EF 28-70 f/2.8 L still being replaced by Canon?

I have an EF 28-70 f/2.8 L (the old one) which I brought to my local Canon service center for a cleaning. It has been nine days since I dropped it off so I decided to call them just to check the status of the cleaning. The lady there then tells me that they had to order a replacement lens (the whole thing) because something inside the lens was broken! She also said that they could not order the replacement part anymore. This lens has be discontinued since 2002. Does Canon have several of these lenses in stock still (it's been more than seven years)? Why would a simple cleaning prompt them to make an entire lens replacement? When I dropped it off it was working fine as far as I could tell. I just noticed a significant build-up of dust on the inside elements, so I wanted to get it cleaned perhaps one last time before Canon discontinues any type of service for this lens.


They told me that Canon was only going to service this lens for maybe another year or so because they will no longer be able to obtain replacement parts for it. The repair estimate terms says:


"The Canon USA repair facility may repair your equipment or exchange it for refurbished equipment of the same model, or for a new or refurbished equipment of an equivalent model to your equipment, with the same or additional features..."


I don't want to think that I might have won the lottery or anything but it sounds like there is a possibility of receiving the newer 24-70 f/2.8 L as a replacement (I honestly doubt it though). If I get a refurbished old 28-70 I will be a little disappointed, not because I didn't get a 24-70, but because my 28-70 happened to be a 2001 model, the last year of production for this lens; so I would assume any refurbished lens would most likely be older. Bummer...


I was wondering is anyone else has been in a similar circumstance with this refurbished equipment policy?


-D


**Update: I received my replacement lens. See my most recent post.

A friend on mine sent his 28-70L to Canon for an inspection (he didn't need to, just felt like doing so). While in Canon's custody, the lens was "misplaced" (i.e. lost). After a few weeks of wrangling, they finally sent him a new 24-70L (their first try was to send him a 28-135, which he promptly sent back).

Even if you get a refurb, you'll be ahead of the game. The lens would have gotten more hands-on attention than would a new lens off the assembly line, plus you'd have a Canon warranty. I wouldn't sweat the age of the lens if you were to get a replacement...I'm still shooting with many lenses that are 20-30 years old.

I just bought a 28-70 that was serviced in December...it was cleaned and the autofocus was checked and recalibrated. and maybe a few other things. Dunno if that helps much, since I don't know if anything was replaced...

argyle wrote in post #7172640
A friend on mine sent his 28-70L to Canon for an inspection (he didn't need to, just felt like doing so). While in Canon's custody, the lens was "misplaced" (i.e. lost). After a few weeks of wrangling, they finally sent him a new 24-70L (their first try was to send him a 28-135, which he promptly sent back).

Even if you get a refurb, you'll be ahead of the game. The lens would have gotten more hands-on attention than would a new lens off the assembly line, plus you'd have a Canon warranty. I wouldn't sweat the age of the lens if you were to get a replacement...I'm still shooting with many lenses that are 20-30 years old.

Thanks for the reply. I never thought about refurbished items that way before. I always equated refurbished with somebody's-broken-but-now-fixed product which, to me isn't very confidence inspiring. But in the context of camera lenses, I think you're right. A refurbished camera lens is probably just as good if not better than a new one, especially with all the accounts of people sending their lenses in for repair and getting them back with a gleeful outlook for the future of the lens, "this lens was given new life..."

When did your friend send his lens in? As much as I like my 28-70L, your story kinda makes me wish Canon would "misplace" my lens too. If I get a refurb 28-70L with a new warranty, won't I have to jump through the same hoops again if something else fails since it's a discontinued lens and that parts are no longer available?

In the US a manufacturer must service a product for seven years after production. I am sure Canon has a strategy to do this. It sounds like you are seeing part of their strategy in action. My personal assessment of watching Canon is that they plan to stop servicng a product the second they can in order to force one to replace a broken item with a new item.

I'll bet you get a 24-70 instead. I'd be sad. I'm actually looking for a perfect 28-70L to replace my 24-70L.

Sounds like they opened it up for cleaning and broke something in the process.

Sounds like they broke something while having the lens open. They usually make good with things like this and will most likely send you a replacement 24-70.

Yeah, they probably did break something because it was working fine before I sent it in. I too have mixed feelings about receiving a replacement 24-70 (if they do indeed give me one). A lot of reviews say that the 28-70 is actually a better lens. But if they're going to discontinue service of it, it might be better just to give it up for the newer version for the added peace of mind. Of course this only applies if the timing of your lens failure is right and you have a little luck and Canon sends you a new lens free of charge. Otherwise I would just keep the 28-70 and pray that it doesn't die. I'm supposed to receive my replacement within 4 days. I'll let you guys know which one they give me.

GOod luck!

picturecrazy wrote in post #7183113
I'll bet you get a 24-70 instead. I'd be sad. I'm actually looking for a perfect 28-70L to replace my 24-70L.

Why're you looking for a 28-70 to replace the 24?

DMS wrote in post #7178795
Thanks for the reply. I never thought about refurbished items that way before. I always equated refurbished with somebody's-broken-but-now-fixed product which, to me isn't very confidence inspiring. But in the context of camera lenses, I think you're right. A refurbished camera lens is probably just as good if not better than a new one, especially with all the accounts of people sending their lenses in for repair and getting them back with a gleeful outlook for the future of the lens, "this lens was given new life..."

When did your friend send his lens in? As much as I like my 28-70L, your story kinda makes me wish Canon would "misplace" my lens too. If I get a refurb 28-70L with a new warranty, won't I have to jump through the same hoops again if something else fails since it's a discontinued lens and that parts are no longer available?

He sent his in about 6-8 months ago...not sure which facility. Since he lives in Florida, it'd be a good guess that it was sent to the NJ facility.

toxic wrote in post #7185571
Why're you looking for a 28-70 to replace the 24?

Because there have been less AF problems associated with the 28-70 than the 24-70. And optically, they're both brilliant (IF working properly). I haven't had luck with the 24-70 at all.

I still remember that lost 28-70L fiasco on FM. What an insult it was to get a 28-135 in return.

"Hey sorry I lost your 28-70L but here's a refurbished 28-135!!! Enjoy!"

picturecrazy wrote in post #7189796
Because there have been less AF problems associated with the 28-70 than the 24-70. And optically, they're both brilliant (IF working properly). I haven't had luck with the 24-70 at all.

Even after micro-adjusting it? Tried sending it in for calibration?

picturecrazy wrote in post #7189796
Because there have been less AF problems associated with the 28-70 than the 24-70. And optically, they're both brilliant (IF working properly). I haven't had luck with the 24-70 at all.

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