Dust in a brand new 17-55 2.8

Just purchased brand new Canon 17-55 lens, and while checking the optics, looking through the rear element, I've noticed 2 tiny particles on one of the glass in the middle section. They do not affect IQ at all, but I am just wondering if that is a common thing and acceptable for a brand new lens, or was I really unlucky and should rather return it for another one. None of my other lenses, which were all bought brand new never had even the smallest dust particle in it. Many thanks.

It's normal for this lens to have dust over time but for brand new?! Idk. I still might be ok with it. After three days of having mine, I notice dust getting in there already so I put a filter on there. It stopped the problem.

I'd say if it isn't terrible you'll have to live with it. My experience is that NEW Canon lenses can have much worse than a few dust particles. I've just recently had one that had scratches all over one of the internal elements. So if it's just dust it should be fine, seeing as how it'll have dust in it soon enough after a little use anyhow. As long as it takes good pics that is.

I'm sure the dust is new as well. All is good.

If it really bugs you and will cost you nothing to exchange it, you might as well exchange it for a "better" copy. However, just like everyone else says, it will eventually get dust in it anyway; all lenses do. BTW, these lenses aren't assembled in a clean room, so don't expect a perfect copy on your next one.

Well, that's all very true. I will probably be better keeping the one I have and get it cleaned under warranty at some point, when it will collect some more dust. It is very frustrating though, as I decided to get a new lens over 2nd hand one, hoping that this way I will avoid all this stress. I have no guarantee, that the next one will be free from dust. That's why I want to know how common that is with new lenses.

don't look into your lenses and you won't see dust...no stress...

It's not uncommon. I would test the lens and see if it seems as sharp as you expected and if so not worry about it. Your replacement may be more dusty.

If there were a layer of grime, or it starts to fill with dust (I had this happen with a lens), then I would worry.

There are only 2 types of lenses, those with dust in them and those that are going to get dust in them. And the latter are rare.

If you really want to start freaking yourself out, shine a flashlight down a lens that has been used for a few years.

DreDaze wrote in post #15729956
don't look into your lenses and you won't see dust...no stress...

I was going to say agree with that advice, laughed at the thought of people following below advice.

ejenner wrote in post #15730176
..........If you really want to start freaking yourself out, shine a flashlight down a lens that has been used for a few years.

Monicker "magic drainpipe"may have originated after someone doing that.

After 11 months of use on my 17-55, it had the usual dust and I sent it to Canon for a free cleaning while it was under warranty.

Bryan

Choderboy wrote in post #15730249
Monicker "magic drainpipe"may have originated after someone doing that.

I called my my old 80-200 f/2.8L the "Magic Trashcan" specifically for the dust that accumulated over the years.

Hold the phone!!

You mean it takes perfect pics but when you get out your magnifying glass there is dust?

Don't stress this is common.

Just a quick update. Maybe sb will find this helpful. I contacted Canon (just for a peace of mind) to double check their warranty t&c. Canon will consider dust in the lens as a fault only if it affects IQ, providing that the lens was used with all the precautions taken. If the dust does not affect IQ, lens cleaning is not covered by the warranty and there is a fixed price for that service. Then I rang the shop I bought the lens from, and they have to put any returned lens through Canon's inspection, and they will only send a replacement if Canon will decide the lens is faulty. As the dust in my lense does not affect IQ, my "problem" is "solved" .

Btw, I was amazed (again) to hear from Canon tech support, that the dust in Canon zoom lenses is a not known issue and it will get in the optics only when used incorrectly or faulty, but they never had any complaints regarding this... hmm..

Anyways, thanks everyone for a good word.

I have no direct experience with the referenced lens but all lenses have moving parts and most are not perfectly sealed. That means that as you zoom, or focus, internal components move. As the parts move, the air inside has to move. There is to varying extent, an exchange with outside air. If the lens design is such that it physically changes it exterior length then there will be a big exchange of air.

One of the worst lenses I ever encountered in this regard was the old Vivitar Series 1 telephoto zoom, I think something like 70-200mm. You zoomed by moving a large collar in and I out - it was amazing how much stuff that lens "acquired".

I thought dust was a "bonus", and was something Canon usually charged extra for?