ZEISS also advises using lens spray with a microfiber cloth for lens cleaning, with gentle wiping rather than rough pressure. The same logic applies to binoculars: the solution helps loosen oils, but the method still matters.

When fingerprints or dried water marks do not lift with dry cloth alone, a safe lens cleaning solution for coated lenses can make the difference without risking the optical finish.

binocular cleaning tools arranged for safe lens care(4)

When to Use Lens Cleaning Solution

Use solution when:

SituationShould You Use Solution?Reason
FingerprintsYesOils need help breaking down
Dried rain spotsYes, lightlyCloth alone may smear
Dust onlyNoBlow or brush first
Salt mistYes, carefullySalt residue can cling
Mud splatterOnly after debris removalNever rub grit into glass
Eyecup grimeMaybeUse cloth or swab carefully

Lens Pen for Binoculars

A lens pen is one of the most useful binocular cleaning tools for outdoor users because it combines two jobs in one small item. One end usually has a retractable brush. The other end has a cleaning tip designed to lift fingerprints and oily smudges.

The reason I like lens pens for binoculars is not because they replace a full cleaning kit. They do not. I like them because they are realistic. When you are standing near a trailhead, sitting in a blind, or unpacking gear from a vehicle, you probably will not set up a careful cleaning station. A lens pen gives you a controlled way to fix the view without reaching for your shirt.

Celestron describes its LensPen as a dual-function optical cleaning tool designed to be small enough to keep in an accessory case or camera bag. That portability is exactly why it belongs in a binocular kit.

For field use, the most convenient upgrade is often a [lens pen for binoculars] because it gives you a brush and smudge cleaner in one pocket-sized tool.

Lens Pen Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Compact and easy to carryTip can get dirty over time
Great for fingerprintsNot ideal for wet mud
Includes brush endMust be capped properly
Useful in the fieldNot a replacement for solution
AffordableCheap versions may feel rough

Cleaning Wipes for Optical Lenses

Optical cleaning wipes are useful because they are individually packed, disposable, and convenient. They make sense in travel bags, range bags, glove compartments, camera pouches, and emergency kits. When a lens gets smudged during a trip and you do not have a clean microfiber cloth nearby, a sealed wipe is better than guessing what is on your sleeve.

But wipes are not perfect. Some are too wet. Some leave streaks. Some dry out. Some are not ideal for repeated daily use on expensive coated optics. The best use for cleaning wipes is occasional convenience, not replacing a careful cleaning routine.

If you travel often or share binoculars with family, keep a few cleaning wipes for optical lenses in your bag for quick, sealed, no-laundry cleanups.

cleaning wipes for optical lenses packed with binoculars

When Wipes Make Sense

ScenarioWipes Are Useful?Notes
TravelYesEasy to pack and discard
Shared binocularsYesGood for fingerprints
Daily home cleaningNot alwaysMicrofiber may be better
Heavy dustOnly after blowingDo not wipe grit
Expensive premium opticsCarefullyUse trusted optical wipes only

Anti-Fog Spray for Binoculars

Anti-fog spray is not really a cleaning tool in the classic sense, but it belongs in the larger binocular care category. Fogging happens when temperature and humidity shift quickly. Think early morning birding, cold-weather hunting, marine viewing, wetland observation, or taking binoculars from a warm vehicle into cold air.

Anti-fog spray works best on already-clean lenses. If you apply it over fingerprints, dust, or residue, you may get streaking. Clean the lenses first, let them dry, then apply a small amount according to the product instructions. Some anti-fog products are designed for glasses, screens, scopes, and optics, but always check whether they are safe for coated lenses.

ZEISS notes its AntiFOG product is applied to a cloth and rubbed on lenses, with claimed fog prevention for up to 72 hours for eyewear use. For binocular users, the bigger lesson is method: apply carefully with a cloth, do not flood the optic.

If cold mornings keep ruining your view, an anti fog spray for binoculars may be worth adding after your regular cleaning setup.

anti fog spray for binoculars used in cold weather

The Right Cleaning Order for Binocular Lenses

The order matters more than the brand name on the cleaning tool. A premium cloth used at the wrong time can still cause damage. A cheap blower used correctly can prevent scratches.

Use this simple sequence:

StepToolPurpose
1Air blowerRemove loose dust and grit
2Lens brushClear particles near edges
3Microfiber clothRemove light smudges
4Cleaning solutionLoosen oils and dried marks
5Dry microfiber finishRemove streaks
6Anti-fog sprayOptional prevention layer

Notice that touching the lens comes after dust removal. That is the point many users skip.

Common Mistakes That Damage Binocular Lenses

Wiping Dust Before Blowing It Off

This is the classic mistake. The lens looks dusty, so the user grabs a cloth and wipes. If the dust includes sand, grit, dry mud, salt crystals, or hard particles, the cloth can drag those particles across the coating. Use air first.

Breathing on the Lens

Many people breathe on lenses because it feels natural. The problem is moisture from breath can include tiny droplets and residue. It may work in a pinch, but it is not a habit worth building, especially with expensive binoculars.

Using T-Shirts, Tissue, or Paper Towels

Clothing carries dirt, sweat, detergent residue, sunscreen, and body oils. Tissues and paper towels may feel soft to fingers but can be rougher than proper optical microfiber. They also leave lint and streaks.

Spraying Cleaner Directly on the Lens

Liquid can seep into edges, seals, eyecups, or mechanical parts. Spray the cloth lightly instead. That one habit prevents many cleaning problems.

Cleaning Too Often

Yes, you can over-clean binoculars. A tiny speck near the edge that does not affect your view may not need an immediate full cleaning session. Every contact with the lens carries some risk, so clean when the view is affected or contamination could cause damage.

safe and unsafe binocular cleaning tools comparison

Binocular Cleaning Tools for Different Real-World Situations

For Bird Watching

Birders often deal with fingerprints, morning moisture, pollen, and quick transitions between warm cars and cool outdoor air. A microfiber cloth, blower, lens pen, and anti-fog spray make the most sense. Birders also tend to raise and lower binoculars frequently, so eyepiece smudges happen often.

Recommended setup:

ToolPriority
Lens penHigh
Microfiber clothHigh
Air blowerMedium
Anti-fog sprayMedium
Cleaning solutionMedium

For Hunting

Hunters need durable, compact binocular cleaning tools. Gear gets handled with gloves, moved through brush, and exposed to dust, rain, cold, or mud. A lens pen clipped into a bino harness is more realistic than a large bottle of cleaner.

Recommended setup:

ToolPriority
Lens penHigh
Air blowerHigh
Optical wipesHigh
Microfiber clothMedium
Cleaning solutionLow for field, high at home

For Marine and Coastal Use

Salt is the enemy. Marine users should avoid letting salt residue dry and sit for long periods. Use a blower for dry particles, then a lightly damp microfiber cloth with safe solution when needed. Keep your cleaning cloth sealed so it does not collect sand.

Recommended setup:

ToolPriority
Microfiber clothHigh
Lens cleaning solutionHigh
Anti-fog sprayHigh
Air blowerMedium
WipesMedium

For Travel and Safari

Dust is the big problem. Safari vehicles, dry roads, luggage handling, and hotel-room cleaning habits can all create lens contamination. A blower and sealed wipes are practical because you may not always have a clean surface to work on.

Recommended setup:

ToolPriority
Air blowerHigh
Optical wipesHigh
Lens penHigh
Microfiber clothHigh
Cleaning solutionMedium
travel binocular cleaning tools packed in a compact pouch

Buyer Psychology: What People Really Need vs. What They Buy

Most buyers make one of three mistakes. Some buy the cheapest kit and assume all cloths and solutions are the same. Some buy an expensive brand-name kit but never learn the cleaning order. Others buy nothing, then panic-clean their binoculars with whatever is nearby.

The smart purchase is not the biggest kit. It is the kit you will actually use correctly.

A beginner should buy a complete optics cleaning kit with a blower, brush, microfiber cloth, and solution. A frequent outdoor user should add a lens pen and sealed wipes. A premium binocular owner should be more selective about cloth quality, solution safety, and clean storage.

The emotional side matters too. People clean aggressively because smudges feel annoying. They want the view fixed immediately. But optics care rewards patience. Blow first. Brush gently. Wipe lightly. Use solution only when needed. That slower rhythm keeps binoculars performing longer.

What to Look for Before Buying Binocular Cleaning Tools

Coating-Safe Labels

Look for products made for optics, camera lenses, scopes, binoculars, or coated lenses. Avoid household glass cleaners.

Clean Storage

A microfiber cloth without a pouch is likely to get dirty. A brush without a cap can collect debris. A lens pen without secure caps becomes risky.

Field Portability

If you use binoculars outdoors, the tools need to fit your real kit. A large home cleaning set is useful, but not when you are three miles from the trailhead.

Replaceable or Washable Parts

Microfiber cloths should be washable or replaceable. Lens pens should be replaced once the cleaning tip becomes dirty or worn. Wipes should stay sealed.

No Overly Harsh Ingredients

For lens solutions and wipes, avoid products that seem designed for general glass rather than optics. The safest language is usually optical, coated lens safe, camera lens safe, or anti-reflective coating safe.

Best Binocular Cleaning Tools by Need

NeedBest ToolWhy
Dust removalAir blowerNo-contact cleaning
Edge cleaningLens brushReaches rims and grooves
FingerprintsMicrofiber cloth + solutionRemoves oils gently
Field cleaningLens penCompact and practical
Travel cleaningOptical wipesSealed and disposable
Cold weatherAnti-fog sprayReduces fogging
Premium opticsFull optics kitSafer, more controlled process

travel binocular cleaning tools packed in a compact pouch(2)

My Practical Recommendation

If I were building a binocular cleaning setup from scratch, I would not start with ten products. I would start with this:

PriorityToolWhy I Would Buy It
1Manual air blowerPrevents the worst cleaning mistake
2Optical microfiber clothsNeeded for most smudges
3Lens penBest field tool
4Coated-lens-safe solutionHelps with oils and dried marks
5Soft lens brushBetter edge cleaning
6Optical wipesTravel convenience
7Anti-fog sprayUseful only in certain conditions

For most readers, a complete binocular cleaning tools kit is the easiest first purchase. Then add a better lens pen or extra microfiber cloths later. Do not overthink it, but do not cheap out on the cloth and solution either. Those are the items that actually touch the glass.

If your binoculars are worth protecting, start with a simple optics-safe kit and keep it in the same bag as your binoculars so you actually use it.


How Often Should You Clean Binoculars?

Clean binoculars only when they need it. That may sound too simple, but it is the right approach.

If the view is clear and the lenses only have tiny edge dust, leave them alone or use a blower. If you see fingerprints, haze, salt residue, dried raindrops, or sticky marks, clean them properly. If the binoculars have been used in sand, coastal spray, dusty roads, or muddy conditions, inspect them before storing.

A good habit is to do a quick check after every major outing:

After Use ConditionCleaning Needed?
Clean backyard useUsually no
Light dustBlower only
FingerprintsMicrofiber cloth or lens pen
Rain spotsCloth + solution
Salt airCareful cleaning recommended
Mud splatterRemove debris first, then clean
Foggy cold morningClean first, anti-fog if needed

How to Store Binocular Cleaning Tools

Storage is where many cleaning kits fail. A dusty cloth, dirty brush, or uncapped lens pen can become more dangerous than helpful.

Keep tools inside a small zip pouch. Store microfiber cloths in individual sleeves. Keep solution bottles tightly closed. Replace wipes that dry out. Do not store the kit next to loose snacks, sand-covered gloves, oily tools, or sunscreen bottles.

If you use a binocular harness, keep a lens pen or small cloth in a dedicated clean pocket. Do not toss it into the same pocket as keys, pocket knives, trail mix, or fire starters.

organized binocular cleaning tools stored in a protective pouch

Binocular Cleaning Tools vs. Camera Cleaning Tools

Many camera cleaning tools can work for binoculars, but not all of them are ideal. Camera kits often include blowers, lens pens, microfiber cloths, and cleaning solution. These are usually suitable if they are safe for coated optics.

The difference is how binoculars are used. Binoculars have two objective lenses and two eyepieces, more exposed rubber armor, eyecups, hinge areas, focus wheels, and sometimes deeper lens recesses. They are also handled more casually than camera lenses. That means binocular users often need more dust removal and more fingerprint control.

Tool TypeCamera UseBinocular Use
Air blowerSensor/lens dustLens dust and eyecup dust
Microfiber clothFront element cleaningEyepieces and objectives
Lens penQuick lens touch-upGreat for field use
Cleaning solutionControlled cleaningUseful but must be applied carefully
WipesTravel photographyTravel binocular care

Should You Buy a Full Kit or Individual Tools?

A full kit is best for beginners, casual users, and anyone who wants a simple solution. Individual tools are better for experienced users who already know what they like.

Buying OptionBest ForProsCons
Full cleaning kitBeginners and familiesConvenient, complete, affordableSome tools may be average quality
Individual toolsPremium binocular ownersBetter quality controlCosts more and takes more thought
Travel wipes onlyOccasional usersSimple and compactNot enough for full care
Lens pen onlyField usersPortable and usefulNot enough for all cleaning needs

My honest take: start with a complete kit, then upgrade the cloth and lens pen if you use your binoculars often.

FAQs About Binocular Cleaning Tools

What are the best binocular cleaning tools for beginners?

The best binocular cleaning tools for beginners are a manual air blower, soft lens brush, microfiber cloth, coated-lens-safe cleaning solution, and a lens pen. This setup covers dust, fingerprints, light smudges, and basic field cleaning without making the process complicated.

Can I use glasses cleaner on binocular lenses?

Sometimes, but only if the cleaner is safe for coated lenses. Many binocular lenses have special coatings, so avoid harsh household glass cleaners. If the glasses cleaner is designed for anti-reflective coated lenses and used lightly on a microfiber cloth, it may be suitable.

Is a microfiber cloth enough for cleaning binoculars?

A microfiber cloth is useful, but it is not enough by itself. If dust or grit is on the lens, use an air blower or lens brush first. A cloth should usually be used after loose particles are removed.

Can I clean binocular lenses with water?

A tiny amount of clean moisture may help in some situations, but plain water can leave spots and does not break down oils well. A proper optical lens cleaning solution is usually better for fingerprints and dried marks.

Are lens pens safe for binoculars?

A lens pen is safe when used correctly on dry lenses after loose dust has been removed. Keep the caps on, replace the pen when dirty, and avoid using it on muddy or gritty glass.

Should I use anti-fog spray on binoculars?

Anti-fog spray can help if you use binoculars in cold, humid, or marine conditions. Clean the lenses first, then apply anti-fog product carefully with a cloth. Avoid overapplying.

Can cleaning wipes damage binocular lenses?

Good optical cleaning wipes are generally safe when used on lenses without loose grit. The risk comes from low-quality wipes, dried-out wipes, or wiping dusty lenses before blowing off particles.

How do I clean binoculars without scratching them?

Use a no-contact method first. Blow away dust, brush edges gently, then use a clean microfiber cloth. For oily marks, apply lens solution to the cloth rather than spraying the binoculars directly.

How often should I replace microfiber cloths?

Replace microfiber cloths when they feel rough, stop cleaning well, collect lint, or have been contaminated with oil, sand, sunscreen, or dirt. Washing helps, but cloths are inexpensive enough to replace regularly.

What should I keep in a field cleaning kit?

A field cleaning kit should include a lens pen, small air blower, sealed optical wipes, and a clean microfiber cloth in a pouch. For home cleaning, add lens solution and extra cloths.

clean binocular lenses after using binocular cleaning tools

Final Verdict: Build a Small Kit, Use It Correctly, and Protect the View

Binocular cleaning tools are not exciting in the way binocular magnification, glass quality, or field of view can be exciting. But they protect all of those things. A bright, sharp binocular can only perform well if the lenses stay clean and the coatings stay healthy.

The best setup is simple: air blower first, brush second, microfiber cloth third, solution only when needed, lens pen for field fixes, wipes for travel, and anti-fog spray for tough weather. That small group of binocular cleaning tools covers almost every real-world situation without turning lens care into a complicated ritual.

protect dusty lenses with an air blower for cleaning binoculars, remove rim debris with a lens cleaning brush for binoculars, handle fingerprints with a microfiber cloth for binocular lenses, deal with stubborn smears using a lens cleaning solution for coated lenses, carry a lens pen for binoculars in the field, pack cleaning wipes for optical lenses for travel, and reduce cold-weather fog with an anti fog spray for binoculars.

And when you are ready to explore more binocular care, buying advice, and outdoor optics tips, start from the main hub at bestbinocular.net and build your gear knowledge from there.