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Pretty simple question, what's your preference and why relating to flip up scope caps vs neoprene scope covers? I can see the pros and cons to both but would like others' input as I haven't really used either (though wish I had something to keep the lenses clean more than a few times!)
Edit - bikini style is also an option, really I'd just like to not have dirt/water/snow on my lenses.
I think it depends on the purpose. And for your purpose, neoprene would offer the best protection at keeping the elements off your scope (not just the lenses). And at $20-30, I think are good value for money.
I use flip up covers and like them. Lose the odd one in bush but they are cheap enough. Seen some that are see through clear plastic and thought they would be good if you were in a hurry and had forgotten to flip them up !
I tend to use neoprene covers now as I can't tell you how many times I threw my rifle up and missed an opportunity for a shot due to having flip up caps and them still being closed.
I also always have a spare scope in my pack and the neoprene protects it from rubbing and marking etc.
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Was hunting with a bloke once and every now and then I could here a strange noise. Kinda vibrating nose that would die off. Took me ages to work it out.
He had flip up scope covers and once in a while his leg would brush them causing them to make a noise. Not much good in whitetail country.
Appreciate all your answers guys. Always helps to see what others have to say!
Caps and only a front one (zeiss didn't make a rear cap is one reason why there is only 1) - but mostly if rifle on shoulder it keeps the glass clear, likewise if raining, held up it protects it from the rain - I would have a cover but I can just remove the scope from the rifle
I thought people just cut a band out of a small tyre tube then spend money on exy neoprene covers
And that works cos the neoprene cover just shrivels away when it gets close to your face?Quote:
Originally Posted by R93
Ya got me there. I don't have a comeback either. But at least I would get out of the tent in the morning to shrivel it.Quote:
Originally Posted by sneeze
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Interesting responses.
I actually use both. The neoprene scope covers are fitted during storage and transportation to and from my happy hunting grounds. Once I'm ready to step out and go hunting the cover comes off and gets left behind at camp. The flip-up cap (only up front) stays down until I'm ready to fire and gets flipped open with my left thumb as I shoulder the rifle and close the bolt.
I rekon you could easily shrivel it from inside the tent.Quote:
Originally Posted by R93
I am usually up cooking your breakfast which you have for lunch ya lazy bastard[emoji16]Quote:
Originally Posted by sneeze
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:D:D Thats winning at life
I'm pretty much the same, though I have caps on both ends, some are the see-thru blizzard ones. I often open the caps once I see fresh sign.Quote:
Originally Posted by planenutz
This is my mode of operation.Quote:
Originally Posted by len6163
As well as being very effective in covering the lenses, the rubber band can be used as a fire starter in an emergency
Whoever it was than said rifle over the shoulder, go stand in the corner.
If the block your hunting is that wet go get a red dot sight. It really is that simple. Fliptop covers are a complete and utter waste of time, inner tube works alright but it's like having the rifle over your shoulder.
Are red dots better in the rain? Less likely to get wet inside?Quote:
Originally Posted by Wirehunt
I think this really depends on where you're hunting Wirehunt. If you're in the bush then yep, I tend to agree. Game can present itself anywhere and at any time so split seconds count and a Red Dot is probably going to be the better option. But if you're hunting tahr in falling snow, the rifle spends a lot of time over your shoulder and having a cap ensures time is not lost clearing the lens before getting a shot away.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wirehunt
Horses for courses I guess.
I have a cap on the front lens only and find it handy in the alpine environment. In the bush they can be a bit of a pain sometimes.
Having a good lens wipe is also a critical factor
I always use and carry the “Titmus Fog Eliminator Cloths”
They’re safe on ALL lens coating systems and absolutely brilliant at reducing fogging on outside of lenses (and glasses), as well as improving beading on older lenses
Just remember to never use a paper tissue on any lens! Too harsh and ultimately will damage any coating
Horses for courses
Aluminas are awesome, great fauture is the ability to fold them all the way back so the are lying against the scope body, and not sticking out.
Bikini is ok, they seem to crack in the long run. Still easy to remove it and leave it attached around the rings - otherwise you loose them :P
Full neoprene is ok, slow to remove, and you need someplace to stash it in a pocket etc.
Other alternative is something like the Northwest Scope Shield - not sure I like the dangling bit and how that would affect accuracy ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beHevaC-Pj4&t=188s
Butletr Creek / Sightron etc suck...
The bikini Covers are a pita IMO, neoprene sleeve is the better option. I use neoprene on my bigger fancier scopes and caps on the bush bashers.Quote:
Originally Posted by canross
I'm new to hunting & balked at $30 for a neoprene cover so got one from aliexpress for about $6. Wished I known about the tube idea!
neoprene covers are great for avoiding dings in the safe
I have been using the neoprene sleeves for open country hunting lately as you generally have time to remove etc. and they are great , bush hunting the old tyre tube works great , but actually most of the time bush hunting I used to use good old toilet paper , if your stalking in the bush the gun is certainly not over your shoulder ! I know its not ideal for the lenses but bit of toilet paper in pocket works fine , when its wet get a new piece , shoulder your rifle often to check scope even with water on it you can still usually see through it ok
I got sick of having to clean my scope in the bush all the bloody time then discovered Bushnell elite scopes with the rain guard coating system on them and have never had to stop and clean my scope in the wet bush because water just beads off giving a clear view every TIME I put the rifle to my shoulder kill rate went up heaps:thumbsup:
use neoprene scope cover for transporting and in the safe all good
Truck Tire tube works for me.
Best thing if you loose one it doesn't cost much to replace it, also used them before cut into smaller patches as fire starters.
Bicycle tire tubes are also great to use as sleeves for the suppressor, makes it very quiet (no more metal clinking) when you bush stalk.
I use a neoprene cover. If I'm bush stalking it just stays off and then open country or transport mode it goes back on. Only takes a second or two to quickly flick it off quickly if need be.
Great idea, i'm going to try that.Quote:
Originally Posted by diana2
Flip ups suck.They're ok for open country hunters maybe but you have to have them open in the bush....then they get ripped off when pushing through scrub.
I use a neoprene cover on my scope when not actually hunting (tramping into block or whatever) or when hunting in open country. But 90% of my hunting is in the bush, so lens are exposed and ready to go. I carry rifle horizontal and that helps keep rain/water off.