Solution or Suicide? (scratches on lens)

I just discovered a series of scratches on the lens of my new(-ish) 24-105/4L lens. It is, of course, the only lens I have without a UV filter protecting it.

What is the best way to test whether the scratches are going to effect my pictures? What kind of subject and camera settings should I use to test?

If I do determine it's detrimental, is there an intermediate step to take before replacing the entire unit?

Thanks ...

I would try the same type of shot for sensor dust.
ie A uniform sky and f22 or smaller ( I'm not familiar with this lens)
Auto levels and lets see what youv'e got.

Just a thought.

I doubt that small scratches will affect IQ. If the scratches do, you can send it to Canon and they will replace the front element for you.

Best way to tell if they will affect your photos. Take some and see. I don't think a small scratch or two will make any difference.

ouch. that hurts

Sorry to hear about the scratches, hopefully they will not be visible on the images.

The "I've never used UV filters on my lenses in 68 years and they are OK" crowd will probably be quick to point out to you that you should have kept that hood on your lens at all times.

I will just like to suggest that a UV filter is not the only solution: B&W makes neutral filters dedicated to lens protection. They are not cheap, however, one usually gets what one pays for.

It's going to affect the image quality... depends on how much the total area of the scratch is taking up on the front element.

So... even if it's a big scratch, your lens quality may be degraded by about .001%

Nobody will notice, when you produce an image with content.

Thanks, everyone.

Lomond, I will definitely give that a try. I took a few today and will do some more tomorrow after a good sensor cleaning. I might post them here to get opinions.

ddelallata, thanks it is good to know that I can at least "only" get the front element replaced. I'm sure it's not cheap but it has to be less expensive than a brand new lens.

ChrisBoy, I don't use the hood but I do have the lens cover on all the time. I'm really mystified as to how this could have happened! What is the difference between using UV as opposed to neutral filters?

Stay safe ...

Todd why not use the hood? It not only helps protecting the Lens buts counters Lens Flare too. I really doubt the scratches will affect your end results.

it's funny how a scratch or two won't make any difference yet some claim that a multi-coated UV filter will.

one thing is for certain: if you've got scratches already you'll get more unless you do something different.

another thing, a scratched lens will affect resale value.

ed rader

I too think that it won't make a big difference.

Proof: take a post-it note. Tear one sticky corner off and stick it to the front element of the lens. Now make a photo with this lens. It will degrade the image quality a bit, but usually not enough to be seen by someone who doesn't know it.

P.

Unless they are huge and very bad you most likely wont tell any difference. Scratches on the front element will affect the way light scatters down a lens and it wont be as controlled but unlikely you will notice much of a difference for the most part. I'd stay away from filters, even more so now that you have scratches. But do try using the hood, they are the best way of protecting your lens, stopping stay light and not affecting the quality of your glass in any

If you are in the habit of dusting off the lens before wiping it, it is unlikely that it is scratched. The coatings are very strong, so try one of those specialised cleaning solutions (pens, fluid, tissues). I don't know if you have already done that and I'm talking out of turn, but I hope you may be mistaken about your scratches.

I had a lens with a half-inch scratch on the front element. You really couldn't see it. The biggest impact, is you knowing it is there!

Graham

My first question would be - how did the "scratches" get there? Maybe what your are seeing is not scratches but something that got applied to the lens surface and could be cleaned off. If you can analyse how the marks got there, you might figure out what can be done.

USE THE LENS HOOD!!!!!! That is so important, and so many folks don't realize it. A hood will prevent problems from stray light as well as give you a tremendous amount of protection from things contacting (or even crashing into) the lens.

Maybe because a scratch won't cause ghost images
Severe scratching will lower conrast however.
If you're scared, try this: Stick a tiny piece of paper or something on the front lens. You won't notice it, untill it gets quite large...