I used to love sony pro but my last few experiences have not been so great..
I have a small scratch on the front element of the 14gm it is mid way between the edge and center and about a 1/4 of an inch long not too deep you have to sorta look for it.
Do i feel it affects the image? no but in my ocd mind it does... that and I know that it could have an effect with flare.
So I sent it off to Sony Pro. They came back with "need to replace front element and worn rear mount $504" .... the rear mount is not worn at all barely can see any lines from taking on and off but this is sorta par for Sony Pro lately with them adding things on. When I asked to requote with that off they said it was a billing group and there would be no savings not doing the rear mount. I maybe believe that I dont know.
Now for my problem.
The lens is fantastic I love it but that bulbus front element is a problem. With the Viltrox 14 f4 out being so small I am just considering keeping the 14 with the scratch and picking up the Viltrox on the current sales and then using the GM when needed for the low light and saving some $
This might sound crazy but it does work - If the scratch is not large, to fill it with matte black paint - maybe give it a try - not like you have anything to lose?
Small, light scratches rarely affect image quality, but I understand your OCD. If the lens is working for you and you don’t see a degradation in image quality I would keep it as is.
$504 is still cheaper than buying a new 14mm GM. I haven't been lucky with Viltrox or Samyang lenses (faulty communication between lens and camera issues), so I prefer to stick with Sony and Tamron.
