18-200 should I lock it while not shooting

I just received my 18-200 a few days ago. While testing the lens I was just walking around taking shots. My question is if I walk around and don't use the lock switch at the bottom, it's brand new and not to much lens creep, is it ok? So basically while walking, and lens creep ocures, does it do any internal damage? Or should I always lock the lens at 18mm while just walking around, then unlock it to shoot. Also if I'm done for the day, and put it in my toploader, should I lock it?

Thanks in advance

The lens locks on my lenses that have them they are in locations that I can flick with my right hand when it is gripping the camera, so I lock them when not in use. I don't think either way matters a great deal, so long as you remember it is locked and don't try and force the zoom with it.

I don't think that there would be any internal damage if you did or did not lock the lens. I don't always lock mine. Sometimes it creeps out and I wish i had locked it. Other times i lock it and then go to take a shot and have to fumble to unlock and miss the shot i was trying to get.

I now have the 100-400L that is the push pull and that has a twist friction ring to stop the lens from opening (or closing). That one is much nicer than the 18-200 lock.

Matt.

Thanks for the info.

You can break the lock if it slides down hard. Also it will get very lose after a while. Best thing to do is to get into the habit of locking it.

I always lock it. It creeps. Just make sure you unlock it when getting ready to take shots.