New lens - dirty?

[pfuller88]

Bought a new 17-40L today. The outside lens was very dusty with a finger print on it and needed a clean? Is this common? I guess the store opens the package several times to let people view. I wonder if is common for stores to lend out these lenses for testing and then repackage?

The store was Henrys in Toronto - main location. They are a reputable operation from what I have heard.

After carefully cleaning the lens with amirco cloth, I took some sample shots and they seem fine - no damage done.

[tim]

The only way a lens could be dusty is if it's taken out of its packaging before it reaches you. So long as it works fine I wouldn't worry about it.