Lens Quality

I just received a new Canon 70-200L/2.8 IS (Import). It was sealed and packed as expected of a new lens. Upon close inspection I noticed a very very small speck on the outside of the front glass. What I thought was dust was actually a small scratch in the outside coating. It doesn't seem to showup in the pics or other wise noticable. Should I try to exchange it or is this consistant with acceptable QA standands by today's lens manufactors?

I'm no expert, but I think you should definitely take it back. That's a pretty expensive, professional quality lens, and it definitely shouldn't have scratches, even small ones.

Send it back I have the same lens and it did not have any thing like you have described. I got the USA unit but there are the same lens sounds like a lemon. Send it back A.S.A.P. Good luck and have a great day.

I just got a authorization number from B&H for an exchange. FedEx pickup tomorrow ... no problem.

Thanks for the advise.

Sage

That's B&H for you (No Problems)

For future reference...
I asked my photography professor about scratches and blemishes on the lens (exterior or interior)...for most practical purposes, it should not affect your photography. Even if other debris like dust and bugs appear inside your lens in the future, there is no need for worry.
The main thing to watch out for are things that grow like mold or a crack.

I agree with Ken Fong's professor. I have a Hoya 1A filter that came with a horrible looking blemish in the coating about 4mm in diameter. I tried it anyway and have been using it regularly. The blemish never shows in any shots regardless of conditions and parameters.