topic Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do? in EF & RF Lenses

New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

Grep — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:08:42 GMT

I recently purchased a refurbished Canon RF 24-105mm L F4 lens from the Canon web page. Today, I decided to try a different lens on my camera, so I removed the RF 24-105mm for the first time. That’s when I noticed several dust particles inside the rear of the lens. There was also a white particle (bigger size), which I think might be from a microfiber cloth or something similar.

I’m confused. is it normal? This is an L-series lens that’s supposed to be weather- and dust-sealed, right? My 15-year-old non-L-series EF/EFS lenses are clean and have no issues at all!

Question:

I contacted Canon today, and they informed me that if the lens doesn’t have a functional issue, like an autofocus problem, they won’t clean it under warranty. They also mentioned that lens cleaning could cost up to $399. They suggested I could purchase Canon Care+, which might cover the cleaning cost. However, I couldn’t find any clear information stating that Canon Care+ includes internal lens cleaning. What do you think? Would Canon Care+ cover this type of cleaning?
Do you think it's normal for a new lens (refurbished) to have issue like this?

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

kvbarkley — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:18:33 GMT

Can't say whether it is "normal", but it probably is not hurting anything

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2019/04/removing-fly-from-weather-sealed-canon-70-200mm/

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

normadel — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:38:47 GMT

"Refurbished" doesn't mean "New". It could just mean that the lens was checked, nothing was wrong, and it was repackaged.

Even a new lens could have particles inside. Dust inside a lens (or on the outside surfaces front & rear) doesn't affect images until it gets r-e-a-l-l-y bad. Then, it may affect contrast. Same goes for light mold and fungus.

Don't worry. Canon wasn't BS-ing you.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:40:44 GMT

Hello, Grep!

Who knows how it got there, but it isn't unusual and as kvbarkley replied "it probably is not hurting anything". Just blow it off with a quality rocket blower, like the large Giottos Rocket. Hopefully, you already have one. I like it because it has filters in it. I also have a sensor brush, which you can apply a dust attracting static charge to by gently tapping it to make the bristles rub together. It's good for stubborn dust that the rocket doesn't remove or just on its own.

I understand your concern. A freshly refurbished lens from Canon should be clean, but honestly, it could have got there during unboxing and initial mounting on your camera. Regardless, it's no big deal so just clean it off and enjoy your new lens 🙂

Newton

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

Grep — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:51:38 GMT

It's inside the lens. I can't clean

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:27:43 GMT

Sorry, although I read your post, I took it to mean in the recessed area and not inside the barrel. My bad!

If it bugs you and you're within the return window, return it. But first, consider the savings of buying refurb against a few specks of dust. As mentioned by others, it won't effect IQ. I have several, L and non, that have dust inside.

Newton

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

Grep — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:06:13 GMT

Yeah, the new one cost around 1300$ but I paid 600$ on black Friday so I'm going to keep it. The main question was If I should buy Canon Care+ and if they clean the lens for me. Otherwise, I know it works fine.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

March411 — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:14:39 GMT

Personally if it's within the return window I would return it. It was sold under the Canon refurbished site but it is not refurbished it is used, they must have forgotten the cleaning part.

Cambridge Dictionary: to repair and clean equipment so that its condition is like new

Meaning of refurbished: Refurbished refers to a product that has been restored to a like-new condition after being returned or used. It goes through a comprehensive inspection, repair, and testing process to ensure it meets the original manufacturer's specifications.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

Grep — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:17:17 GMT

Yeah. I can return but it was a back Friday deal and bought it with a huge discount. Do any of your RF lenses have such dust particles inside of the lens?

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

March411 — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:42:16 GMT

I have a couple of Canon refurb lenses that are dust free.

That being said many believe, including people that have responded to this post that it is not a problem. A small amount of dust inside a camera lens usually won't cause noticeable problems with image quality, as the light rays passing through the lens generally bypass the dust particles.

Others believe, large particles or a large buildup of dust can potentially reduce clarity, contrast, and sharpness, especially in high-contrast situations or when shooting at small apertures, potentially showing up as visible spots in your images. It can lead to artifacts like flares, ghosting, and visible spots, especially in certain lighting conditions or when shooting with small apertures.

Like anything else, opinions vary depending on the person.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

shadowsports — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 23:30:21 GMT

Greetings,

You have 2 weeks to fully evaluate the lens. if you don't see anything in your images, the lens and you are fine. 😀

Lenses which are external zoom, can bring dust into the lens during normal operation. You got a good deal. I think you should keep it.

The service plan you are speaking of is called a CarePak. Opinions vary. I think they are worth the money. I only have one lens I forgot to buy a CarePak on. It was my first RF lens. I got it and went on vacation then forgot to CarePak it when I got home. I probably use it the most too. Oh well. Now I buy CarePaks on everything when purchased. With a CarePak, you get 1 free cleaning per year while the service plan is in effect. Why I buy them. > CarePaks offer additional piece of mind. When I use my gear, I'm careful, but I know that in the event of an accident or mechanical failure, Canon will take care of me.

Camera Maintenance with Sensor Cleanings. Canon Maintenance Service, designed to help keep your gear in optimal working condition, is included for EOS Cameras and EF/RF Lenses one time per year for each year of your coverage period.

You can read about it here and decide if a CarePak is right for you.

Carepak Plus Terms

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:25:08 GMT

"Personally if it's within the return window I would return it."

I agree, it apparently bothers you enough to question this a bit more than just a cursory thought. If later on you get a bad or some bad images you will always wonder if it is caused by the dust.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:30:00 GMT

" I can return but it was a back Friday deal and bought it with a huge discount."

It has the very same warranty as a brand new Canon lens. Send it in for evaluation of dust particles and let Canon decide if it is a warranty issue. Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666 That is where it has go or return there isn't any other choice besides living with it.

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

Grep — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:36:27 GMT

Should I buy the Canon Care Pack before sending it so I have a better chance of cleaning it from the inside?

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

March411 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:46:11 GMT

Grep, if it is not registered on the Canon site I would set up an account (if you don't have one) and register the lens. If you buy a care pack and return the lens I do not believe you will be able to return the Care Pack.

It's a tough decision, keep it and live with the decision or return it, but like ebiggs1 mentioned if there are long term issues you will have to live with the decision. The other item that nobody has talked about, does it have a bad seal that will allow more dust to be pulled into the lens when you zoom?

There may have been a good reason why it was priced so aggressively, the dust......

Re: New RF Lens with dust inside. What should I do?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:29:52 GMT

I wouldn't until you decide of your course of action. Keep it. Return it. Send in for warranty work.

I would register it if you decide to keep it.