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Equipment Discussions >> Binoviewers

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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Denk II for $359? new
      #4893938 - 11/02/11 01:59 PM

I was going through the OPT Used Equipment section, and found some 'good' condition Denk Binoviewers for $359. It looked like a good deal for me, since I am not a stickler for cosmetics, and I decided to pick them up.

In looking at the description, I was surprised to note that OPT states this pair has 'dielectric prism coatings.' If this is true, would they be Denk IIs? If so, I am REALLY happy with the deal.


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junomike
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Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Ontario
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4893965 - 11/02/11 02:20 PM

The "Dielectric Prisms" are only offered in the Denk II's (AFAIK). So unless OPT unknowingly copied a "clip" from the Denk website (for the Denk II's) when they are in fact "Standard" Denks, I would think they are Denk II's, which I would then would rate as a good buy.
The only difference I can see between the two is the Dust Protecters as the Denk Standard has plastic caps/plugs and the Denk II's have machined caps/plugs.
See the chart in the link Here!

Mike


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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: junomike]
      #4893998 - 11/02/11 02:49 PM

Thanks Mike,

I did look through the Denk site, and I believe there should be a clearly labled cap over the joint between the barrels. The FAQ on the Denk site also shows how the different prisms look in the two models.

The binoviewers come with a 90 day warranty, so I would think they would refund the cost if they were incorrectly advertised-- I saved an image of the OPT web listing for evidence if necessary.

Fingers crossed!


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Twilight
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Reged: 06/03/10

Loc: Englewood Tennessee
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4895073 - 11/03/11 01:46 AM

David,
My Denk II's are clearly identified with "Denkmeier II" on the cap over the center joint. Also has metal cover on both eye pieces and nose piece along with the power switch.


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daniel_h
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Reged: 03/08/08

Loc: VIC, Australia
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: Twilight]
      #4895134 - 11/03/11 04:26 AM

I saw those, seem too cheap to be II's I reckon they are standard or the older model standard

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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: daniel_h]
      #4895714 - 11/03/11 01:51 PM

I should have the viewers in my hands by Monday. I will certainly post the results-- or a photo if I'm not sure what I have.

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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4906495 - 11/09/11 12:48 PM Attachment (21 downloads)

As a followup---

Received the Used Denk's today. When examining them, there looked to be some marring in the optical path of the right barrel. As it turns out, the prism was badly damaged.

The unit will be going back to OPT, and I'm a sad little camper. I figured the price bordered on 'too good to be true,' so I'm not taking it too hard.

The good news is that I have learned a lot a bout binoviewers through this process, and I will be looking to buy when the opportunity presents itself.

Edited by DavidWasch (11/09/11 12:49 PM)


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bgavin
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Reged: 01/25/11

Loc: 38°41' x 121°13'
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4906663 - 11/09/11 02:10 PM

Are they true Denk-II?
If so, is it worth the $$ for repairs by Denk?
You might still be way ahead for real Denk-II.


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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: bgavin]
      #4906724 - 11/09/11 02:33 PM

Unfortunately, I don't think they are Denk IIs either. The pair came with plastic eye caps, and the front only identifies it as Denkmeier Deep Sky. I was going to check the prisms to confirm, but the prism damage took all my attention.

It was a shot at a great deal-- at least I can return these for refund (unlike the scratched refractor I recently purchased).

I must have been a cheating business person in a past life and the Karma is catching up with me...


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jrcrillyAdministrator
Refractor wienie no more
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Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4906757 - 11/09/11 02:44 PM

There was one limited run of Standard Denks with dielectric coatings when they were evaluating the technology in preparation for the introduction of the Denk II. This could well be one of those. There was no labeling difference but you could tell by the color of off-axis reflections (I had one of those myself at one point).

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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: jrcrilly]
      #4907045 - 11/09/11 05:15 PM Attachment (19 downloads)

Thank you for the encouragement, John.

You convinced me that it would be worth at least calling the folks at Denkmeier to get their opinion. I ended up speaking with Russ, who was very helpful. His belief is that it may be contamination of the prism rather than physical damage (and looking at the pic again, I think he may be right).

I emailed Russ the pic of the damage, and he will let me know if a $90 cleaning and alignment will do the trick. He also will look at another photo (attached below), and confirm if these are indeed dielectric. He says there is some subtle difference in the labeling.

OPT has been very good, too. They claim that they tested the binoviewers and believe that they are in good condition. They also will help pay for the cleaning, or accept a return if that is the route I want to take.

It is a pleasure to work with professionals. I will post how it goes.


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rick rianAdministrator
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Reged: 08/03/04

Loc: Upper Mid West
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4907306 - 11/09/11 07:28 PM

That's good news, David, please keep us informed as to what you decide to do. Good to see support from the vendor AND the manufacturer.

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t.r.
Post Laureate
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Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: rick rian]
      #4908260 - 11/10/11 10:21 AM

...and that it is on a USED piece of equipment!

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DavidWasch
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Reged: 04/08/08

Loc: CT
Re: Denk II for $359? new [Re: t.r.]
      #4909026 - 11/10/11 05:30 PM

Now for the conclusion:

Russ was able to tell from the photos that the binoviewers are NOT dielectric (you were right, Daniel). So... back to OPT they go.

Although I am not thrilled with the outcome and the ad was mislabled, OPT and Denkmeier did what they could to make things right. I would not hesitate to work with either of the vendors again.


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UFOGalaxy
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Reged: 10/16/11

Loc: erie new york
Re: Denk II for $359? [Re: DavidWasch]
      #4913741 - 11/13/11 12:29 PM

THATS A GOOD DEAL

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