topic Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue in EF & RF Lenses

Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

fahadyunus — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:16:39 GMT

Dear Canon Support Community,

I am writing to seek urgent assistance regarding an issue I have encountered with my Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens. In August of 2021, I noticed the presence of small smudge prints on the front element of the lens. It is important to note that the lens was in perfect condition the previous night, and I discovered the smudge prints when I woke up for a shoot. The smudges did not initially affect the images captured. However, this lens is crucial to my work as it serves as my primary lens for all my wedding shoots and personal projects.

Concerned about the smudges, I promptly took the lens to the Canon India Service center. Unfortunately, they immediately blamed me for scratching the lens surface, even though the lens was still under warranty at the time. Despite my insistence, they refused to accept the lens for further inspection to determine the cause of the issue. Their suggestion was to continue using the lens as it was not visibly affecting the images.

Now, fast forward to the present, the smudges on the lens have significantly increased in size and quantity. As a result, the quality of the images captured is visibly affected. I have attached pictures for your reference.

To my dismay, I have discovered that I am not the only person facing this issue. A quick search on various forums, including Reddit, reveals that at least five other individuals have experienced the exact same problem with the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens. What is even more concerning is that none of the Canon Service team members have provided a definitive cause for this issue.

As a professional photographer and a loyal Canon customer for over a decade, I believe it is crucial to understand the root cause of the problem in order to prevent future occurrences and maintain trust in Canon's products and services. Has anyone in the community faced this issue? August 2021June 2023

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:27:45 GMT

Did the front of the lens get wet? I have heard of some of Canon lenses having issues with the coatings peeling if they got wet. I always use a clear filter on my lenses to keep fingerprints and moisture off of the lens front element.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Tintype_18 — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 22:03:24 GMT

I had a similar issue. I just learned to live with it as it doesn't affect the photos. Hopefully, you can get yours fixed or cleaned, whatever is needed.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

shadowsports — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 23:28:23 GMT

Greetings ,

I've never had the coating on a lens delaminate or degrade. I did have fungus once. That was a teenager mistake. Unfortunately, with an expensive Vivitar zoom. Are these "smudges" on the inside or outside of the front element? Has the coating delaminated?

If inside this is contamination, Canon didn't sell you the lens this way. If outside then the lens experienced an impact, came into contact with something abrasive, or was exposed to something corrosive that has degraded the lens coating. Moving forward I'd consider a clear lens filter at the very least. A better recommendation for a professional who relies on his gear to earn a living is a CarePak. Regardless of what happened or who is responsible.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Danfaz — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:02:39 GMT

Yeah, looks like the front element was exposed to some acidic or corrosive element that's continually eating away ay the coatings.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

ebiggs1 — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:35:31 GMT

"... the front element was exposed to some acidic or corrosive ..." or impact of some kind.

I am agreeing with that. Something contacted the front of the lens. Who knows how you used this lens or where and under what conditions. We certainly don't. It is another good example for the use a clear protecto filter on expensive lenses. But that is closing the gate after the horse has fled!

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

ata — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:11:50 GMT

The fluorine coating on the windshield of the lens is damaged. And over time (in my opinion, fluorine is an external factor that causes the surface to deteriorate.) This situation spread over the surface of my soul..

Fluorine coating powder, water, etc. It prevents external factors from sticking to the surface. The user can guess what caused the coating to fail.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

ebiggs1 — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 15:50:25 GMT

"This situation spread over the surface of my soul.." WOW! 😮

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Peter — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 16:16:34 GMT

I don't use protection filters, but if I ever get RF28-70 or EF 24-70/2.8 II USM I will due to the optical coating issues I have seen.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

fahadyunus — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 08:31:38 GMT

Yes. When the issue happened there was moisture on the lens.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

fahadyunus — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 08:32:21 GMT

I got the front element fixed. They have sent the faulty front element to Japan to figure out why the issue happened.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

fahadyunus — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 09:48:19 GMT

I had used it for a year like that until it started affecting my pictures. I had the front element replaced just last week.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 14:23:32 GMT

It's good to hear that you got it taken care of. I would put a clear filter on it to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 14:27:35 GMT

Is Canon covering the cost under warranty?

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

amfoto1 — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:28:56 GMT

I'm glad to hear Canon is working with you on this and the problem resolved.

But, without close inspection, I can't be certain if those flaws are on the outer surface of the lens or if they are inside. All the above discussion assumed it was on the outer surface. However, looking at the images it also could be internal... and that suggests other possibilities:

- Coating failures (much like on external surface)

- Separation... failed adhesive between two elements in the front group.

- Fungus.

I'm kind of leaning toward the latter, since it appeared to be "growing".

***********

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7DII (x2), 7D(x2), EOS M5, some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Danfaz — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:01:08 GMT

I just watched an Irene Rudnyk video where she's in Bali, shooting with the 28-70 (appears to be sans filter) at a waterfall. Wonder if she'll have this issue?

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Farrah_Nichole — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:42:31 GMT

Hi! I know this is a few months old but I came across the thread after doing some research in other photography groups/forums on Facebook. This IS an issue with MANY of their 28-70 f2 copies. It is NOT user error. I have also attached mine which is doing the same. I have contacted Canon, hoping they can provide me a solution! Has anyone else gotten any help from Canon support?

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

fahadyunus — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:53:48 GMT

Hi Farah. I got my lens serviced at Canon and paid for the front element to be replaced. After that episode, a friend of mine who has the same lens faced the exact same issue. I now feel that I should have fought Canon instead of paying for the service which was quite a heavy amount. 😞 Please let us know what Canon service says. This issue is widespread and they need to take some responsibility instead of blaming it on the users.

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Stephen — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:57:58 GMT

If you're having an issue with your lens, we can only recommend sending it in to our Factory Service Center for an evaluation. We only know of issues when they are reported and validated in person by a trained technician. You can start the repair process at canon.us/account

Re: Canon 28-70mm f/2 smudge issue

Stephen — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:07:15 GMT

Hi, fahadyunus.

Please be aware that Canon USA hosts and moderates this Community in the United States. You indicated you're in India in your previous post. Canon USA is not able to offer support for your product. You will need to reach out to Canon India for help. You can find your support options at canon.us/globalsupport

Please see the full Canon Community Guidelines here: https://canon.us/3XqBZ5O

Also please be aware that Canon USA only operates in the United States of America.