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Help! What's this in my lens?!

Started Feb 24, 2016 | Questions
View New Member • Posts: 1
Help! What's this in my lens?!

This is a 70-200mm f2.8L IS lens. I seem to have this spatter of droplets inside one of the center elements. My photos with it seem sharp and without problems but I need to sell this lens and I'm having trouble with my conscience.

Can someone advise as to how normal this is? This lens is almost 10 years old now. Can I have it professionally cleaned? Should I?

Thanks for your time.

ANSWER:
This question has not been answered yet.
hotdog321
hotdog321 Forum Pro • Posts: 21,141
Re: Help! What's this in my lens?!

I don't like the looks of that and it's not normal. It might be fungus which is unusual on relatively modern lenses, but maybe some sort of vapor or oil has condensed in there and left residue. I'd either sell it "as is" at a discount, or get it cleaned. Good luck!

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 hotdog321's gear list:hotdog321's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM +3 more
mevbo Senior Member • Posts: 1,221
Re: Help! What's this in my lens?!

hotdog321 wrote:

I don't like the looks of that and it's not normal. It might be fungus which is unusual on relatively modern lenses, but maybe some sort of vapor or oil has condensed in there and left residue. I'd either sell it "as is" at a discount, or get it cleaned. Good luck!

Ever have it in extreme weather?   Hot to ac?  Cold outside to warm inside.   Could be condensation.

 mevbo's gear list:mevbo's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Canon EF 85mm F1.2L II USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon Extender EF 2x III Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM +3 more
LaszloBencze
LaszloBencze Contributing Member • Posts: 828
Re: Help! What's this in my lens?!
1

This is fungal growth. I presume you live in a hot humid place like Florida or Houston. The fungus grows on the glue that holds lens elements together. Cleaning is very expensive or impossible. However, Canon my be able to replace the elements with the problem.

By the way, the degree of fungal growth visible is not likely to affect your results. Unfortunately, the fungal growth will continue until it makes your lens useless.

mevbo Senior Member • Posts: 1,221
Re: Help! What's this in my lens?!

Agreed,  canon fixed my 85LII.  $340 repair.

LaszloBencze wrote:

This is fungal growth. I presume you live in a hot humid place like Florida or Houston. The fungus grows on the glue that holds lens elements together. Cleaning is very expensive or impossible. However, Canon my be able to replace the elements with the problem.

By the way, the degree of fungal growth visible is not likely to affect your results. Unfortunately, the fungal growth will continue until it makes your lens useless.

 mevbo's gear list:mevbo's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Canon EF 85mm F1.2L II USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon Extender EF 2x III Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM +3 more
LaszloBencze
LaszloBencze Contributing Member • Posts: 828
Re: Help! What's this in my lens?!

mevbo wrote:

Agreed, canon fixed my 85LII. $340 repair.

Not exactly cheap but a fair price for the level of work required. Certainly far better than scrapping the lens and buying a new one!

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