Overreacting?

[69ChrisCraft]

I recently purchased a pair of Zeiss Conquest HDs in 10x42 as a demo unit (not saying from who at this point). The first pair arrived 2 weeks ago and the objective lens of one barrel had a noticeable particle behind it or possibly a glass imperfection I couldn't quite tell.... Either way it should easy have been caught by Zeiss's QC... Not entirely the retail companies fault although they do state all demos are inspected.

I call the retail company I purchased them from and they stated "no prob, we will get another pair out to you as soon as you send that pair back". $32 in insured shipping and several days later I call to check progress and the guy says it's been lost in the shuffle and he will send a new unit out right away. The 2nd unit arrives today and I open the box to notice that the hinge cap isn't the cap that comes on the binoculars (original has a white etched Z).... Upon closer inspection it appears someone has attempted to improve the poor fit of the replaced hinge cap by taking a utility knife to the rubber armor surrounding the hinge cap.

Now, the binoculars do appear to be optically fine. However, these have (in my mind) clearly been tampered with..... Not a demo model as was stated. I realize these are not alpha glass but it was a damn stretch financially for me.

I hate to be hasty and call out a company that has a good reputation. Am I justified in being upset about this?

* the optics forum wouldn't allow me to create a new topic

 

[dotman]

It is possible that it was done while the optic was at a show. It is cosmetic but with that said I would call or email and show them the pic. In the end if you got a good deal, they work fine optically then I wouldn't worry much as I can't see it voiding the warranty.

If you plan to add a bino stuf mount you'll be getting rid of the cap anyway and the rubber really is a small thing.

 

[wapitibob]

After a phone experience a few years ago I don't send money to a certain optics company. Your mileage may vary but it doesn't sound like it. Call 'em and chew some a&@. They'll probably send another pair. It's a pain in the ass for sure. You'd think they could at least look in the g d box.

 

[boom]

Ouch!

I think those binos are damn near "alpha". I love em. How much do you save buying demos? $799 for a brand new unmolested pair right?

 

[dotman]

Ouch!

I think those binos are damn near "alpha". I love em. How much do you save buying demos? $799 for a brand new unmolested pair right?

More like $999.

 

[realunlucky]

If your unhappy you should call and talk to them about it and see what options would satisfy you. Demo and new are not the same through and if your expectations are like new returning and buying new maybe quickest solution

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I love em too, that's part of the reason I'm so ticked. There really isn't another pair available I can get for a similar demo price. I've already exhausted all my funds for gear this fall.

I know through reading Dotmans posts that that hinge cap doesn't come out easily and is likely epoxied in place. Which makes me wonder just what these were put through. They must have been demoed pretty hard.

I keep picturing some yahoo picking em up at a show and cleaning the glass with his crusty t-shirt.

I'm calling the retailer here shortly.

 

[boom]

More like $999.

I think my friend got them new for 799. Maybe there was a rebate or sale. Dunno.

 

[squeekieslayer]

I would call the retailer asap and see what they do. That said... Demo means used. If the binos were on a truck that went to a bunch of shows (all of the international sportsmans expos for example,) there is a chance those binos have had more time with people behind them than you will put on them in 10 seasons. Its possible they were handled by literally thousands of people. It is a chance you take and its why you get a good deal on them. Hoping for cosmetic perfection is something I wouldn't get to worked up about.

If they advertised them as "like new" with zero cosmetic flaws that is a different story, but from what I have seen many of them claim the OPTICS are in perfect condition.

I am not bashing you or saying it is your problem for looking for a deal, I am just making the point that if this is the best the company will do for you, you got a good deal on a great pair of optics, and I wouldnt worry too much about the little blemish. They will look a lot worse after they get used for a few seasons anyway.

Joe

 

[dotman]

I love em too, that's part of the reason I'm so ticked. There really isn't another pair available I can get for a similar demo price. I've already exhausted all my funds for gear this fall.

I know through reading Dotmans posts that that hinge cap doesn't come out easily and is likely epoxied in place. Which makes me wonder just what these were put through. They must have been demoed pretty hard.

I keep picturing some yahoo picking em up at a show and cleaning the glass with his crusty t-shirt.

I'm calling the retailer here shortly.

Even if that is the case and you find a flaw during this season they have a 5 year no fault warranty still, started the day you purchased.

 

[dotman]

I would call the retailer asap and see what they do. That said... Demo means used. If the binos were on a truck that went to a bunch of shows (all of the international sportsmans expos for example,) there is a chance those binos have had more time with people behind them than you will put on them in 10 seasons. Its possible they were handled by literally thousands of people. It is a chance you take and its why you get a good deal on them. Hoping for cosmetic perfection is something I wouldn't get to worked up about.

If they advertised them as "like new" with zero cosmetic flaws that is a different story, but from what I have seen many of them claim the OPTICS are in perfect condition.

I am not bashing you or saying it is your problem for looking for a deal, I am just making the point that if this is the best the company will do for you, you got a good deal on a great pair of optics, and I wouldnt worry too much about the little blemish. They will look a lot worse after they get used for a few seasons anyway.

Joe

Well said.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Even if that is the case and you find a flaw during this season they have a 5 year no fault warranty still, started the day you purchased.

They do appear to be fine optically but my season this year is likely to be 6 consecutive days and that's it (job change). I can't afford a gear failure in the field, particularly on a piece of gear I really couldn't afford in the first place.

I spoke with the head honcho and he said even though I paid demo price, once there was an issue with the first pair I should have been sent a brand new pair as the replacement.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

The cosmetic flaw isn't what concerns me it's the fact that they were modified.

I recently bought a yamaha generator nearly 40% off because some guy named "Bill Norman" etched his name all over it and then decided to return it. Hey, for an extra $300 in my pocket you can call me Bill Norman all day.

 

[boom]

The cosmetic flaw isn't what concerns me it's the fact that they were modified.

I recently bought a yamaha generator nearly 40% off because some guy named "Bill Norman" etched his name all over it and then decided to return it. Hey, for an extra $300 in my pocket you can call me Bill Norman all day.

hahaha..

i gave my friend one of those pocket windmeters. he is a long range rifle shooter. i put my name on it HUGE in red..he said the same thing to me.

 

[dotman]

They do appear to be fine optically but my season this year is likely to be 6 consecutive days and that's it (job change). I can't afford a gear failure in the field, particularly on a piece of gear I really couldn't afford in the first place.

I spoke with the head honcho and he said even though I paid demo price, once there was an issue with the first pair I should have been sent a brand new pair as the replacement.

Good deal, they sending you a new one?

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Good deal, they sending you a new one?

Not sure yet, we was about to depart for AK. He's going to pass it on to one of his guys. I sent the e mail pics, he did seem pretty concerned...

 

[dotman]

Yeah he is a good guy, he'll get you taken care of.

 

[Rizzy]

Looks to me like a factory refurbished pair. Is that the front or the back?

As far as that center cap in the front of the hinge, it's just for looks. I drilled the cap out and tapped the hinge with 10-24 so I could mount them on a tripod. I think I did this in 2012, they still work great, no failures.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Well, I owe a sincere apology to these guys. I just stopped at the local Scheels and I'll be damned if the brand new models don't look the exact same. Must have been an issue coming from Zeiss. I'm going to give Zeiss a call and see why the latest run have this odd fitting cap that looks as if it's been tampered with via a utility knife or dremel tool.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Called Zeiss. The modification was done by them. This likely is a brand new pair as they have only recently started the run of binos without the old cap. I just expected much better fit and finish than this from Zeiss. Still thrilled with the glass itself. Thanks fellas for entertaining my rant.