Would you return a new lens because of dust?

Xenon54

Xenon54

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Can't decide if I'm being ultra picky or not. I've just bought a brand new Sigma 85mm f1.4 and it's got a couple of moderately sized dust particles inside the rear element. I know this will have no noticeable impact on IQ, and the lens will pick up dust over time anyway, but part of me wants to return it.

a) Is is unrealistic to demand that a new lens is absolutely pristine, with no scratches or dust or anything?
b) Is is common for new lenses to have some dust in?
c) Have any of you had a similar situation and decided to return / not return it?

I guess it might impact re-sale value (as I'd have to declare the dust), and it might indicate sub-standard QC (although possibly not), but apart from these I can't think of any other reasons to return it, other than the general principle that new items should come pristine. None of my other (new) lenses have had any issues like this.
 
Unless I desperately needed it for a shoot, I'd return it. The dust will have little if any impact on IQ, but it will as you say matter when you try to re-sell in the future.
The bottom line is it shouldn't have dust in it, it could be indicative of other problems too, like it hasn't been sealed properly.
 
Thanks for the comments. I had kinda decided to return it anyway, but wanted a sanity check.
 
If i buy new i want it to be prestine and shiny. box included.
Its not often i have the money to buy new camera equipment but when i do i want it to be 100%
 
I'd return it. I'm really particular about my new stuff being pristine, that's half the fun of getting something brand new rather than second hand, but as said, it could also be an indicator of another problem as a new lens shouldn't be dusty.
 
I'm new to photography and as naive as I may sound. I wouldn't think a brand new lens would leave the factory if it was contaminated with dust. I'll certainly look more closely in future.
 
Yep, this is not the first lens I've had to return, so I've learnt its definitely worth doing some proper checking - I've seen some issues you wouldn't pick up with just a quick check over.

Yep, it was a high street branch that happened to be best price in the UK. Not going to name them though, as it's probably wasn't their fault, and they gave me a refund when requested. It's a fact of life that sometimes you get small QC issues in any manufacturing process.
 
Don't want to worry you more but give it a week or so and your new lens will have dust in. I have a Nikon 300mm f2.8 which was cleaned and serviced recently and that's already got dust in. Just one of those things I'm afraid. Best thing to do to prevent dust is to always leave your caps on all the time and keep in the box. 😉
 
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