Canon 70-200 2.8L IS Problems

[Nevyn]

Was seriously looking at a 70-200 2.8L IS on Saturday (ie had it in my hand with my credit card at the ready in the other) until I asked if there was a replacement on the way (since a few of the on-line stores are showing out of stock of the various 70-200 lenses.) The guy who owned the shop commented that it's been out for a few years and they need to do something since he's had a "lot" (ie more than he has seen with other lenses - he mentioned 5 or 6) returned recently showing error codes after 3 months or so.
1 of his customers was due to come in and collect his 3rd copy, the previous 2 having developed faults! - on a $1700 lens!

So I didn't buy it. I did get the 100 macro though

I just wondered if anyone else had heard of problems?

[h00kemh0rns]

No probs and I'm at the 3 mos period. Probably 2k in shots on it.

[AjP]

I heard there are few problems with IS, but as often as store guy metioned, I use it and never had any problems, and heard only few time about any problems with this lens, everyone love it. I'm personaly still debating it I should get IS or Non-IS version, since most of the time I shooting high shutter speed, like 1/250-and up... don't think Non-IS will be an issue, IS only helpful in low shutter speed.

[cmalana]

I have this lens and I have been happy with it. However, there is a problem I've noticed with the big Canon lenses with IS - I don't know if they're more susceptible to dirty contacts or flexing, but I've noticed a lockup problem with both 70-200/2.8 IS and 300/4 IS lenses that I have. I pay special attention to the contacts now and make sure they are clean and haven't had any issues.

Quick fix is to pop out batteries, count to 5, put them in and everything is fine again. This doesn't happen too often for me -probably 3x over last 5k frames shot.

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by cmalana

I have this lens and I have been happy with it. However, there is a problem I've noticed with the big Canon lenses with IS - I don't know if they're more susceptible to dirty contacts or flexing, but I've noticed a lockup problem with both 70-200/2.8 IS and 300/4 IS lenses that I have. I pay special attention to the contacts now and make sure they are clean and haven't had any issues.

Quick fix is to pop out batteries, count to 5, put them in and everything is fine again. This doesn't happen too often for me -probably 3x over last 5k frames shot.

Thanks for the feedback all (or should I say y'all?)

The way he said it implied it wasn't something that could be fixed with a battery swap though.
Hmm.
Do have the 300 F4 IS. No problems with that so far but then I haven't put that many shots through it. Something else to watch out for!

[LoungeLizard]

I've got this lens and love it. I have had several "Error 01" (I think) with it on both my DRebel and 20D. I power off, remove the lens (not fully, just disengage the contacts), put back, power back on, back in business.

I have heard of it having these problems, but I absolutely LOVE this lens.

[Holly]

Don't have this lense, wish I did...but congratulations on the macro! You will love it.

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by Wilson

Don't have this lense, wish I did...but congratulations on the macro! You will love it.

Thanks, just trying to learn how to use it now!

Any helpful hints on lighting, etc would be appreciated..........

[Holly]

Any helpful hints on lighting, etc would be appreciated..........

When I shoot macros - about 99% of the time it is with available light. Most of the time, if the object is portable and the light is too low, you can move it to an open window. The focal length is long enough that when you do use flash and you are photographing people at full length, you are usually pretty far enough away for the flash to be diffused by the time it reaches them. I still shoot with the flash set at -1, just my own personal preference. And learn to handhold low shutter speeds. I haven't noticed a whole lot of softness at 2.8, as some people claim. I pretty much leave mine on that aperture all of the time, especially when shooting 1:1 macros....nothing nicer than facets of a diamond ring being in focus and the ones next to it not. (of course, you have to shoot a lot to get a good one - the slightest intake of air on your part will budge the focus to an undesirable area when at that aperture) Don't know if any of this helps or not..... anyway - post some pics as you play with it!

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by Wilson

When I shoot macros - about 99% of the time it is with available light. Most of the time, if the object is portable and the light is too low, you can move it to an open window. The focal length is long enough that when you do use flash and you are photographing people at full length, you are usually pretty far enough away for the flash to be diffused by the time it reaches them. I still shoot with the flash set at -1, just my own personal preference. And learn to handhold low shutter speeds. I haven't noticed a whole lot of softness at 2.8, as some people claim. I pretty much leave mine on that aperture all of the time, especially when shooting 1:1 macros....nothing nicer than facets of a diamond ring being in focus and the ones next to it not. (of course, you have to shoot a lot to get a good one - the slightest intake of air on your part will budge the focus to an undesirable area when at that aperture) Don't know if any of this helps or not..... anyway - post some pics as you play with it!

Thanks for the hints will give it a try. Wonder where I can get a bit enough diamond ring?!

Assuming you use a tripod for the macros, (if not for portrait use) do you use a normal ball head (or similar) or do you use something more complicated to finely tune the focusing?

[redneckbill]

Before my equipment was purloined, I had this lens and have taken over 10k photos with it and have only had one lock-up.... not sure it was caused by the lens... removed the battery and replaced with fresh battery, worked fine from then on. I replaced it 2 weeks ago and have about 3k shots on the new one with no problems. I think you will do fine with this lens should you ecide to go ahead with your purchase.

Congrats on the new macro though, it is a great lens!!!

[Hogleg 44]

I have it, and have used it a lot without problems. But there must be something wrong with some of them them because there is a multi page thread on another forum(RG I think) that keeps coming to the top about problems!

[Holly]

Assuming you use a tripod for the macros, (if not for portrait use) do you use a normal ball head (or similar) or do you use something more complicated to finely tune the focusing?

I will admit to owning a couple of tripods and one monopod, however I have not used any of them in over a year. I HATE the confinement and can hand hold lower shutter speeds pretty well. At 100 I don't dare go below about 1/20th of a second. Unless there is dancing at the reception then it's fun to play below that. But macros, never below 1/20th. But no - no tripod. I'm sitting here trying to remember the last time I used one and I just can't remember.....

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by redneckbill

I think you will do fine with this lens should you ecide to go ahead with your purchase.

Congrats on the new macro though, it is a great lens!!!

Car service costs = $1200.
I think that I may have to hold off for a week or 2!

[Marbean]

Hogleg is always right on. Over at forum RG there is a thread of 24 pages about the 70-200. I've beat this lens to death and have never had any problems or camera faults. At RG it seems that IS is the problem with err00. Or at least that is what most report. However, if you can tabulate the "no problems" contra the "problems" . lt looks like more photographers report no problems.

The 70-200 IS is a work horse for me. I have used this lens to the max. It has never let me down. So the question comes up do I have a good copy and someone else has a bad one? Could be.

The OP in this thread went to purchase the 70-200 but was talked into buying another. Okay, WHY? I'm not here to teach. BUT don't let some sales type person make your decision. You start out looking for a long lens and then buy a macro.

What are your shooting? What is your style etc?

I have to go. Just let me say that the lens in question is one of my best and with film or digital it has been nothing short of one of my best. (with no problems).

If you ARE or you WANT to be a photographer, don't Don't DOn't DON't DON'T pay attention to the sales people at your favorite photo store. Online or other. "Bury BeWare"

Good Luck
Marvin