Scratched lense

[Silvershark]

The outside lense on my canon S2 IS has been scratched. Anyone know how/if it can be repaired and how much it will cost? It only shows up in the reall close super macro shots but I tend to try and do those shots a lot!

[impotentspider]

Depends how deep the scratch is, you may be able to have it polished out, not familiar with Canon lenses, do they have any coatings? if so then obviously polishing out a scratch would probably ruin the coating.

The other option would be to watch out on ebay for anyone selling a damaged lens for spares/repair, then finding a repairer who could swap the front elements over at a reasonable cost.

Quick edit....Ooops! Sorry, the S2 is an all in one isnt it? have you tried Canon for a repair estimate?

[iporali]

not familiar with Canon lenses, do they have any coatings?
Of course we Pentax people know that the SMC is superior to anything else, but yes, Canon also have multi-coating. ;)

I'm afraid it can't be repaired at reasonable costs. Usually the scratches (even the big ones) don't show up in the picture, but if the scratch is very deep, it may add some flare. In that case you could try the old photographers' trick (at your own risk!): rub the lens with a sheet of newspaper. The newspaper ink fills some reflecting surfaces of the scratch and reduces flare - but there is a risk to actually produce new scratches. I am generally not a big fan of a "Lens-Pen", but its graphite "replenisher" may also help in temporarily filling-in the scratches.'

Best regards,

Ilkka

[impotentspider]

Hmmmm! I was considering NOT bothering with a UV or skylight filter for my new Sigma 50-500 (especially at £50-£75 each) but after reading Silversharks post its going to be high on my list of priorities.

Shark, there may be a solution to your problem if you cant get the lens sorted, you could try fitting a close up lens attachment (sometimes mis-called close up filters) when you do macro.
At present its the lens thats focusing closely and showing up the scratch, fitting a close up lens attachment will change the distance at which the lens focuses so it just might get you round the problem. Maybe someone else could explain it better????

Try calling into a dealers and explain the problem, ask if you can try a "close up filter" take a few test shots and see if works.

[RAH]

Hmmmm! I was considering NOT bothering with a UV or skylight filter for my new Sigma 50-500 (especially at £50-£75 each) but after reading Silversharks post its going to be high on my list of priorities.


I have read that some folks recommend against using a filter to protect the lens, the theory being that if the filter breaks, the resulting shards of glass are apt to scratch the underlying lens worse than if the filter weren't there at all. Don't know if I believe it, but it is something that some "experts" say.

[Hanno]

Hmm, I have scratched a couple of filters in my time, but never managed to break one. I still prefer to have a filter on my lenses.

[impotentspider]

I have read that some folks recommend against using a filter to protect the lens, the theory being that if the filter breaks, the resulting shards of glass are apt to scratch the underlying lens worse than if the filter weren't there at all. Don't know if I believe it, but it is something that some "experts" say.


I've heard that as well, but I assume whatever damaged the filter to make it shatter like that would certainly have damaged the lens anyway had it not had the filter on.
Genrerally I prefer filters on my lenses, then I dont have to worry too much about cleaning, My "Bigma" is just over a month old and I have allready had to clean the front element twice, and I dont care what anyone says I still dont trust lens tissues or cleaning cloths not to scratch. if the cost of a good quality filter had not been so high it would have had one fitted the minute it came out of the box.

[Silvershark]

Cool idea, I'll see if I can get a filter thanks!