Tim,

I couldn't figure out from your post if you intend to use this lens on a digital camera. If you do, the issue is not cleaning the lens, which should be pretty straightforward. The issue would be getting dust specks off of the filter in front of the sensor. This can be done by yourself if you have a reasonable dexterity. All you need is the right procedure and supplies. I can strongly recommend you first read all instructions on the website www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com. And stay away from the Hurricane blower, big time. Use a Giotto's Rocket Blower instead. I can't tell you how much of an issue the push-pull action of a lens is going to be as compared to a lens with internal focusing, but given the easy with which you can clean the sensor filter, once you read the instructions, I would not worry too much about it. Dust specks are going to be a part of life for a digital photographer anyway.

Frans Waterlander
frans2001@netzero.net

Frans, thanks for the reply.

I am using a digital SLR, 10D. I do have sensor cleaning supplies and have cleaned it a couple of times.

I did rent this lens once and was pretty surprised when I looked at the end of the lens and saw how many dust particles were on the inside of the front of lens. I assumed it would have to be sent to Canon to clean maybe once a year or depending on how often it was used.

Thanks again for the feedback
Tim

I had one for years...No dust issues at all!

I've had mine for just under a year, no real dust issues (so far, anyways) however it has been giving me the Err 99 message on an increasingly regular basis.

Dust may be the culprit.