Dust inside the lens...

[SamuraiCatJB]

Just curious... I have been browsing all the photography sites and they say this is normal. They also say that it is common with zoom lenses due to the grinding of the pieces during zoom. Just wondering if anyone here experiences it. I am over 5000 images with my first two lenses. I've debated getting a new lens before, and 18 months and 5000 images seems both short and long depending on how I think of it to run out and replace them....

Anyhow... just curious if more or less usage makes a difference. Obviously most of the photography groups, like me have been using and abusing the lens. :)

[Gizmo]

I've noticed some dust in a couple of my zooms but have yet to detect any loss of detail in photos taken with them. I think it's fairly normal as you mentioned. I would say to keep shooting until it becomes noticable, and unless your printing extremely large prints, I doubt it will ever be a problem. Even then, you could always send the lens in to be cleaned, for a price, of course.

I have also noticed that my lenses which zoom "internally" have less dust than those that zoom "externally". I've heard the "push-pull" zooms are the worst for dust. Something to consider when making your next purchase.

[SamuraiCatJB]

yup, all things to keep in mind... why I am holding off and saving for a quality lens... I actually do have problems on my images, but I have discovered it is not from the lens. I have dust on my sensor... as hard as I tried to keep it clean, it has collected some microscopic dust particles... I am ordering my first sensor cleaning tool. :(

[Gizmo]

Let me know how the sensor cleaning goes. I need to do that also but I've been to chicken to try it. :o

[JackAxe]

Ba, everytime I see this post, all I can think about is dust in the wind.

<]=)

[SamuraiCatJB]

Let me know how the sensor cleaning goes. I need to do that also but I've been to chicken to try it. :o

I got the least likely to cause problems solution.... a miniature rubber squeegee and alcohol pads to clean it.... clean squeegee... swipe.... clean squeegee... swipe... clean ... swipe ... clean ... swipe... until better. :)

unlike the swab solution, as long as you do not use it wet, it will not streak, you just have to remove the microscopic particles constantly. :)

[Reggie]

This works for me (just for $9.95):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/318545.jpg

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=318545&is=REG

[SamuraiCatJB]

mine were a little more stubborn than that. :) I have one of the air blasters like that.

however, I cleaned all but two at the very edges. :) I will get those from the reference shots (upside down and backwards -- I am tempted to print it out reversed). :) Those last two are the smallest and least noticeable dust specs. These were microscopic, so the air no longer worked (plus it just moves it under the shutter sometimes).

My new tool grabs everything it touches without scratching the surface. It is very nice. I was scared to death in trying it... but after a few passes it was very easy. Best 2.99 I ever spent. Though shipping would have been more than the tool if I hadn't bought it with my tripod. hehehe

Still success! I am very pleased and feeling much better about cleaning my own camera and keeping it clean. I cleaned the mirror first to test the unit and it was remarkable even in that test. visible dust just disappeared. The full run on the sensor was just as successful.

[Gizmo]

Can you post a link to the tool you are using?

Thanks. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

It requires alcohol prep pads for cleaning the tool between passes (clean, drag across, clean, drag across, clean, etc.), but that is a cheap solution. Plus if you tear the prep pad open right you can slide the tool between the folded prep pad easily and clean it fast.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=387284&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Gizmo]

Thanks for the link. I have a blower like Reggie's but there are a few stubborn micro-specs that I can't get off (although I haven't noticed any image quality loss, it just bugs me knowing they're there.)

I have seen other "squeegee" kits, but as I've mentioned, I've been a little afraid of messing up the sensor. This one, however, looks worth trying. Thanks again for the info and tips. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

Like I said, it is only for the patient, since it has no swab that holds cleaning fluid, you have to clean it constantly. :) but hey, it works great for me!