Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Greetings, esteemed Hoggers!

I have a Canon EF-S 18 - 135mm IS f/3.5 - f/5.6 (non STM) lens. It appears to have an optical flaw (a little like a sickle / crescent moon) in an internal lens element - not the front element, but the next one back. In many situations it doesn't impact images noticeably, but it is noticeable in certain lighting conditions.

Does anyone have any thoughts (knowledge would be preferred) about the viability or cost associated with getting the lens repaired? I am assuming that it would require a replacement lens element and whatever work would be associated with that. Warranty considerations do not apply.

Your input or advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I hate to be flippant (I really don't), but it seems to me you have three choices:

1. Replace the lens.

2. Have a Canon trainer repair technician replace the bad element with a good one, possibly from a parts only lens bought on eBay. May I recommend:

3. Considering your description of the problem, an exorcism!

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I would contact Canon, but I seriously think that a lens that sells for $300 new, and $200 used, is worth the cost of repairing. A simple clean lube and adjust might cost around $150 without an element replacement. But Canon might tell you otherwise.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

It would be a warranty repair if it were less than a year old. Unfortunately that all the longer Canons lens warranty is for. Everyone elses lens warranties run from 4 to 6 years.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

How did you determine what element the flaw is on? Was it always there or was it the result of some event? Are you absolutely sure it's the lens? Have you tried other lenses? You can send it into Canon but it will likely cost $150-$250 to fix and would not be a good investment. If you like the lens and focal range, consider putting that money towards the new STM version which is better built and better optically.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thank you for an informed and considered response.

First, and including responses to other esteemed contributors which are much appreciated, this a lens that retails for roughly $500, the STM for $550 or so. I can get a new one for say $250 on e-bay. Actually I just have, I consider the old lens junk glass that isn't worth the hassle, cost or expense.

Why would I bother to fix it instead of just eating the cost and throwing it away.? My personal integrity won't allow me to sell it on e-bay having discovered its problems without disclosing the problem.

To me it seems that in today's market a $500 lens may become a disposable item. Not complaining about Canon (haven't contacted them) but seems easier to throw it away and buy new.

Thoughts?

Haydon

You might want to look here for prices.

http://www.canonpricewatch.com/product/02854/Canon-EF-S-18-135mm-f3.5-5.6-IS-price.html

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Certainly, if it's faulty, I would not consider selling it in good faith to anyone. I also wouldn't spend any serious money trying to get it fixed. What I would do is apply the money that I might have spent for repair towards either a newer version of the lens or perhaps a different and even better one. If this was an expensive top of the line lens like the EF 24-70 f/2.8, my approach would be much different, but the 18-135 non STM is a lower end, moderately priced lens and is not worth a large outlay to fix it.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Your lens has value, even for its parts. Selling it on eBay, with full disclosure of its problems, should not compromise your integrity; you might even recover part of the cost of your new lens.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

That's certainly a viable option, and as long as there is full disclosure of the issues no one gets hurt.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back, but essentially I can buy a new STM lens (which I have done) for $250 or so, which is roughly what it would cost to fix the old one, and that doesn't include time and effort, so in realistic terms the old lens is just junk to be thrown away.

Interesting perspective on our value system....

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Where are you getting a new STM version of the 18-135mm for $250? Are you sure its not the 18-55 STM, a completely different lens? The EFs 18-135 STM costs $549 new.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Fully understood.

It is e-bay. I am entirely sure that a new EF-S 18-135 STM is what is being stated as being offered, with Canon USA warranty. And I have some buyer protection backing it up, so we'll see what happens, but I hear you loud and clear as far as risk is concerned. I made the judgment call to take the risk given the paypal backup and the alternative to paying to fix the other lens.

If the lens is not as stated I am confident that I will get my money back. This situation happens quite a bit when Canon offers bundles, and people don't want the the lens / printer / whatever but get a decent price on a body and can resell the other stuff. Is it certain no, but I haven't yet been burned by this kind of transaction.

What saddens me is that I have a decent 18 -135 lens except for a problematic lens element and it may be more cost effective to junk it or give it away than even consider a repair. As you, say, new it is a $500 lens, and that is not the STM version which $549 list.

Also, to Mt Shooter's point, with Canon warranty being just a year, it limits the value of the warranty. On the other hand, recent discussions seem to indicate that Nikon is a lot more fussy about what they may fix at any price, so the risk with Canon may be lower.

It will be interesting to find out.

The story will continue!

We'll see how it plays out!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Good luck. I wouldn't worry too much if there is no warranty, it's only a year anyway. At $250 a good unused copy would be a steal. Canon lenses are generally not prone to problems. I've got five, all over 5 years old, used often, and so far no issues. So long as it looks new and works well straight out of the box, I'd keep it.