Condensation on scope lenses

[Rodeo]

Anyone have any tips or tricks to keep scope lenses from fogging up with condensation during humid weather? I store my rifles in the basement where it is rather cool. The resulting wait for the scope to clear cuts into my shooting time. Unfortunately, storing them someplace warmer is not an option.

 

[hawkeye69]

If it's on the inside of the glass, something is wrong with the scope, If outside, search for anti-fog solutions. They should help.

 

[addertooth]

Or, gently warm your scope before shooting. Rest your gun where the sun will strike it.

 

[JamesD.]

If you don't want to wipe it off with a propper cloth or anti-fog wipe, you're gonna have to let it warm & evaporate. This will eventually need to be wiped (I suggest anti- fog wipes or Zeiss cleaning wipes, mole cloth, etc) as impurities in condensation will layer & film up slightly. I have the same problem. All guns stored in a safe, air conditioned, humidity controlled. Take them out to shoot a few when I drink tea & Wake up. In Summer this quick change means wipe down or wait 5-10 minutes for scope to acclimate. 

 

[JamesD.]

P.S. if you fear scratches, here's the proper way. 

1. Always have lenses covered when not in use. In a safe, bag, case, gun sock. You don't want dust on your lens. 0.0001 micron dust can be rock dust. 

2. It's better that lens IS wet when wiped with proper cloth. Either a cleaner, de-fogger solution, or the general H2O on it from temperature change. Don't ever use water itself on purpose unless you have to.

3. Lightly clean in a circular motion, & I mean lightly. Just enough pressure to let cloth absorb what you're using on it.

 

[Peskådot671]

When I needed to do some some quick pest dispatching right away, I would use a hair dryer. Otherwise, I leave the gun in an area that's about the same temperature as outside.

 

[Guest]

Get the gun out sooner?

 

[bubblerboy64]

I have and I think most gun safes are supplied with a heater to dehumidify the air (rust prevention) . I'd be concerned if my guns were kept in a "ccld" environment . If the scopes are fogging there would have to be other concerns about condensation and the resulting rust. It's not just the scopes you need to worry about. 

 

[Rodeo]

John, John, John... Now why didn't I think of that? Lol. I generally get my rifle out, open the scope covers, go about finishing setting up, wait and then clean the lenses. I guess that I was hoping for an anti fog product for scopes. I have used anti fog for my diving mask but that gunk is not appropriate for scopes.

Bubblerboy brings up a good point about condensation on the rest of the gun. It does happen but by the end of the shooting session the condensation has evaporated. Humidity in my basement is not a concern. It is cool but dry and my guns are stored with desiccant.

 

[Guest]

None had mentioned it yet? I have used anti glare/fog products on glasses but am warry about puting it on my expensive scope. The reason being it will eventualy wear off and while it is might affect the clarity. This is why I stopped using it on my glasses. If you've ever put rainex on your windshield you will understand.