Should I be concerned?

I just received my 70-200 2.8 IS from B&H. I always like to check the manufacture code and mine in UT1114....That's Nov 2005. Something does not seem right that B&H had this lens sitting around for over a year.

I have not had a chance to test it out yet but I am concerned I got someone's return.

Test it as you have 14 days with them. I too might me a little concerned also.

Dude...it's a $1600+ lens!!! How many people, outside of this forum, do you see with those lenses? I am sure they are not moving at the rate of other lenses...such as a cheaper 17-40mm L.

I am sure your tests will be fine...don't let it stress you out.

Since I am so new with this lens I have another question. I am walking around the house trying to focus on different object and the lens seems to be searching but never focusing.

Maybe I just need to learn how to use this but I am somewhat concerned.

Care to provide some camera settings? Are the 'objects' you are trying to focus on lit up? are they 'dark'?

Is IS turned ON, or off? Is the aperture set to f/8 or above? or below? ISO -- is it set low (i.e. 100) or high (i.e. 400+)?

Any info. here would be helpful.

What is your focus limiter set to? If it's 2.5m-> infinity it may be the cause as the lens will not focus any closer than 2.5 metres.. try setting it to the 1.4m -> infinity if this is the case.

I the focus limiter set to 1.4. f/2.8. ISO 100, IS on. It could be that I am standing too close to the objects I am trying to focus on. My house is not the best place to be playing around as it is not very well lit. I am afraid that I getting hung up the fact that my brand new lens is already a year old.

Right, turn up the ISO to 400, and open up the aperture to 5.6 or 8 even, and watch the focus come to life.

Oh, and remember, the Warranty is valid for one year AFTER you purchase it...so, I would not worry about it.

don't worry about it, who knows when B&H got it.

My guess is that you are too close to the subject. Is there a little green circle flashing/lit int he viewfinder? that means that focus isn't acheivable. try it out under good light tommorow and I bet you'll be happy.

inthedeck wrote in post #2203665
Right, turn up the ISO to 400, and open up the aperture to 5.6 or 8 even, and watch the focus come to life.

Considering the lens focuses at the widest aperture [In this case 2.8] how would stopping down for the shot or upping the sensitivity on the sensor (which isn't involved in AF) improve the AF?

I am going to wait until tomorrow to pass judgement when I can go outside and take some test shots during lunch at work.

What a coincidence...mine arrived today as well and has the same time stamp. Packaging was mint...smelled new...nothing was overly crinkled...etc.

Seems plenty fine to me... (some random shots taken in the office...)

Jim G, do you feel that turning up the ISO has no effect on focus? If my statement is wrong, then so be it, but care to explain?

That make me feel better. My packaging did not look worn. I made sure to check as I opened it up. Maybe I am just be overly sensitive on this expensive purchase.

inthedeck wrote in post #2203757
Jim G, do you feel that turning up the ISO has no effect on focus? If my statement is wrong, then so be it, but care to explain?

Increasing the ISO number ups the amplification on what the sensor sees (my layman terms, may be slightly technically off). When you're focusing the mirror is down and the shutter is closed so the sensor doesn't see anything at all - no light hits it unless the shutter is open, i.e. when you're taking a picture. Increasing its sensitivity has no impact on the AF sensor.

Can you give an explanation as to why it would have an effect?

++ P.S. Sorry for the off-topic stuff in the thread, OP and others