24-70 II slight clicking sound when zooming

[R1-7D]

You are not going to get any help from Canon on this issue. Trust me. Buy the extended warranty, and if the lens focuses well and is sharp, just keep it.

I agree with others that it is quite annoying that Canon doesn't seem to acknowledge this issue. One of the big problems with it, is that it doesn't do it every single time you use the lens. When you spend close to $100 to send it in to Canon, there is a good chance that the lens won't do it, while in there possession.

What the Canon technician told me was that they tried it 3 or 4 times and it didn't present with the issue, so they cleaned it and shipped it back to me. It was clicking within 4 images of me getting it back and using it...

They suggested it was the camera and told me to send that in too. I commented that it did it with my XSi, my 7D and my 5D III and my son's 5D II. Should I send all my cameras in, I asked? Yes, he said... No thanks...

The lens still does it periodically and yes, it still pisses me off! I'm going to sell it and get a new one...

 

[KKCFamilyman]

I think for piece of mind I will get the extended and then if it gives trouble they just replace it.

 

[R1-7D]

I think for piece of mind I will get the extended and then if it gives trouble they just replace it.

Exactly! Good luck.

 

[s2DoubleU]

Did not see this thread earlier and got myself a retailer's version of the lens. "07" and has the clicking noise. What bothers me is on the long run if it'll get damaged internally, and for video there's a noticeable series of clicks (not as much with an external mic on top of the camera, but still hearable).

Here's my video of the sound. Getting it exchanged to see if other lenses will have it too. Can't see much issues with photography (except for possible long term damages) but for video, its immediate thus not so great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyJfFApz6mA

 

[Billy Billy]

It sounds like this spring issue to me.
http://www.canonrumors.com/2014/04/canon-ef-24-70-f2-8l-ii-usm-noisy-focus-ring-issue-revealed/

 

[Loswr]

It sounds like this spring issue to me.
http://www.canonrumors.com/2014/04/canon-ef-24-70-f2-8l-ii-usm-noisy-focus-ring-issue-revealed/

Except that focus ring ≠ zoom ring.

 

[6dDamo]

Hey guys, just thought i'd weigh in on my experience with the clicking lens too. I got my canon 24-70 2.8 II about 3 weeks ago (grey coloured box manufactured in March 2014) after returning a tamron 24-70 and the first thing i noticed when i got into a quiet room was that damn clicking.

I thought something was surely off, and then i found this thread and saw I'm in the same boat with a lot of other members. *shakes fist*

In any case, I popped off to the Canon service centre in Shanghai (where i live) and the guy first tried to palm me off by saying he couldn't hear it, and then after he could hear it, he said it was normal. After i pushed him a bit further, he said he would need to get a copy of the same lens to try (apparently the fact that my 70-200/17-55/18-55 zooms don't exhibit clicking isn't enough proof that zooms shouldn't click. Instead he said he could only base his conclusions on lenses of the same type, ie if his one clicks and mine clicks, then it's not a fault, it's a design feature... :-\ )

In any case, he said this noise didn't warrant the service centre opening up the lens.

In the end, the engineer said he didn't have the same lens on hand but he would request one from the marketing team to test later. After a week, he called me saying his one clicks too. He then said he would escalate it to his head office because he admitted clicking is a bit strange and he revealed another customer had come in with a clicker too.

Well i just heard back again today and the engineer said that the head office said it was normal, and it will not affect the function or usage of the lens. Go figure, eh? I guess Canon thinks if they close their eyes and ears long enough, we'll all get bored of waiting for a response from them.

On the bright side, the lens IQ is absolutely stunning, and it's my new favourite lens. I felt it wasn't worth pushing it further since i guess i can live with clickety click if it means i can have great photo quality.

 

[candyman]

Hey guys, just thought i'd weigh in on my experience with the clicking lens too. I got my canon 24-70 2.8 II about 3 weeks ago (grey coloured box manufactured in March 2014) after returning a tamron 24-70 and the first thing i noticed when i got into a quiet room was that damn clicking.

I thought something was surely off, and then i found this thread and saw I'm in the same boat with a lot of other members. *shakes fist*

In any case, I popped off to the Canon service centre in Shanghai (where i live) and the guy first tried to palm me off by saying he couldn't hear it, and then after he could hear it, he said it was normal. After i pushed him a bit further, he said he would need to get a copy of the same lens to try (apparently the fact that my 70-200/17-55/18-55 zooms don't exhibit clicking isn't enough proof that zooms shouldn't click. Instead he said he could only base his conclusions on lenses of the same type, ie if his one clicks and mine clicks, then it's not a fault, it's a design feature... :-\ )

In any case, he said this noise didn't warrant the service centre opening up the lens.

In the end, the engineer said he didn't have the same lens on hand but he would request one from the marketing team to test later. After a week, he called me saying his one clicks too. He then said he would escalate it to his head office because he admitted clicking is a bit strange and he revealed another customer had come in with a clicker too.

Well i just heard back again today and the engineer said that the head office said it was normal, and it will not affect the function or usage of the lens. Go figure, eh? I guess Canon thinks if they close their eyes and ears long enough, we'll all get bored of waiting for a response from them.

On the bright side, the lens IQ is absolutely stunning, and it's my new favourite lens. I felt it wasn't worth pushing it further since i guess i can live with clickety click if it means i can have great photo quality.

It is not a funny story but what is funny is that Canon releases a camera (5D MKIII) with silent shutter so you can use it for those special occasions but don't use it with the brilliant 24-70 II IQ. Otherwise what is the point of silent shutter if the lens makes noise. Just saying I don't understand the point of view of Canon. And, isn't the 24-70 II most used lens for - for example - weddings (churches, synagoge..etc)?

 

[climber]

i don't know, but I don't hear any clicking on my lens.

 

[Northstar]

I've had mine about a year....i had a faint clicking sound (March 2013 copy) when I got it, and for the first several months, but I really don't hear it anymore.

IMO - for those following this thread thinking there's something wrong with the 24-70 2.8ii and you're holding off buying... don't think that. It's a phenomenal lens, pretty much replaces every prime in the focal range for me.

 

[ryebread]

I made the mistake of selling this lens after my first month with it, last year.
I bought my 2nd copy a few months ago. I love it.

If you read the professional reviews of this lens, they will all tell you, that this lens make a little noise during AF, nobody else can hear it, aside from the photog. it's not a big deal.

 

[Invertalon]

I have a 24-70 II that was bought new right when the lens was released... Never had any clicking noises.

Until I sent it in to Canon for a check and clean...

When it came back, it now has a clicking sound (two or three clicks when zoomed). I am assuming they tightened some stuff which made the sound appear. I am not worried at all about it, but it is funny that it was silent until Canon had it

 

[Loswr]

I have a 24-70 II that was bought new right when the lens was released... Never had any clicking noises.

Until I sent it in to Canon for a check and clean...

When it came back, it now has a clicking sound (two or three clicks when zoomed). I am assuming they tightened some stuff which made the sound appear. I am not worried at all about it, but it is funny that it was silent until Canon had it

Canon's lens maintenance service doesn't touch the internals, the only thing tightened are the external screws, and neither the screws on the lens mount nor the little screws on the plate for the lock switch should affect the zoom mechanism.

Hate to say it, but I'd be worried about rough handling during shipments.

 

[climber]

I have a 24-70 II that was bought new right when the lens was released... Never had any clicking noises.

Until I sent it in to Canon for a check and clean...

When it came back, it now has a clicking sound (two or three clicks when zoomed). I am assuming they tightened some stuff which made the sound appear. I am not worried at all about it, but it is funny that it was silent until Canon had it

Canon's lens maintenance service doesn't touch the internals, the only thing tightened are the external screws, and neither the screws on the lens mount nor the little screws on the plate for the lock switch should affect the zoom mechanism.

Hate to say it, but I'd be worried about rough handling during shipments.

Or, did you really get the same (yours) lens back after all.

 

[Invertalon]

I can verify the serial number when I get home, but nothing appeared abnormal and had the UV filter on that I shipped it with.

I am led to believe they did open the lens though, as internal dust behind the front element had been removed. I did not note this when I sent it in, but in the past they have done more elaborate "cleanings" then they should have for me. They don't always go by the book... If they did open the lens, they may have tightened a few things which started the noise.

For example, my 5D3 was sent in for just a check/clean and they ended up cleaning out the viewfinder pentaprism (requires disassembly), foam pieces, wiring and adjusted CMOS position as well. And again, nothing was ever noted wrong with it... They just did it free (not under warranty and with CMS).

Far from just external checks/cleanings.

 

[Loswr]

I can verify the serial number when I get home, but nothing appeared abnormal and had the UV filter on that I shipped it with.

I am led to believe they did open the lens though, as internal dust behind the front element had been removed. I did not note this when I sent it in, but in the past they have done more elaborate "cleanings" then they should have for me. They don't always go by the book... If they did open the lens, they may have tightened a few things which started the noise.

For example, my 5D3 was sent in for just a check/clean and they ended up cleaning out the viewfinder pentaprism (requires disassembly), foam pieces, wiring and adjusted CMOS position as well. And again, nothing was ever noted wrong with it... They just did it free (not under warranty and with CMS).

Far from just external checks/cleanings.

Interesting, and good to know!

 

[Invertalon]

I did check and confirm that the lens I have is the right one... Serial numbers match up.

Also, it appears the clicking is already "fading". Its quieting down after just a little use and I think it will likely just go away soon.

Either way, I am not worried about it. Lens works perfectly and the noise is really no harm.

 

[CvH]

I picked up a 24-70 f2.8 II at a local store in Melbourne Australia on Saturday, I couldn't hear the clicking sounds as it was quite a noisy store. But I could hear it when tested the lens at home.

I had a replacement on Monday and unfortunately the noise is there upon testing it at home. I contacted Canon support center in Sydney and they confirmed that it is NOT normal. They've raised a case and suggested that I get another replacement from the store as the purchase is within 14 days.

I can't remember the serial number of the 1st unit but the 2nd one starts with 21.

I've contacted the store and they are happy replace it with another one so will do it tomorrow. Wish me luck on the 3rd unit.

Cheers,

 

[CvH]

Picked up the 3rd copy from the local store yesterday and this one does NOT make the clicking sound .

BTW, the serial number also start with 21.

 

[Triggyman]

Picked up the 3rd copy from the local store yesterday and this one does NOT make the clicking sound .

BTW, the serial number also start with 21.

Good for you. That lens may have been manufactured last September.

My copy's serial starts with 20 and the clicking was there - it sounded like turning a safe combination lock. Now it's almost totally gone, but a new clicking sound appeared that wasn't there before - just one faint click when I turn the zoom ring from 35-50mm.

My lens is only less then 7 days old and I don't want to risk a problem that might seem insignificant today but will grow into something big through time, and I don't make money out of photography so I will bring it back to Vistek (the shop I bought it from) and see what they will say about it. If they don't want to exchange it, then I will just return it. They impose a 10% restocking fee and I'd rather take the hit. Bad thing is I will be left with only a 100L Macro as my only lens.