topic Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm in EF & RF Lenses

RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:15:39 GMT

Good evening, everyone.

I just bought the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM and noticed that the zoom ring is a bit stiff compared to other zoom lenses I’ve had. Also, when I zoom close to 70mm, I hear a small creaking sound, whether the camera is turned on or not. What do you think this could be?

Re: rf 28-70 stm question

shadowsports — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:09:56 GMT

Greetings,

The usual questions was his lens purchase new and was it purchased from a Canon authorized dealer?

Since this lens doesn't have a tension ring I would look closely at this. Creaking noise from the zoom ring is not normal. Some zoom rings are stiffer than others but you should not hear any creaking. None of my lenses make funny noises when zoomed.

Re: rf 28-70 stm question

Konsszar — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:25:00 GMT

i bought it for an authenticated reseller new! it does have like a click when i reach close to 70mm ! i talked to them and they said if the lens work its non issue

Re: rf 28-70 stm question

shadowsports — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:22:24 GMT

Greetings,

Zoom rings do not creak or click. I'm not really sure what to tell you. Zooming should be smooth throughout the entire range. No creaking no clicking.

I don't know what an "authenticated reseller" is? They are either an authorized Canon dealer, or they aren't.

If I purchased a new lens and it made noise I would exchange it. New lenses don't come with clicks or creaks. It's not normal and just because something works doesn't mean you should be expected to live with it. That decision is up to you.

Re: rf 28-70 stm question

Konsszar — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:17:47 GMT

https://youtu.be/IcWQfHKFYxE Found this online something like that

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

ebiggs1 — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:23:55 GMT

"I don't know what an "authenticated reseller" is? They are either an authorized Canon dealer, or they aren't."

Well?

"... they said if the lens work its non issue"

That is a BS cop out. I'll bet pretty securely that the seller is not a Canon USA authorized retailer if they gave you that answer. Return it if possible.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:37:38 GMT

they check the lens they said it has no issues its authorized seller i have found another video online with the same click sound ! my lens work as the should just clicks until it reaches 70mm idk

https://youtu.be/IcWQfHKFYxE

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

deebatman316 — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:43:06 GMT

Some lenses do have a storage position. When you turn the zoom ring to that position the lens will click. But this is usually at or near the shortest focal length. The storage position is usually indicated by a white line. It’s also not at or near the longest focal length. I agree with my colleagues on this. Return the lens and get it from a Canon Authorized Dealer. Canon doesn’t have a network of “Authenticated Resellers”. I wouldn’t risk having the lens break and there’s no warranty. All because it was a Gray Market lens. Which was NOT intended for sale in your region.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:54:27 GMT

the storage position of this lens is at 28mm because it has a lock there to be able to shoot you must set the lens at 28mm! also my lens have warranty and registered as they should its not gray market or used! the store gave me canon warranty and stuff

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

deebatman316 — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:09:26 GMT

Is the warranty card for your country. We have come across so many users with warranty cards from other countries. Since it’s not the correct country means it’s Gray Market and thus no warranty. Also the storage position is in fact NOT at 28mm instead it’s before it. There is a white line painted on the lens that shows this. But the lens shooting position is in fact 28mm since that’s the shortest focal length. It doesn’t have to be used for the item to not have a warranty. Canon considers anything that’s “Open Box”. Does NOT have a warranty on it. Even if it has a warranty card/ paperwork with it. Canon will however warranty Refurbished products. But only Canon sells Refurbished products. No one else sells Refurbished Canon products.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:22:59 GMT

what to do in this situation now!??

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

ebiggs1 — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:14:09 GMT

I'm going to repeat, "I'll bet pretty securely that the seller is not a Canon USA authorized retailer if they gave you that answer. Return it if possible."

Who is the retailer? Fill in the blank _______________

"I don't know what an "authenticated reseller" is?" And neither do I. That is nonsense.

A Canon USA, Canada warranty card is red, pink and white and clearly says Canon USA near the top. Have you tried to register it in your "My Canon Account"?

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:44:48 GMT

I sent it today! It was bought from Adorama! The technician there could not replicate the click they will check it thoroughly tho idk what else just to wait

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

ebiggs1 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:08:26 GMT

I am still curious was the red, pink and white warranty card inside the box and did you try to register it with your My Canon Account?

Adorama is a fine company but I have no idea where the term ""authenticated reseller" comes from. I have bought lots of gear from Adorama over the years and never heard that term from them.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:25:44 GMT

i registered the product yes I don’t have this card you say. they told me only if I want extended warranty or 24 months basic (Europe standards ) here every store that’s legit and works with canon has an authenticated mark of Trust as a reseller of their products!!

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

shadowsports — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:39:57 GMT

Greetings,

Adorama is a Canon authorized dealer.

However they do openly sell grey market products.

https://www.adorama.com/help#imported

The click and creaking that you're hearing (showing us in your video) at or about 70mm zoom it's not normal.

I don't care if their technician said he/she cannot reproduce it. What you showed us in the video is not normal.

This is absolutely not customary or usual for a brand new product. Our recommendation was that you return or exchange the lens. I don't I think this was intentional but you did received a lens that does not appear to be functioning normally. Yes it's a pain to have to go through the return/exchange process but it's more important to start out with a 100% functioning product.

Clicking, creaking "today" could be "tomorrow's" broken lens.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:47:26 GMT

Ofc I know that’s not normal they sent it to canon now to check it and maybe or fix it or change it with another unit! Nevertheless I did check these days the same lens from a friend of mine and the 24-105 f4 we have in work and I do notice some cracking it to both of them too especially when you zoom with more force than usual or when you press harder the zoom ring! I think these budget lens don’t have sturdy plastic and cause all of this

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

ebiggs1 — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:56:19 GMT

"i registered the product ..." with Canon USA? I have dealt with Adorama for years and they never operated like that with me. Something is fishy.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

deebatman316 — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:15:59 GMT

@ebiggs1 This user is based in The EU. So the way how things are done may be different over there. Also they wouldn’t be registering their lens with Canon USA. They would be registering it with Canon EU. As far as I know Adorama is a U.S. only camera retailer. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have an EU division. And also do business over there too.

Re: RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM zoom ring stiff, creaking sound at 70mm

Konsszar — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:00:46 GMT

All good — it’s not grey market. The seller sent it to Canon, and I received an email saying my lens is getting checked right now. I’m waiting to see whether I’ll get a repaired lens or a new one. I guess the decision will depend on how much the problem can be corrected. I communicated to this site because I did not find any Europe site maybe i did not searched enough