Regarding clear pictues

[stsinner]

Is it possible for lenses to get dust inside them between the groups of elements, thereby resulting in degradation of picture clarity?

 

[JerryPH]

Yes. Mold too if stored in humid environments for long periods of time.

 

[Big Mike]

It's certainly possible...but unless they are abnormally large bits of dust, chances are that they won't affect the image quality (in a noticeable way).

Back in the day, lens glass often had bubbles in it...and still gave great image quality, people would freak out if they saw something like that nowadays. So don't worry about a little dust in or on the lens. Dust on the sensor is another matter.

 

[stsinner]

Thanks, guys. I was just wondering because of another thread where the OP said that he was afraid his picture quality had degraded since last year, and I got to thinking about a photog friend of mine who ALWAYS puts his camera back in its case. Mine is usually just sitting around, and I was wondering if that's bad for it and I should be zipping it up in its case..

My new 55-200 does seem sharper than my few year old 18-55. Didn't know if that was the reason.

 

[JerryPH]

My new 55-200 does seem sharper than my few year old 18-55. Didn't know if that was the reason.

Apples and oranges. Just about anything is sharper than a kit lens.