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

[ironhalo]

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!

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

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.

[deebatman316]

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

[ironhalo]

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.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

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.

[ironhalo]

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.

[jrhoffman75]

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

[ironhalo]

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.

[ironhalo · Accepted solution]

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.