8

I'm the owner of a new Canon 550D with a Canon 18-135mm IS lens.

While looking into the lens, I noticed what I think are two tiny dust particles (I would say smaller than 1mm) behind the first glass of the lens, that can be seen from the front and from the back, but I'm not sure if this can be noticed in the pictures. Given that I've paid some considerable money for this lens, is this something normal I can expect a new lens to have?

Apart from that (I think it might be unrelated) I also see two dots in the view finder. They are not related to this dust and, at least, I'm sure they are not visible in any pictures, but is this also something I can expect?

Improve this question
10

While I wouldn't really worry too much about dust in the lens actually affecting image quality, I would say that is still not normal, and I would probably return a brand new lens if it came with any dust inside.

Here is a good example of how bad a lens can get before image quality suffers - Dirty Lens Article

As for the dust you see through the viewfinder, that could actually be in the viewfinder - which I wouldn't worry about, or it could be farther down the lightpath - such as on the actual image sensor. If you just bought a brand new camera and it had dust on the sensor right out of the box, I would guess that it wasn't brand new and someone took it for a test drive or two prior to you purchasing it. I would return for a new camera in that case.

Improve this answer
  • 2
    Thanks for the article. Really interesting. Dust on your sensor though, that really sucks. Hence my comment on @Nick Miners answer. – Vian Esterhuizen Jun 14 '11 at 20:07
  • 2
    Great find on that article! I often have to talk my students into the idea that schmutz on the lens isn't nearly as detrimental as they may think... The article makes the point in a visual way that I can't be bothered to do myself. :-) Thanks! – Jay Lance Photography Jun 14 '11 at 20:39
5

Zoom lenses are prone to 'inhale' dust, simply by the act of zooming. Dust is only an issue when it's close to the focal plane of the lens (i.e. the sensor), so the specks you can see on the front element are not going to affect your shots. It's entirely up to you whether you take it back - you don't need a reason to return an item (assuming you're in the UK) if it's in its original condition. Just take it back and buy another.

The dots you can see in the viewfinder are probably on the mirror or the upper surface - this would explain why they are not apparent in your pictures. It's generally good practice to keep your internals clean, so use an air blower to get rid of these.

Improve this answer
  • 1
    Be careful with an air blower. I bent the curtains on me 30D with one. Had to send it for repairs. – Vian Esterhuizen Jun 14 '11 at 19:59
  • True - do use with care, but if you're cleaning the mirror or the viewfinder prism, with the mirror down, the shutter isn't exposed. – NickM Jun 14 '11 at 20:01

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.