70-200 f.4L on the fritz

Just put the lens on, weird noises and when focusing the scene 'jumps' for lack of better description. And I think I can hear something moving in there. I didn't drop it...

I can find the receipt from B&H, but warranty info is MIA I purchased the lens 7/6/2009 so just over a year ago.

Can anyone suggest best course of action? Will Canon do anything for me? Or is my best bet to try a local guy here to see if he can fix it at my own expense?

ETA: When I say I can hear something moving, I mean when the lens is off the camera and I rotate it, it sounds like something is loose, also something that has just begun...

The sort of whirling sound of the lens while I am using it I am accustomed to. The buzz when I turn the camera on is different from every other time I've turned it on. Also the 'shifting' up and down of the picture has never happened before...

I'm assuming you're referring to the non-IS version. Could you be a little more specific as to what the lens is doing? Is it doing it all of the time? Could you have the focus limiter in the wrong position and the lens is just searching for focus? If it is truly some type of malfunction you are out of warranty and will have to pay for repairs. I'd send it to Canon rather than a local repair guy.

Thanks for your reply.

It is the IS version.

When I turn the camera on, I get strange noises from the lens, sort of a buzz. While looking through the viewfinder, and press the shutter half way, I get a shift upwards as it focuses, then a drop down back to orginal position when focused...

It sounds like you're describing the normal operation of image stabilisation.

+1 yep

Madweasel wrote in post #10683472
It sounds like you're describing the normal operation of image stabilisation.

+1

It is one of the loudest IS

This has only begun to happen today and I've been using the lens for a year....

ETA: When I say I can hear something moving, I mean when the lens is off the camera and I rotate it, it sounds like something is loose, also something that has just begun...

The sort of whirling sound of the lens while I am using it I am accustomed to. The buzz when I turn the camera on is different from every other time I've turned it on. Also the 'shifting' up and down of the picture has never happened before...

So if this is normal, then great, but what in the world has it been doing this whole year I've been using it?!?

bump.

Well, clearly something has gone wrong with it. Only a technician looking inside will be able to diagnose it for you. Repairs on a lens like this will usually be somewhat cheaper than a replacement, but I think those are your only choices.

Madweasel wrote in post #10686908
Well, clearly something has gone wrong with it. Only a technician looking inside will be able to diagnose it for you. Repairs on a lens like this will usually be somewhat cheaper than a replacement, but I think those are your only choices.

Thanks for your reply. I'm taking it in today to see what can be done about it. Needless to say I'm really disappointed, and to boot I'm headed on vacation this week and this was going to be the best lens for the trip.

The zoom/focus rings should be completely silent when turning, whether it's on or off, with or without IS. The IS mechanism might be outta whack, and that might be why the IS function shifting the image is much more noticeable now.

wcgryphon wrote in post #10686998
The zoom/focus rings should be completely silent when turning, whether it's on or off, with or without IS. The IS mechanism might be outta whack, and that might be why the IS function shifting the image is much more noticeable now.

Yes I think you are right. I described the problem to the technician over the phone and he said the same thing. I just tested the lens with the IS turned off, and it's making normal sounds and no jumping or shifting of the picture.

Now I guess it's best to send it in and not use it with the IS turned off.

Justiss wrote in post #10686926
Thanks for your reply. I'm taking it in today to see what can be done about it. Needless to say I'm really disappointed, and to boot I'm headed on vacation this week and this was going to be the best lens for the trip.

Rent a lens either locally or through the mail. Lots of online rental places.

Maybe get a 100-400.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #10688974
Rent a lens either locally or through the mail. Lots of online rental places.

Maybe get a 100-400.

Yep, I use photorentalsource for rentals, they are great. Never tried the 100-400, was thinking I'd get the 70-200 2.8 to try...

Thanks!