Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens has scratch inside one of the elements.

I recently purchased a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens from B&H Photo. Yes, I did get the Canon USA warranty.

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I noticed that the lens has a scratch inside either on the inside of the front element or on the front of the second element. It appears quite bright when looking through the lens from the rear. I fear flare may be an issue and would like to get the lens repaired or replaced.

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Anyone else seen this from a Canon lens right out of the box? Of course, B&H Photo doesn't want to take it back stating it's a Canon issue. I've taken it to an authorized Canon service center where I live and they state I'll have to send it back to Canon USA to have them look at the lens.

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I've never had this kind of problem with a Canon lens. Just want to know how others have dealt with this.

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I've had two EOS-5 repaired at the same facility for the infamous Command Dial problem. Never had a lens problem right out of the box though.

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I'm wondering how fair Canon USA is to deal with for something like this.

My experience getting a 28-135mm IS lens cleaned by Canon, New Jersey

was enough to switch me to Nikon. Service was slow (it took over two

months the get the lens back!) They broke my multicoated filter and

scratched the front element badly. After many letters, threats etc.

They finally replaced the lens, I had to sent it back three times!

They gave me a Canon UV filter, not the more expensive multicoated

filter that they broke. Canon Customer service is staffed by nice

people but they appear to be powerless to resolve such matters. Go

with anybody but Canon repair...a former Canon user.

Ewwwww, internal scratches, yep had a few. When the 75-300 IS first

came out I had to return the lens to the shop and ask for a

replacement, they were not overly happy as the scratch was only about

5 mm long. They were even less happy when I returned the replacement

because it had a huge 25mm scratch on the inside of the front lens.

Also had to return a 28-70 L, both suffering from "internal"

scratches/marks. To be honest 99% of people wouldn't notice it in

your photos, but 100% of people would notice it if you decide to sell

second hand. Whenever I buy a lens now I make sure I have a torch in

my pocket, check the front, then rear optic for marks, sratches or

cleaning buffs. Then look through the lens whilst lighing from the

other side (light along the lens axis and from an angle) whilst

rotating the lens (It's amazing how you get bumped to the more senior

sales people when you start doing this). If it's not perfect, ask for

another lens. At the end of the day you are paying lots of money for

something that should be perfect. All the best, Bear