Ouch--75-300 Lens Permanent Aperature Lock Down

[jcsorensen]

Was at Hanamua Bay (recently rated as the #1 beach in the world) this past week taking pictures when I pull out my Canon 75-300mm III USM lens (not the world's best, but for a po boy like me, it works--at least it use to), put it on the 10D and I notice a slight hestitation about midway through the zoom range. Next thing I know the image in the view finder is darkened somewhat, AF takes a while to lock, and when I take the picture it doesn't sound normal, and the infamous Err 99 shows up. Shot after shot produces the same results. I pull the lens off and take a look and the aperature is stuck somewhere in the f22 range. Nothing wants to free it up. Pretty sure sand did not get in the barrel--had just pulled it from the case, wind was not blowing, and the camera was nowhere near the sand. Have noticed that every since I bought the lens I would occasionaly see a drop of oil on the barrel extension. I figured something inside just dried up.

Canon says $110 plus parts to fix--I think I only paid about $190 for it new 3 years ago. Now I need to decide what to do--fix it or replace it. Would love to replace it with a 100-400 L lens, but not in my buget. Guess I'll search the myriad of threads on lenses and see what everyone has been suggesting over the past year or so.

In the mean time--anyone want to contribute to my lens replace fund?

[Belmondo]

It's always hard to recommend spending money to other people, but I would not invest that much money in repairing a sub-$200 lens. If you can't afford the 100-400L, try to get the 70-200 f/4L. It's amazingly good and less than half the cost of the 100-400. Sure, it doesn't have IS, but you can get by without it.

[msvadi]

obviously, repair is not worth it. you can get a new one with USM for $170. I would say go for 70-200 f/4L or a used copy of 100-300 f/5.6L . There are two of them on the ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3823031718&ssPageName= STRK:MEWA:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3822289824&ssPageName= STRK:MEWA:IT

I ordered one from KEH.com ($300 including shipping) It's supposed to arrive tomorrow.

[Tom W]

For a reasonable price ($280 at B&H), you may want to consider Canon's 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM. I haven't seen real top ratings on it, though it does have rear focus and a focus scale, plus ring-type USM. I'd do a little research on this lens before buying though.

If you have a little more $$, the 70-200 f/4L would be a great choice. You can use a 1.4X teleconverter with it to extend the range to roughly 100-280, but at a constant f/5.6. Its a winner.

[Motorsports Photo]

The 100-300 is a good lens. Its been my favorite. You can find them semi cheap on ebay as well.

Bad part- I found out last summer when my aperture quit that Canon will no longer do ANYTHING with this lens. It is repairable but Canon has discontinued it.

-Pete

[Tom W]

Pete, for clarity, I assume that you are referring to the 100-300L lens, and not the mid-range consumer grade lens I mentioned. Is this correct?

[jcsorensen]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'd forgot about the 100-300 L glass (maybe the fact that is not white caused me to forget). The 70-200 f/4 L is tempting, but I was hoping for 300mm on the long side, and a 1.4X is pricey, and still doesn't get me to 300mm. Anyways, definitely not repairing the old one. I guess I'll keep my eye out for the right bargain on E-bay.

[msvadi]

Watch KEH.com if you decided on a used lens. They receive new inventory every couple of weeks. They have 14 days inspection period, you can return the lens no questions asked. In addition, you get 60 days warranty.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'd forgot about the 100-300 L glass (maybe the fact that is not white caused me to forget). The 70-200 f/4 L is tempting, but I was hoping for 300mm on the long side, and a 1.4X is pricey, and still doesn't get me to 300mm. Anyways, definitely not repairing the old one. I guess I'll keep my eye out for the right bargain on E-bay.

[ron chappel]

You can get the very nice 100-300/4.5-5.6.
It's a little sharper* than the 75-300 but i found it much easier to get good pics with.For some reason i had much more success with slow shutter speeds

*(most people say it's little better than the 75-300 but the one i had was much sharper at the critical long end.I've owned/used four 75-300's and this 100-300 easily beat them all)

Another option is the sigma 70-300 APO macro super II.
I haven't used one but by others reports it's better than the canon 100-300/4.5-5.6
Whatever you do don't get a canon 90-300 :x Maybe it's just me but i Don't think so....I just could not get reasonable pics with that one at all!
At least i could get SOME very nice pics with the 75-300...

Of the more expensive options mentioned above-i'll not comment too much as i haven't personally used them.
The 100-300/5.6L mentioned above may be nice and sharp but note that the AF is very slow (but you are used to the 75-300...maybe you won't notice?)

One very desirable option is the sigma 100-300/4 EX.
It is about the price of the canon 70-200/4L though and i think you said back there that they are too dear?

Keep an eye on epay by all means but i too recommend KEH (keh.com)!
The only possible problem with KEH is their extortionate overseas shipping charges.
They have the 100-300/4.5-5.6 from us$200 for the good ones
or the 75-300 from about $110 upwards (180 new?)

If you buy a sigma BE SURE IT'S COMPATABLE WITH YOUR 10D
Any new one will be fine of course but if you buy one on ebay be sure to ask the seller :shock:
Happy shopping!

[Tom W]

You can get the very nice 100-300/4.5-5.6.
It's a little sharper* than the 75-300 but i found it much easier to get good pics with.For some reason i had much more success with slow shutter speeds

*(most people say it's little better than the 75-300 but the one i had was much sharper at the critical long end.I've owned/used four 75-300's and this 100-300 easily beat them all)


--snip--

Happy shopping!

Ron, I'm glad that you spoke up about this lens. I've never owned either the 100-300 or the 75-300, but by all rights, the mid-priced 100-300 should outperform the 75-300. Photodo's testing has said otherwise, but your experiences show some evidence that what should be true is true.

Personally, on a limited budget, I'd opt for the 100-300 myself.