Strange lens question

[kofslinky]

I have a Nikon 18-200 VR lens that's a couple years old. I was out taking pictures yesterday and noticed for the first time that there was a little black spot in the corner of the pictures that I had never seen before. I cleaned the lens (both sides) and did some tests- on close-up shots it was there (less noticeable but still there), and the further away I pulled from the subject the smaller the spot got, until I was at the 18 mm setting and then I couldn't see it anymore. Does anyone here have any idea what it may be and/or how to fix it? Thanks!!

(BTW this is my very first thread!)

 

[photo_chick]

Could be something inside the lens on one of the elements. Since it changes size that suggests it might not be something on the camera sensor. But post some pictures illustrating the problem and the difference when you change focal lengths.

 

[lainev]

Did you try your test with another lens?

I believe that the spot is not on your lens. It is a speck of dust or other contaminant on your sensor. Take your camera, set it in Aperture mode (A), set the aperture to f/16 or smaller (bigger number f/22), and take a picture of the clear blue sky. View this picture on your computer and you will notice the dust. This dust usually does not impact picture quality unless you use smaller apertures (f/7 and higher, I know, the numbers are backwards and it is a little confusing.) You can usually lock the mirror up and blow the dust of with a Giottos Rocket Air Blower. Do not use compressed or canned air. Above all do not blow with your breath. If several tries with a blower does not work you might have to send your camera body in to Nikon to have its sensor cleaned.

 

[mom2rtk]

Maybe when you went to 18mm your aperture increased and there was shallower depth of field, making it less noticeable?

You need to try it with another lens to see if it's the camera or he lens. Could be a spot on your sensor. If it's actually on the shots, then you can rule out the mirror I believe. Have you tried a rocket blower to blow out the camera?

 

[kofslinky]

I did try another lens and didn't notice the spot. I will try posting pictures later today to deomnstrate it. Thanks for everyone's suggsetions so fa!

 

[mom2rtk]

I did try another lens and didn't notice the spot. I will try posting pictures later today to deomnstrate it. Thanks for everyone's suggsetions so fa!

Just be sure to use a small aperture (largest F stop) for your shots and use the same for each. Try shooting a white sheet of paper or blue sky.

 

[kofslinky]

Just be sure to use a small aperture (largest F stop) for your shots and use the same for each. Try shooting a white sheet of paper or blue sky.

I just tried another lens, making sure to keep the f-stop the same, and I did see the spot on the picture, so I'm guessing that means something on the mirror or sensor then. I'll have to try the rocket blower.

 

[mom2rtk]

I just tried another lens, making sure to keep the f-stop the same, and I did see the spot on the picture, so I'm guessing that means something on the mirror or sensor then. I'll have to try the rocket blower.

Wouldn't be the mirror since that moves out of the way when you take the shot. It would be the mirror if you see the spot in your viewfinder, but it wasn't on your final shot. You need to lock the mirror up and try a rocket blower.

Good luck!

 

[kofslinky]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I haven't had a chance to try the rocket blower yet, but here are some pictures with the dreaded spot on them. Sorry it took so long to get them here! The spot is is in the upper right hand corner- I kept the white background there so you can see it. The progression is 200 mm, 70 mm, 35 mm, and 18 mm.


Untitled by bianchiea5, on Flickr


Untitled by bianchiea5, on Flickr


Untitled by bianchiea5, on Flickr


Untitled by bianchiea5, on Flickr