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

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

All advice and comments are appreciated

I live in Norway so shipping with normal post-office mail isn't an option, they only insure up to 1500 usd. And with insurance and shipping for 6000 usd the price is 200.

I know the guy who sold it to me, and he's a great guy, so I think there is 100% chance this isn't caused by either of us, but something with the lens. The lens is only 10 months old.

And I don't think either of us have even used the focusing ring for any thing else than supporting the lens.

It's just very annoying that the sealing is rubbish on this one. I think it's useless that it could happen without even using it situations where it could be an issue with a non-sealed lens. I have pushed the limit with some of my other gear to see what it could take and they worked flawlessly no matter what. I expect this lens to do the same, that's all.

The AF issue is a "sh!t happens" thing, it could happen, I can accept that. But everybody here would be pretty upset to have it happen to a 6k lens within the first year.

I'll update the thread when I get some kind of feedback from the service place, could be useful for others if it is in fact gravel and it's not covered. That means you can't trust the sealing until the lens breaks and you get it fixed.

Thanks again

 

[Loswr]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

The AF issue is a "sh!t happens" thing, it could happen, I can accept that. But everybody here would be pretty upset to have it happen to a 6k lens within the first year.

...as opposed to a nearly $7K camera within the first year? Honestly, the 1D X issue is worse, IMO, because it affects pretty much all users who bought the camera before the recall, whereas I haven't seen a big outcry or recall of the 200/2 for 'gravel in the focus ring' - seems you were unlucky and got a lemon. Still sucks, though. I suspect it'll end up not being gravel (wouldn't you or the person you bought it from know that it had been dragged through gravel?), or the sealing, but something internal that's broken.

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

The AF issue is a "sh!t happens" thing, it could happen, I can accept that. But everybody here would be pretty upset to have it happen to a 6k lens within the first year.

...as opposed to a nearly $7K camera within the first year? Honestly, the 1D X issue is worse, IMO, because it affects pretty much all users who bought the camera before the recall, whereas I haven't seen a big outcry or recall of the 200/2 for 'gravel in the focus ring' - seems you were unlucky and got a lemon. Still sucks, though. I suspect it'll end up not being gravel (wouldn't you or the person you bought it from know that it had been dragged through gravel?), or the sealing, but something internal that's broken.

I can agree that the 1dx issue is worse because it affects much more people. But I had mine in for service but it never malfunctioned for me, and it seems to me that majority of serviced 1dx's wasn't having the symptoms, just the serialnumber.

I certainly hope something internal is broken, but considering the ring haven't been used and worked fine three weeks ago, I doubt it. But I can't know that until they open it. I also can't really know where the dust I see inside the lens is located. All I know are the symptoms not the solution. Point being when it has seen almost no use, it shouldn't have to be repaired. A D.O.A-lens would have been much easier to accept...

 

[aussiekid]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

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.....

What was the issue? I just bought the mk3 and also have the 200 f/2L
Source?

 

[Loswr]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

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.....

What was the issue? I just bought the mk3 and also have the 200 f/2L
Source?

Loud noise from the IS system.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e02480532d6b

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

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.....

What was the issue? I just bought the mk3 and also have the 200 f/2L
Source?

The issue as I recall it was a abnormal rattling or clicking noise in the IS unit. The lens needs an update from Canon.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

I'd have not waited a month to exchange it (unless it just suddenly happened).

Even the big whites can have issues, just as $100,000 cars have issues. Get it fixed or exchanged.

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

I'd have not waited a month to exchange it (unless it just suddenly happened).

Even the big whites can have issues, just as $100,000 cars have issues. Get it fixed or exchanged.

I just discovered the focus ring issue. The AF issue I have been trying to work out if it's calibration, skills or or other, plus as mentioned, getting it to service is quite the task. The first clue was that FoCal just couldn't get it to focus properly on the target and kept prompting me that it had tried 5 times and quality of focus varied a lot.

Yes, the big whites are allowed issues. It just seems unlikely that I had three copies of the 24 L II, all brand new, non of them worked, too exchanged under warranty by canon. I had two copies of the 70-200 mk2 and changed three AF units and Four IS units. One of them also had to realign a couple of the lenses! It never turned out okay., also under warrranty. Two 580 flashes with multiple issues. Had a 300 f2.8 that front focused about 100 meters aiming at 150 meters. All of this is very strange if it's only the occasional issue..

 

[Loswr]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

The first clue was that FoCal just couldn't get it to focus properly on the target and kept prompting me that it had tried 5 times and quality of focus varied a lot.

How much light did you have (what were your reported EVs)? I find that FoCal is very consistent at 11-12 EV or higher, but inconsistent results or run failures are more common at 10 EV and lower.

Yes, the big whites are allowed issues. It just seems unlikely that I had three copies of the 24 L II, all brand new, non of them worked, too exchanged under warranty by canon. I had two copies of the 70-200 mk2 and changed three AF units and Four IS units. One of them also had to realign a couple of the lenses! It never turned out okay., also under warrranty. Two 580 flashes with multiple issues. Had a 300 f2.8 that front focused about 100 meters aiming at 150 meters. All of this is very strange if it's only the occasional issue..

I currently own 2 bodies, 14 lenses (plus 2 TCs), and 3 flashes (plus an ST-E3). In addition to those, I've previously owned an additional 3 bodies, 8 lenses (plus 2 TCs), and 2 flashes. Out of all of those, I've not had a single issue that required service, except the aforementioned need to send in my 1D X for a recall at some point.

Either I'm very lucky, you're very unlucky, or some combination thereof...

 

[scottkinfw]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

Call them.
Don't worry about the gravel etc.- you didn't try to open the lens, so it is their baby.

sek

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..

 

[scottkinfw]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

You have remarkable bad luck. I have had service issues myself, but most of the time it was due to an accident, or just an occasional cleaning/calibration.

I have not heard of anyone with so many Canon rejects.

So sorry.

I'd have not waited a month to exchange it (unless it just suddenly happened).

Even the big whites can have issues, just as $100,000 cars have issues. Get it fixed or exchanged.

I just discovered the focus ring issue. The AF issue I have been trying to work out if it's calibration, skills or or other, plus as mentioned, getting it to service is quite the task. The first clue was that FoCal just couldn't get it to focus properly on the target and kept prompting me that it had tried 5 times and quality of focus varied a lot.

Yes, the big whites are allowed issues. It just seems unlikely that I had three copies of the 24 L II, all brand new, non of them worked, too exchanged under warranty by canon. I had two copies of the 70-200 mk2 and changed three AF units and Four IS units. One of them also had to realign a couple of the lenses! It never turned out okay., also under warrranty. Two 580 flashes with multiple issues. Had a 300 f2.8 that front focused about 100 meters aiming at 150 meters. All of this is very strange if it's only the occasional issue..

 

[eml58]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

Yes, the big whites are allowed issues. It just seems unlikely that I had three copies of the 24 L II, all brand new, non of them worked, too exchanged under warranty by canon. I had two copies of the 70-200 mk2 and changed three AF units and Four IS units. One of them also had to realign a couple of the lenses! It never turned out okay., also under warrranty. Two 580 flashes with multiple issues. Had a 300 f2.8 that front focused about 100 meters aiming at 150 meters. All of this is very strange if it's only the occasional issue..

Jesus Joseph & Mary, that's an equipment run of bad luck I wouldn't want to own, really remarkable, I'm surprised Viggo that you haven't gone over to the dark side after this amount of issues. Hearing from others that they've had zero issues wont help, but unfortunately your 200f/2 is sick, until you get it checked you wont know why, if, as others have said, the Previous owner/yourself didn't drop it, take it for a sand bath, then it's likely it's a mechanical issue, which your warranty will cover if the Lens is less than 12 months old.

Cost of getting it into Canon & back unfortunately is a cost of ownership, something we are stuck with I'm afraid.

It sort of boiled me when after the cost of buying the Version II 600f/4/400f/2.8 & 300f/2.8, everyone of these Lenses had to go back to Canon Singapore for "Firmware" updates, due I believe to compatability issues with the 5DMKIII & 1Dx, at the time all the Lenses were at my Home in Jakarta, so it was a pack up & transport to Singapore situation, the "firmware" upgrade for my 200f/2, same situation (issue with the 5DMKIII), same for my 1Dx Bodies & the "Recall", it's just the risk factor involved in ownership of Equipment.

But I also owned the Nikon D800, and my copy had the left/right/upside down/whatever, focussing issue, Nikon "fixed" it 3 times before eventually replacing with a new Body, which I promptly sold, with no regrets.

I honestly hope you get the issue resolved satisfactorily, it's such a pity you've had these issues with what I would consider about the best Lens Canon have made, with the exception being the one you unfortunately own.

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

The first clue was that FoCal just couldn't get it to focus properly on the target and kept prompting me that it had tried 5 times and quality of focus varied a lot.

How much light did you have (what were your reported EVs)? I find that FoCal is very consistent at 11-12 EV or higher, but inconsistent results or run failures are more common at 10 EV and lower.

Yes, the big whites are allowed issues. It just seems unlikely that I had three copies of the 24 L II, all brand new, non of them worked, too exchanged under warranty by canon. I had two copies of the 70-200 mk2 and changed three AF units and Four IS units. One of them also had to realign a couple of the lenses! It never turned out okay., also under warrranty. Two 580 flashes with multiple issues. Had a 300 f2.8 that front focused about 100 meters aiming at 150 meters. All of this is very strange if it's only the occasional issue..

I currently own 2 bodies, 14 lenses (plus 2 TCs), and 3 flashes (plus an ST-E3). In addition to those, I've previously owned an additional 3 bodies, 8 lenses (plus 2 TCs), and 2 flashes. Out of all of those, I've not had a single issue that required service, except the aforementioned need to send in my 1D X for a recall at some point.

Either I'm very lucky, you're very unlucky, or some combination thereof...

I used 11,3 EV light, and I tried both indoors with a work lamp and outside with overcast sun. I used the same setup I always use. After having all that trouble with the 200, I changed the lens to my 70-200 at 200mm and it just worked, even gave me the same value as I already had dialed in.

I think it is a combination of you being very lucky and me very unlucky ;D

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

A small update, my 200 is STILL in service, 22 days (!) and counting. It's shipped from Norway to Sweden for unknown reasons. I have contacted the serviceplace in every way possible, but not one single answer is given, no respons, nothing!

 

[Viggo]

Re: 200 f2.0 first dissapointed customer ever?

So after 44 (!) days my lens came back. They haven't done anything to the dust inside or the strange
Sound in the focusing ring, not even made a comment about it, but they have gone through everything about the lens and found it to work as it should, so that's good enough for me.

The AF however, wow!! I'm not sure what they did, but now I could easily run it through Focal and get a test done. It was +9 before service and at +4 now, but accuracy and stability is GREATLY improved, I feel like it works now.

I ran it through and aperture sharpness test and there is no difference between apertures between f2 and f 7.1. A noticeable drop from f8 and decreasing steadily towards f32.

AF accuracy is 95,4% with ten test shots, seems low, but the difference between the worst and best shot are hardy noticeable.

If anyone owning a 200 f2 and 1dx and wants to run a Focal test and compare I would be VERY greatful.

 

[eml58]

I'm glad to hear most of the issues have been resolved for you Viggo.

I'm currently overseas but back in a week, I'll run Focal on my 1Dx + 200f/2 and send you the details, I've never bothered to run the set up before as my 200f/2 has been amazing from the time I purchased it, around 3 years ago.

Once I run it up I'll be sure to send you the outcome.

 

[Viggo]

I'm glad to hear most of the issues have been resolved for you Viggo.

I'm currently overseas but back in a week, I'll run Focal on my 1Dx + 200f/2 and send you the details, I've never bothered to run the set up before as my 200f/2 has been amazing from the time I purchased it, around 3 years ago.

Once I run it up I'll be sure to send you the outcome.

Thanks! That's awesome of you! Tested mine a bit more today and dear god, I'm starting to see why people say the AF is superb with this lens. Completely different world now.

 

[Dylan777]

Thanks! That's awesome of you! Tested mine a bit more today and dear god, I'm starting to see why people say the AF is superb with this lens. Completely different world now.

Hi Viggo,
Glad to hear you got your baby back in proper working condition

 

[Viggo]

Thanks! That's awesome of you! Tested mine a bit more today and dear god, I'm starting to see why people say the AF is superb with this lens. Completely different world now.

Hi Viggo,
Glad to hear you got your baby back in proper working condition

Thanks a lot! Just came back from a trip to the playground with my kids and a better lens for that purpose isn't possible to make. So wonderful.

 

[ksagomonyants]

For those who own 200 f2, how loud is the IS sound when you try to focus? Thanks!