Does Zoom Lenses create Dust?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

RahQ5@webtv.net - 21 May 2008 01:54 GMT

Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
merely by focusing??

Someone told me that, and suggested a fixed focal lens. Is this true? I
have a 70-300mm zoom lens that I rarely use but would like to try it on
my XT Digital Rebel.
Maybe I can trade it in on a fixed focal lens. Sucking in air/dust by
zooming isn't what I'd like. I'm new to DSLRs. Thanks!

Reply to this Message

Joel - 21 May 2008 03:37 GMT

> Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
> merely by focusing??
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Maybe I can trade it in on a fixed focal lens. Sucking in air/dust by
> zooming isn't what I'd like. I'm new to DSLRs. Thanks!

In general it usually depend on what type of lens you are dealing with, I
read quite afew people mention the Push-Pull lens may suck dirt in, and
regular zoom lens shouldnt't cause te problem.

Also, I don't own the Canon 70-300mm but I would suggest to spend few
weeks or months on research to make sure it's a good choice, else you may
not happy with the result. I would suggest to stop by site like
www.fredmiranda.com and go from there.

Reply to this Message

Paul Furman - 21 May 2008 09:46 GMT

> Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
> merely by focusing??
>
> Someone told me that, and suggested a fixed focal lens. Is this true?

Yes but it's not that bad.

> I have a 70-300mm zoom lens that I rarely use but would like to try it
> on my XT Digital Rebel.
> Maybe I can trade it in on a fixed focal lens. Sucking in air/dust by
> zooming isn't what I'd like. I'm new to DSLRs. Thanks!

Don't worry. Get a rocket blower & blow it out every several lens
changes and you probably won't need anything more complicated than that
for a long time.

Signature

Paul Furman
www.edgehill.net
www.baynatives.com

all google groups messages filtered due to spam

Reply to this Message

Joel - 21 May 2008 11:40 GMT

> > Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
> > merely by focusing??
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> changes and you probably won't need anything more complicated than that
> for a long time.

I think it means the dirts get sucked inside the lens (other side of the
glass), and I think Canon 100-400mm (?) is one of few Canon Push<->Pull lens

Reply to this Message

Paul Furman - 21 May 2008 19:16 GMT

>>> Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
>>> merely by focusing??
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> I think it means the dirts get sucked inside the lens (other side of the
> glass), and I think Canon 100-400mm (?) is one of few Canon Push<->Pull lens

That happens to prime lenses also.

Signature

Paul Furman
www.edgehill.net
www.baynatives.com

all google groups messages filtered due to spam

Reply to this Message

(not quite so) Fat Sam - 21 May 2008 20:35 GMT

>>> Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
>>> merely by focusing??
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> the glass), and I think Canon 100-400mm (?) is one of few Canon
> Push<->Pull lens

I have a few fairly old lenses for my Praktica SLR, and on two of those
there's dust trapped within the lens assembly itself.
I had always assumed that the previous owner had dismantled them and got
dust into them, but now I realise it was more likely to be be the result of
pneumatic suction.

Signature

http://www.SavePentney.co.uk
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Save-Pentney

Reply to this Message

Joel - 22 May 2008 00:58 GMT

"\(not quite so\) Fat Sam" <samandjanet@knox.orangehome.co.uk> wrote:

> >>> Would using a zoom lens on a DSLR camera create dust on the sensor
> >>> merely by focusing??
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> dust into them, but now I realise it was more likely to be be the result of
> pneumatic suction.

I don't own none of those Push/Pull lens but that is what I have heard
from quite afew owners who warn other about the design.

Reply to this Message

Robert Coe - 25 May 2008 23:17 GMT

On Wed, 21 May 2008 20:35:40 +0100, "\(not quite so\) Fat Sam"
<samandjanet@knox.orangehome.co.uk> wrote:

: I have a few fairly old lenses for my Praktica SLR, and on two of those
: there's dust trapped within the lens assembly itself.
: I had always assumed that the previous owner had dismantled them and got
: dust into them, but now I realise it was more likely to be be the result
: of pneumatic suction.

Or maybe clean rooms weren't as good at the time the lens was manufactured and
the dust has been there from the beginning.

Bob

Reply to this Message

krishnananda - 26 May 2008 01:39 GMT

> On Wed, 21 May 2008 20:35:40 +0100, "\(not quite so\) Fat Sam"
> <samandjanet@knox.orangehome.co.uk> wrote:
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Bob

Lenses are not sealed against dust infiltration. Zoom lenses are more
prone than primes due to more elements moving through longer distances,
displacing a greater volume of air. Large-format lenses have never been
sealed as they have to be disassembled for attachment.

Dust on the rear element is more of a problem than dust on internal
elements.

Reply to this Message