Lens covers

[TassieTiger]

Why - when you buy a $2k nightforce, Leo or similar priced Swarovski scope - you get pathetic rubber band covers that barely fit anything or shocking plastic unfitted scope covers that are at best worth $2, but you buy a $100 ebay special and the covers look made to measure, with coloured yellow lens caps and dual elastics that look like they cost more than the scope...why...why...

[bladeracer]

Why - when you buy a $2k nightforce, Leo or similar priced Swarovski scope - you get pathetic rubber band covers that barely fit anything or shocking plastic unfitted scope covers that are at best worth $2, but you buy a $100 ebay special and the covers look made to measure, with coloured yellow lens caps and dual elastics that look like they cost more than the scope...why...why...

The very basic ones with transparent caps and two lengths of bungee cord are remarkably reliable compared to other far more expensive styles.

The best covers I've used (out of trying a lot of different designs) are the Butler Creek one-piece moulded soft rubber caps. Virtually impossible to break them.
Like this:

s-l500.jpg (16.75 KiB) Viewed 1978 times

They also offer a bikini design with both caps tied together, but the side "strings" will still snap eventually.

s-l1600.jpg (31.15 KiB) Viewed 1978 times

The most effective though is the full neoprene cover that goes over the entire scope, but you have to remove it from the scope completely, which is a pain.

s-l1600b.jpg (95.02 KiB) Viewed 1978 times

[TassieTiger]

This is what comes with a 2300 scope.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nightforce-N ... 3644013011

[bladeracer]

This is what comes with a 2300 scope.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nightforce-N ... 3644013011

Doesn't look terrible, do they work okay?

[TassieTiger]

They don’t protect the scope body, the lens covers have to be pulled in with a tab that perishes and break off, I expect the main body will break as well, the lens cover is so tight on lens, you can t get on/off without accidentally moving focus...

Now check out covers on this $80 unit.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-4 ... SwSx1fJ7SM

Maybe I’m old school, thought you’d get something decent for 20 x times the price

[Larry]

A lot of the NF scopes come with Ali screw type end covers they also come with the sunshade which is an added protection in my book. I make sure to put the covers on when cleaning as I dont want to splash a lens with any harsh chemical that may strip a coating off the lens. IMHO that is probably the most probable way that a scope can be damaged with falling out of the safe the next most probable.

[TassieTiger]

Even the Swarovski z5 lenses - are lesser quality than the the $80 scope above. The elastic on the Swarovski has bugger all elasticity - just basic lines of plastic

[GQshayne]

Yes.

I have the neoprene type covers for my scopes. Protects them in the safe and in the gun case during travel. I have often looked at the flip up style covers, but for hunting on foot I think they would get in the way if the rifle was needed quickly. So I put up with some dust to clean off here and there.