Is internal dust common in new Samyang/ Rokinon/Vivitar/Bower 85mm 1.4?

causey · 02-22-2012, 04:24 PM

I got my Rokinon 85mm 1.4 a couple of hours ago, and noticed it has a couple of small dust specks (in addition to many minute particles observable only with the help of a flashlight). I was wondering whether this is something to be expected with such a chunky piece of glass... If not, I'd rather return it. I know, internal dust doesn't affect IQ, but why have it in a new lens? (It might affect the resale value, in case I decide the lens is not for me.)

vonBaloney · 02-22-2012, 04:28 PM

Small bits of dust are common on even brand new lenses, especially from an off-brand. It usually isn't "dust" of course, but tiny bits of plastic or whatever from manufacturing. You could return it, but it is a crap shoot whether a replacement would be any better, and could be worse. As you say, it is no effect...

wlachan · 02-22-2012, 04:48 PM

I have purchased brand new Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma & Tamron lenses the last 2 decades, and Pentax is the only brand consistently with inner scratches and dust OOB. All other brands were absolutely brand new.

vonBaloney · 02-22-2012, 06:28 PM

My brand new Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro came with a few particles...

causey · 02-22-2012, 08:46 PM

For me, this is something new--the first lens bought new which came with dust inside. There's more than the two specks, unfortunately: what appears to be very fine cleaning marks on the rear element... Otherwise, it looks brand new. I'll return it tomorrow.

vonBaloney · 02-22-2012, 09:01 PM

You don't want to see anything on the rear element, as that CAN affect quality.

causey · 02-22-2012, 09:11 PM

Originally posted by vonBaloney

You don't want to see anything on the rear element, as that CAN affect quality.

I took about 20 shots with it, and can't see any effect in the pics. The marks are very fine. Still, they bother me, so...

rags · 12-01-2012, 01:05 PM

Just noticed this thread and took out my 1+ year old Vivitar version 85mm f/1.4 to check; no dust visible at all (which rather surprised me because, while it's been only lightly used, it has been carried around quite a bit).

I shoot mostly w/ zooms, and I'm guessing that primes (especially IF primes) must be less likely to suck in dust; I checked my 100mm f/2.8 Macro WD (not IF) and noted that it, too showed no internal dust, unlike my zooms, which all show some.

02-22-2012, 04:24 PM	#1
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	Is internal dust common in new Samyang/ Rokinon/Vivitar/Bower 85mm 1.4? I got my Rokinon 85mm 1.4 a couple of hours ago, and noticed it has a couple of small dust specks (in addition to many minute particles observable only with the help of a flashlight). I was wondering whether this is something to be expected with such a chunky piece of glass... If not, I'd rather return it. I know, internal dust doesn't affect IQ, but why have it in a new lens? (It might affect the resale value, in case I decide the lens is not for me.)

02-22-2012, 08:46 PM	#5
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757 Original Poster	For me, this is something new--the first lens bought new which came with dust inside. There's more than the two specks, unfortunately: what appears to be very fine cleaning marks on the rear element... Otherwise, it looks brand new. I'll return it tomorrow. Last edited by causey; 02-23-2012 at 05:29 AM.

12-01-2012, 01:05 PM	#8
rags New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 16	No Dust Just noticed this thread and took out my 1+ year old Vivitar version 85mm f/1.4 to check; no dust visible at all (which rather surprised me because, while it's been only lightly used, it has been carried around quite a bit). I shoot mostly w/ zooms, and I'm guessing that primes (especially IF primes) must be less likely to suck in dust; I checked my 100mm f/2.8 Macro WD (not IF) and noted that it, too showed no internal dust, unlike my zooms, which all show some.

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02-22-2012, 04:28 PM	#2
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Small bits of dust are common on even brand new lenses, especially from an off-brand. It usually isn't "dust" of course, but tiny bits of plastic or whatever from manufacturing. You could return it, but it is a crap shoot whether a replacement would be any better, and could be worse. As you say, it is no effect...

02-22-2012, 04:48 PM	#3
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	I have purchased brand new Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma & Tamron lenses the last 2 decades, and Pentax is the only brand consistently with inner scratches and dust OOB. All other brands were absolutely brand new.

02-22-2012, 06:28 PM	#4
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	My brand new Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro came with a few particles...

02-22-2012, 09:01 PM	#6
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	You don't want to see anything on the rear element, as that CAN affect quality.

02-22-2012, 09:11 PM	#7
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757 Original Poster	Originally posted by vonBaloney You don't want to see anything on the rear element, as that CAN affect quality. I took about 20 shots with it, and can't see any effect in the pics. The marks are very fine. Still, they bother me, so...