How much dust is too much ?

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cadomniel

Senior Member
I picked up an 80-400mm VR on ebay and got it in today. I knew there was going to be dust inside the lens becaue being a huge zoom it has got to be a dust sucker and even in the description on ebay it said it had dust inside. However, its got quite a bit of dust inside the front part of the lens. I have only taken a few test shots and it doesn't affect it under normal conditions but shooting at a white wall at 80mm and f22 obviously this thing is polluted with dust. I think under normal shooting conditions it seems okay but I have only take about 5 shots with it...I understand dust is a normal part of life but surprised to see how much there was...The only concern I have is that it will affect resale, I bought it to use on a trip this summer and did plan on possibly reselling it before the end of the year.

Is it worth sending it back or is every 80-400mm VR going to look like this after a month!?


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SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
That looks like too much dust. All of my lenses have some, but I don't recall ever seeing that much. Try zooming it quickly with the rear cap off to possibly blow some of that around and maybe off the front element. Else, unless you got a REALLY good deal, I'd send it back and hunt again.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
cadomniel said:
I picked up an 80-400mm VR on ebay and got it in today. I knew there was going to be dust inside the lens becaue being a huge zoom it has got to be a dust sucker and even in the description on ebay it said it had dust inside. However, its got quite a bit of dust inside the front part of the lens. I have only taken a few test shots and it doesn't affect it under normal conditions but shooting at a white wall at 80mm and f22 obviously this thing is polluted with dust. I think under normal shooting conditions it seems okay but I have only take about 5 shots with it...I understand dust is a normal part of life but surprised to see how much there was...The only concern I have is that it will affect resale, I bought it to use on a trip this summer and did plan on possibly reselling it before the end of the year.

Is it worth sending it back or is every 80-400mm VR going to look like this after a month!?


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The sharpest f-stop for this lens is 7.1 and I would keep it there ;) and as said prior unless you got a good deal it is worth sending back. The one I gave my mum was no where near like this and I do not really baby my equipment. But if you got a good deal and are happy using it at f/7.1 and you do not see any dust bunnies then it may be worth keeping.
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
Why not have a local shop clean it for you? We have some folks that do a bang up job around here, and for not a whole lot of cash...
 
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cadomniel

Senior Member
I haven't seen any lens with this much dust out of the dozen or so I've bought online...
I will have to open a claim on ebay the seller had a no return policy...

I would say though that this is more than a normal amount of dust for a lens that is just over a year old it seems like a lot!

I didn't get that good of a deal on it. If I got a refund for it I could almost get two brand new TAmrons 150-600mm with warranty from an AD.. Maybe I should do that
 
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skene

Senior Member
Can you post a link to the original listing?
There is a difference between having dust and having a beach of dust in the lens.
 
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cadomniel

Senior Member
Original ad described it as "As with all zoom lenses it has some dust but does not affect photos."

I have bought lots of used lenses on ebay and by 'some' dust I usually see a few specks but this is by far the most dust I've seen in a used lens. And it can't be considered excellent condition with this much dirt inside
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
cadomniel said:
I have bought lots of used lenses on ebay and by 'some' dust I usually see a few specks but this is by far the most dust I've seen in a used lens. And it can't be considered excellent condition with this much dirt inside.
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I have to agree. There's such a thing as "normal wear and tear" type dust levels but what you've got there is something else in my opinion as well. While I doubt it affects photos there's just so much superb glass on the used market you'd have to be about giving that lens away to grab my attention.
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RON_RIP

Senior Member
Well a friend of mine often remarks that dust bunnies need a place to live also. but I would not want them taking up residence inside my lenses. If possible, send it back.
 
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paul04

Senior Member
If you don't have the option to send it back,
call into your local camera shop and see how much it will cost to have it cleaned.
 
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cadomniel

Senior Member
I paid $1825USD for it so expected it to be used but very good-exc condition was how it was described.
I wouldn't mind as much if I had paid $1,400 but for that price I expect a cleaner lens...

I am realistic and know that no lens is going to be pristine and have absolutely zero dust but this is just more than a normal amount..
 
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nickt

Senior Member
I would contact him and ask for a return even though he says no returns. I did a search and I think I found the listing. If I got the right one, he says "As with all zoom lenses it has some dust but does not affect photos." Well apparently is does affect photos at higher apertures. I'm sure you could show spots on a normal outdoor scene with some sky showing. This could be your 'gotcha' for an ebay guarantee. If ebay sides with you, they will make him take it back. He said it does not affect pictures. It does at some apertures, so its not as described. In my opinion 5 or 6, maybe 10 specs is 'some dust', that looks pretty filthy. Or maybe he will give you a partial refund for a cleaning if you are interested in going that route. Good luck.
 
Vixen

Vixen

Senior Member
cadomniel said:
I paid $1825USD for it so expected it to be used but very good-exc condition was how it was described.
I wouldn't mind as much if I had paid $1,400 but for that price I expect a cleaner lens...

I am realistic and know that no lens is going to be pristine and have absolutely zero dust but this is just more than a normal amount..
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I think you'd have enough of a case to argue & if it were me I'd be looking to find a way to show that the dust affects the shots, and then you have your case as it is not as stated :D PayPal are pretty good these days with claims, you have like 140days to make a claim, so assuming you paid via PayPal you have time to explore a few options. I'd contact the seller and state that you are going to be making a PayPal claim if you are.
 
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cadomniel

Senior Member
So I did settle for a partial refund with the seller and I am not going to send it back.
I did a lot of testing yesterday and today and there is no noticeable affect on the pictures until really extreme apertures, where there is two or three noticeable specks.
It is a hassle returning it because I 'll have to pay the shipping ($80 w/ insurance) and all my money will be tied up by paypal for about another month.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
cadomniel said:
So I did settle for a partial refund with the seller and I am not going to send it back.
I did a lot of testing yesterday and today and there is no noticeable affect on the pictures until really extreme apertures, where there is two or three noticeable specks.
It is a hassle returning it because I 'll have to pay the shipping ($80 w/ insurance) and all my money will be tied up by paypal for about another month.
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That is some good news.
 
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FastGlass

Senior Member
Even if the specs did not effect the images. I would still want it cleaned. No telling where that dust would eventually end up. Where the hell did the original owner photograph? In his wood shop while sanding? That's a crazy amount.
 
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cadomniel

Senior Member
Update: I sent the lens to Nikon Canada to get it repaired for the stiff zoom ring and to clean out the dust. I was expecting I would have to pay for it because its a used lens and I didn't send the warranty card in as well but they said all the work will be covered under warranty!

when I get it back I will probably selling it.
 
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