topic Re: 24-70 lens issues in EF & RF Lenses

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

rosenphoto — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:35:15 GMT

So, this is crazy and driving me nuts. I hope someone has an answer for me.

I'm a wedding photographer.

I have a 5D Mark IV and a 6D Mark II and a range of lenses.

A month ago, mid wedding, I start to get error 1 messages with my 24-70 2.8L lens. This is series 1 lens. Got that message on both camera, so assumed it was the lens.

That lens is my workhorse, so I tried to get it repaired. Was told it would cost me $500 and take over a month, so I'd have to rent a lens for that time, which would have run $300, so $800 all together.

Decided to buy a used lens for $750 instead.

After a week, that lens also started showing error 1 messages on both my cameras.

So, returned that lens and got another used lens and as soon as I put it on the camera, got another error 1.

So now I've gotten error 1 messages with three 24-70 2.8L lenses on both of my cameras. All my other lenses work perfectly on both cameras. Just the 24-70 2.8 L is giving me the error.

So it doesn't seem to be the cameras, it seems to be this series of lens.

Tried updating the firmware on both cameras, all of a sudden the original lens starts working. But then, after 100 pics or so, it goes back to error 1 again.

I have four weddings in December, I need to depend on my equipment, but I'm scared to use this lens, and this is my primary lens. I use it for 80% of my images.

Can't afford $2000 for a new lens. At my wits end here. Is it possible for a series of lenses to become incompatible with all my cameras? That seems improbable?

What's going on?

I don't know what to do. Can anyone help?

Re: 24-70 lens issues

wq9nsc — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:16:04 GMT

This lens series has a design/build issue with an internal cable and when it fails the lens will generally only work at wide open aperture and this is generating the error message. Canon repair is about the only solution, a lot of used 24-70 glass for sale is because someone is dumping their own problematic lens.

Rodger

Re: 24-70 lens issues

rosenphoto — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:42:10 GMT

I'm assuming this is not a repairable issue. So new lens is my only option.

Re: 24-70 lens issues

rosenphoto — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:47:53 GMT

I don't think Canon repairs this lens anymore. Too old.

Re: 24-70 lens issues

shadowsports — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:30:44 GMT

I would jump right on this today... Cyber Monday

Shop Canon Refurbished EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | Canon U.S.A, Inc.

Re: 24-70 lens issues

normadel — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:56:06 GMT

Does Canon refurbishing actually correct the design/build issue spoken of here and in numerous other threads? Or is a faulty cable just replaced with another of the same?

Re: 24-70 lens issues

rosenphoto — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:02:30 GMT

This may be a good solution. Was looking at the Sigma lens with same specs, and it's $1200. Do you know if refurbished Canon come with a warranty?

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

Gwiginton — Wed, 22 May 2024 01:26:13 GMT

What did you end up doing I’m desperate at this point myself but have a baby on the way and can’t shell out money for nothing

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

procameraman — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 16:54:14 GMT

Hi Danny

My Canon 24-70 2.8 L USM lens had the same problem, Error 1 and the diaphragm wasn't working.

I contacted Canon repair but they told me it is out of service.

I shipped it to Camera Repair Center in Glendale California and they replaced the power diaphragm ribbon cable and charged me $162.00.

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

BigLannie7 — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:09:51 GMT

I was given a Canon EF 24-70 2.8 Lens to use on my new Canon EOS Rebel T7

It only works on 2.8 and any other aperture it gives me an Error 01, it also shows very dark in the viewfinder and has a black circle in the center of the viewfinder as well. Is the lens broken or am I doing something wrong?

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

normadel — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:59:14 GMT

There have been numerous post here on the original 28-70 2.8 L lens having a ribbon cable problem. If Canon is no longer repairing it, the alternative is another repair service.

Your lens is broken. It may not be worth it to you to fix it.

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

BigLannie7 — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:04:08 GMT

Thanks so much for your reply. Is a ribbon cable the same as a diaphragm flex? I was told it could be that too.

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

normadel — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:16:01 GMT

A ribbon cable is a flat flexible cable.

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

ovdmse — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:57:53 GMT

I'm worried about something, my 24-70 L of the first version is already 12 years old, everything is fine with it. But what can you expect from him? And most importantly, how to solve such problems?

Re: EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Causing "Error 01" Message

Mano-CD — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:17:06 GMT

I have the same problem with the EF 24-70 mm f2.8L USM that I use most on my Canon EOS R6 with a ring adapter. Err 1 messages most of the time. The odd thing is the camera takes the photo as set, but shows the error message after every shot. Sometimes, it does not happen. My lens is 17 years old and Canon does not accept it for repair. I live in Colombia. The last time I had to send the lens to California for repair. it cost me $500.

I tried the same lens on my Canon 5D MII. No problem. It works properly. So it is not the EF 24-70 f2.8L. I tried a 40 mm prime lens on the R6 with the same ring adapter. No problem, so it is not the Adapter. What is it then with the 24-70 f2.8 and the EOS R6. My feeling is that it is being caused by an Autofocus setting. It is difficult to nail the issue. Canon does not seem to care.

I am a Microstock photographer and the 24-70 is my workhorse. I am really frustrated and annoyed.