Opinion please - would you return this ES100 20mm, or is this normal?

[Saturninus]

Hello all - could use some advice from veterans who have bought many Explore Scientific products. This is my first expensive eyepiece purchase, and I am a bit puzzled over how dirty the rear internal elements looks. I bought this eyepiece new from a reputable online retailer. When I opened it to inspect, I immediately noticed what appears to be residue on one of the glass surface near the back of the field stop. I dont know if this is common and has no effect on the visual image, or if this a bad sample. I'm not sure if the residue extends into the light path, but even if it doesn't, the dirty appearance along the edges makes me wonder if the internal surfaces are as clean as they should be. My instinct tells me that it's not supposed to be like this, so I should return it, but I just wanted to check with the experts to make sure I am not making a mountain out of a molehill...

So what do you think? Is this just how eyepieces sometimes look, or is this the kind of sample you would immediately return.

Thanks for any advice

[baggywrinkle]

It does not look right..try for a return and send them the images too.

[Mikea]

I agree with baggywrinkle - I would not accept that.

[Naemeth]

I'd return it, while it may not impact the views you shouldn't be getting this on a brand new eyepiece.

[NGC 1502]

I'd return it, while it may not impact the views you shouldn't be getting this on a brand new eyepiece.

Spot on, Ed.

[glowjet]

I have had a number of new ES optical eye pieces and have never had anything, other than in perfect condition. Return it, I am sure ES would not want their reputation tarnished

[astronymonkey]

Id agree, they arnt cheap and are one of ES 's flagship products so there is no way they would expect you to recieve one of their products in this condition. Any reputable dealer would have no problems with you returning it but id speak with them first and has already been mentioned id send them an email of the photos and copy ES into the email.

Cheers

[John]

My ES 20mm / 1000 was immaculate and I bought it used so I would not accept yours. ES are promoting "a new world of service and support" right now so it would be a good time to try them out on this.

[steppenwolf]

Definitely a return if it was mine - well done, by the way, on taking a decent image of the problem that the supplier cannot really argue over!

[Saturninus]

Thanks for the guidance folks. ES is sending a replacement. Shortly after receiving this ES20/100 sample, I received a Baader Hyperion Aspheric 36mm, and I couldn't help but notice how crystal clean and clear it appeared compared to the ES. Yes, the ES20/100 is a far more complex and difficult design, but I hope the replacement sample they sends looks as good as the Baader EP. 

[astronymonkey]

Hi saturninus,

I was wondering if you contacted then direct or via your retailer ..... either way it sounds like good customer service.

cheers

[Saturninus]

Actually both - an Explore Scientific rep contacted me directly after seeing my post. At the same time, I wrote to the retailer, who contacted ES, and shortly thereafter, another rep e-mailed me and told me that he would be sending a replacement EP and return label. Yes - great customer service. I'll be happy when I finally get the eyepiece

[Moonshane]

very impressive indeed.

[astronymonkey]

Great stuff, it inspires confidence when they contact you just from posting on SGL. You dont mind spending money with them when they respond to a genuine problem like this with such good after sale service..

well done to ES, and your supplier !.

cheers