Dust in lenses

[Nathaniel]

How serious is dust in lenses and what is the approx cost (if any member has any idea) to have it removed- if possible? I am referring to rear element dust.

I am asking this as I am now missing my 300mm f4 IS USM lens and have recently been offered a 300mmf4 non IS lens at a very reasonable price. The only problem is that (a) the manual focus doesn't work- must get it repaired for my own comfort (b) the rear element has got some dust. Apart from that, the lens works perfectly and the AF is a peach- no problem. The dust doesn't affect the pictures.

Many thanks

Nathaniel

[Stan]

Re: Dust in lenses

If the dust is minor it will probably be just like muck on the sensor - only really show up at small apertures which should not be a problem as the lens is really for wildlife and you would only be using it at f8 maximum. The more serious thing is the fact the manual focus does not work - irrespective of the price i would avoid it like the plague as you never know what trouble you are letting yourself in for. Today the manual focus tomorrow.....the auto

Stan

[Dave_S]

Re: Dust in lenses

You also need to be sure that its not fungus specs, which can look like dust specs.

Dave

[AndyA]

Re: Dust in lenses

I'd be inclined to avoid it too.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Dust in lenses

Thanks for your good advice. Yes, I will bow to your advice and decline the offer. On one other point, I have read reviews that the non IS 300mm f4L is sharper than the IS version! Any comment?

[Nathaniel]

Re: Dust in lenses

I thought I might also mention that I have now learnt that this lens is no longer supported by Canon and therefore parts and spares would be almost impossible to obtain.

[wayne2418]

Re: Dust in lenses

I think I'd be inclined to avoid it too,Nat...

[Nathaniel]

Re: Dust in lenses

Well! Not to worry. I won't be buying the 300mm f4 non IS at all. I was not aware that this lens was not supported by Canon and that's quite a serious matter for any one contemplating buying this lens. So as the Dragons would say "I AM OUT"!

[wayne2418]

Re: Dust in lenses

So as the Dragons would say "I AM OUT"!

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: Dust in lenses

On one other point, I have read reviews that the non IS 300mm f4L is sharper than the IS version! Any comment?

Both are very similar but the IS version is sharper at f/8.
Glad you have turned it down though.

[Fr1so]

Re: Dust in lenses

How serious is dust in lenses and what is the approx cost (if any member has any idea) to have it removed- if possible? I am referring to rear element dust.

I am asking this as I am now missing my 300mm f4 IS USM lens and have recently been offered a 300mmf4 non IS lens at a very reasonable price. The only problem is that (a) the manual focus doesn't work- must get it repaired for my own comfort (b) the rear element has got some dust. Apart from that, the lens works perfectly and the AF is a peach- no problem. The dust doesn't affect the pictures.

Many thanks

Nathaniel

Dust in the lens?? How did you that? I know there is a company in Holland who cleans the mirror in your body for ca. 40 euro.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Dust in lenses

Dust in the lens?? How did you that? I know there is a company in Holland who cleans the mirror in your body for ca. 40 euro.

Friso, I do not have dust in any of my lenses. I was contemplating buying a lens with a bit of dust but I have been advised not to buy that particular lens. So that is only a bit of foolish conjecture on my part.

Good to see you back. Keep it up.