topic Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily? in EF & RF Lenses

RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

yuktaondi — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:39:12 GMT

Hi, I recently bought a 28-70 2.8 with the intention of replacing my 24-105 4L, as for the low light action I usually shoot I could do with the wider aperture. The compact size and sharper images over the 24-105 has been great, but the lack of a lock on the wide end to stop it retracting is becoming very annoying. I thought there’d be a significant resistance to stop it, but if I zoom out at any sort of rate to capture the action it pops right past and collapses. Just wondering if this is standard for the lens or if I’ve perhaps got a copy that retracts too easily? I can feel the bump where the stop is supposed to be but unless I’m very careful it doesn’t stop anything. Would be great if someone else who has this lens can advise!

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

SignifDigits — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:05:12 GMT

Thanks for dropping in. There are the following options here and it would be helpful to know which one you are requesting assistance from us for:

Canon EF 28-70 f/2.8 L USM
Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 STM

I am assuming that you mean the RF version vs the EL version, I believe (but don't have one) has a zoom lock.

I'm also curious about "but if I zoom out at any sort of rate to capture the action it pops right past and collapses." Typically zooming means telescoping the lens out, so I'm not understanding "...pops right past and collapses.." I would have thought "zoom" would be mean the front of the lens would move out and "collapse" would mean the front of the lens would retract to the 28mm or even perhaps the storage position.

Maybe if I had the lens it would be clear, so I apologize if I'm asking a stupid question here.

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

shadowsports — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:35:24 GMT

Greetings,

I think I understand his description. When he zooms out wide the lens is going past 28 mm and locking in the storage position.

There should be enough of a stop (detent) to keep him from zooming past wide to the storage position. However, with enough twist It might be possible.

Start by registering your lens in your my Canon account.

https://myprofile.americas.canon.com/us/signin

Then call support for advice. 1-800-652-2666

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

SignifDigits — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:06:28 GMT

Thay totally makes sense Rick. That behavior would be annoying and unexpected.

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

ebiggs1 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:56:21 GMT

I also suggest you call Canon.

One point I might make which almost everybody makes when buying a so-called faster lens. The advantage of going from f4 to f2.8 is one stop. Although there are a significant range of numbers and fractions of numbers between 4 and 2.8 in photography it is simply one stop. 90+% of the time one stop is not a deal maker or deal breaker.

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

Waddizzle — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:14:29 GMT

What you’re describing sounds exactly like lens creep. Gravity causes the lens to retract when it is angled up, causes the lens to extend when angled down.

My copy of the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM had it pretty bad. The lens had a reputation for it.

I hold my hand under lenses when I am taking photos. So the lens creep was not a major issue, but still a little annoying.

If you feel the lens creep is excessive, then follow the previous advice to contact Canon.

Re: RF 28-70 2.8 retracting too easily?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:48:57 GMT

Give LENSband Lens Band a try. Some folks love them, some don't but they are inexpensive.