Inner fungal bloom issue, 6 month old Canon ef 70-300 L

sanderspics wrote:

Well I'll run some test shots off and check for any other problems. Close up shots at 300 are excellent, but more distant shots are not as sharp as I'd expect and a bit flarey/washed out especially with a lot of light to deal with. . . . perhaps I'm expecting too much.

If close distance is good, did you consider athmospheric conditions might influence longer distance shots? the air in places like bangkok sure is nothing to write home about.

I tried to shoot some old temple spires of Ayutthaya from a hotel on the outskirts with my 55-250IS - through some not so great morning smog. Looks really rather murky, worse than I remember.

I like the Lensrental article on scratched front elements. . . . thanks

just to give an idea how such things impact the image. Still, one would expect some contrast loss in counterlight situations with your mold. try to get it cleaned and at least try to keep it very dry, otherwise it will spread - that's the biggest issue.

I fitted the filter in the mall where it was purchased. I also read that the lens isn't weather proof without a filter on the front and I wouldn't fancy carrying this lens around without the lens hood with no filter attached, as it protrudes quite a way and the front element would be easy to damage. Its not as if I can shell out for a lens like this very often.

I guess I'm going to be stuck with the mould blooms, fork out a lot in repairs, or ship half way around the world for an uncertain outcome. I just hope the blooms prove not to be a noticeable issue with this lens and that they wont get worse.

Thanks for the relies guys