Scope with dirty front lens.

[Limpo]

I have a centrepoint 4 to 16 x 50, only a cheap scope that came with my stalking rifle which I've had for about ten years. Anyway of late its gone really cloudy in low light, last night missed a fox that I could barely see (it was getting dark) although I could clearly see it through my 7 x 50 binos. The front lens on the scope was pretty grubby but when I cleaned it this morning I noticed that either the rear of the lens is dirty, or maybe even a second lens just behind the front one. Not anything that I have any experience with I will clean stuff and I am very handy generally but optics aren't something I've ever taken apart. Anyway question is would it be easy to strip down and clean or should it go to specialist? Not worth spending hundreds of pounds on but I do like repairing rather than throwing stuff away.

 

[VSS]

I don't think you can strip down and reassemble a scope yourself, as they're gas purged and sealed.
If it's only a cheap 2nd hand scope, and you've had 10 years of use out of it, I'd say it's time for a new one. Not worth the cost of repair I shouldn't think.

 

[6.5-06 TIKKA]

You could go online and look out for UK companies that fix Optics...and get in touch.....or buy a Leupold with a lifetime warranty ..

 

[Klenchblaize]

MOLD/FUNGAL GROWTH

It happens, and to even the best optical instruments. Of particular note is the spores fondness for adhering to the prisms that in turn will suffer etching of their surface.

K

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

I don't think you can strip down and reassemble a scope yourself, as they're gas purged and sealed.
If it's only a cheap 2nd hand scope, and you've had 10 years of use out of it, I'd say it's time for a new one. Not worth the cost of repair I shouldn't think.

I think this is about the right answer really youve had your money out of it and fair play for you for doing that so now its new toy time

 

[Limpo]

Thanks for the answers guys, what my heart was telling me. I think it is shite/mould on the prism tbh as you only see it at the right angle where the prism is kind of mirrored on the front lens. A good clean has made it much better but still not as good as my fifty year old Zenith binos. I looked at replacing them a while back and the guy in the shop said "you'd be mental to change them you don't get lens like that anymore".

 

[tozzybum]

Tbh my go to scope is a Leupold 3x9x50 paid 175 for the first and 200 for a spare. They're no longer made but totally vfm imho.
Worth looking for a 2nd hand Leupold or people also rate Meopta and Vortex glass good luck

 

[6.5-06 TIKKA]

Have a look at Minox rifle scopes.
German Schott Glass.
I have 2 high power ones and they are very good for the money.
Not far off the premier brands either