22 replies to this topic

[Rigel_10]

Anyone else have a problem with thin rubber grips on some of the high priced eye pieces like the ES and even some TeleVue. 

 

I have an ES 14/82 the broke off in pieces, and a less than 6 mouth old 11/82 is about to break off! Also have a TV 25 plossl do the same thing.

 

I found a very thin coating of silicone will keep it on there forever if only the factories would take the hint.

 

 

 

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[Mike W]

Never had that happen with Televue and if I did quick call to Televue.

[sevenofnine]

That happened with my ES 28/68. C/S replaced it for free and it hasn't happened again 

[TayM57]

Anyone else have a problem with thin rubber grips on some of the high priced eye pieces like the ES and even some TeleVue. 

 

I have an ES 14/82 the broke off in pieces, and a less than 6 mouth old 11/82 is about to break off! Also have a TV 25 plossl do the same thing.

 

I found a very thin coating of silicone will keep it on there forever if only the factories would take the hint.

 

Maybe them rubber grips falling off is a sign you should stop fondling the eyepieces.......?    

[Rigel_10]

Maybe them rubber grips falling off is a sign you should stop fondling the eyepieces.......?

Could be, I keep them under my pillow 🙃

Actually, the grips remind me of the TV grips on the 25mm. It wouldn't surprise me if they were the same rubber grips that ES is using because they tried to clone everything else TV's done.

[CrazyPanda]

Anyone else have a problem with thin rubber grips on some of the high priced eye pieces like the ES and even some TeleVue. 

 

I have an ES 14/82 the broke off in pieces, and a less than 6 mouth old 11/82 is about to break off! Also have a TV 25 plossl do the same thing.

 

I found a very thin coating of silicone will keep it on there forever if only the factories would take the hint.

Currently happening the knurled rubber grip on the helical focuser of my 60mm StellarVue finder.

 

I have eyepieces significantly older than that finder with no signs of failure of the rubber. Either it's the quality of the rubber, or perhaps it's a bit undersized in some cases, or some environmental factor is involved.

 

Thermal cycling?

 

My eyepieces are always stored in cases and the thermal cycling is minimal and gentle. I rarely leave an eyepiece in all night.

 

The finder is always exposed to the cold all night, and never kept in a case.
 

Edited by CrazyPanda, 10 April 2025 - 04:04 PM.

[triplemon]

I have an ES 14/82 the broke off in pieces, and a less than 6 mouth old 11/82 is about to break off! Also have a TV 25 plossl do the same thing.

Mne is over 15 years old and it is still like new. Along with another half dozen of the same kind and vintage.

 

But ES also gives a limited lifetime warranty on those, so if you have the receipt, getting a new sleeve should be an easy fix.

Edited by triplemon, 10 April 2025 - 04:44 PM.

[Rigel_10]

They do seem to be undersized judging on how they're separating in the picture, like they're pulling apart and when I cut it off and put it back on (with silicone) it did seem to have a little Gap there.

 

Any rate not sure what's going on but I've had two ES grips tear apart and I don't use them that much I have other eye pieces.

 

I just received an Astro Tech 13 mm 82° eyepiece today as a matter of fact, and it has a good thick sturdy grip on it! no chance of it breaking and tearing apart like the thin ones on the ES's..plus the AT it is more comfortable for eye placement than the ES I have.

[davidgmd]

They’re bursting with photons? 

[PJBilotta]

That happened with my ES 28/68 some time back, and I had to glue the remaining pieces back in place. When I eventually sold it for a 27 Pan, I had to do so at quite a discount.

[helpwanted]

I have three on Delos that have become light in color, not quite white but light grey (gray?).

[rowdy388]

Seems to be more of an Explore Scientific issue than with other makes. My refurbished 9mm ES120 was lacking its rubber grip

when I bought it without a warranty. I put a series of rubber O-rings around that area. It looks pretty sharp although I don't expect

the O-rings to hold up forever.

[azure1961p]

I forgot who suggested it hear but mine one recommended a bicycle inner tube cut to length.  I'll bet it'd work great.

 

Pete

[T1R2]

Rubber grip tape can make a custom fit if you cut it to the size you need.  

 

https://www.amazon.c...136&sr=8-1&th=1

[izar187]

That happened with my ES 28/68. C/S replaced it for free and it hasn't happened again 

Who is C/S ?

[izar187]

None of my 4 different kinds of Sieberts'

have ever had this happen to them.  : )

[T1R2]

Who is C/S ?

Customer Service 

[scotsman328i]

That’s crazy! I’ve never seen that happen before. Was perhaps the rubber dried out when you received the ocular? Maybe that’s why it kind of crumbled apart from the housing. Like everyone says, call Customer Support. I’m sure they would be happy to help fix or replace it.

[therealdmt]

None of my 9 ES eyepieces have had this happen, though none are more than about 3 years old. Maybe I should actually fill in those warranty cards…

 

But, I think I’d actually prefer just using some rubber grip tape (per what T1R2 posted above) in the case that this ever does become a factor. Easier than packing up an eyepiece and mailing it somewhere for repair; a lot quicker, too. Also, the same grip tape fix can apply to my SkyRover UWAs which each have a very similar black rubber grip around the middle of the eyepiece body.

 

Oh, and checking just now, I also have 2 GSO ED barlows with the same kind of knurled black rubber grip ring, plus my 3 ES Focal Extenders. So, yeah, I’m not gonna be mailing back and forth 17+ eyepieces & barlows every time a rubber grip ring breaks down over the years. A roll of rubber grip tape in the drawer, it will be

[Starman1]

I have three on Delos that have become light in color, not quite white but light grey (gray?).

Google "preservative to prevent rubber oxidation"

[helpwanted]

Google "preservative to prevent rubber oxidation"

is there a brand you can recommend, of something I can easily buy? And will this leave the rubber grips feeling greasy?

[star acres]

If your eyepieces ruin their side grips, cut thin suede leather ones and crazy glue them on. The rubber grips were the "new car smell" of buying new eyepieces.

[Rigel_10]

If your eyepieces ruin their side grips, cut thin suede leather ones and crazy glue them on. The rubber grips were the "new car smell" of buying new eyepieces.

Good idea ... yeah leather would also last longer than thin rubber.