Canon 400 f5.6 lens query. (1 Viewer)

senatore

Well-known member

• Jan 17, 2015

• #1

I've had my trusty 400 f5.6 lens for many years now.It's a bit battered but seems to still operate OK with my 7D mk.1.

However in a hide last week I overheard some birder say that lenses should go back to the manufacturers for a service on a regular basis.Never heard this before and I wonder if this is true.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Max

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Jan 17, 2015

• #2

Dont believe everything you hear in a hide! My thinking is if it ain't broke don't fix it.

My oldest lens is a 28-70 L which is about 20 years old, I bought it used about 8 years ago and have never had it serviced. The lens is still working as it should and delivers images just as good as they day I got it. I have heard someone telling people that the fluorite elements in these lenses goes off over time so after about five years a lens starts to degrade and the image quality drops. It is total nonsense. if you are happy with your lens then keep using it only get it serviced if actually needed.

 

GYRob

Well-known member

• Jan 17, 2015

• #3

Agree no need to send a lens back ,iv never done that .

Rob.

 

E

etudiant

Registered User

Supporter

• Jan 17, 2015

• #4

There is an outfit, Lens Rentals ( http://www.lensrentals.com/blog ) that rents lenses and does exceptional work characterizing the performance of lenses. Their blog is a fun and informative read.
They are gingerly moving into the field of lens appraisal and repair, using their specialized gear.
In a couple of years, they should be far enough along to look at your lenses and optimize them, for a fee of course.
Until then , do as 'Postcardcv' has sagely noted, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it!'

 

senatore

Well-known member

• Jan 18, 2015

• #5

Thanks all for the advice.

Max

 

Julian H

Well-known member

• Jan 18, 2015

• #6

IF the lens needed cleaning (which mine did) I sent it in to be serviced - otherwise, there is no need.

 

M

Myfeatheredfriends

Member

• Feb 2, 2015

• #7

Concur with the above. I've never had to send a lens back unless there was a clear and obvious problem with it.