A bit off topic, but I also bought a pair of Canon 10x30 IS binoculars years ago that I stopped using because they became sticky and gummy. No solvent or chemical available to homebodys would help. But recently I had some flat matte clear coat spray for a different project, and on a whim sprayed it on the gripping surfaces of the binoculars. Surprisingly it worked great. The binoculars are now more comfortable to use than they were when new.