Lens problems!

[Tintype_18]

Last Saturday, I took several photos of two grandkids at their riding lessons. When I got home, I started to wipe the lens, 18-55mm Macro. I thought the lens had crud on it but it looks like bubbles that you get when clear tape isn't applied smoothly. How did this happen? Had the lens for about three years and it didn't show up. Photos don't show any "hiccups" on viewing them on my laptop. Thinking about contacting Canon for service.Thanks for your time and advice.

[ebiggs1]

"I have cleaned the lens numerous times and never noticed the "bubbles.""

This could be the problem. Lenses do not need to have their front element, the glass, cleaned very often. It is possible to contaminate or destroy the lens coating. If that is the case, it is permanent damage and can't be repaired. That is why, I and others recommend a protecto filter be used so you never have to clean the front element.

A front element can have pretty severe damage or dirt and not affect the photos from it. At this point I would forget it and just use the lens as is. At least until it becomes a problem.

"... lens cleaner fluid and tissues ..."

I am not a big fan of the so-called lens cleaning tissues. I prefer the lens cloths like you get form the eye doctor.

[Tintype_18]

EB, I have a "dedicated" microfiber cloth for the camera. Read that one shouldn't use a cloth for wiping glasses, etc. as it could be contaminated with all kinds of crud and corruption. I'm here to backtrack and look at the other suggestions for lenses. It was mentioned to use a lens cover to keep the original lens clean and free from damage. What are your suggestions? Sold an article and photos so the bank account is growing! Thanks again for your advice and suggestions.

[ebiggs1]

I do not and I would not use a microfiber cloth on my front element. Get a dedicated cloth from your eye doctor. My eye doctor gives them to me for free. Otherwise you can go to Walmart and buy one. There is also dedicated lens cleaning solutions. Not Windex!  You can make your own.  Use a  50/50 mix of distilled water and 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. Don't use rubbing alcohol.

You have a very inexpensive lens but you still want to keep it as good and clean as possible so buy a good.  They are not cheap and that is why I usually don't recommend folks put them on inexpensive lenses.  You can clean the protecto filter and never touch your lens front element. You can clean it to your heart's content and still leave the lens front element alone.

In your case you really don't need the real high end top dollar filter and something like the Hoya 58mm Digital Filter Kit II is a good deal. It has the only filters remaining that have any actual value left in filters.

• 58mm UV (C) Filter  <--- protecto  😁
• 58mm Circular Polarizer
• 58mm NDx8 Filter

Plus it comes a nice Filter Pouch to keep them in. It is around $45 bucks. It is always wise and good to keep you gear at essentially the same level of quality.

[Tintype_18]

Isopropyl alcohol is rubbing alcohol, comes in 91% and 70%. Just looked at two bottles.  I used the 91% to clean fishing rod blanks before assembly. Never heard of 99%. Figures out to be 45 proof?

[ebiggs1]

BTW, don't I remember you recently bought one of the 150-600mm super zoom lenses?  If my memory serves me correctly, it needs a good filter on it right from the start. They are never cleaner than they are when they are brand new. I have lenses that never saw the light of day without a protecto filter on them. They have never been cleaned either!  

[Tintype_18]

Got it on the list, too. I'll see what my check is and spend it as soon as it is in the bank. The biggun takes a 95mm if I recall. Thanks.

[ebiggs1]

"... 18-55mm Macro."

What lens is this?  The standard kit lens?  The EF-S 18-55mm IS II kit lens?

[Tintype_18]

EB, yes to your question.

I emailed the president of the photo club to get the name of the repair/cleaning guy. Asked if he will be at the next meeting this month. Haven't heard yet.

[Tintype_18]

Closest camera repair/shop is over 100 miles away! We had two in Chattanooga but they went OOB years ago. Will see about a Canon service center.

[jrhoffman75]

My recommendation is don’t send it away until you can sit with someone knowledgeable in person for a diagnosis. Google for wedding or portrait photographers near you. Maybe they would be willing to give you a few minutes.