Cleaning a lens

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I was in a pumpkin patch taking some shots two weekends ago. It was really, really dusty, and I spent a good amount of time lying flat on the ground with the camera down in the dirt. This past weekend, as I was using my Canon EOS 24-105mm f/4L IS USM on another shoot, I noticed the action wasn't perfectly smooth as I was zooming in and out.

I can't see any actual dirt or grit on it, but I guess there's some in the casing.

We leave for Disney on Friday, so no time to send it out for a check-up and cleaning. It's my normal walking-around lens. Other than zooming it all the way out and wiping it down with a dry micro-fiber cloth, is there anything I can do myself? Or just cross my fingers and hope it will continue to work through the trip?

At least I got some shots I liked.

 

[xlxo]

Ugh... if there is dirt in the zoom ring.... you will likely need to take it in.. Not likely to be cheap. Then again, if you leave it too long.... the dirt can damage the gears (especially if they are plastic), leading to even more expensive repairs.

I've ruined a few pocket shooters in my travels where dust/dirt got between the extending barrels when zooming.

 

[photo_chick]

Try a clean soft toothbrush to get into any grooves you can. Though if it's worked it's way into the ring there may not be much you can do.

 

[rmattman]

If you are still having problems with the lens at WDW, you may want to consider renting a replacement for the trip to avoid further damage to the mechanism until you can have it professionally cleaned. Kingdom Camera Rentals looks like they have availability. Good Luck.