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.

[Tronhard]

Agree very much with what Ernie is saying.  He is wise. It might help our trouble-shooting to know a few more things:
1. Did the spots appear when you first got the lens out to use? 
2. If so, how long was it since the lens was last used?  
3. Has the lens ever been subjected to wetness or dampness?
4. Under what conditions is the lens stored?

[Tintype_18]

EB, the $200 is more in line. The 18-55mm might be a good substitute.

In pondering the idea of a pro, my wife had one who did school photos a while back; local guy. I'm taking it to the April club meeting on the 21st. Will go from there. Thanks to all for your replies and advice. Will keep you informed as to what transpires. BTW, photos don't show anything so I'm OK there. Just wanting to see what happened to the lens.

[Tintype_18]

1. Did the spots appear when you first got the lens out to use? Just now appeared. Never saw them before.
2. If so, how long was it since the lens was last used? It gets used about once a week.
3. Has the lens ever been subjected to wetness or dampness?No.
4. Under what conditions is the lens stored? Office or room with central heat & air

[Tronhard]

Hmmm.  I was thinking of a fungus but your answers would suggest otherwise.  Perhaps the coating has, for some reason, started to peel..?  Definitely a good idea to talk to a knowledgeable person directly.
It's a pity you live in the US.  In NZ one can pick up a mint, used 18-135 IS STM for about $210 US.  Sadly, and rather annoyingly, Canon Oceania doesn't have a refurb programme.

[Tintype_18]

The wife said the photographer she used for school photos is OOB. The club meeting is next Thursday. I'll take the lens and let the folks there look at it. We are fortunate to have some outstanding/expert photographers in the club. I would like to know just what they have forgotten over the years. My thanks to all. Will let you know what I find.

[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.

[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]

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?

[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.