How important are dust caps and plugs?

[LondonNeil]

I've just got a big stanley fatmax tool box to store my st120. It's a snug fit and slips in neatly so long as the diagonal is removed.   Am I OK to store the diagonal in the box without a dust cap, and the tube without a plug,  so long as they are in the toolbox?  Or can anyone tell me where to find 2" plugs and caps please?

[Franklin]

10 minutes ago, LondonNeil said:

Or can anyone tell me where to find 2" plugs and caps please?

FLO sell them I think and they are a good idea. Packets of silica gel are a good too.

[LondonNeil]

I found some cheap on Ali express so ordered a couple of caps and plugs in both common sizes.

[Carbon Brush]

I have always bought additional dust caps. Usually taking advantage of buy now bargain prices if possible😁
As a proportion of the cost of a decent scope, or diagonal, or eyepeice, they are next to nothing.
They are very useful for keeping crawling things, as well as dust out of scope parts.
A temporary solution I have used is masking tape over an open end.
Don't forget your full complement of caps can easily become depleted when long grass eats one in the dark🤣