I recently bought a 200 to 800, while it did not break in half, I had something odd happened to it on the third day of use. There is a small quarter inch wide white ring around the tube in front of the black zoom grip that I believe keeps dirt and dust from going down the tube. It came loose for no reason and would jiggle back-and-forth in that 3 inch area on the tube when the tube was extended to 800. Since I was on a trip, I simply taped it to the original position so it would not rattle around and it would still serve it purpose of keeping dirt and dust flowing down inside the tube.
Of course I took a lot of verbal abuse for silver duct tape holding my brand new 200 to 800 lens together from other members in the group.
Being a member of CPS, I sent it in for repairs under my carepak that I purchased which I am glad that I purchased but the Canon rep said there’s no need to use that since it’s under warranty. Great idea However, the message that came back several days later from the repair office was an almost $700 repair. I called and said if it’s not under warranty, I will use my carepak. I am waiting for an answer this Monday, but I’m sure the carepak will take care of it. I hope. Regardless, I would recommend buying the carepak if you buy this lens since it is not an L lens and may not be made to the same level of an L lens.
I own four different L lenses and never had a problem over many years of use
