200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever? *it's back!*

[Viggo]

Hi guys!

This is an outlet of my frustration.

I bought the 200 f2.0 L a month or so ago and while it's CRAZY image quality, I'm very dissapointed.

The AF is highly inaccurate even with correct afma, it's just all over when tracking and the shots vary a lot in sharpness. FoCal couldn't even do a complete run without prompting me with a message telling me it can't focus, and even suggested the reason might be "a poor performing lens camera combo"

And a few days ago the final effing drop, the focusing ring sounds like it's sprinkled on the inside with gravel!! How??

I have owned almost every lens in the L-series and this is the very first
Time build quality have been an issue...

So I think it truly sucks plain and simple.

I once
Tried to break and scratch a defective 17-85 canon, and it I tried REALLY hard throwing it to the ground, but couldn't even scratch the front element and part
From already defective AF, it
Still shot like new...

Canon ? Wtf?!

[Jim Saunders]

I'll trade you my 300 f/4 for it.   

Jim

[Viggo]

I'll trade you my 300 f/4 for it.   

Jim

Thanks for the offer , I'll seriously consider it. Suddenly I highly regret selling my 70-200 that actually worked.

[danski0224]

Sounds like it's junk.

I'll give $50 for it and pay the shipping...

[Jim Saunders]

I'll trade you my 300 f/4 for it.   

Jim

Thanks for the offer , I'll seriously consider it. Suddenly I highly regret selling my 70-200 that actually worked.

So your lens for mine and about $4K or so?  I'd like one of them, but I don't want it that badly!     In your shoes I'd send it to Canon; For a lens worth that much a trip for repairs seems like a good investment.

Jim

[Viggo]

I'll trade you my 300 f/4 for it.   

Jim

Thanks for the offer , I'll seriously consider it. Suddenly I highly regret selling my 70-200 that actually worked.

So your lens for mine and about $4K or so?  I'd like one of them, but I don't want it that badly!     In your shoes I'd send it to Canon; For a lens worth that much a trip for repairs seems like a good investment.

Jim

The AF should work on a 6000 dollar lens, not too much to ask I think.. But that is warranty for sure, it's the gravel and dust inside the lens that worries me, they could easily say it's my fault, although I know it absolutely isn't .

[neuroanatomist]

When you called Canon, what did they say?

Sorry, I know you're frustrated, but $h!t happens.  Occasionally, a bad lens is shipped and someone gets unlucky.  Sometimes, a whole production run has a goof, and there's a service advisory (aka recall) - I still need to send my 1D X in for that, actually.

So...venting is good, but getting your problems fixed is better.

[Jim Saunders]

The AF should work on a 6000 dollar lens, not too much to ask I think.. But that is warranty for sure, it's the gravel and dust inside the lens that worries me, they could easily say it's my fault, although I know it absolutely isn't .

I agree entirely, and if it is warrantied then they definitely should look at it at their cost.  I'd eat the cost if it was out of warranty, but only then.

Jim

[Viggo]

When you called Canon, what did they say?

Sorry, I know you're frustrated, but $h!t happens.  Occasionally, a bad lens is shipped and someone gets unlucky.  Sometimes, a whole production run has a goof, and there's a service advisory (aka recall) - I still need to send my 1D X in for that, actually.

So...venting is good, but getting your problems fixed is better.

I sent my usual service place a very long email explaining in detail the issues, but it was after closing, so I hope they'll get back to me tomorrow .. I intend on sending it in, it's just VERY annoying I keep having problems with newish lenses. The most expensive gear I have the most issues with..

[Viggo]

The AF should work on a 6000 dollar lens, not too much to ask I think.. But that is warranty for sure, it's the gravel and dust inside the lens that worries me, they could easily say it's my fault, although I know it absolutely isn't .

I agree entirely, and if it is warrantied then they definitely should look at it at their cost.  I'd eat the cost if it was out of warranty, but only then.

Jim

The lens was new in November last year ,and the first owner almost didn't use
It at all. He sold all his canon gear at the same time and wanting something small, Olympus stuff..

[mwh1964]

Canon will fix this for sure. Good luck

[Invertalon]

I don't see the big problem here.

If you bought it NEW, simply return it and get another that works properly. It could be possible the lens was damaged in transit once it left the factory. Once it leaves there, nobody checks it until you put it on the camera. If you bought from a good retailer, an exchange should not be a problem.

If you bought it used, you should have found these faults when you got it and arranged a return.

If you can't do the either above, send to Canon and let them fix it. Most likely it is simple for them to correct (probably replace the lens PCB board and your focusing issues are fixed).

Just do what you have to do. I have terrible luck with high end lenses as well, but it is because we want perfection when we spend what we do on them. So little issues like gritty focus rings are simply not acceptable when you spend $6000 on a lens. I completely agree with you.

[hawaiisunsetphoto]

If you're using the 5D Mark III, there's a known compatibility issue with this lens and a service bulletin from Canon.  I sent my 200 f/2L into Canon for the update.....

[eml58]

When you called Canon, what did they say?

Sorry, I know you're frustrated, but $h!t happens.  Occasionally, a bad lens is shipped and someone gets unlucky.  Sometimes, a whole production run has a goof, and there's a service advisory (aka recall) - I still need to send my 1D X in for that, actually.

So...venting is good, but getting your problems fixed is better.

Hi Viggo, I think this is good advice, take a breath and work out your options, then take action.

The 200 f/2 is an amazing Lens, one of the best I own, and other than nailing focus at f/2 (Needs a new Skill set), this Lens should just work.

If you purchased the lens new, return it to Canon and ask for a replacement, if you purchased it 2nd Hand, return it to Canon and have them repair it, the Lens is an investment, spending a few dollars on it wont be a bad further investment.

Nuero is correct, sometimes crap happens, it's a huge PIA that's for sure, but Manufacturers like Canon don't always get it right, the recent 1Dx issue is a prime example, fortunately my two Bodies went in, had the adjustments, came out fine & seem to be working as they should, but it's damn frustrating to spend 15k on 2 1Dx bodies and then have the need to send them back in for "adjustments".

Stay cool & work the options, I hope you get the Lens sorted, it's an amazing piece of Glass, 99.9% of the time.

In the meantime stay away from large Blunt Objects when around the 200 f/2.

[Viggo]

Thanks for your replies everyone. 

I have bought it second hand, but the previous owner didn't use it and the "grinding" noise in the focusing ring wasn't there when i got it. But, I have by no means used it so this could happen, not even with an extending barrel non sealed lens, would this happen. I bought it to use it everywhere, but if it can't take a stroll in the city and the occasional playground it can't be sealed at all. I do not use any of my gear for anything else than as a hobby and for taking pictures of my kids, so if pro's can drop and bang them around and use them for all sorts of sandy sports, I just don't get it.

And the problem with simply "sending it in" is that if they say there is gravel, that is not warranty and could cost a fortune, meaning I can't afford to fix it. And another thing is how do I get it to the service place? it's a 6 hour drive one way, and to send it can't be done for less than 200 usd , also one way. Simply put , this would easily cost me a 35 L in a repair that NEVER should have been necessary if the lens did what it suppose to do.