My new EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L whistles when zooming. Does yours?

[Fritz]

Dear All,

I have recently purchased a brand new 24-70 mm f/2.8. Optically perfect but there is a very audible whistling noise when the zoom ring is being rotated. I can actually feel air blowing out from the side of the ring while being rotated.

I also noticed the ring is much heavier to rotate, albeit smooth, than my other L zooms: 17-40mm and 70-200mm f/4.

Is this normal by design - weather proof seals and bigger moving mass? (The 17-40mm is also weather sealed but the ring is quiet, smooth, and lighter).

Bottom line: does yours whistle too? Please help!!!

I am hesitant to get an exchange. Because I have read on several forums that many people had to go through many copies to get a good one in terms of optiacl performance for this lense. And the one I have now optically is perfect and I absolutely love it.

But again looks likes it might have some machenical problems?

Sharing your experience with your 24-70mm will be greatly appreciated!


Kind regards,

Fritz

[Tom W]

It will smooth out after its used a bit. The whistling is probably due to the weather seals rubbing the surface as the zoom is operated. Remember that this zoom changes length considerably, while the 17-40 does not. Also note that all of the 17-40's zoom action is inside, behind the filter (which Canon recommends to complete the seal). So there is no rubber "O" ring seal on the 17-40's front group barrel like on the 24-70.

Mine is much quieter now than it was new, and the zoom works very smoothly.