Spotting Scope & Nitrogen

[Lucky Jim]

I recently ordered a Nikon 20x60x80 spotting scope. When I received it I immediately noticed that it was not fully assembled. The scope is made in two pieces, front and rear. They were not fully together. By this I mean I could see an O-ring between the two pieces and it looked as if the pieces were cross threaded. I held the scope between my legs to cushion it and tried to turn the front piece so I could possibly loosen it. It was tuff but I finally got it move and unscrewed the two pieces and then gently screwed them back together making sure the O-ring was in place. It now looks like it is supposed to look. My question is, did I let out any Nitrogen that may have been in the scope? The O-ring was not in position when I received it anyways. A friend told me I probably let out the Nitrogen when I took it apart. I could find no info in the instructions that would tell me anything about being Nitrogen filled. It may not have had Nitrogen in it. Anyhow it is bright and clear now and works in focus and power adjustment. The thing has a 25 year warranty and if I need to send it back I can, but if I did not let any gas out I will just keep using it.

 

[RifleScopes.com]

If it had a gap in it when you got it the nitrogen was most likely already gone. Stick it in your refrigerator for a while then take it out side. Any optic will fog on the external lenses but only one with no nitrogen will fog on the inside.