Possible suspect lens, best way to test?

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David

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Dave
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Hi,

Apologies if this is a really obvious question, but I'm not sure what to do.

My 17-55mm appears to be developing a fault, in so much as it is getting softer and softer and I'm seeing more and more noise in my raw files. If I swap lenses, I can get decent shots.

I'm admittedly a learner, but I can manage sharp shots with my 55-250, but not so easily with the 17-55mm.

Is there any kind of generic test to reveal any problems with lenses...or what's the best way to proceed?

Any help greatly appreciated :)

Thanks

David.
 
Hi David, and welcome to TP.

That sounds quite bizarre. I've heard of "soft" copies of lenses - though I don't think they're anywhere near as common as you'd think, judging by the volume of internet posts - but I've never heard of one getting progressively worse.

I'm also a bit confused by your remark relating to noise. That is (or should be) nothing to do with softness.

I think it would help if you could show us some photos to illustrate the symptoms.
 
Hi Stewart,

Yes, I could do some pics tomorrow, no problem there.

What I was trying to say was that if I sit my camera on a tripod and aim it at something with the 17-55mm fitted, then swap the lens for another one (55-250mm) and then compare the shots at the same focal length, the 17-55mm is noticably softer, and it sometimes appears as if the picture has been shot with a really high ISO and there is a noticeable amount of noise, yet there is none present with the other lens.

I will get some pics done tomorrow and post them :)

Thanks
 
Can't say it will make any difference but clean the contacts on the lens? also have a good look down the barrel to see if anything nasty is occurring there.
 
generally lenses are softer at full zoom i.e 55 on your lens. Again it might just be a poor lens like i had with my 18-55mm.
 
is this the kit lens or the 17-55 f2.8?
 
Thanks for the replies - contacts are clean, there are a couple of specs of dust inside the lens that came factory fitted.

Seems to be softer, even mid way through the zoom range.

Yes, sorry, it's the EF-S 17-55mm IS f2.8.

I'll get the pics done now :)

Yes
 
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