Cleaning dust from w/in the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

[jsmythe76]

I had the exact same problem with the same lens. Plucked up the courage, followed your video carefully and it worked a treat! Thanks for sharing.

[iamkushal]

do you have video for canon 10-22mm wide angle lens cuz i m having focusing problem recently after much use. Any suggestion.

[victorelessar]

i hope this works for the kit lens, cuz over here theres no techs to clean it. id have to send it to another city, and its so overpriced, im not gona pay someone to do such a simple task hehe ;)

[marcot64]

Great, not grat. Thanks

[marcot64]

Tried it on my sigma and worked out grat thanks. Didn't have any locktite though will this have a big affect?

[motleypixel]

@marcot64 no you'll be fine w/o locktite...good to hear your success.

[danmu]

I'm plagued with dust in all my lenses...I throw my Canon on my motorcycle all the time and, at home, my cam shares the house with my dog. I get dust, hair, and dirt everywhere. This video is inspiring me to go try to clean it myself. Last year, I tried to send off my 100mm macro to the Canon mothership. It came back without any apparent attempt to clean. I sent it back to them three times and it came back as dirty as I sent it - I gave up. I was nervous to do it myself, but I'm gonna :)

[Thomasmollo]

@Motleypixel, Thank you ! I know this video helped a lot of people who became extremely

disapointed to see dust in this otherwise fantastic lens.

[Thomasmollo]

I can absolutely validate the fact that this sealed my 17-55. I sealed it... Then got nervous about calibration (which is bs.. Just plop the element in) opened the lens again.. Used it a few days and got dust. Sealed it with silicone and been on a shooting spree since.. Beach.. Dusty garage... Parks..Baseball Fields. Not a spec of dust ! On mine the front is the only area bringing in dust. Lotta people say the had uv since day 1 but used the lens a bit without. It only takes a min.

[motleypixel]

@Thomasmollo Glad to hear it's working cleanly for you. And you're right, the calibration stuff is bs which is why I note it in the video, I was mis-informed and really didn't have the time to re-do the video. Thanks, Roy.

[interstellardust1]

Thanks for the video. I have been using a UV filter from day one, but now have some dust showing inside the lens and more importantly in my images. I'm going to take a shot at this. I am however concerned about the suggested silicone seal. I shoot a lot of aerial photographs as well as desert shots in a wide range of temperatures and barometric pressures. I'm thinking that could cause condensation problems unless the lens is sealed up on a very low humidity day. Your thoughts?

Bill Garnett

[motleypixel]

@interstellardust1 Somehow I doubt the silicon sealing on the front element will effectively hermetically seal the lens. For starters, if the dust wasn't there when your lens was new and you always use a UV filter then how did the dust get there? Well two areas, from the rear of the lens (minor) and from the tromboning lens construction (major). Are you positive the specs in your resultant images are not sensor dust? You can easily rule that out by shooting at the sky f/16 2 diff lenses.

[Thomasmollo]

While cleaning my Canon 17-55mm Lens, I broke the ring that is to be placed over the screws after securing the top lens element after cleaning. Not a big deal but considering the lens is new, I decided to look into purchasing this part and maybe some screws for the element in case I loose them in the future. Well after searching everywhere I found this Canon Parts Order phone # 732 521 7230. Fantastic ! You can get anything for any Canon camera or Lens you have. Great resource.

[motleypixel]

@Thomasmollo Yep, this is true...I ordered a new shutter release button and sensor (don't try to replace your own sensor, trust me!). If you are curious about replacing your sensor I have a video for that too ;-)

[Thomasmollo]

@motleypixel Thank you ! Headed to home depot now.

[Thomasmollo]

@motleypixel sorry for the double post again but how's the silicon holding up on your lens ? What kind is best ? After sealing the lens how long before I can use it ? And again, thanks for this video, it really saved me from some serious headaches

[motleypixel]

@Thomasmollo Just use regular, clear, Silicon II from HomeDepot or Lowes. Be sure not to use a silicon adhesive as it will make future lens work very difficult.

[Thomasmollo]

@motleypixel I noticed you made this video in 2009, have you seen dust in the lens since you sealed it up ? I completed mine and it turned out great. Looks good and the Silicone idea was really excellent .. Never would have thought of that myself. How has this worked out for you because I do love this lens.

[motleypixel]

@Thomasmollo squeaky clean ever since :)

[Thomasmollo]

@motleypixel Awesome.. so far so good here also. Much thanks !

[EpicsodeOne]

@motleypixel The silicon didn't harm anything in the lens? Like no ghosting at the sides or any sort of staining? BTW I used to have one, I sold it two days later cus I was really shocked by the softness at many apperure ranges and at many focal distances, seems that the 'sweet spot'' of this lens is kind of RARE! So now I have the 17-85, much more bang for buck, and I am hearing, surprizingly the IQ of the Kit lens 18-135 is AS good as both, tried it today and guess wut? IMPRESSIVELY EQUAL!

[motleypixel]

@EpicsodeOne no, didn't harm the glass and didn't affect the performance, it's all behind the lens id ring anyway, unless you are messy or "glop" too much of it on. the 17-55/2.8 blows the current kit 18-135 and even the 17-85 out of the water in terms of IQ, proof is at slrgear dot com, just use the blur index to compare them...it's likely your af system may have been off...did you ever try test focusing manually with 10X live view to see if your af was off?

[EpicsodeOne]

@motleypixel Honestly I tred alot, I even tried to convince myself, I don't know if it's the Circumstances but I was using both on my old 550D, I was always able to select hair by hair on photoshop using the 18-135, when I got the 17-55 I was shocked and was going thru the images like crazy... I don't know honestly!

[motleypixel]

@EpicsodeOne I check the AF on every lens I use with simple procedures found all over the net. You basically compare AF frame from a trip to a manually focused same frame with 10X LV for critical focus. Then with bodies such as the 5DMK2 or 7D you can micro-adjust AF, but with bodies that you can't do this you are stuck with sending the lens and body in for calibration or just getting a new or different lens.

[EpicsodeOne]

@motleypixel Hmmm, I heard about that today, I will check... Thanks for the info tho!

[Thomasmollo]

@motleypixel yes I'm just emphasizing the entry point for dust. I was using a very good uv filter from day one and noticed no dust. I checked after every use because of this lens reputation. After one day without the uv filter there was three very visible dust specs.

[Thomasmollo]

I could see the air I was blowing in move the dust around without even taking out the screws. The dust is definetly getting in thru the front seal... that adhesive seating the ring is NOT even close to air tight. I put my UV filter back on today and shot all day...windy conditions also shot indoors and no dust. If someone could find a seal I believe the problem would be solved. Hope this helps everyone..Just trying to contribute

[Thomasmollo]

Ok here's an update. I decided to use the 17-55 without a UV filter because I do see a difference in photo quality.. slight but it looks better without a filter, and I have a good one Hoya HD. So after 1 day I noticed 3 specs of dust again inside the front element. Opened it up and after taking the ring off, I used the air blower to pump air through the slits between the screw holes... low and behold the dust moved around..

[motleypixel]

@Thomasmollo are you emphasizing that the lens isn't sealed or trying to say you tried to get the dust out but can't now? If just emphasizing that the lens isn't sealed then seal it as I explain in this video :)

[Thomasmollo]

Pretty funny how two days prior I saw no dust... Until I really looked ! Not a lot but wanted to try this anyway. I have goodfriend who works for canon... Asked him to find out about the element placement and screws. As I suspected it dosen't matter which hole. The groups of three were built into the seal for longevity...guess after a lot of service the threads could wear or break. There are three choices in each group in case one becomes worn.

[Thomasmollo]

Great video. Very helpful and well done. Before and after getting this 17-55 lens I researched completely the dust and supposed build quality issues. I do not believe the dust is sucked in through the zoom ring. Dust gets in through the front seal. From Day 1... I opted for a 77mm Hoya HD UV Filter. I see zero impact on this lens' fantastic image quality and sharpness and dust is not an issue at all. Take my advice... Get a top quality UV Filter.

But thank you for this great video.

[jvantland]

DON'T USE MASKING TAPE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO USE ALCOHOL TO REMOVE THE RESIDUE, AS I HAD TO.

[Thomasmollo]

@jvantland

Correct ! I did and it was very scary pulling it SLOWLY off, Didn't use alcohol. Luckily NO harm. The Lens Cleaning was 100 % successful ! The screw placement is a non issue. as long as you screw in each of the 3 screws at the same hole in each group of 3 holes. Just make sure the lens seats in and screws go in perfectly strainght. GREAT Video ! Saved me $200.

[bondfrenchbond]

I wish you showed us the removal of the ring with the toothpick. It's tough! I've broken many toothpicks and I still haven't been able to lift it. I'll try again tomorrow!

[motleypixel]

@bondfrenchbond Your ring may have more glue then mine or others...try using a very small flat-head tweaker screwdriver prying from the very outside of the ring (near the filter threads), this way if you do contact the element it will be the part under the ring which won't matter. Maybe slight blow-dryer heat on the front element/ring will soften the glue and make it easier?

[bondfrenchbond]

@motleypixel Yup it worked! thanks a lot!

[motleypixel]

@bondfrenchbond good deal, glad to hear it worked out for you.

[KingKassius]

lmao ......this video is super funny. The calibration part was the best. You said you were moving the screws and the little note pop up and said "i was completely wrong just make sure to put the screws back where u found them" i am still laughing. oh my god HELP lolollolol.

[treepizzle]

What type of silicone did you use? and where did you find out how to calibrate it?

Thanks so much for the video!

[motleypixel]

@treepizzle ge silicon ii from home depot or lowes. DON'T BOTHER WITH THE CALIBRATION STUFF...I REALLY WAS INCORRECT IN THE VIDEO. Just leave the element where it's (by marking with tape etc.) while removing it.

[treepizzle]

@motleypixel Great! Thanks for the quick reply! Would you still recommend the lock tight? and if so which brand if you don't mind me asking. You rock!

[motleypixel]

@treepizzle be careful with loctite...some brands corrode plastics...I would say better safe and don't use it.

[treepizzle]

@motleypixel thank you again!

[cwchan27jun]

Does this operation work on Canon 18-200mm lens? Thx.

[motleypixel]

@cwchan27jun I really haven't ran into a lens where I couldn't remove the front element but then again I've only removed the front element of about 6 different lenses, most being older manual focus lenses. The construction for the front usually consists of a threaded lens ID ring (unlike the lightly glued piece of plastic in the case of the 17-55/2.8IS) and when removed it exposes screws that keep either the lens element in place or another shroud which you further remove.

[nemosis]

It works well on the 28-135 is 3.5-5.6 Canon. Thank You!!

[motleypixel]

@nemosis Awesome...thanks for letting us know.

[MsLestat22]

thanks for sharing this vid..i cleaned my lens that had fungus on it..

[mmyyut]

GREAT video! I cleaned 2 of my 17-55mm lenses this way. Thank you! Is the 24-105mm F4L lens the same?

[motleypixel]

@mmyyut You're welcome, glad this video helped you. I've never taken the front element off the 24-105 but I would wager it's very similar...since it's an "L" lens it may have a screw-on lens ID ring rather than a thin plastic glued on ID ring like on the ef-s 17-55.

[asjesus1]

07:28 will this (rotating the lens) change anything?

[motleypixel]

@asjesus1 Not really, if you mark the element and the black body with tape before removing then you can always put it right back where it belongs. The front element rests on 3 lips of plastic that are tiny inclines...you can simply rest the element back and turn it until it "plops" into place.

[drewseymour1]

Thank you very much for this. Clear, concise instructions. It worked a treat. Thanks again :-)

[motleypixel]

@drewseymour1 You're welcome!

[maracandrev]

Scary stuff but opened up my old 28-70 f2.8L and gave her a good ol' clean out. Thanks for the pointers and tips now my lens looks great, for a 126 year old lens it is nice and shiny again.

[airizha]

thanks!

[valinorsdawn]

I watched your vid once, reviewed it carefully, armed myself up with tools.

It took me 5 minutes...voilà, lens is back as pristine and dirt-free as new! I was into one of those inner-lens-moisture nightmares last summer, condensed drops left marks, + loads of sticky dust particles, of course showing up evidently on uniform blue the likes of skies.

Warm thanks motley for putting this together - no calibration, just followed your instructions on tape alignment, taken a few shots and all is Good!

[motleypixel]

@valinorsdawn cool glad it helped you...yes the whole calibration stuff was a learning experience for me...just stick to the tape location method and all should be good.

[MrBobkeenan]

This totally worked. What a great video. I did the glue seal too and the dust generation slowed or stopped... Great set of instructions. Thanks

[rgiversen]

great video!

[Sadunrox]

I need to grease my stiff zoom ring, as u mentioned after taking off the front element can i grease it up or do i need to take out more pieces

[motleypixel]

@Sadunrox Ewwwww...that's a whole different procedure and much more complicated on new AF zooms...personally I wouldn't attempt doing this on this particular lens. Now for my old-school Takumar and Minolta manual focus lenses...they are easy.

[dreadlord2006]

Nice!

[cowstripes]

What brand and size screwdriver did you use? I can't find a #0000 locally, #000 max.

[motleypixel]

@cowstripes Go to Harbor Freight's website and search this: "6 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set with Molded Handles" it's the exact set I use. The top of the spin just like the normal old metal style tweaker screwdrivers.

[juanpaulr]

Nice thanx man

[lonelytraker]

Already knew the hole cleaning and calibration process but, GREAT video. Nice to see things like this posted

[mesonparticle]

08:54, he said ringpiece!!! :D

[engelberto]

Great Video.. I have a Tamron 17-50 2.8 but the principle is the same. My camera was back focusing after a fall. I have calibrated the lens based in your video. Great stuff.!!! however is not yet perfect. the lens is to the maximum calibration point. Is there a calibration for the Camera as well? any clue where to look.? I have my screwdriver ready!

[ldjames001]

Now my 17-55 is as clean as new and I love it. Thanks for taking the time to post this. I'd like to contribute as well. 1. Did not pry the seal up from the lens side. Used a paper clip end in the small hole in the outer seal and it pried right up. 2. My lens element did not fall out when I turned it over. Canon cleaned it once and they used a gum to secure it as well as the seal ring. I had to insert a small hook into the slotted hole ends and slowly pry it up. Worked all 3 slots evenly.

[jkcfx]

Very helpful, thanks

[misstq999]

very nice video,- thx. you should make the tutorial for nikkon lenses too.. if possible..

anyway thx again.. greetingd from amsterdam..

[motleypixel]

@misstq999 Thanks, I've yet to tear apart a Nikkor...but I have many other lenses under my belt now.

[misstq999]

@misstq999 nice..

[ehouli77]

Thanks for the video, I did it today. there are some lenses that suck dust as a vacuum, while others don't... today before I proceeded to clean my lens, I checked it out in full light, and found that the front seal (where it says Canon yada yada yada) was not centered and left a little space for dust to come in, so after I cleaned it tried to better center it at the final reasembly. Let's see how it turns out, but alreadysticked the UV filter again, Canon should use a second seal.

[cheezecakeV2]

I lack enough confidence to do that.

[ashwinpc]

Thanks for the video, coffee went into my lens and didnt know how to open, was able to clean :) Thanks

[motleypixel]

@ashwinpc LOL...sounds like something I'd do...I drink a lot of coffee. Well, glad it helped you...be sure to use a LITTLE silicon to seal it up good...yes I really mean just a little...you don't want it to spread into the lens and cause obstruction of light.

[ritchi101]

Thanks for putting up this video, worked for my efs 24-135mm IS USM. Took me 20 minutes to do it, your vid guided me well.

Oh and yeah you're right, don't worry about the calibration thingy - that portion of the vid just makes it more scary to perform this "operation" LOL!

[yzumi20]

can i do it with my nikkor lens???

[motleypixel]

I'm sure you can, but I would find a tutorial for that specific Nikon lens...DON'T USE THIS TUTORIAL.

[yzumi20]

its just that i cant find one

ive searched for like...4 hours or somthing

do u know any one who has a video for the nikkor lens

[motleypixel]

Sorry I don't. I wouldn't attempt unless you are sure how to do it.

[yzumi20]

ho, that too bad, ty anyway

if u do find anything, plz tell me ^__^

[michaeljudefernandes]

@motleypixel They say prevention is better than cure. I was wondering if I could put the silicon on the brand new lens and hope that dust does not get in. Will this help.

also do we put this lining of silicon on the outside or the inside of that ring that has the text on it.

I was wondering if putting a lining of the silicon on the outside will help.

Which brand silicon paste did you use... any recomendations

[Twilight788]

I have this same issue. I'm scared to do it, but really want to.

[motleypixel]

Couple of thoughts:

1. Do it only if you are good at these sort of things.

2. Make sure your small phillips screwdriver is the right size...the screw heads are eaisly stripped.

3. AT ALL COSTS, MARK AND ENSURE YOU PUT THE ELEMENT BACK IN THE EXACT SAME PLEASE WINCE IT CAME. If you don't then you will affect the infinity focus.

[Nathant888]

Great job on the video. It was interesting to see the inside of a lens. I'll cross my fingers that I won't have to deal with a dust issue with my 17-55/2.8

[motleypixel]

Update. Don't bother worrying about front/back focus or calibrating in any way. Make sure you put the element back in the exact same position.

[motleypixel]

hey cableaddict, why don't you be more verbose like you were over at FM forums so you can explain all the other things you like?

[cableaddict]

I like the part where he uses a rocket-blower to push the dust further into the lens.

[motleypixel]

There was a lot of detail I had to leave out. Please visit the forum board mentioned in the credits to read further details.

[shahreen79]

scary! not for the faint-hearted :)