topic Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly in EF & RF Lenses

RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

LaneW — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:02:39 GMT

My 200-800 is only a year old and the zoom barrel has become sticky. Not moving smoothly like it did when new. Looking for suggestions and hoping I don’t need to send it in to Canon.

Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

JeffXB — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:14:27 GMT

I presume the tension ring is at its loosest setting? Could be expansion from the heat? Mine will occasionally do the same when I’ve been out with it in the sun for a while (I live in the Southeast USA). The issue disappears once the lens cools down. I’ve also found wiping it with a lens cleaning cloth or a lint free cloth lightly dampened with 90% rubbing alcohol helps (let it fully evaporate before zooming the barrel back in).

Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

LaneW — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:52:46 GMT

Thanks. Yes, its on the loosest setting, and I am shooting in cool weather here.

Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

FloridaDrafter — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:16:40 GMT

Mine has been stiff from day 1, and by that I mean it's not near as smooth as my other zooms. Fortunately, it's always at 800 🙂

Newton

Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

ebiggs1 — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:19:14 GMT

"My 200-800 is only a year old ..."

If you have not exceeded the one year, it can go to Canon for free and would be my suggestion. If it has but only a few days call Canon and explain the condition. 1 (800) 652-2666

Re: RF 200 - 800 zoom has become sticky, not moving smoothly

TomRamsey — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:44:23 GMT

I would send it in, especially under warranty, it could lead to something worse.