How Smooth is the Zoom 70-200 2.8L

I have been lusting after a 70-200mm f2.8 IS for quite a while and Amazon tempted me with 24 months, no interest so I lost my mind temporarily and ordered one. It just came in tonight and as the sun set I shot a few pics in the back yard, and I noticed that as I zoom it through its range the zoom ring is not as smooth as I would have expected. Not that it seems rough mind you but it does seem to have detentes that you can feel. Is that normal?

Mine was a little bit stiff at the beginning, but it loosened up later.
Now, after ane year, it is smooth as baby’s butt..

Yea I believe mine was a bit stiff too in the beginning, but now its very smooth. Dont worry about it, go out and enjoy!

My non i.s 70-200 2.8 feels a bit notchy,kinds like the ring is running over a very shallow rumble strip if that makes sense.

smoooth .... use it more... silky!

Same experience here with my non-IS: little tight to begin with, and now slowly loosening. Quite comfortable to use, and certainly much nicer than the Sigma 55-200/70-300 I came from!

Thanks all, I think I'll try to wear it out!!

Is there a difference between the feeling of the zoom/focus rings on the IS and non-IS versions due to the weathersealing? Just curious because my weathersealed 17-40 f/4L has a much more smooth feeling than my non-IS/weathersealed 70-200 f/4L.

Mine is an IS and yeah it has a little 'drag' mid way through the zoom range. But it seems to get smoother as it gets older (about 2 years old now). But this doesn't bother me at all, the thing is so dang sharp - I love it!