Defective unit out of the box - question about factory packaging (1 Viewer)

[4th_point]

Does anyone know if Opticron binoculars are shipped with plastic wrap around the packaging?

I just received a supposedly new Opticron binocular from a very large retailer here in the US. Right off the bat, the diopter does not accommodate my vision. This has never been an issue with any binocular that I have owned or tried before, and I have tried many! I have the diopter set to the extreme, and it is still not even close to being usable. Very handy for having each eye focused at different distances though!

Anyway, I thought that I would check some of the optical qualities outdoors, one eyed of course, when the little metallic name plate popped off the focuser wheel which revealed a brass screw head (flat blade) and e-clip. The slot in the screw head is buggered up a bit.

I find it hard to believe that this sample left Opticron, or the Japanese OEM, in this condition but I suppose anything is possible. Or, did the retailer send me a defective customer return? I did get a price match for a lower price... hmmm.

 

[dries1]

Time to SEND THEM BACK, with a terse note.

 

[ArchStanton]

Does anyone know if Opticron binoculars are shipped with plastic wrap around the packaging?

I just received a supposedly new Opticron binocular from a very large retailer here in the US. Right off the bat, the diopter does not accommodate my vision. This has never been an issue with any binocular that I have owned or tried before, and I have tried many! I have the diopter set to the extreme, and it is still not even close to being usable. Very handy for having each eye focused at different distances though!

Anyway, I thought that I would check some of the optical qualities outdoors, one eyed of course, when the little metallic name plate popped off the focuser wheel which revealed a brass screw head (flat blade) and e-clip. The slot in the screw head is buggered up a bit.

I find it hard to believe that this sample left Opticron, or the Japanese OEM, in this condition but I suppose anything is possible. Or, did the retailer send me a defective customer return? I did get a price match for a lower price... hmmm.

I ordered two pairs of Opticron Oregons and a pair of Savanna’s that came without any shrink wrap or any other plastic outside of the box. The Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32’s I order from Sportsman’s Warehouse that didn’t come with plastic either. It’s possible that you were shipped a pair that a customer returned and/or a defective pair.

 

[4th_point]

I ordered two pairs of Opticron Oregons and a pair of Savanna’s that came without any shrink wrap or any other plastic outside of the box. The Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32’s I order from Sportsman’s Warehouse that didn’t come with plastic either. It’s possible that you were shipped a pair that a customer returned and/or a defective pair.

Thank you! I am suspicious when there isn't plastic wrap or a taper label but some companies don't use either.

 

[ArchStanton]

Thank you! I am suspicious when there isn't plastic wrap or a taper label but some companies don't use either.

You’re welcome. So am I. I think the Conquests I received were a customer return because they just didn’t seem brand spanking new. The Burris Signature binoculars came in shrink wrapped boxes but even though they were made in Japan, the view was disappointing IMHO. It’s too bad you received a defective pair of binoculars. I would have bought a pair of the Aurora 8x42’s if I had been able to find them on sale. I’m happy with the Oregons but plan on buying a 1k pair down the road. By the way, it might be worth calling Opticron and talking to them about the binoculars you received. The US rep is very knowledgeable and helpful, and he’s also an experienced birder. Good luck and have a good day!

 

[4th_point]

I just received a Papilio. Box had adhesive seals intact!

The Opticron is going back to the retailer. I found some damage near the hinge, in addition to the other problems.

 

[ArchStanton]

I just received a Papilio. Box had adhesive seals intact!

The Opticron is going back to the retailer. I found some damage near the hinge, in addition to the other problems.

I’d send it back as well. You should have received binoculars in a sealed box. I’ve been reluctant to order any more expensive binoculars to avoid the hassle of returning by mail.

 

[beacon hill]

Can not comment on things other than the plastic.
But Hawke and Viking are reducing plastic packaging / waste on most binoculars.
Neither come in Plastic outer bags. Hawke are introducing cloth bags instead on
plastic around the binoculars themselves ( latest batches only) , and Viking put the binos in the case
with no plastic around them.
Unsure if other brands are following the same route

 

[4th_point]

Thank you, for the information.

 

[4th_point]

Update for anyone following.

The retailer handled the return very well, with detailed personal response to my complaints. I am satisfied with the process and resolution.

They also notified me that it was a special order item and not stocked by their warehouse. The binoculars ship to the retailer, from the manufacturer, for each purchase.

So this seems to indicate that the defective and damaged unit came directly from Opticron. I can't say for sure but if true it is a bit concerning as I was led to believe that every unit gets inspected by Opticron.

 

[ArchStanton]

Update for anyone following.

The retailer handled the return very well, with detailed personal response to my complaints. I am satisfied with the process and resolution.

They also notified me that it was a special order item and not stocked by their warehouse. The binoculars ship to the retailer, from the manufacturer, for each purchase.

So this seems to indicate that the defective and damaged unit came directly from Opticron. I can't say for sure but if true it is a bit concerning as I was led to believe that every unit gets inspected by Opticron.

Glad to hear your return wee went well. Which Opticron model was this?

 

[4th_point]

Verano

 

[ArchStanton]

Verano

I almost bought a pair of 8x42 Veranos from Optics Planet but decided to stick with a pair of 8x42 Oregons for now. I’ve read very positive comments regarding the Verano 8x32 and Aurora 8x42 binoculars. That’s too bad you received a defective pair.

 

[pete_gamby]

Just to clarify a couple of points:

• We do not drop ship to this retailers customers - this item would have been sent to their warehouse as part of a larger shipment for them to send on to their customer
• Yes all products are QC'd in the UK but until we see the defective unit back here I can't comment on what may have happened to this particular binocular
• We avoid the inclusion of single use plastics in our packaging, including tamper labels - Swarovski also does not have tamper labels nor sealed boxes

Cheers, Pete

 

[4th_point]

Thanks, Pete.

Jason

 

[ArchStanton]

Just to clarify a couple of points:

• We do not drop ship to this retailers customers - this item would have been sent to their warehouse as part of a larger shipment for them to send on to their customer
• Yes all products are QC'd in the UK but until we see the defective unit back here I can't comment on what may have happened to this particular binocular
• We avoid the inclusion of single use plastics in our packaging, including tamper labels - Swarovski also does not have tamper labels nor sealed boxes

Cheers, Pete

I just received a pair of Opticron Oregon 8x32’s, and there was no plastic shrink wrap or plastic tape where the box is opened and closed. Cheers!