Dropped 600mm f/4 => send for checkup or not?

[niels123]

My father's Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM was mounted on a 7D II on a Gitzo tripod. Suddenly, the tripod tipped over from a wind blow. The 7D II hit stones and the left mounting point for the camera strap is now bent against the side of the body. He doesn't care, as he only uses a Spider handstrap mounted to the tripod mount and the right strap mounting point of the camera.

The lens didn't fell on the rocks, but landed onto (soft) grass. The mount may have had an impact if the body hit ground first before the lens did, I don't know about that. There's no visual damage to the lens and it seems to function fine. No loss of sharpness can be detected in the photos and the autofocus still seems to function the same.

The question is: should he send it in for a checkup or not? Is there a chance of hidden damage from the drop that may give extra damage if not taken care of now?

Attached is a pic of the damage to the body. The lens has no visual damage on the outside.

Thanks!
Niels

 

[privatebydesign]

Yes send it in, dropping lenses often results in element misalignment.

 

[tron]

If you can check sharpness , AF and stabilizer and since the fall has been on grass I would say to leave it as is and continuing enjoy it.

 

[WRS]

I would suggest sending it in as well. Unfortunately i had a similar thing happen recently with my 1dxII and a 24-105 (fortunately not the 600!) where the body landed directly on its back on the LCD. The lens didn't hit at all but something definitely got shaken loose inside and pictures are blurry down the right had side of the image now. Given the cost and spectacular images produced by the 600 I would want to make sure it was in top condition.

 

[Jopa]

I would run a FoCal test and checked if the AF is correct and consistent and no sharpness drop compared to CDAF. Also I would visually checked if the IS is working and doesn't make unusual sounds. If everything is good - no need to bother, that's a pretty tough lens.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd have it fixed. But, be aware, those bent parts will be replaced, its more than likely that there is some internal damage that can be made worse by continuing to use it.

This is a expensive lens and its well built, but I'd still have it brought back into condition. That dent will cost him more than the repair cost when he goes to sell it.