Doh! Dropped a lens in sand!

[jezza l]

Had my tripod setup for a horizontal shot, with my camera bag balancing the other end. Was in the middle of a long exposure when some wind blew and rocked my bag which meant the lens (canon 24-70 F2.8) went head first in to the sand Luckily I had a filter on the end. I spent ages cleaning the filter which I think will have to be replaced as i can see a couple of scratches. So the lens itself just got sand on the outside of it. What should I do? Get it cleaned by a pro?

[kiwisr]

Aren't they supposed to be sealed against dust/sand etc?

[jezza l]

Well it still functions correctly and the photos are fine (without the sractched filter) however when zooming I can hear it grind, which implies the sand is inside somewhere!

[GF350]

I had one of mt L lenses cleaned by canon (via jessops). I was quoted £30 for it which sounded too good to be true.... it was, as canon actually have a minimum charge of £140 odd.
I ended up getting it done anyway as I'd been without it for over a month.
They did a good job on it though, good as new and they serviced it while they were at it.

[jezza l]

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll have to go down that route then.