Dust in new Canon EF 50mm lens

Gibber · 31 Dec 2008 at 19:30

Hi there,
I have just received today a new Canon EF 50mm 1.8 lens. Upon inspecting the lens I have noticed that there seems to be a significant spec of dust on the inside of the lens assembly so I am unable to clean it away. I've circled the spec of dust in the picture, there is also other tiny specs of dust but they're not noticeable.

I have tested the lens out and it seems to be fine but I was just wondering should I be worried about this at all in any way? I've never had any experience with this type of lens before and was wondering would dust like this affect its performance in any way?

I am not sure whether to get an RMA number and would just like advice on whether it's really worth getting it replaced.

Vertigo · 31 Dec 2008 at 19:39

Whilst such dust shouldn't show up in pictures, I'd still be miffed at it on a brand new lens. Personally I'd return it for a replacement but it's up to you whether you can be bothered with the hassle.

Gibber · 31 Dec 2008 at 20:12

I think I will get a replacement. I agree it is completely unacceptable to receive a lens in this condition, it would have been more of an exception if this was second hand but I've paid for new and I expect new! Many thanks for the quick reply, will give them hell next week.

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 1 Jan 2009 at 12:11

I really wouldn't bother to be honest. Its down to the design and quality of this lens.
Its a very cheap lens and as a result it is a real dust vac. I did get a clean version of both of mine but it is now very dusty between lens elements. I can only recomend a can of compressed air but whatever you do, your gonna trap dust in there eventually if not very soon.