Repairing a scratched front element?

I picked up a Sigma 70-200 2.8 II today for 40$. Steal, I know. However, the front element isn't in the best condition. As far as I can tell, it doesn't affect any of my pictures. For 40$, I'm not upset, but I wish it looked better. Who has some secrets to get it fixed?

http://i.imgur.com/BNp​0ccU.jpg

live with it OR send to a repair center to get a new front element. Probably cost a few hundred.

I'de just live with it tbh.

Pix might be a bit smaller. Leave it alone. You say it has no effect?

I would send it in for repair, myself. Especially if you got it for $40... The front element may only cost $100-160 to replace, so I would assume the lens would still be a steal, no? Not aware how much those lenses generally go for.

gasrocks wrote in post #15834731
Pix might be a bit smaller. Leave it alone. You say it has no effect?

Sorry, I always forget not everyone is running a larger display. I've taken quite a few shots and I can't see it. f2.8-f22 i can't tell.

Invertalon wrote in post #15834746
I would send it in for repair, myself. Especially if you got it for $40... The front element may only cost $100-160 to replace, so I would assume the lens would still be a steal, no? Not aware how much those lenses generally go for.

I have no real use for it, I only bought it because of ludicrously cheap it was. Cheapest I've found is 775 on amazon. I really don't want to put money into it, I was hoping for a magicla buffing compound or something of that likes.

MuteGoose wrote in post #15834858
Sorry, I always forget not everyone is running a larger display. I've taken quite a few shots and I can't see it. f2.8-f22 i can't tell.

I think forum rules also specify the largest dimension in an image is to be no more than 1024 pixels.

MuteGoose wrote in post #15834858
Sorry, I always forget not everyone is running a larger display. I've taken quite a few shots and I can't see it. f2.8-f22 i can't tell.

Posted images in forums shouldn't be more than 800 to 1000 pixels in the horizontal direction.

If the element has any sort of external coatings you'll need to remove them completely, or not buff it at all. Removing it might reduce the IQ

i'll give you $100 for it...you'll make money, and never have to look at that nasty scratch again

honestly, i'd forget about it...i think people sometimes fill them in with black pen to get rid of any flare issues

Call a Sigma repair facility and buy a new front element and replace it yourself. It shouldn't be difficult, but I would leave it alone and see if it's ever a problem.

if it doesn’t hinder the photographs and only aesthetically bothers you I would put a nice filter on it problem solved?