Blowing Sand in Lens

My Canon 24-105F lens was subject to blowing sand. Although the lens itself was covered, the telescoping mechanism is not moving smoothly. Apparently some sand found its way into the slide. I am trying to figure out a way to clean the sand out of the slide. I am reluctant to use compressed air or any aerosol propellant which might force the sand further into the lens. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

kitjv wrote in post #19523466
My Canon 24-105F lens was subject to blowing sand. Although the lens itself was covered, the telescoping mechanism is not moving smoothly. Apparently some sand found its way into the slide. I am trying to figure out a way to clean the sand out of the slide. I am reluctant to use compressed air or any aerosol propellant which might force the sand further into the lens. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Try to vacuum it out as best you can. If you have a shop vac, something with a bit more sucking power, it might do better. I agree, you don't want to used compressed air, it will drive it in deeper.

That is exactly what I did. I fitted a funnel to the end of a shop vac & ran it around the circumference of the lens slide. I then took a pec pad with a couple of drops of lens cleaner & wiped the lens slide. Everything seems OK.