Best Binoculars while Soaking in Spa

I need some help in selecting a new pair of binoculars. I have a 4" refractor telescope I use when viewing in my backyard. While soaking in my spa, I use a pair of Nikon 10 x 50 binoculars (handheld). They are nice binos, but cheap (running around $150 new and aren't of the highest quality for stargazing).

Soaking in a spa, especially in colder temperatures, poses some fogging problems, as well as moisture issues. I like my Nikon 10 x 50s, but they do fog up, the stars aren't real sharp, focussing is limited, and while soaking, especially with the jets running, I have "shake" when holding the binos since I'm really not bracing them and more gently moving in the water.

What I'd like are suggestions as to which binos to invest in for stargazing while soaking in the spa. I was thinking of the Canon 15 x 50 IS binos, but then read some reviews and wasn't sure if this (or any image stabilizing binos) was my best investment for $1000 or so. If spending that much money, would I be better off buying a pair of Zeiss 12 x 56 Victory or Swarovski 15 x 56? Other brands of similar high quality?

My main points are that they should be as fog-proof as possible, watertight or waterproof due to spa water splash, crisp and good focussing for pin-point stars, and strong magnification that can be achieved without a tripod.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 8)

Hello Bev,I have a older [1982 I think] Swarovski 7x30 SLC that I sent back to have repaired,it was no longer waterproof and I could see some black on prisms etc.It cost me $9 to send to them and they sent me back what looked like brand new binocular.They were very friendly etc.I haven't tried swimming with them or anything but they work great.I would recommend the Swarovski 15x56,but they are more than a $1000.
>>>>>Steve

Wow 8O Three suggestions, all of them serious

First add a really long dew shield -- that has to help.
Attach a (holed) snorkel mask to the eyepieces to make a uber eyeguard.
You sure you can't bolt a parallelogram bino mount directly to your spa? Too many advantages to list.

-- William

Bev,

Check out the Better View Desired web site which has extensive reviews of binoculars suitable for birders. The link below will take you to a review of the Pentax DCF SP series binoculars that are nitrogen-purged. They also have hydrophobic coatings on the exterior lens. Be sure to read the other reviews of binocs that are nitrogen-purged as it is suppose to limit fogging. Here's the link: http://betterviewdesired.com/Pentax04/index.html

Good Luck with your search.

Darlene

Fujinon Techno-Stabi binoculars have image stabilization for the vibration problem and are waterproof as well.