Is it possible to get sand in the focusing ring?

I'm not sure if I am just being paranoid. It sounds ever so slightly like a dragging/scratching sound when I turn the ring. I can't remember if it sounded like that before. I just got this lens (17-55), in fact, I'm still paying it off!

I took it to an all day school event at the park and pretty much held it all day. I was so careful! So I was shocked when I pulled it out at home and saw a little bit of sand on the camera. I think the kids might of set something on top of the bag that had sand on it

sure, sand can get in there.

Yup.

I got some in the focusing ring of my 24-70... after a while it either worked its way out or got ground to dust.

reneefk wrote in post #14588372
I'm not sure if I am just being paranoid. It looks pretty well sealed, but to me it sounds ever so slightly like a dragging/scratching sound when I turn the ring. I can't remember if it sounded like that before. I just got this lens (17-55), in fact, I'm still paying it off!

I took it to an all day school event at the park and pretty much held it all day. I was so careful! So I was shocked when I pulled it out at home and saw a little bit of sand on the camera. I think the kids might of set something on top of the bag that had sand on it

I have this on my 17-55 as well. Not overly concerned to be honest.

Yep...
Don't know why you'd want to though.

Living near the beach, my cameras get sand on them pretty often, yes it can get in under the focus and zoom rings but I don't worry about it. It generally works it's way out again fairly quickly, or gets ground down as Sync suggests (I'm not sure which, I just know it stops sounding scratchy after a while).

Cameras are pretty tough, being over protective with them can turn you neurotic if you aren't careful.

Thanks everyone. I feel better now!

Sandpiper- I am near the beach as well.

reneefk wrote in post #14588372
I'm not sure if I am just being paranoid. It looks pretty well sealed, but to me it sounds ever so slightly like a dragging/scratching sound when I turn the ring. I can't remember if it sounded like that before. I just got this lens (17-55), in fact, I'm still paying it off!

I took it to an all day school event at the park and pretty much held it all day. I was so careful! So I was shocked when I pulled it out at home and saw a little bit of sand on the camera. I think the kids might of set something on top of the bag that had sand on it

Why not? The lens is mechanical device. What you can do to reduce the chances of sand getting in the focus ring is to cover the lens (obviously not in front of the glass) with a plastic bag.

Thanks, that is a good idea!

It terrified me 30 years ago when It started my all metal 135mm screeching. I went to the repair shop and the guy just shrugged and said wait 'till the grease takes care of it.

And that's what happened. I never worry much now. The grease eventually covers the sand and quiets it.

thanks bpiper, that makes me feel a lot better