I contacted them today and they are sending me a shipping label so I can send it back. It's frustrating having to send it back a 2nd time when I clearly noted the issue the first time, but it was completely ignored.
I have the exact same issue with my 80D, exactly like you describe with the creeking sound especially with a heavier lens. I had an ever bigger issue when my AF system quit on me during a photoshoot. When I went to use back button AF the lens struggl...