Issues with the EF2.8L 70-200mm USM II lens

[lellyk]

Hi

I am an amateur however it is a serious hobby and I have been asked to photograph some weddings and decided to invest in this lens.

The results I am getting are shockingly bad.  I understand due to the size of the lens that I must use a reasonably quick shutter speed, however the photos are not sharp.

I have a 70-300 F4 lens which I have been using instead as the results are constantly clear and sharp using the same settings.  The expensive 2.8L gets left at home.  Does anyone know of issues with a particular batch of this lens?  The first one I got fell off my 6D (at a wedding, right at the vows!) and luckily the vendor replaced it, so it makes me wonder what on earth is going on.

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks

Lesley

[Waddizzle]

I live in New York.  We are in the midst of one of those polar vortexes from the artic.  Wind speeds are 20-40 mph until Monday.   I am holed up until the polar vortex moves out by Monday.

I just added that lens model number to my B&H wish list, so that I don't forget it or lose it. 

[EDIT]  I use Sensei Filter Stack Caps to store filters.  Check them out. 

[ScottyP]

I have mounted my 70-200 2.8 IS mk2 on crop bodies and on my 6D. I'm not discounting anyone's experiences, but mine fits perfectly tight.  

[RobertTheFat]

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@ScottyP wrote:

I have mounted my 70-200 2.8 IS mk2 on crop bodies and on my 6D. I'm not discounting anyone's experiences, but mine fits perfectly tight.  

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Same here. I've used mine on my 5D3, at least one of my 7D's, and probably my 50D. All have fit perfectly. (One of my 7D's was a little tight when it was new, but that affected all lenses.)

[ebiggs1]

I don't know this for a fact but it is a fact any thing that is manufactured has tolerances.  It is possible to have a max tolerance camera and a min tolerance lens.  That would look like it was too loose. Conversely it would appear too tight.

It is a common issue with target rifles.  It can be server enough that a cartridge will not even chamber.  Although you don't see it everyday, it isn't a huge surprise if it does.

It doesn't matter if we are talking automobiles, televisions, lawn mowers, or cameras.  It is there!  Why does somebody get that perfect whatever?  This is why.  Most consumer goods fall into the center zone and there is no notice.  Why does somebody get that lemon?  Now you know!

Being involved in tool and die in the graphics arts division for 40 years, I can tell you this is a big concern to manufacturers.  Even if you buy a 1/4" drill bit from Ace is the Place, it has a tolerance.

[Waddizzle]

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@lellyk wrote:
Thanks folks. I'll have a look at the weekend and try to post examples and check my settings.

Lesley

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Don't forget about us.

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Ernie raises a good point about tolerances.  Everything that is manufactured has a range of tolerances from quantities of ingredients in food recipes to fittings on a space shuttle. I think the 2mm figure the guy on the phone cited is not a tolerance, however. It is more of a correction to insure cummulative tolerances do not add up to gear that cannot fit.

Think of it as how a "2x4" piece of wood doesn't actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches.  If the "2 inch" dimension were actually 1 7/8", then the tolerance might be +/- 1/16".  Actual product runs would yield beams that measured between 1 13/16 and 1 15/16 of and inch.  The goal would be to ensure that the dimension never quite meets or exceeds 2 inches.  The tolarance range represents the limit of the accuracy by which they could make cuts in the wood.

It is probably a good thing if Canon purposely introduces a small amount of "play" in the lens mount hardware.  Doing so would allow for the lenses to "tolerate" minor thermal expansion and contraction, IMHO.