If you're talking about this stuff (cropped & x2 from image 1), in the south-west mid-radius part of the lens, then yes, it might be. It appears to show some filament structures, which is one fungus pattern, but it'd be easier to tell if it was in sharp focus. In some images, it looks more like residue from something that landed there. Regardless, it ain't good. You could try to side-light the area, it might brighten up.
That is the area I’m referring to. I don’t have the lens available right now so can’t take better pics. I think I might just send it off to canon to have a look and possibly repair. Might sign up for platinum cps to save on repair and shipping.
pulper11 wrote:
That is the area I’m referring to. I don’t have the lens available right now so can’t take better pics. I think I might just send it off to canon to have a look and possibly repair. Might sign up for platinum cps to save on repair and shipping.
Thanks for looking at it and responding!
Could be - hard to say what else it would be. How did you store it? Humidity and temperature? Any history of mold? Just send it in and they'll clean that right up. Thankfully it isn't on the optics. You caught it early! Get some mold tests and test your house.
I've just signed up for the CPS Platinum so I'll see how that works. Is it best to just request a repair or the maintenance check and then have them tell me what's the issue?
Thanks again.
Oh, and btw, I believe this is a result from storing the lens for too long in my camera bag. A habit of mine that I will need to change.
CPS Platinum is so worth it! If you want it clean be very specific what you see and what you want cleaned and do "maintenance." If you are very specific CPS is excellent! You can include a print-out of the photo of the issue, circle it and tape it to the lens. You have the option of getting a quote first if desired. If you aren't specific they may not notice the issue (they are busy and want to know exactly what your issue is). They are the best and will do an excellent job! Kudos to the CPS team!
Storage depends a lot on where you live. In Silicon Valley, CA, I was fine storing lenses in a Pelican 1615AirTP or WD (new) or Pelican 1620 (used) with dividers (important!) or Nanuk 960 cases. Buy some silica desiccants like the Pelican Silica Gel packs (one per case) or buy the desiccant in bulk (DampRid Moisture Absorber - Desiccant Dehumidifier or similar). I've used Pelicans with silica for decades with no issues. Nanuk 960 (Canada warranty only so you have to pay shipping back to CA for warranty) but boy do they have great latches and light weight. The newer Pelican 1615AirTP or WD with US warranty are excellent as well - the latches aren't quite as nice. Both the newer Nanuk or Pelicans are very nice options for air travel. The old school Pelican 1620 (used) with dividers are excellent for storage. Possibly the best. They are tall so can fit a lot of lenses standing up that the other two can't and you can find them cheap on Facebook Marketplace / eBay / Craigslist, etc. from time to time. They are heavy but they seal well and fit the most gear within a weight class that is easy to move and stack well. These aren't the best for air travel cases but I do ship them via FedEx to a destination to shoot. Don't get the cheap Pelican Vaults for lenses! They are not up to the task. But I use them for batteries, chargers, filters and other small items I need organized for quick access. I wouldn't travel with them (outside of my SUV) but for their purpose they are cheap and do the job. B&H has recently had sales on cases up to 50% off so put them on your watch list! Good luck!
No, it doesn't. But do send the lens in for cleaning and they will assess it. At least that lens is common and not too expensive so easy enough to replace if necessary.
netexpress wrote:
CPS Platinum is so worth it! If you want it clean be very specific what you see and what you want cleaned and do "maintenance." If you are very specific CPS is excellent! You can include a print-out of the photo of the issue, circle it and tape it to the lens. You have the option of getting a quote first if desired. If you aren't specific they may not notice the issue (they are busy and want to know exactly what your issue is). They are the best and will do an excellent job! Kudos to the CPS team!
Storage depends a lot on where you live. In Silicon Valley, CA, I was fine storing lenses in a Pelican 1615AirTP or WD (new) or Pelican 1620 (used) with dividers (important!) or Nanuk 960 cases. Buy some silica desiccants like the Pelican Silica Gel packs (one per case) or buy the desiccant in bulk (DampRid Moisture Absorber - Desiccant Dehumidifier or similar). I've used Pelicans with silica for decades with no issues. Nanuk 960 (Canada warranty only so you have to pay shipping back to CA for warranty) but boy do they have great latches and light weight. The newer Pelican 1615AirTP or WD with US warranty are excellent as well - the latches aren't quite as nice. Both the newer Nanuk or Pelicans are very nice options for air travel. The old school Pelican 1620 (used) with dividers are excellent for storage. Possibly the best. They are tall so can fit a lot of lenses standing up that the other two can't and you can find them cheap on Facebook Marketplace / eBay / Craigslist, etc. from time to time. They are heavy but they seal well and fit the most gear within a weight class that is easy to move and stack well. These aren't the best for air travel cases but I do ship them via FedEx to a destination to shoot. Don't get the cheap Pelican Vaults for lenses! They are not up to the task. But I use them for batteries, chargers, filters and other small items I need organized for quick access. I wouldn't travel with them (outside of my SUV) but for their purpose they are cheap and do the job. B&H has recently had sales on cases up to 50% off so put them on your watch list! Good luck! ...Show more →
These Pelican cases are a whole new world to explore now! It's hard to understand their naming and it's amazing to see how much the dividers cost!!
I saw this online and was happy with the price until I saw that the dividers would cost double the price (around $300 just for the dividers).
Thank you for your reply and I appreciate your thoughts on this!
It includes the dividers. $577.96 now - sometimes on sale. I used to buy them from B&H for around $250 and recently bought on used on eBay with dividers for around $250 used. Great storage - notice the three slots for longer lenses standing upright? Just about perfect and you can get gadget storage for the top lid bit too.
The Canadian kits have been going on sale a lot recently for half off on B&H. Really great stuff as well!
It includes the dividers. $577.96 now - sometimes on sale. I used to buy them from B&H for around $250 and recently bought on used on eBay with dividers for around $250 used. Great storage - notice the three slots for longer lenses standing upright? Just about perfect and you can get gadget storage for the top lid bit too.
The Canadian kits have been going on sale a lot recently for half off on B&H. Really great stuff as well!
Thanks!
When you're mentioning the Canadian kits, you're referring to Nanuk?
You mention the Nanuk 960. I see the 950 is on sale right now at Amazon ($265). When I do a comparison (between 950 and 960) it appears the main difference is size. 52L to 79L. That's a pretty big difference but if the 950 fits most of my stuff, then that could be an option unless there's other differences. The 960 is around $600 now at B&H. If that is one of the things that goes on sale for 1/2 off then I might just wait.
Caution, if the Silica Gel pack(s) becomes saturated with moisture it can increase the humidity inside the case especially when the the ambient temperature goes up.
When using Silica Gel packs in a sealed case remember to regenerate/reactivate them often, usually in an oven set to a low temperature. Also place a humidity test strip in with it, or better yet, use colored moisture detecting Silica Gel so you can tell when the pack needs to be dried out.
pulper11 wrote:
Thanks!
When you're mentioning the Canadian kits, you're referring to Nanuk?
You mention the Nanuk 960. I see the 950 is on sale right now at Amazon ($265). When I do a comparison (between 950 and 960) it appears the main difference is size. 52L to 79L. That's a pretty big difference but if the 950 fits most of my stuff, then that could be an option unless there's other differences. The 960 is around $600 now at B&H. If that is one of the things that goes on sale for 1/2 off then I might just wait.
Wait, they are having regular sales at close to 50% off. Both brands are remarkable. But buy them when they are on sale Or buy the Pelican storage units used.
Photonadave wrote:
Caution, if the Silica Gel pack(s) becomes saturated with moisture it can increase the humidity inside the case especially when the the ambient temperature goes up.
When using Silica Gel packs in a sealed case remember to regenerate/reactivate them often, usually in an oven set to a low temperature. Also place a humidity test strip in with it, or better yet, use colored moisture detecting Silica Gel so you can tell when the pack needs to be dried out.
Even a lot of fungus doesn't seem to hurt resolution at all. It does pick up flare more easily though. I haven't had much luck seeing the photos for some reason, but if it's just a spot I might not get around to it
If you are seeing extra flare or concerned about it, you might hold up your hand and block the sun. That's not such a bad idea anyway though.
I wouldn't leave it in any sort of air tight case, for storage, might just be trapping humid air, or if you bring it in and the cooler indoor air causes condensation. Although I used to store in a bag, mostly in temperature controlled or drier climates though. If it gets damp and you throw it in the closet I can see it being trouble
There are some deals now at B&H for the Nanuk cases.
I have another question now about this:
Is there any benefit to having the cameras in the humidity stored situation? I'm assuming fungus for the cameras themselves isn't much of an issue (I've only read about it with lenses). If it's not beneficial for the cameras, then I might go with a smaller storage. 950 vs 960 and save some $.
Thanks!
Or buy the Pelican storage units used.