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

[Grep]

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:

1. 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? 
2. Do you think it's normal for a new lens (refurbished) to have issue like this?

[kvbarkley]

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/

[normadel]

"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.

[FloridaDrafter]

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

[Grep]

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

[FloridaDrafter]

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

[Grep]

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.

[March411]

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.

[Grep]

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? 

[March411]

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.