Loose Zoom Question

[Gonebrdn]

My 24-85mm Canon lens (4 mos. old) has a loose lens "mechanism"--I don't know the appropriate lingo. The whole section that moves in and out regulating focal length wiggles back and forth a bit. This can't be good. Is this a problem anyone else has had?

Does anyone have experience with Canon repair on this type of lens problem? How long will it be before my lens returns?

Many thanks....

Brad

[ron chappel]

All consumer zoom lenses wiggle a little bit,some more than others.Perhaps someone with that model will show up soon and let you know if theirs is the same.
It basically does little or no harm to the images if it's within specification.

As an example here are some measurements of lenses i currently have (side to side movement measured when fully extended):
18-55 kit lens -abit over 1.5mm
75-300IS -2mm
28-80III -2mm
Tamron 70-300LD -1mm+
Sigma 100-300 DL -less than 1.5mm

Once you understand how the scheimpflug principal effects focus,it's no surprise that a ever so slightly tilted lens won't show any bad effects for normal photographic subjects.
http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/SHBG05.pdf
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=scheimpflug&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi

I do know that the 28-105/3.5-4.5 lens (which is closely related to the 24-85 in concept,quality and price) has available for it different size internal rollers so as to give it the right amount of tightness .I guess the 24-85 may have a similar sytem?

[Gonebrdn]

Thanks Ron.....

Not being used to zooms, the minor wiggle bothered me. Your experience reassures me and if it doesn't get looser with resultant focus problems I'll ignore it. I'll follow the links you provide...thanks again.

[karusel]

A few years ago I went back to the store with my Rebel kit lens - 28-80 3.5-5.6 II lens and said (word filter): 'yo, sup wit dis lens, y'all, it be wiggilly wo hoo haa in an out??!' To which they replied: 'chill man, you gets what you pays, now keep it real, dog'. :lol:

So yeah, I kind of ignored the wiggeling henceforth.

[Brianbar]

I sent the below message to Canon Canada with my concerns, also below is the response from Canon, I haven't decided what to do yet.

Brian

Back in January of this year, I purchased a Canon EF55-200mm
f/4.5-5.6 11 USM lens from Camera Canada.
When using this on my Canon Digital Rebel the lens extends out to telephoto
by it's self when carrying the camera around my neck.
When using the zoom it's very loose and will not stay in place.
Can you please advise what action I need to take to have this repaired.

Reply from Canon.

Thank you for your E-mail inquiry.

Generally the lens is designed to move freely. However, If you suspect an
issue with your EF 55-200 mm lens, I would suggest your lens be forwarded
directly to our office for evaluation. Upon receipt, our technicians will
thoroughly inspect and evaluate your lens and advise you of the findings.

Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, copy of your
bill of sale, and a brief description of the symptom(s). Shipping in the
original box or equivalent packaging is recommended (if possible), ensure
product is properly protected i.e use bubble wrap, insuring your product is
also recommended. Listed below is the address for your convenience: