topic Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon? in EF & RF Lenses

Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

FieldCoast — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:23:04 GMT

Hello all,

I'm one of those people who worries about accidently damaging my camera gear. I just purchased an EOS R with the 24-105 L series lens and I was curious how easy it is to scratch? Should I be worried about scratching the lens when replacing the lens cap with a lens hood in a reverse position or is it safer to remove the lens hood to ensure it's put on correctly? In the event that the lens does get damaged I did purchase the care pak. Would canon replace the front lens element if needed? Thanks!

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

shadowsports — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:25:26 GMT

Greetings,

Put a clear lens filter on the lens and use your camera. CarePaks are there for unforeseen accidents, but don't live life waiting for one to happen.

[Commercial link removed per forum guidelines and replaced with screenshot to facilitate discussion.]

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

kvbarkley — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:52:50 GMT

But to answer your question, yes Canon can replace the front element, as long as the lens is still being supported. But note that it takes a *lot* of damage for it to be noticable.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

rs-eos — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:54:38 GMT

I can definitely second Rick's recommendation above. I also personally use the B+W brand. I like their high-quality optics, and also their use of a different metal (brass) than what Canon uses for the filter threads on the lens. While not impossible to overtighten, it helps to not bind as much.

I even have spares on hand for the two sizes I need just in case.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

FieldCoast — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:05:47 GMT

Thanks for the reply. Have you experienced any quality issues with using a lens protector filter?

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

FieldCoast — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:06:29 GMT

Thanks for the reply and recommendation! I’ve ordered a few of those filters. Any quality issues that you’ve experienced while using them?

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

rs-eos — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:13:02 GMT

I have not. I'm sure there are other brands beyond B+W that also have great optical quality. I haven't used them though.

But for these clear versions, Neutral Density (ND) (I only used fixed ND and not variable), and Circular Polarizers (CP), I've not noticed any image degredation.

While you don't need to spend a huge amount of cash on filters, I would advise against the very inexpensive ones since they could affect your images. After all, Canon has some very excellent glass elements throughout their lenses. So not a good idea to add a poor quality element to that.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

FieldCoast — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:09:31 GMT

Very good to know. Thank you

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

Tintype_18 — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 23:16:27 GMT

Thanks for the useful information.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

FieldCoast — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 23:47:39 GMT

Will the original lens cap fit over a filter? Or would I need to remove the filter to put the cap back on when storing in a camera bag?

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 16:44:32 GMT

"I also personally use the B+W brand."

I second this and strongly advise buying one of their protecto filters. Beyond that I see very little to no use for any other filter. A small exception might be for an ND and even less for a polarizer. Better to learn how to use a good post editor. You have a very good one from Canon called DPP4. Best part it is free. Filters are not.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:06:19 GMT

I had to have CPS replace the front element on my ef 85mm f1.2L after I dropped it on the tile floor at a McDonald's. It was $385 bucks five or six years ago. I took some sample pictures with it after I dropped it. I wanted to see if it would even work. It did and it did make a picture. I tried to find one of them for this reply but I could not. Sorry.

Re: Can scratched front lens elements be replaced by Canon?

WalterStrong — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:58:55 GMT

Do yourself a big favor and stop worrying about it. I used to do the same thing but solved that by always putting my lens cap on when not using the lens.