Binding on 17-55 F/2.8 IS USM

I just bought a 40D with the 28-135 kit lens and the pricey 17-55 F.2.8 IS ISM.

When I turn the ring on the 17-55 to change the focal length there is significant binding as I approach the 17-20 area. There is so much resistance it's hard to get close to the 18-19 range unless I bottom it out at 17 and move in the other direction, since the ring sorta gives way and bottoms out, e.g., there is significant resistance when I turn the ring which gives way all of a sudden. Is this normal or should there be even resistance while rotating the focal length ring along the entire range, in both directions?

The 28-135 lens that came with the 40D camera is fine.

That behaviour is pretty normal for that lens.

I actually think it is designed this way to reduce lens creep.

That's normal.

see zooming section
https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=5733969&p​ostcount=1

Mine doesn't do this. And I just grabbed it to check. Interesting.

My three are pretty smooth, if it doesn't wear in nicely after you play with it for a couple hours exchange it.

It may just be a little stiff because it's new. Give it a day or two and see if it's any easier.

JoYork wrote in post #5967048
It may just be a little stiff because it's new. Give it a day or two and see if it's any easier.

Or rub some butter on it.

It's a JOKE!

I knew by typing the word "stiff" in that sentence I'd come to a sticky end.

JoYork wrote in post #5967088
I knew by typing the word "stiff" in that sentence I'd come to a sticky end.

You and your sticky ends.

Terrible.

Now, I'm off to push and pull my 100-400mm for a while.

Mine is tight also. Like Gabe mentioned , It stops any lens creep.

Chuck

Clevor wrote in post #5964286
I just bought a 40D with the 28-135 kit lens and the pricey 17-55 F.2.8 IS ISM.

When I turn the ring on the 17-55 to change the focal length there is significant binding as I approach the 17-20 area. There is so much resistance it's hard to get close to the 18-19 range unless I bottom it out at 17 and move in the other direction, since the ring sorta gives way and bottoms out, e.g., there is significant resistance when I turn the ring which gives way all of a sudden. Is this normal or should there be even resistance while rotating the focal length ring along the entire range, in both directions?

The 28-135 lens that came with the 40D camera is fine.

just checked - mine works same way as you described; there is more resistance around 20mm..

Yeah, I figured maybe it's stiff or hard to turn like that so the focal length won't change if you bump the lens. I did find if you point the lens straight up it doesn't bind as bad as the link one poster gave. I think I will return it as it looked like the box was opened; also the manual focusing ring isn't as buttery smooth as the much cheaper 28-135 kit lens that came with the camera. Go figure as the 17-55 cost $929! I'll try another lens.

All the new ones do this. It will go away after a few weeks/months depending on use. Enjoy the glass---its one of the greats.

It's normal, mine is like that too,

especially at 17, 20 and 35 above that it is smoother, but it won't be smoother than L lens
such as 70-200mm.

Despite it could against lens creep, but I think it is not a good thing.