topic Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM in EF & RF Lenses

Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ironhalo — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:14:57 GMT

Hi all. I just received a used lens from MPB.com, an EF-S 18-135 IS STM, listed in excellent condition. It's visibly and functionally in great shape except that the focus ring has significant play/wobble forward and backward (toward the front of the lens, and back toward the camera body). To the extent that it makes a clicking sound as it bounces off each edge of the lens housing that surrounds it as I rotate it back and forth. My other aging/used lenses have some play in the ring, but nothing remotely this bad.

Not only is it mildly annoying, but more importantly I plan on using this lens for video work and the wobble-click is 100% audible on an external microphone. How typical is this with this particular lens, or similar lenses of this age? In other words, should I expect most copies of this lens to exhibit the issue to this extent? Or should I exchange it with MPB in hopes that the next one will have a stiffer ring? Thanks in advance!

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

deebatman316 — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:39:42 GMT

That lens uses an electronic focus ring. The focus ring will turn indefinitely.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ironhalo — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:51:38 GMT

Demetrius, thanks but I think you misunderstood what I was asking. The issue has nothing to do with how far the ring turns, the problem is how it shifts forward and backward significantly while turning, making a clicking sound in the process as it bounces back and forth within its groove in the housing. I know a little forward/backward play is expected, but I've never had a lens with so much play in the ring that it clicked.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ebiggs1 — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:05:00 GMT

Loose probably a yes but clicking probably a no. Do you have someone that is familial with that lens to try it? Perhaps a local camera store or photography club, community college, etc.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ironhalo — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:52:04 GMT

Thanks. I've also discovered the rubber coating on the focus ring is peeling off, so it's going back to MPB regardless. Hopefully the next one will be in better shape.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

jrhoffman75 — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:15:15 GMT

If their quality rating was "excellent" I would be cautious about anything from them.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ironhalo — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:20:03 GMT

Agreed. This was my first purchase from MPB.com, and apparently they have a very different definition of "excellent" than I do. I'm reserving judgment until I see how their customer service handles the issue.

Re: Loose focus ring on EF-S 18-135 IS STM

ironhalo — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 22:57:06 GMT

For what it's worth, to my satisfaction MPB customer service swapped out the lens without any issues. Just thought I'd follow-up for posterity. I have since purchased another used lens from them with good results as well.