Traveller 8x24 glare and grease (1 Viewer)

[butterflyguy]

Hello everybody. I recently received a set of Traveller BGA 8x24 binoculars. When looking in the general direction of a light source I've noticed alot of glare. Attached is an example of this taken close to the minimum focus distance with an indoor light source, but the same thing happens outdoors as well. This picture was taken with the binoculars at the worst angle for glare but with my Verano 8x42 it is hardly noticable. The glare is the same through both eyepieces, while wearing eye glasses or not, and while using the binoculars upside down. I looked inside the tubes with a flashlight and noticed excess grease; in the attached photo you can see a whitish clump of it in the middle. A few of these large clumps are present in both cylinders and I'd describe the inside of the cylinders to have a fine coating of visible grease everywhere.

Is excess grease inside the tubes a problem? Could it be causing the glare I am experiencing? I've read reviews of the larger Travellers also having issues with glare; those of you who have tried them, if you have experienced glare, is it similar to the picture I posted? Are my expectations too high for a 24mm objective?

I really enjoy the view through these little binoculars, but in certain conditions the glare makes them really difficult to use. I'd appreciate anyones thoughts on if I exchanged these for a less greasy pair if I'd have a better experience. Or maybe they're just not for me. Thanks!

 

[Nivado]

I purchased a Traveller 8x24 a few months ago. Main reason was that it would function as my work-backpack-binocular because I work in nature management and conservation. I needed something small, not too expensive with decent optics and a good warranty which I think Opticron does provide.
Compared them to the Zeiss Terra's (costing only 20euros more back then), I felt the Zeiss being a step up optically but also bulkier so I opted for the Opticrons (+ the 30 year warranty they come with).

The glare you describe is something that I've also noticed pretty quickly when testing them outside and particularly when viewing in direction of the sun.
Sometimes even to the point that the view almost entirely glared.. Not so good..
Now, I do have to say that eventhough it was quite bothersom at first I do not find it annoying and do not see it as often anymore.
Maybe it is because of our dull weather conditions here in Belgium during the last 2-3months that the glare isn't that pronounced. Still it is there, slightly.

I've just checked for the grease inside and mine has got this too. Just like you describe; a shiney-oily film covering the inner tubes surface.
I'd think indeed this might elicit the glare. What I also noticed is how shallow the outer objective lens is placed in the tubes, so very little shielding off of sunlight.

Nevertheless, I do am quite satisfied with them for the purpose I bought them.
If this bothers you too much and you have the possibility to return them, maybe you can try out those Terra's and see if they're more to your likes.

Grtz

 

[butterflyguy]

Thank you for your thoughts Nivado. It sounds like your reasons for purchasing are very similar to mine. The terra and other 8x25s seemed to large for me, even if they do provide optical quality. I've tried them a few times and am getting used to the glare. I will probably end up keeping them.

 

[Nivado]

Another option might by to find a second hand Ultravid or Trinovid in 8x20.
Never tried the Trini's before though but I had the Ultravids for a certain amount of time here and they blew me away!
Fabulous for such a small device and maybe affordable when found second hand.

Grtz