topic EF 50mm f/1.8 - Are these Lines normal on lens? in EF & RF Lenses

EF 50mm f/1.8 - Are these Lines normal on lens?

GalletaBoss — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:50:28 GMT

I’m new to this world of photography and recently purchased a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and noticed this lines on the lens, did I received a defective lens?

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

shadowsports — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:28:44 GMT

Greetings ,

That's an odd place to see markings like that. A new lens wouldn't come with marks. While it may not have any effect on the optical quality, I don't know If I'd keep something I purchased with marks like that. Primality because it might be an indicator of how the lens was cared for previously. It not an expensive lens, but no one wants a lens that has been mis-handled. The lens also looks dirty, so I assume it's a used lens, and not new. If you are going to buy used, I suggest you do so from KEH, Adorama or B&H. Here you will get a fair market assessment, quality gear and a warranty.

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

GalletaBoss — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:22:55 GMT

I’ve purchased it new through Amazon.

I was doing a little research and found this YouTube Short and apparently those markings may be normal? Here is the link of the short, because compression maybe wouldn’t let you see the details: https://youtube.com/shorts/_ghPH482X1c?si=O1EL_RsQ2EzaH81r

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

Stephen — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:26:27 GMT

My lens is dirty, so don't crucify me for that, but I don't see the lines you see on mine:

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:35:26 GMT

When I look at the left side one it almost looks like a crack in the glass.

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

Stephen — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:37:56 GMT

if you're talking about mine, it's either a smudge or cat fur. 🙈

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:39:42 GMT

No, the OP's lens. Has a bright feature and looks almost three dimensional.

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

shadowsports — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:39:35 GMT

All I can add is that I have never purchased or received a lens or camera from Canon that had markings, blemishes, dust or dirt on them of any kind. Canon has extremely high quality standards. Blemishes or marks are not normal, for both new or refurbished gear.

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

justadude — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:51:59 GMT

"If you are going to buy used, I suggest you do so from KEH, Adorama or B&H."

Great places for used gear, indeed! I have used two of the three of these places many times over the years, and have been happy with my purchases.

In addition, many local brick and mortar camera shops buy and sell used gear. They know they are playing against these three giants for used gear, so they thoroughly check out used gear before buying and reselling. I've found local shops often give you a slightly better price, especially if you can tell them "B&H has this same lens right now for $xxx" - which of course they look up to verify before cutting you a better deal. Besides, it's nice supporting local businesses.

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

MikeSowsun — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:32:49 GMT

I think the lines are normal, and you have nothing to worry about.

I had a look at some of these lenses on ebay, and many of them have the same lines. My lens doesn’t have the lines, but it must have been a Canon production change, because many EF 50mm 1.8 STM lenses have the exact same lines.

In this particular lens you can see four marks……

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

MikeSowsun — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:30:11 GMT

@Stephen wrote:
My lens is dirty, so don't crucify me for that, but I don't see the lines you see on mine:

I can see at least one similar line on your lens….

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

FloridaDrafter — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:10:54 GMT

@MikeSowsun wrote:
I can see at least one similar line on your lens….

Mine has just one, but it's barely perceptible, in fact, I had to take it out in the sun and slowly rotate it to catch it. Almost looks like a seam from the molding process or a tool mark from assembly, but that is just the impression I get.

Newton

Re: Are this Lines normal on lens?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:42:37 GMT

Hi Newton. Mould marks was also my thought after multiple lenses were being reported. I checked Canon's description and the Canon Lens Museum. No mention of moulded elements; none of the elements are reported to be aspherical.