Refractor Lens dust? Should I be returning this?

[AlphaOrionis]

I just bought my first refractor, 80ED Apo, and this is what the lens looks like: http://imgur.com/a/Kfj2G

I tried dusting off from the front, and from the inside of the tube, but it doesnt seem to leave. These images make it seem a little worse than it looks like irl, and I can't see these specs at all when viewing through the scope. I've no doubt in my mind that this is not ok, but this was the last model where I bought it and I know that if I bring it back I might get a refund if I make a big deal out of it, but I wont be able to find the scope locally anymore. 

This was a brand new box, everything else apart from the lens seems perfectly fine. I'm wondering if this is just normal dust inside the cap that I could clean with some type of long swiffer (with appropriate cloth) or if I should just return it. Is this something normal that happens to refractors when left aside for a while? 

Thanks!

[nightfisher]

The dust wont affect the views at all, its whether you are okay keeping this, i would email the supplier and see what they say about it 

[damnut]

Hi There,

Good advice above, if the scope is new, then would not do anything until the dealer has replied. If they say clean it try Baader Wonderfluid. Its marvelous.

[shotokan101]

Wonder how the original poster got on with the retailer?

Jim

[AlphaOrionis]

Wonder how the original poster got on with the retailer?

Jim

I am going back tonight to see if they can fix it up for me, I will report back!

[Dave In Vermont]

A camel-hair brush, such as comes inside a Lenspen, are excellent to brush-off dust with. These devices are pretty cheap cash-wise, and excellent for cleaning eyepieces with.

Clear Skies,

Dave

[ollypenrice]

The Ritchey Chrétien is the professionals' choice of astrophotographic scope. The Hubble is an example. Take a look at this. http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnimax-img.de%2FProduktbilder%2Fnormal%2F20900_2%2FGSO-Ritchey-Chretien-RC-152-1370-OTA.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.astroshop.de%2Ffr%2Fgso-ritchey-chretien-rc-152-1370-ota%2Fp%2C20900&h=300&w=300&tbnid=Zd8mX0E9ilWJ6M%3A&zoom=1&docid=NR0v1WAK8bKKcM&ei=lJcdVY7oJ4W1Ufe4hKgI&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=526&page=3&start=38&ndsp=23&ved=0CKsBEK0DMCw

You'll notice a rather large central obstruction smack in the middle of the lightpath. The secondary mirror. And you are worrying about dust on the objective? Really, forget it!!!

lly

[Psychobilly]

Don't try this at home folks...   But it's an extreme example of what you can and can't get away with....

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

Peter....

[John]

I agree that it will not affect the performance of the scope however, the few optics that I have bought new have been pristine and thats as it should be and what I expect. Any dust that has settled on them since I unpacked and have been using them is my responsibility and I'm happy to live with that

[SteveA]

You fork out your hard earned cash and you do expect the goods to be in perfect condition, so I can understand your frustration. However this is very minor and can easily be rectified. I would definitely have a word with the supplier...you may get a retrospective discount as clearly this scope has been out of the box and may have been on display. Was this described as an ex-demo or display item?

[barkis]

You never wipe dust from a lens or mirror. Most Dust is  abrasive, and will impart minute scratches on glass or aluminium coatings.

Low pressure air from an air bulb ought to shift it.   Should it refuse to move, then contact the dealer, and explain your dissatisfaction,

after all, you've paid good money for a first class optical instrument, and even though he hasn't charged you for the dust, you don't want it.   

Ron.

[bingevader]

I wonder if it's ex-demo or display too?

Either way, it should have been sold as such and at a reduced price.

[Alien 13]

I would love to know the science behind dust on a lens/mirror it allways seems to stick pretty well so is it a chemical bond or electrostatic? the answer could provide a better way than "scraping" it off.

Alan

P.S. I would personally not return it if everything else is A1 but would let the supplier know about the problem.