What is the difference between weather-resistant and waterproof binoculars?
Manufacturers rate their products by the “Japanese Industrial Standard” (JIS). Ratings are established through tests to prove protection against the ingress of water. It is important to understand that there are degrees to which an instrument is “waterproof.” The classifications range from one to eight. Eight is the highest level of water protection. Here is a breakdown of the classification system and where Pentax binoculars fall: Class 4:Splash-proof from any direction Class 5: Jet-proof from any direction Class 6: Watertight submersible to 1 meter Class 7: Submersible to 1/2 atmosphere (16.5 feet) Class 8: Products designed specifically for underwater use such as an underwater camera. To make a binocular weather-resistant, special “O” rings are used in constructing the binocular to keep water from entering the instrument. To make a binocular waterproof, “O” rings are used in a special internal design that allows the binocular to be totally sealed. The binocular is then filled with n
