Tenebraex ARD Image Degradation

white_rushin

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 15, 2021
111
67
United States
Hello there. I recently purchased an ARD from Tenebraex for my PST 2-10x.

When using it, I am very surprised at how much the image is affected. I don’t mind seeing the honeycomb at 2x. The quality at any and all magnification from 3-10x becomes a lot hazier.

Is that a normal experience that others have had? I know Tenebraex is the best in the business, so really it has me questioning other ARDs I’ve tried.

I almost think the ARDs that don’t affect user image are doing less than advertised. Or maybe Tenebraex is just using slightly older manufacturing processes than the modern 3D printed options from 100 Concepts, Defense Distributors, MK Machining, etc.

Either way, I’m considering returning the ARD because it seems strange to buy an optic for high glass quality, only to intentionally degrade the image via an accessory.
 
Here’s an example of the image degradation I’m talking about. Both photos were taken within a minute of each other. 6:20PM at 6x magnification.

No ARD
477B8F40-DCFB-4F9C-B4CB-6E07CD43826C.jpeg


ARD
B77169C4-9971-4451-AA41-0B82706D6F9A.jpeg
 
I'm not at all familiar with the PST 2-10. My ARD is a 56mm on a ZCO and I see no such image deterioration.

Note that on your images, your cross hairs are clearer on the with ARD photo than on the one without. I've never had much luck taking images thru the scope with a cell phone. There have been a number of iterations of your scope so I can't even deduce your objective diameter.

I hope your able to work it out. Having used the ARD for a while without finding anything problematic the benefit I see is that it will protect the front lens better than anything I've seen before. Good luck to you.
 
I don't know about a PST 2-10.

2 things to try...
First is the parallax. This is not what I think is wrong but is so easy to try, it's the first thing to do.
Second is the eyepiece focus. The ocular lens of almost every scope is tunable to a diopter or dioptre, sort of like reading glasses. It's also a fairly easy fix and I don't want to insult you. If you don't know how to adjust, just do search or read a scope user manual. It looks like this is your issue.