Refurbished RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM has wobbly barrel

[Teacherbytes]

I recently purchased a used RF 24-105mm f4 L lens and the barrel is a bit wobbly. Is this normal or should I be concerned? I have never had this happen with my other zoom lenses. 

[Waddizzle]

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@Teacherbytes wrote:

I recently purchased a used RF 24-105mm f4 L lens and the barrel is a bit wobbly. Is this normal or should I be concerned? I have never had this happen with my other zoom lenses. 

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If by wobbly you mean the lens does not move in a straight line, then a wobbly barrel is not normal.  

Your subject line says “refurbished”, your posts says “used.”  There are major differences between used, refurbished, and renewed.

[Teacherbytes]

First, the barrel does appear to move straight, but the photos are in focus. Second, the lens is used from KEH.

[Teacherbytes]

The barrel is loose and rattles.

[March411]

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@Teacherbytes wrote:

The barrel is loose and rattles.

 Well that is not normal or proper, the barrel should not be loose or rattle. Personally, if there is still time based on their policy I would contact KEH and attempt to exchange the lens.

[ebiggs1]

"Your subject line says “refurbished”, your posts says “used.”  There are major differences between used, refurbished, and renewed."

Yes there is, totally. A refurb comes from Canon. KEH simply looks a lens over and puts a rating on it. But they sell it basically they way they get it. I would return it.

[justadude]

It's better to buy a refurb from Canon than a used lens.  Refurbs are looked over closely, repaired if needed, and is as good as new.

[Teacherbytes]

I sent the lens back but I heard loose barrels are a problem with the RF 24-105 mm f4 L lens. I’m now thinking of waiting and getting a RF 70-200mm f2.8 L. My current RF 24-105 mm STM lens is doing great along with my 14-35 mm f4 L and 50 mm f1.8 nifty fifty.

[March411]

You will be a big fan of the RF 70-200mm f2.8, quiet, fast and fantastic IQ. I use it a lot for indoor sports in some pretty bad lighting and still get great images out of it.

[shadowsports]

Greetings, 

We are happy you've come to share your experience here.  I want to assure you that the 24-105 f4 L isn't known for wobbly / loose barrels.  You got a bad copy. Maybe it was abused?  Buying used isn't necessarily bad but as my colleagues pointed out there is a difference between Canon refurbished and used.  You could probably buy another one from KEH and be very happy with it.  I will say however, that images I've seen taken with the 24-105 STM have been very impressive.  

You haven't mentioned what camera you have, but I would assume it's full frame based on your existing lenses.  

Check out the refurbished store when you get a chance. Check back frequently because items go in and out of stock very quickly.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/lenses/refurbished-lenses?facet_lens_mount_type=1115&gclsrc=aw.ds&pro...