Lens Issue - Smudge: I recently noticed I am getting what looks like a lens smudge in my shots when I use my Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM lens. Its always on the right hand side...

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I recently noticed I am getting what looks like a lens smudge in my shots when I use my Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM lens. Its always on the right hand side about a third of the way down. Sort of looks like a thick parentheses. I have cleaned the lens but it is still there. I held it up to the light and I can't see a scratch or any other type of issue. What could be causing this and is it fixable? Its not a very expensive lens. I can usually edit it out if its a simple background. Its not noticeable in a busy background. Would I be better off just buying a new one?

crapshooter Loc: Fox, Alaska

clean sensor

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

kenievans wrote:

I recently noticed I am getting what looks like a ... (show quote)

Its just lint on your cameras sensor, a proper cleaning is needed.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Ok thanks.

CO

Does your camera have the ultrasonic sensor cleaning function? Make sure that is turned on. That could shake the dust free but it may not if the dust is stubborn. As other UHH members have already said, it may need a sensor cleaning.

The next thing to try is a filtered blower. I have the Koh Global Hepa Jet Air II blower. It has a large hepa filter, an anti-static filter, a one-way check valve, and a medical grade PVC bulb. Most blowers have a rubber bulb that can shed fine particles. The PVC bulb won't do that. Adorama Camera carries it and you can order it directly from Koh Global. Use the camera's lock mirror up for cleaning function that flips the reflex mirror up and opens the shutter. Give the sensor a few puffs of air from the blower.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

CO wrote:

Does your camera have the ultrasonic sensor cleaning function? Make sure that is turned on. That could shake the dust free but it may not if the dust is stubborn. As other UHH members have already said, it may need a sensor cleaning.

No my little budget Canon T6 only has a manual cleaning function that I just figured out how to use. Someday I hope to have a real big girl camera. :)

CO

kenievans wrote:

No my little budget Canon T6 only has a manual cleaning function that I just figured out how to use. Someday I hope to have a real big girl camera. :)

What did you use to clean the sensor?

SteveR Loc: Michigan

You seem to indicate that the problem occurs only when you use this particular lens. That would lead me to believe that the problem is with the lens. If you've cleaned both the front and rear elements of the lens you might have gotten some fungus in the lens. If you can confirm that as the problem, you're probably better off replacing the lens.

ggenova64

Have your sensor cleaned. Check out your local camera store for periodical free camera and lens cleaning.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

CO wrote:

What did you use to clean the sensor?

I haven't done it yet. I will lock the mirror using manual clean on my camera then use the bulb to blow on the sensor. I won't touch the sensor with anything.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

SteveR wrote:

You seem to indicate that the problem occurs only when you use this particular lens.

I went back and checked some shots with my 24mm lens and found the smudge on one. I couldn't see it on the 50mm shots from the same day I shot the pic I posted but the 50mm shots had busy backgrounds. Here is the 50mm shot.

(Download)

Toment Loc: FL, IL

kenievans wrote:

I went back and checked some shots with my 24mm lens and found the smudge on one. I couldn't see it on the 50mm shots from the same day I shot the pic I posted but the 50mm shots had busy backgrounds. Here is the 50mm shot.

Cute, smudge and all😀

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

kenievans wrote:

I recently noticed I am getting what looks like a ... (show quote)

Obviously dirt on your sensor. Have it cleaned or do it yourself and save money. I recommend the https://sensorgelstick.com
This method of cleaning your sensor is easy and it does not risk the use of liquids around sensitive part. I use it on my cameras frequently and have never had an issue.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

kenievans wrote:

I went back and checked some shots with my 24mm lens and found the smudge on one. I couldn't see it on the 50mm shots from the same day I shot the pic I posted but the 50mm shots had busy backgrounds. Here is the 50mm shot.

Dust on a sensor shows up more readily with smaller apertures.
The shot with the 50mm was most likely done with a wider aperture and, yes, the busier background would make it harder to see, compared to the sky in your first example.

You can test this yourself by shooting a clear sky at varying apertures.
You could also shoot a white piece of paper, indoors, one wide-open aperture, another stopped way down.
That’s how I do it. No birds in he shots, no need for a clear sky and it can be done at any time.
Don’t worry about camera shake due to slow shutter setting: the dust moves with the sensor so there will be no blur.

You don’t need to download the image to the computer, just enlarge the view on the LCD and scroll around the image using whatever toggle your camera has.

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Got to be the sensor. Lense smudges are not that pronounced.