I'd avoid a scratched lens. Even though you will be able to 'focus through' the scratch, it will cause increased flare and ghosting, and thus a decrease in image quality (IQ) in some shots.


I would suggest that instead of a damaged lens, especially one that has a variable aperture and just 'ok' image quality, you consider a prime lens with a faster aperture and better IQ - such as the EF 50mm f/1.8 II (cheap build, good IQ), the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, or the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lenses.