2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: zippz on May 07, 2026, 12:07:37 PM

Title: Scope mold?
Post by: zippz on May 07, 2026, 12:07:37 PM
Anyone had mold problems with their scopes?  I haven't used my spotting scope in years until this past weekend when I noticed faint diagonal dotted lines.  I tried cleaning the lenses to no avail and the lines focus and magnify with the reticle.  Bought the Bushnell Legend Tactical spotting scope 6 years ago and it has a lifetime warranty.  Contacted Bushnell customer service with a picture and they're sending me a replacement today.  Was quick and easy.  They didn't say if it was mold.  Find it odd that mold would grow in parallel lines like that.

(https://i.postimg.cc/NjVsnvsX/IMG20260503145019.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/NG70jnD5/IMG20260503150005.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/htwDYRD9/IMG20260503150005(1).jpg)
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: zippz on May 07, 2026, 12:25:21 PM
Think this might be the problem, oil instead of mold.  Some sort of oil is leaking above the eyepiece of the scope.  The scope has a rubber armor covering so you can't really see it.

(https://i.postimg.cc/hj87gth4/IMG20260507121952.jpg)
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: Lihikai on May 07, 2026, 01:04:54 PM
I had a couple of Leopold scopes with light mold on the inner objective lens. They repaired one and replaced the other. Took about 5 weeks
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: Rocky on May 07, 2026, 01:54:51 PM
I had a couple of Leopold scopes with light mold on the inner objective lens. They repaired one and replaced the other. Took about 5 weeks
Same here
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: hvybarrels on May 07, 2026, 03:02:35 PM
Definitely had a mold issue with some of my lenses. It's mostly spots though, not streaks.
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: zippz on May 07, 2026, 05:09:45 PM
I was told it could be the nitrogen seals got compromised releasing oil onto the lens.
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: ren on May 07, 2026, 06:49:27 PM
I was told it could be the nitrogen seals got compromised releasing oil onto the lens.

Yes.
You can check this by putting it in the fridge for about an hour, taking it out and seeing if there is condensation on the inside. If there is the nitro seal  has been compromised.
Title: Re: Scope mold?
Post by: zippz on May 13, 2026, 01:35:36 PM
I received the new replacement scope.  That was fast and quick service, didn't have to send the old one back.

Of course it shouldn't have broke in the first place.  Anyone need a cover for their Bushnell legend spotting scope?  I got two now.