Smear mark new telescope

[Pete D]

Just purchased a William Optics GT-81 Triplet Refractor and after seeing a few dust specs on the outside lens I held it under the light and noticed a circular smear mark about half the size of the lens on the inside. It's only noticeable when the lights at certain angles but it looks like it's been wiped and smeared. Has anyone else encountered this. Shall post a pic later, thanks for any advice.

[John]

If it's new you should ask for a replacement. The optics in new scopes should be pristine. Refractor objective lenses can be cleaned but triplets are complex and with a new one you don't need to take the risk - ask for a replacement.

[HD-AP]

I agree with john

Accept nothing less than a pristine objective in a new telescope .

[nightfisher]

Again, i would be asking for a replacement, you want it to start out in life perfect

[Pete D]

Added a couple of pics to show. Ignore the dust and lights reflections it's the white swirls. With the naked eye the second picture best illustrates how it looks. Its even noticeable when you look through the telescope at the light. Think I might have to give FLO an email when they are open again, thanks.

[Herbig]

Yes I'd speak to FLO, don't touch it yourself. I have a GT81 from them which was ex demo but the optics were perfect.