Dust in lens

[PhotoMom]

Hey, all

I've got a problem that I'm sure I can get some kind of help with here since so many of you are real veterans at this.

I have a stock lens that came with my Rebel Xt that has a fleck of dust or something in it that comes out in EVERY photo that I take unless the background is the same greyish color as the dust. It looks to me like a HUGE piece of dust, or lint, or whatever it is, but I'm sure it's not as big as it looks on the photos. Also, I know it's in the lens itself because when I change lenses, it doesn't show up on the photos with a different lens, so I know it's in the lens and not in the camera.

I've never had this problem and don't know what I should do about it. Is there a way for me to try to blow it out myself, or should I bring it in for repairs? It's bugging the heck out of me, even though I know I can photoshop it out when I really need to, that's not a choice I want to have to make everytime I use the dad gum thing!!!

Please give me some advice!!!

PhotoMom

[cyclohexane]

Dust in lenses doesn't typically show up in photos. This sounds silly, but just to be sure: when you change lenses, are you shooting at the same apertures?

What you should do is look through the front and back of the lens in question, and shine a flashlight through it. Anything inside should show up clear as day.

As for getting rid of it, well, you probably need an authorized repair person to do it.

[PhotoMom]

Shooting different apertures. If I had a photo sample to show you, I'd send it but, alas, I'm at work (supposed to be working!!!) and don't have an example. ''
Thanks for the input Michael!

[cyclohexane]

Hm, with a sample it'd be easier to tell, obviously.

You should do some shots with all your lenses at the same small aperture, say f/11, f/16, etc.

[AnthroFox]

Is it much like this? I have the same problem with my camera, however, I have compact. I have no idea what to do to remove the dust.

[Kosherpaparazzi]

My Canon 24-105 L lens has lots of little specks of dust in it and its supposed to be dust resistant.
I had a KM dimage Z5 which got plenty of dust in the lens. I'm still trying to figure out how dust travels through a prosumer compact.

If the speck is really big it might be on the rear element of your lens. Use a blower, anything else (including your breath) might damage the lens. If that doesn't work call up Canon and see what they could do.

I hope this info helps (i have very poor communication skills).

[D.Rodgers]

I cannot stress this enough If you have dust in the lens and it is appearing in your images then you need to return it to Cannon do not take it in to a smallish camera shop they will only charge you for a repair thats sent back to the manufacturer anyways. it may be covered under warranty then you only need to pay shipping.

The cause of visible dust is more often on the sensor then the lens .I have a couple lenses that have dust and even one I bought with a large scratch on the small side of the lens ,none of them show up on the image.

The rebel xt has a self cleaning sensor if i'm not mistaken but you could still have a fleck that welded itself to the sensor.Take your body and put the mirror into lock mode (flipped UP) and have a look at the sensor in good light move it around at different angles you should see it

[cyclohexane]

The rebel xt has a self cleaning sensor if i'm not mistaken

Nope, sadly. Feature started with the Rebel XTi/400D. =)

[D.Rodgers]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

Nope, sadly. Feature started with the Rebel XTi/400D. =)

Thanks I wasn't sure about that.

[heartseye]

Looks more like dust on the sensor to me....Bob

[jazzology]

I second HeartsEye on that.... looks like sensor blots

[Mr Mikey]

I ran into a similiar problem, does the dust show up with any other lens ? If so try cleaning your sensor.
I ended up taking the lens back to the store I bought it at. they sent it off and it cost me 25 bucks to have it cleaned. The problem was when I got the lens back the hair was still there. I discovered for my 25 bucks they clean the outside of the lens and that is it. (ritzcamera)
I had to send it back in for a cleaning/repair which means they take it apart, it's still not back so I cannot tell you the cost. My point is if you send it is be sure they are going to clean what you want cleaned.