Tamron 17-50 - slightly loose front end?

Hi,

I've been enjoying my Tamron but have noticed that the front of the lens seems to have a little 'play' in it, and makes a little noise as it slightly moves back and forth. It seems as if something maybe loose..... does anyone else have this problem or is it normal for the build quality of the Tamron? Image wise its still really sharp and may just be a finish quality issue.

One of the (only) common problems with this lens. Yes, the front element retaining ring is coming loose. You can either: a) send it to Tamron for repair. or b) fix it yourself in about 10 minutes.

I chose B). Get a set of precision screwdrivers, take the smallest flathead one and slip it under the little notch in the ring at the front of the lens (right near the front element. Go around the edges to pop out 3 tabs holding the ring in place (the ring is flexible, and you might need some force, but you shouldn't break the ring...it seems quite sturdy, still be careful.) There are three small phillips head screws under the ring...take the smallest phillips head screwdriver in the precision set and tighten all three. If you want to not have to do this again, you may want to remove the screws, put a tiny dab of lok-tite on it and then retighten. I did not use lok-tite, and mine's been fine since. Pop the ring back on the end by putting the tabs in the holes they fit in, and press down to snap into place (use something hard but with a soft edge, like a Q-tip or something, or you may flatten the little ridges in the ring). You're done!

Please note that this is at your OWN risk, and I take no responsibility should you damage your lens by doing the repair yourself. My repair was fine, easy and fast, but if you're not careful you could break the retaining ring or the screw cover ring, scratch your front element or something else.

I'll give it a go when I get home from work tonight - many thanks!

SOrry I've had a look at the lens but I can't seem to determine the first bit that you mentioned: "take the smallest flathead one and slip it under the little notch in the ring at the front of the lens (right near the front element. Go around the edges to pop out 3 tabs holding the ring in place". Would you be able to post an image of this?

Many thanks

Jman13 wrote in post #5688039
One of the (only) common problems with this lens. Yes, the front element retaining ring is coming loose. You can either: a) send it to Tamron for repair. or b) fix it yourself in about 10 minutes.

I chose B). Get a set of precision screwdrivers, take the smallest flathead one and slip it under the little notch in the ring at the front of the lens (right near the front element. Go around the edges to pop out 3 tabs holding the ring in place (the ring is flexible, and you might need some force, but you shouldn't break the ring...it seems quite sturdy, still be careful.) There are three small phillips head screws under the ring...take the smallest phillips head screwdriver in the precision set and tighten all three. If you want to not have to do this again, you may want to remove the screws, put a tiny dab of lok-tite on it and then retighten. I did not use lok-tite, and mine's been fine since. Pop the ring back on the end by putting the tabs in the holes they fit in, and press down to snap into place (use something hard but with a soft edge, like a Q-tip or something, or you may flatten the little ridges in the ring). You're done!

Please note that this is at your OWN risk, and I take no responsibility should you damage your lens by doing the repair yourself. My repair was fine, easy and fast, but if you're not careful you could break the retaining ring or the screw cover ring, scratch your front element or something else.

I don't have pictures handy, but if you look at the front of the lens, there is a thin ring that circles the front element (it has ridges). Somewhere along that edge of the ring, there is a tiny notch, which will allow you to slip the screwdriver (or a paper clip or something) under that front ring. That's the ring that has to come off to get at the screws. If you still have trouble locating it I can take pictures tonight.

Aah yes I've found it, just popped it off with a paperclip to expose the screws. I can see 'play' in there so I'll tighten them up tonight.

Many thanks for the help

Yes I managed to fix it last night - happy again now!!!

I too have noticed this in my Tamron and was going to use the forum to ask the same question so big thanks to both of you. I fancy the idea of giving this fix a go, especially if there's a chance it may reoccur.

UPDATE- tried this method and it's worked a charm. Screwdrivers I had are cheap though and the screws are obviously very well made as they were stripping the screwdriver head. Think I'll invest in a decent set in case it happens again. Thanks again.

I had the same problem and didn't notice it until my friend borrowed it for a night and it came back like that. I thought he had really broken it! When I get home I will give this a go.

many thanks!

What size screwdriver would fit the philips screws? I have a eyeglass screw driver and its still not small enough

http://ca.youtube.com/​watch?v=IiOj-7MAO_w

The small screwdriver in my precision set fit it just fine. I'm very surprised an eyeglass one wont fit.

You need a solid #0 precision Philips screwdriver .. anything else will get stripped by the screws.

How Tamron can design and sell a lens that needs three screws tightened back in every month is beyond me.

I wonder if a tiny dab of Loctite 242 might be in order for those screws if they keep loosening? Mine haven't loosened up yet, but if and when I have to get in there to tighten them, I am going to put some Loctite on them.

Thanks for the directions and the youtube video... I'll be working on this tonight!