Help! I'm having problems with my 18-55mm lens

Hi,

It seems that whenever my 18-55mm is within the range of 18-33 it doesn't allow me to take a photo and this warning goes across my Canon T3i's screen;

Err 01
Communications between the camera and lens is faulty. Clean the lens contacts.

I think I've done that, but still it won't let me take a photo within that length. Please help in this if you would, I appreciate it

I'd suggest cleaning the lens contacts again. Use a clean, soft cloth and wipe the contacts gently but with enough pressure to get any gunk off.

is it still under warranty? if so send it in to canon

You can also try cleaning the contacts on the camera, if you haven't already.

Yes, like others said send it to Canon if under warranty. Otherwise that 18-55 was just a disposable plastic lens. My local Craigslist has them for $80 new.

Check this forum and look at your options for an upgraded replacement. Get something that will take advantage of your camera . A nice option for our crops would be the EF-S 15-85mm lens, superior to the kits lens you have now.

When Canon lenses don't focus over a small portion of the zoom range, it typically is the internal flex cable. You can find the cable on eBay (less than $5) and even some instructions on the web (http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=oEUsgNOCaUw) but perhaps not specific to the 18-55mm. But as others have said that lens is almost a disposable lens. If contact cleaning doesn't work and it is out of warranty, replace it (with something better if possible).

The thing is, It works from 30-55, but below that range it gives me that warning. It has served me well these past 2 years, but yeah, I might as well buy myself another one

Thanks for your help everyone!

contact is not established with the lens, needs to be cleaned. it happens sometimes with old mf lenses and some adapters, you either press it harder to work, or clean it..

NationYell wrote in post #14914138
The thing is, It works from 30-55, but below that range it gives me that warning. It has served me well these past 2 years, but yeah, I might as well buy myself another one

Thanks for your help everyone!

Why not buy a completely different lens? Give yourself an Upgrade.

Speedster159 wrote in post #14930838
Why not buy a completely different lens? Give yourself an Upgrade.

its telling you to buy a 17-55!!!

You can buy a used 18-55 for under $100. Or you may want to get a much better lens for under $400 used, like Sigma 17-70 OS. It is only one F-stop slower than the 17-55 at the long end, it has a longer reach, it has a great IQ, and it is only half the price of the 17-55.

pdrober2 wrote in post #14930861
its telling you to buy a 17-55!!!

Boom! Exactly.