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Debris inside Nikon 80-400 f4.5-5.6G lens
Oct 27, 2017 09:03:38 #
I'm just back from Africa and about half way through the trip noticed there was debris on an internal lens element. I also noticed there was significant side to side movement of the front section of the lens which made me wonder if it was sealed sufficiently. I sent it back to Nikon under warranty for repair. If you shine a flashlight at an angle through the front lens it reveals any internal dirt/debris. Has anyone else noticed this issue and might it be an issue with this and or other long lenses?
Oct 27, 2017 09:12:22 #
Oct 27, 2017 09:21:05 #
The side to side movement could be more significant. Debris? What kind and how much? Dust on internal surfaces is not unusual and normally is not an issue image wise. .
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Oct 27, 2017 09:24:06 #
genesampson wrote:
I'm just back from Africa and about half way throu... (show quote)
Dust inside a lens isn't unusual, and it generally doesn't affect the images. Movement is something else, though.
https://photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens
Oct 27, 2017 09:28:27 #
Tigger1
Loc: Surrey, BC Canada
genesampson wrote:
I'm just back from Africa and about half way throu... (show quote)
Dust inside a "pumper lens" is not uncommon but large irregular shaped pieces of debris would indicate something is amiss in your lens. As for the side to side movement if it is more that 0.5mm, then I would suggest the lens does need repair.
I have a Nikkor 18-200mm that has side to side movement (less than 0.5mm at full extension) and has some dust particles inside the lens the result of exposure to a dusty safari game drive. Both it and my 70-300mm Nikkor are being returned to Nikon for service and internal cleaning, although I cannot see any drop in picture quality because of the internal dust issue.
Good luck with your lens, I am sure Nikon will remedy the problem with your lens.
Garth
Oct 27, 2017 09:57:02 #
I'd never noticed size to side movement before, but haven't had as big of a lens either. The major piece of debris appeared white in color and the others were just dust. I've never had a single issue with a Nikon product so found this unusual. Thanks for the input. I'm confident in Nikon cleaning up the inside of the lens. The 80-400 on a crop D7200 was a great Safari lens tho did go to my pocket G15 for animals too close for it.
Oct 27, 2017 10:08:35 #
Best of luck with the repair and please let us know the final outcome.
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Oct 27, 2017 20:02:19 #
Tigger1
Loc: Surrey, BC Canada
genesampson wrote:
I'd never noticed size to side movement before, but haven't had as big of a lens either. The major piece of debris appeared white in color and the others were just dust. I've never had a single issue with a Nikon product so found this unusual. Thanks for the input. I'm confident in Nikon cleaning up the inside of the lens. The 80-400 on a crop D7200 was a great Safari lens tho did go to my pocket G15 for animals too close for it.
How big would you estimate the "white piece of debris to be? I know exactly what you mean about sometimes the animals are so close to you that even a 80mm (120mm equivalent on crop sensor) is just too much reach! That is why I carry my 18-200mm (27mm equivalent field of view on my crop sensor D5100). Most recently I have been using my 10-24mm Nikkor which is much better for those really close in shots.
Oct 27, 2017 20:09:34 #
Can't say how big as it is internal. Like the size of a grain of sand....not dust...and white in color.
Haven't checked photos to see if it's visible. If it is I'm gonna be really distressed about it.
Haven't checked photos to see if it's visible. If it is I'm gonna be really distressed about it.
Oct 28, 2017 08:44:56 #
genesampson wrote:
Can't say how big as it is internal. Like the size of a grain of sand....not dust...and white in color.
Haven't checked photos to see if it's visible. If it is I'm gonna be really distressed about it.
Haven't checked photos to see if it's visible. If it is I'm gonna be really distressed about it.
Fear not. If the spot is on an internal lens surface if will not be a defined spot on your images.
Fear this though, since you already sent the lens to Nikon, I can mention a real scare word, fungus. I have seen lenses with this and it is white. If it is the "F" word you caught it in time. that junk can spread.
Oct 28, 2017 09:28:31 #
ramblinmen
Loc: Manassas, VA
Odd that you mentioned the debris showed up after a safari as I had a similar situation during our safari a year ago. Even though I kept our D-300S covered when not in use the dusty conditions were constantly an issue. Since I only had two lens with me (18-200 and 80-400) I elected to "screw" with the shorter lens one night. I was able to unscrew a retaining ring and get to the outer glass elements after removing the protective filter and used a blower bulb/brush to eliminate the dust particles that had, somehow, invaded the inner space between two pieces of glass.
No way I would have done this if there had been a repair facility within 1,000 miles of our position but that is often not practical.
Bottom line... I was successful in eliminating the "spots" and didn't manage to introduce any fingerprints or damage to the lens.
No way I would have done this if there had been a repair facility within 1,000 miles of our position but that is often not practical.
Bottom line... I was successful in eliminating the "spots" and didn't manage to introduce any fingerprints or damage to the lens.
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Oct 28, 2017 17:02:41 #
I live in the high desert of Arizona so don't think the debris should be mold.
I do appreciate the input by other hogs. It's good to know there is a place we can bounce issues of others.
I do appreciate the input by other hogs. It's good to know there is a place we can bounce issues of others.
Oct 28, 2017 17:06:37 #
genesampson wrote:
I live in the high desert of Arizona so don't think the debris should be mold.
I do appreciate the input by other hogs. It's good to know there is a place we can bounce issues of others.
I do appreciate the input by other hogs. It's good to know there is a place we can bounce issues of others.
LOL if I had known that.............
(Lived there for about 10 years)
Nov 10, 2017 11:04:55 #
Update on visible debris inside my Nikon lens. The debris was either present during manufacture and recently settled on the internal glass or was brought in under normal use. There is no damage to the lens nor was it handled inappropriately.
Though still in warranty a letter from Nikon says this issue is not covered by the warranty. Cleaning the internal glass will require disassembling the lens. The cost....sit down....
Repair charge. $600
Ship & handling $ 15.50
Tax $ 33.60
Total. $649.10
I paid $2296 for the new lens 10 months ago and am a bit ticked. Gotta say I can not see the effect on photos, however.
I will not have the lens cleaned.
Thoughts?
Though still in warranty a letter from Nikon says this issue is not covered by the warranty. Cleaning the internal glass will require disassembling the lens. The cost....sit down....
Repair charge. $600
Ship & handling $ 15.50
Tax $ 33.60
Total. $649.10
I paid $2296 for the new lens 10 months ago and am a bit ticked. Gotta say I can not see the effect on photos, however.
I will not have the lens cleaned.
Thoughts?
Nov 10, 2017 11:23:36 #
genesampson wrote:
Update on visible debris inside my Nikon lens. The... (show quote)
wow! I'm a Nikon fan but even I think that is outrageous
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