Cleaning dust from w/in a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens

[motleypixel]

Okay folks,

Do you have a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens with enough dust inside to drive you nuts?  Is this dust affecting image quality?  The previous statement is the real question.  In my case there was one particular piece of dust  that was large enough to see at 17mm close focus at f/2.8.  The reality is that I almost never shoot like that with this lens.  For me, it was the challenge and hopeful benefit of having a clean lens and possibly a better calibrated lens.

Here's my video on how I removed the front element and cleaned the inside of the lens:

Cleaning dust from w/in the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

I had to cut out a lot of video...almost 10 extra minutes to get it under the 10min limit.  In this thread I will explain in more detail the procedure and further explain how the front element is calibrated and front/back focus issues.

-Roy

[DigitalScape]

Roy, great video.  I do not think I would have the confidence to open up one of my lens.

[motleypixel]

Thanks John!

UPDATE:  Watch the video again, pretty much forget about all the calibration and front/back focus bull shit.  Just use tape to mark your front element and put it back exactly the way it came out.

-Roy