Telescope Reviews: Re: Cleaning "Damage" Repaired!

Good coatings are quite hard.

I had what looked like a chip on a Televue Radian once. Even cleaning didn't take it off.

I sent it to Televue to replace the lens.

Televue reported that it was something on the lens.

Now I have to tell you, I really scrubbed the coatings before I sent it in to have the lens replaced.. I figured that if it was a chip, I had nothing to loose, right?

Well anyway, the TV rep said that he also had to scrub at it and he used Acetone. But he said it came off. I asked him if I had damaged the coatings and if I should replace the lens anyway, and he said no, they examined them closely and the coatings were fine.

They charged me for cleaning and sent it back.

So, GOOD coatings are QUITE hard. I mean remember, they are basically thin costs of METAL. That doesn't mean they can't be scratched (they can be by sand and such), but it does mean that if minor precautions and good practices, they can (and SHOULD be) cleaned regularly.

Both Televue and AP are on record saying that cleaning eyepieces is critical for best planetary observing (I agree) and encourage you to do so.

Some oils and contaminates alter the reflectivity of the spot they occupy. This can look like a chip in the coating. Even under high power, it can look like a chip. I know, I used high power to examine mine and could have SWORN it was a chip...

Good to know that your lens is OK...

Regards.

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Celestron C14, CGE (Big Al)
Astro-Physics 6" f/8 (Buffy)
Televue 101 (No name, but I call it my Widescreen HD Space TV)

The night sky is my mistress. She seduces me away from all other lovers.

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