Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens has scratch inside one of the elements.

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I recently purchased a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens from B&H Photo. Yes, I did get the Canon USA warranty.

I noticed that the lens has a scratch inside either on the inside of the front element or on the front of the second element. It appears quite bright when looking through the lens from the rear. I fear flare may be an issue and would like to get the lens repaired or replaced.

Anyone else seen this from a Canon lens right out of the box? Of course, B&H Photo doesn't want to take it back stating it's a Canon issue. I've taken it to an authorized Canon service center where I live and they state I'll have to send it back to Canon USA to have them look at the lens.

I've never had this kind of problem with a Canon lens. Just want to know how others have dealt with this.

I've had two EOS-5 repaired at the same facility for the infamous Command Dial problem. Never had a lens problem right out of the box though.

I'm wondering how fair Canon USA is to deal with for something like this.

-- Stephen Ratzlaff (ratzlaff@ticnet.com), May 15, 2001

Answers

My experience getting a 28-135mm IS lens cleaned by Canon, New Jersey was enough to switch me to Nikon. Service was slow (it took over two months the get the lens back!) They broke my multicoated filter and scratched the front element badly. After many letters, threats etc. They finally replaced the lens, I had to sent it back three times! They gave me a Canon UV filter, not the more expensive multicoated filter that they broke. Canon Customer service is staffed by nice people but they appear to be powerless to resolve such matters. Go with anybody but Canon repair...a former Canon user.

-- Walt (Rascal@vtc.net), May 20, 2001.

Ewwwww, internal scratches, yep had a few. When the 75-300 IS first came out I had to return the lens to the shop and ask for a replacement, they were not overly happy as the scratch was only about 5 mm long. They were even less happy when I returned the replacement because it had a huge 25mm scratch on the inside of the front lens. Also had to return a 28-70 L, both suffering from "internal" scratches/marks. To be honest 99% of people wouldn't notice it in your photos, but 100% of people would notice it if you decide to sell second hand. Whenever I buy a lens now I make sure I have a torch in my pocket, check the front, then rear optic for marks, sratches or cleaning buffs. Then look through the lens whilst lighing from the other side (light along the lens axis and from an angle) whilst rotating the lens (It's amazing how you get bumped to the more senior sales people when you start doing this). If it's not perfect, ask for another lens. At the end of the day you are paying lots of money for something that should be perfect. All the best, Bear

-- Bear Summer (BearSummer@hotmail.com), June 05, 2001.

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