dust inside the lens?

I've some dust in the lens... is it possible to send it for a cleanup? my warranty is over, so how much will that be?

Let me guess, it's the 17-85 right? That lens is a real dust sucker! Whichever lens it is, if its just a few specks you can see behind the front element then it's highly unlikely to affect the IQ so don't worry about it would be my advice.

Dust often migrates into lenses, especially zooms, which are not sealed. It isn't detrimental unless there is enough to reduce light transmission, so I would probably just ignore it.

nitsch

yes correct, that's 17-85, I use it often... so I guess that's the reason... :P
so I'm ignoring it :P

Unless you shoot in a vacuum, most if not all lenses that zoom out will eventually suck in some dust. It's really shouldn't affect the optics so I'd just ignore it. Even if somehow managed to clean it off, you'd just get more anyway.

Tee Why

that's not quite correct, L series have sealing and it does help to keep away dust...any L series zoom will be dust free

When I had my 17-85, I took it apart and cleaned it!
But I do not recommend you do this unless you have experience!

sandro9mm wrote:
Tee Why

that's not quite correct, L series have sealing and it does help to keep away dust...any L series zoom will be dust free

Not all L lenses have sealing.

You will generally find that all un-weather proof sealed lenses will accumulated dust over time. Try this; when it gets dark, grab a torch and shine it through the lens (wide open) onto a nearby wall, and see if the dust shows up. If not then don't worry about it, if it does show up heavely then maybe send it off to canon but I think the repair may cost more than the kit lens.

sandro9mm wrote:
Tee Why

that's not quite correct, L series have sealing and it does help to keep away dust...any L series zoom will be dust free

In theory, but the OP has a 17-85 and even the L lenses that zoom in and out will suck in some dust despite the sealing. That's why the 100-400L is nicknamed the dust pumper.

You should see all the dust on the front element of my bigma, it's just covered. Can't see one of them on a shot though. Stop your worrying and go out and shoot more.

sandro9mm wrote:
Tee Why

that's not quite correct, L series have sealing and it does help to keep away dust...any L series zoom will be dust free

Not true. My 16-35mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 IS came with dust inside

so does anyone have an idea on the $$ to have canon clean it?

thanks

I have just received back from Canon servicing an EF-S 17-85mm IS USM.

3 weeks after purchasing the lens, I noticed a large fleck - quite likely dandruff (mea culpa). Four months saw 21 countable particles, the fleck and two hairs. At 11 months there were 28 countable particles, and it was just too much. The fleck was firmly fixed to the optic, the others moved around between optics and bellows.

9 days away, including 2 for courier, and NZ$100 (US $65).

I asked about replacing the seals - the lens was returned with a note saying that there are no seals.

No! Really? I am surprised!

So, budget $100 annually for a clean.