How to Clean Your Binoculars
or Spotting Scope Properly
Crisp, clear views start with clean lenses, yet many birders and nature observers don't realize how much dust, salt, or grit can degrade their image quality over time. Whether you're a casual hiker or a seasoned digiscoper, proper cleaning of your binoculars or spotting scope is essential to preserve performance and prevent long-term damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best techniques for cleaning your Kowa optics - using minimal tools and maximum care.
What you'll need
You don’t need a fancy kit, just three simple tools:- A soft brush (e.g., horsehair or lens brush) to remove loose dust or grit
- A microfiber cloth for polishing and drying
- An optical lens cleaning fluid (available online or in camera shops)
Cleaning Your Binoculars – Step by Step
1. Start with the brush
Dust, sand, or sea spray can scratch the lenses if wiped directly. That's why you always start by brushing away loose particles - gently and with the binoculars tilted downward so gravity helps carry debris away from the glass. Focus on both the eyepieces and the objective lenses, and don’t forget the grooves around the edges where dust tends to accumulate.
2. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth
With the majority of debris cleared, switch to your microfiber cloth and use light, circular motions. Still keeping the binoculars angled downward, polish the surface carefully, no pressure needed.
3. Apply a small amount of lens cleaning fluid
Spray the cleaning solution onto the lens (never directly onto the cloth first), keeping the bottle a few inches away for a fine mist. Avoid soaking - just a light spritz is enough. Use the clean part of your microfiber cloth to wipe again in circular motions, drying the lens fully. Then double-check under a bright light to make sure there are no smudges or streaks.
Cleaning Your Spotting Scope - Expert Tips from Jeff Bouton
Use gravity to your advantage
Just like with binoculars, always tilt the scope downward while cleaning. Start with a soft brush to dislodge any grit, sand, or salt. Pay close attention to the objective lens, especially after use in coastal or dusty environments.
Avoid "grinding" motions
Instead of polishing in circles (which risks grinding debris into the lens), use lifting, sweeping semicircular strokes with the cloth - especially if the lens might still have fine particles on it.
Add fluid only when necessary
For salt spray, fingerprints, or dried water marks, add a small spray of cleaning fluid. Always use a dry section of your cloth afterwards to fully remove the moisture.
Once cleaned, hold the scope in sunlight and inspect the surface. Even a few streaks or missed spots can affect contrast and clarity - and the cleaning process is quick enough to make a second pass worthwhile.
Watch the video
How Often Should You Clean Your Optics?
Before every outing: A quick wipe or dust-off ensures the clearest view.
After coastal or wet conditions: Clean thoroughly to remove salt, sand, or moisture residue.
If you notice reduced clarity: Don't wait - inspect and clean the lenses to restore image quality.
Make it a habit, and you'll keep your optics working like new for years to come.
Optics used in the demo's:
Kowa BDII42-8XD Binocular
€479.00
Offical wide angle binocular with advanced Kowa XD optical performance in a rugged compact body.
8x42 XD wide angle binocular.
One of the stand-out optical features of the new BDII-XD series is their enviable large fi eld of view, boasting class leading wide angle performance. Locate your subject rapidly with a wider view of your surroundings and sharpness right in to the corners of the image. With additional features including Kowa XD (high grade ED) lenses and close focus down to just 1.8m for the 42mm models and 1.3m for the 32mm models, the BDII-XD range sets a new standard of binocular in its price point. Affordable without compromise.
Kowa TSN-66A PROMINAR 25-60x angled Zoom Kit
€2,698.00
TSN-66 PROMINAR66mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SPOTTING SCOPEThe TSN-66 PROMINAR is the newest member of Kowa’s PROMINAR family of spotting scopes, boasting exceptional pure fluorite crystal optics that have earned Kowa global acclaim.With a compact and lightweight body and 66mm objective lens, the TSN-66 PROMINAR is the ideal tool for those who want to travel light, without compromising on image quality when they arrive at their favourite location.Expanding the PROMINAR pure fluorite crystal family.Proudly made in Japan, this spotting scope joins a line-up of world-renowned precision optics featuring unique optical coatings and pure fluorite crystal technology. The PROMINAR range has set the standard for optical quality and performance, delivering outstanding image clarity and resolution. The TSN-66 PROMINAR upholds this tradition, and now offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the precision and clarity of a PROMINAR spotting scope in a more compact and lightweight form.Experience the truth and beauty of natural colour.Kowa has always been dedicated to delivering optical products that offer a true-to-life representation of the natural world. For nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, Kowa optics provide an unrivalled viewing experience. With Kowa’s commitment to the highest quality standards and utilising pure fluorite crystal lenses, the products deliver a pure rendition of the view in front of the lens, allowing users to explore and enjoy every detail of the subject.Lightweight yet tough: Portable perfection.Strong, light and built to last. The 100% magnesium alloy body not only provides robustness but also ensures a lightweight design. With a fully sealed outer body, this spotting scope is 100% waterproof and nitrogen-filled, making it impervious to the elements. Experience the perfect balance of strength and weight with the TSN-66 PROMINAR, built to last a lifetime. The scope is offered in both Angled (A) and Straight (S) configurations.Precision Dual FocusWith meticulous attention to detail, this scope delivers exceptional performance and intuitive operation. Our flagship spotting scopes are defined by their dual focus system, and the TSN-66 PROMINAR is no exception. This highly engineered feature provides ultimate control, ensuring flawless and precise operation. With quick focus, you can bring your subject into detail in just a few smooth revolutions. Meanwhile, fine focus provides pin-point fingertip control, delivering the ultimate in focusing accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, the TSN-66 PROMINAR’s dual focus system offers flawless operation out in the field.Kowa System compatibleCross compatibility is a fundamental feature of all our PROMINAR spotting scopes, including the TSN-66 PROMINAR. With the 100% compatible accessory collar and bayonet mount, you have access to a wide range of interchangeable eyepieces and accessories, making this scope a truly flexible and compact optical tool that can be used for many applications.The most compact and effective digiscoping option out there!The TSN-66 PROMINAR series scopes are highly effective digiscoping tools due to their pure fluorite crystal lens, which provides unparalleled image clarity and brightness. Combine this outstanding optical performance with their lightweight and compact bodies and experience the ultimate travel companion for wildlife photographers on the go.NOW, THERE REALLY IS A BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Why compromise?Travel light and experience nature’s true detail with the Kowa TSN-66 PROMINAR.