Help...Specks inside my 85mm 1.8

[Gilly B]

Can someone help me.

I can see several specks of something deep inside the lens. When I turn the focussing ring they move closer and further away. How the Hell did they get there and what can I do to get rid of them. This is my favourite lens. pleeze.

Thanks Gillian

 

[CT]

Could be dust which has somehow got in there, it could be tiny particles from the iris blades shedding as they rub together. Either way it's not uncommon and you need an awful lot of specks before you need to seriously consider having the lens cleaned. The worst possibility is fungus which is usually associated with much older lenses, and then the lens really does need cleaning as the growth will probably get worse. If the lens is still under warranty you could try to get it cleaned, but don't be surprised if they say it's fair wear and tear.

Unless you can see an obvious effect in your shots, don't worry about it.

 

[Gilly B]

Phew! thanks CT. The lens is not new. I bought it 2nd hand about 6 years ago. I look after my lenses and was quite shocked to see these little foreign objects in amongst the layers of glass. You may well be right in what you say about bits shedding off over time - makes sense. I have taken a photograph and unable to see any specks on my pc. So, your advice is to wait until it gets noticeable?

A weight off my mind for a big portrait shoot in the morning - 12 families for a School fund raising event. Tx Gillian

 

[CT]

Nice lens - I can see why you like it for weddings. Probably worth having cleaned when you can spare it, but I doubt there's any real urgency.