24-70 II slight clicking sound when zooming

[M.ST]

Funny things are going on.

A few days ago I test two lenses in a store, because a friend want buy the lens.

1 lens: ugly sound if I change the focal lenght
2 lens: different visible distorsion at 24 mm with the same settings

Both errors are well known errors from the first days of the lens. It´s a shame that Canon have the same big problems with the mass production after one year.

Conclusion:
If I look at many Canon products introduced in the last years I notice, that Canon have huge problems with the product quality and to produce new innovative cameras and lenses that are worth the money you pay for it.

 

[Viggo]

Funny things are going on.

A few days ago I test two lenses in a store, because a friend want buy the lens.

1 lens: ugly sound if I change the focal lenght
2 lens: different visible distorsion at 24 mm with the same settings

Both errors are well known errors from the first days of the lens. It´s a shame that Canon have the same big problems with the mass production after one year.

Conclusion:
If I look at many Canon products introduced in the last years I notice, that Canon have huge problems with the product quality and to produce new innovative cameras and lenses that are worth the money you pay for it.

Which style of lenscaps did the two have? (Center-Pinch= 2013, Old style= 2012)

 

[trimstring]

My lens has the same issue. I was told by the store that the zoom brush needs to be replaced but they don't have the new part yet (it's almost 1.5 month now since I brought the lens in). I was also told I could use the lens as is, without implications, until they get the part and replace it.
Anyway, my question is, does anybody know if I can really use the lens without further damaging the zoom brush or other internals?

 

[lastcoyote]

My lens has the same issue. I was told by the store that the zoom brush needs to be replaced but they don't have the new part yet (it's almost 1.5 month now since I brought the lens in). I was also told I could use the lens as is, without implications, until they get the part and replace it.
Anyway, my question is, does anybody know if I can really use the lens without further damaging the zoom brush or other internals?

did the lens always have the 'clicking' sound on the zoom ring, or did it start after having it a while? i sent one back for replacement as documented in this thread.

also you say 'the store' are getting the new part in. hopefully if you are getting it fixed rather than replaced then this store is not just a retail store but a Canon approved service centre?

interesting though that i've come across quite a few people now on forums who have had an issue with this. i felt like the only one when i first posted about it.

 

[R1-7D]

This is all very interesting. I bought my new 24-70 II past Sunday and it's the 2013 model with center pinch cap. I'll check tonight and see what I find. I haven't noticed any noise...but I haven't really be looking/listening.

 

[Invertalon]

I got my 24-70 II around the time they came out and never had any issue with zoom ring clicking. It sometimes is faintly "squeaky" but that is just due to the seals inside the barrel for sealing (I know this because after I wipe down the barrel extension when I clean the lens, it goes completely away for weeks).

Lens works perfectly and I am very happy with it.

 

[R1-7D]

Just checked mine out and it seems to be fine with no abnormal sounds coming from it. It's a 2013 model.

 

[trimstring]

did the lens always have the 'clicking' sound on the zoom ring, or did it start after having it a while? i sent one back for replacement as documented in this thread.

also you say 'the store' are getting the new part in. hopefully if you are getting it fixed rather than replaced then this store is not just a retail store but a Canon approved service centre?

interesting though that i've come across quite a few people now on forums who have had an issue with this. i felt like the only one when i first posted about it.

The lens always had the clicking sound. At first I was told it'll go away with time, but after using the lens for 2 months and not seeing any improvement I brought it back to the store. Not sure about "Canon approved service centre" though.

 

[lastcoyote]

did the lens always have the 'clicking' sound on the zoom ring, or did it start after having it a while? i sent one back for replacement as documented in this thread.

also you say 'the store' are getting the new part in. hopefully if you are getting it fixed rather than replaced then this store is not just a retail store but a Canon approved service centre?

interesting though that i've come across quite a few people now on forums who have had an issue with this. i felt like the only one when i first posted about it.

The lens always had the clicking sound. At first I was told it'll go away with time, but after using the lens for 2 months and not seeing any improvement I brought it back to the store. Not sure about "Canon approved service centre" though.

doesn't seem right to me that the retail store where you bought the lens are saying that they have ordered the part for you to fit themselves ???

they should really have just swapped out the lens for another copy from the start as you weren't satisfied with it.

if I was you I'd send it off to a Canon approved service centre near you to get it fixed under warranty.

 

[dsc888]

Hi Guys,

NEW member here! But I just found this thread after getting my spanking new 24-70mm f2.8ii from Amazon. I immediately noticed the "Tick Tick Tick" sound while zooming both from 24 to 70 and back. It one of the newer batches with the new CENTER PINCH lens caps. It seems to catch at regular intervals which leads credence to someone here mentioning that it is some kind of sensor/brush that relays focal length data to the camera.

The lens is otherwise just great optically. There doesn't seem to be many forum threads on the Internet regarding this issue. I wonder if folks are simply not hearing it or if it is a rare occurrence.

Has folks been able to swap out for non clicking ones that are of recent production? I got the lens at the recent price drop and love it. Thanks for all your help, folks!

 

[lastcoyote]

Hi Guys,

NEW member here! But I just found this thread after getting my spanking new 24-70mm f2.8ii from Amazon. I immediately noticed the "Tick Tick Tick" sound while zooming both from 24 to 70 and back. It one of the newer batches with the new CENTER PINCH lens caps. It seems to catch at regular intervals which leads credence to someone here mentioning that it is some kind of sensor/brush that relays focal length data to the camera.

The lens is otherwise just great optically. There doesn't seem to be many forum threads on the Internet regarding this issue. I wonder if folks are simply not hearing it or if it is a rare occurrence.

Has folks been able to swap out for non clicking ones that are of recent production? I got the lens at the recent price drop and love it. Thanks for all your help, folks!

I got mine exchanged at the beginning of June for a pre 2013 build after my discovery of the clicking/ticking sound on previous copy I had. Not sure what the options are now really. I'd of hoped that it would be sorted out by now with new copies but maybe not. I also find it strange that there's not more talk of the issue. I guess some have better hearing than others or maybe it doesn't bother other people. Certainly would bug me though. I've still no idea as well why it only appeared from 2013 copies onwards. They must have changed something I guess. Maybe it doesn't do it with all of them too. Could be to do with how tight the zoom ring has been adjusted etc.

 

[M.ST]

to Viggo:

Old style = 2012

 

[docsmith]

Very helpful thread. I am one of the people that jumped on the sale last week. Mine came in on Friday. I've been testing it over the weekend. Everything checks out except...a very audible clicking sound when adjusting the focal length.

It has a pinch cap. March 2013 construction based on TDP guidelines...
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

 

[lastcoyote]

Very helpful thread. I am one of the people that jumped on the sale last week. Mine came in on Friday. I've been testing it over the weekend. Everything checks out except...a very audible clicking sound when adjusting the focal length.

It has a pinch cap. March 2013 construction based on TDP guidelines...
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

huh well there you go someone else with it. i definitely think it's most likely in pretty much all of the 2013 onwards ones. just that some people can't hear it. which is concerning as like you say it's pretty audible. outside it's not quite so noticeable but in a quiet room indoors it's very noticeable. I'd expect that if you used it for video then the cameras built-in mic would probably pick it up.

I was fortunate to buy from a seller who allowed me to exchange to one that was from 2012. I'd guess these are now pretty scarce. So I guess peoples only option is to either live with it or send to Canon with the specific instructions to fix the noise. Which is a shame as I'm of the mind that it's totally unacceptable to have to send a brand new 'anything' in to manufacturer to fix something.

 

[strangelove]

That's so weird... I thought it was just me.

I bought one from BandH last week when the price fell to $1699 (with the rebate) and it came on friday. I immediately noticed it because I am so used to buying used, and always checking the mechanisms. It was silent when zooming in, all the way to 70mm. It was when zooming out, the whole way to 24mm that it made the clicking sound.

Mine is also a March 2013 model with the pinch style cap. Seems to be a theme emerging with the production dates no?

I don't know about you guys, but I'm a public school teacher-- if I'm going to spend that much on a lens, I think it should be perfect. Got an RMA from BandH and am sending it in today.

Hopefully won't have to wait too long for replacement...

 

[takesome1]

With everyone getting two or three copies and sending them back,

Where do all the returns go?
There should be more refurbs than new.

I wonder if everyone is getting the same body with the clicking noise.

 

[strangelove]

Good question!

Either way, if the next one does it too... I'm going to take that as a sign, and get the Tamron instead! :-\

 

[takesome1]

Good question!

Either way, if the next one does it too... I'm going to take that as a sign, and get the Tamron instead! :-\

I wouldn't, once you get a good copy it just doesn't get better IMO.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Good question!

Either way, if the next one does it too... I'm going to take that as a sign, and get the Tamron instead! :-\

I wouldn't, once you get a good copy it just doesn't get better IMO.

There is a certain "lottery" with the Tamron, too (I love my copy, but it is my second). I think the reality is that when you are a demanding consumer (as probably most people on this forum are), you have to be prepared for a process when acquiring a new lens. The work to get a great copy is worth it, and there is sample variation from all manufacturers.

 

[dsc888]

Wow! I never imagined that I would get such a rapid response from so many members! Thanks, everyone!

So now I am stuck. It seems like that 2013 production units may all have the ticking zoom rings to some level and it depends on how picky and perhaps how good a user's hearing may be. And yes, mine is a March 2013 unit. The zoom ring is definitely very stiff and the ticking seems more obvious zooming out from 70 to 24 than from 24 to 70.

It seems some members were able to get good units by exchanging for 2012 units but that may not be possible since Amazon seems to stock fresh lenses especially since the recent, limited time sale. I have 30 days to make my mind up. I'm only on day 5. I'm hoping to hear back from more owners, especially those who exchanged 2013 for 2013 units with the center pinch lens caps. I'm just worried I might get a back unit with the same ticking and have a bad element for example. Decision. Decision.

Regardless, I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions. Please keep us all updated if you did swap out and had good success.