Scratched Lens -

[mr.mike]

Hello all,
Wondering if a lens I recently purchased can be salvaged? It has about a 3/4 inch scratch on the outer rim portion of the front element. It doesn't effect the center of the lens. I just purchased it (Sigma 28-300mm 3.5 - 6.3 DG IF with macro) for $17.00 and thought I'd ask the forum. The lens is currently in transit so I haven't had a chance to try it, but took a chance due to the position of the scratch. Is there a safe method of reducing or removing scratches? Looking forward to your responses.
Thank you,
Mike

 

[Original katomi]

So far as I know the lenses are ground to shape so if you start to polish out the scratch you will change the light path.
My thought on this is for the price you have taken a gamble for the price if it works ok then you have won and done well
If it’s no good then you have not lost a lot of cash
I had a chance on a sigma 150 600 f5.6 old style, it looked old and well used. But for the price at the time it was worth the risk. ... whilst it looks old and well used it works fine, I scratched a filter, I tried to polish the park out, just ended up distorting the image

 

[mr.mike]

So far as I know the lenses are ground to shape so if you start to polish out the scratch you will change the light path.
My thought on this is for the price you have taken a gamble for the price if it works ok then you have won and done well
If it’s no good then you have not lost a lot of cash
I had a chance on a sigma 150 600 f5.6 old style, it looked old and well used. But for the price at the time it was worth the risk. ... whilst it looks old and well used it works fine, I scratched a filter, I tried to polish the park out, just ended up distorting the image

Thank you for your response. I really didn't need another lens, but this virus has got me home bound and I'm starting to get "cabin fever". As you say, if it works, I've gotten a bargain, if it doesn't, it should make a nice paper weight. Thanks again, stay safe and stay well.
Mike

 

[Derrel]

I once owned a Nikon 80 to 200 F 2.8 afd oh, the so-called one ring model. It had a dime sized crater from a rock chip it got by accident at a Motocross event in the front element.... the lens was not impacted much in terms of everyday shootin. Scratches and smudges on the front element of a lens typically do not have much effect unless one is shooting toward a bright light source. the real worry is smudges or scratches on the rear lens element, which can be highly detrimental.

My guess is that the lens will perform up to its price and then more. You only paid $17 for it, that is a very good price

 

[mr.mike]

I once owned a Nikon 80 to 200 F 2.8 afd oh, the so-called one ring model. It had a dime sized crater from a rock chip it got by accident at a Motocross event in the front element.... the lens was not impacted much in terms of everyday shooting typically do not have much of an effect. scratches and smudges on the front element of a lens typically do not have much effect unless one is shooting toward a bright light source. the real worry is smudges or scratches on the rear lens element, which can be highly detrimental.

My guess is that the lens will perform up to its price and then more. You only paid $17 for it, that is a very good price

Thank you for the words of encouragement, I'll let you know how I made out when the lens arrives. Hoping for the best.

 

[Designer]

Is there a safe method of reducing or removing scratches?

Short answer; no. The scratch may be only in the coating, but even if it's in the glass itself, you don't have the technology to remove old coating and replace with new coating. Just use it, and work around the scratch. Don't shoot into the sun, and don't step on Superman's cape.

 

[mr.mike]

Is there a safe method of reducing or removing scratches?

Short answer; no. The scratch may be only in the coating, but even if it's in the glass itself, you don't have the technology to remove old coating and replace with new coating. Just use it, and work around the scratch. Don't shoot into the sun, and don't step on Superman's cape.

Thank you for your response. I'm sure for the price I paid, it'll be fine. As mentioned, the scratch is only on the outer edge of the lens.

 

[dxqcanada]

Take a black Sharpie and fill in the scratch ... your camera will not notice it.

 

[mr.mike]

Thank you,
Now that you mention it, that was a method someone told me about several years ago. I forgot all about that remedy. Glad you reminded me.

 

[Original katomi]

Have fun testing, please do let us know how you get on

 

[dxqcanada]

Thank you,
Now that you mention it, that was a method someone told me about several years ago. I forgot all about that remedy. Glad you reminded me.

No prob

 

[mr.mike]

I share your enthusiasm. I've got boxes of old Canon film camera bodies, most of them were bought as is with hopes of being able to solve their issues. From the looks of what I've accumulated, I didn't do very well. Maybe someday I'll get ambitious and give my hobby another try. I appreciate everyone's input. Stay safe..........................