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?

[shadowsports]

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

[ebiggs1]

"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.

[ebiggs1]

" 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.

[Grep]

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

[March411]

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......

[ebiggs1]

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.