Quick question

On a new Lens (approx 2 months old) is it normal to get dust inside the lens on the front glass ?

I know zoom Lenses can get dust build up if constantly zooming in and out, but can this lens be cleaned under warranty or not ?

Its a 17-85 IS so not a 'cheap' lens as such

Sounds like you've picked up a dud there mate. I have used zooms for a long time and never, ever had dust pick up inside the lens. Zooming in and out constantly shouldn't be a problem as it is a sealed unit. I'd take it back and ask for a replacement.

Thanks

Just wanted to know if it would be covered under Warranty, or would it be better just to take it back to the shop instead of sending back to Canon

Its my Bro's Lens, and I think he has only recently noticed it

I don't know for sure but I would expect defects of this kind would be covered by the warranty. If you send it back to Canon they'll repair it but if they clear the problem as well as they (and Nikon) clean sensors it'll be nothing but trouble. If it was me, I would try and get the shop to replace it as a faulty unit and if that fails, then have them send it to Canon (they'll incur the postage costs not you).

Sounds like a good idea, I did tell him earlier that it may be worth taking back to the shop first (Jessops) as it will be easier for him to do, plus its his only lens

Only lens, that's a bummer. Most of the photo outlets I know here will offer you a replacement lens on loan if you are a pro (which I'm not). He could do an awful lot worse than invest in a fast 50mm lens -- these are cheap (even from Canon or Nikon) and offer tremendously quality and value for money. I don't know how long it takes Jessops to get a lens sorted out but this would certainly keep him/you going and you can learn a LOT from using a prime as opposed to a zoom...plus the fact that as it'll be faster than any zoom you will get (f/1.4 as opposed to f/2.8 say) it'll always be handy for low-light shots.

This isn't a sealed lens. The barrel extends considerably when zoomed, inevitably sucking in air. I used one a lot for a couple of years and had no major problems, but I'm always careful to keep things clean, even hoovering out the camera bag from time to time. Dust, within reason, does not effect image quality and seems to be a way of life with many modern zooms :(

Richard.

I didn't think it was a sealed Lens, im sure (but may be wrong) that ive read about this Lens and one or two others being dust gathers when zooming a lot (over on the Canon forums)

I personally dont think the dust (as it is currently) will affect the image quality

STI, its my brothers first foray into Digital SLR's and currently feels that the one lens is enough for the time being

I do have a 50mm f1.8 prime (nifty fifty) and bang per buck it is a fantastic lens, that he can borrow if he needs to send his lens off

I stand corrected about the sealed unit comment. I'm not a Canon expert which is my feeble defense!

is it normal to get dust inside the lens on the front glass ?



As Hoppy says, it's not a sealed lens and inevitably dust will get in. It is very common on the 17-85IS, and even the expensive 17-55 f2.8 IS suffers from it. It won't affect image quality though, so tell your brother not to worry about it. :)

My Bro has now been back to Jessops and they have swapped out everything, Lens, Camera all boxes etc the lot :lol1:

His only alternative was for them to send the Lens off, as its his only Lens he really didnt want to go down that route

I wonder if he can claim the cashback once again :D