Is there an average lifespan for Canon lenses b4 it "dies" of natural causes?

[kiwi2]

Was juz wondering about this the other day... Just like Canon DSLR shutter has a limited lifespan b4 it needs to be changed, is there an equivalent for lenses? So many moving parts there, AF, USM, and of course IS! Will any of these give way due to wear and tear after using it for some time?

How many of u have used Canon lenses for many years without any problem encountered at all? Would also like to hear from those whose lenses died due to natural causes....

Hope to find out more from this simple poll!

[Razor54]

Five out of my nine Canon lenses survived more than 14 years with me with no mechanical problems....USM or otherwise. (Note that those 5 are non-L pro grade lenses). They have since been cleaned and serviced at Canon.

However 3 of them got 'infected' by fungus years ago due to the fact that I didn't have a dri-cab at that time (just a poor school boy), and did not diligently change my silica packs.

Nowadays, all my lenses are always well-taken care of (with the addition of 3 L lenses), I expect them to out-live me hopefully.....

[rokieto]

my EF 28-105mm USM II (non-L) got some fungus & not so suitable for APS-C standard zoom........so I keep it in dry box waiting for resurrection one day.......

I think with digital, most lens would be used more heavily compared to film days, less casual or experimental shots or repeated play-safe shots...........so should have relatively shorter lifespan than during film days. (assuming it is still being used & not obsoleted by digital body)

so those buying old used lens, gian but think again......

[canongrapherL]

Every lenses are mechanical in some ways, especially in modern lenses with autofocus mechanism. As such, wear and tear is a fact of life. After some time, you may notice the focus mechanism may get a little noisy, not as smooth, or simply not focus as precisely or accurately. Or perhaps the zoom creep more easily than others or than as before etc.

The glass itself will also deteriote over times thanks to humid climate here in Singapore.Our dry cabinets only serves to slow down these damaging effect and cannot eliminate completely unless you keep your lens in dry cabinets 100% of the time.

Lenses brought in and out from air-con to non-aircon while we use our lens may also encourage the built-up of moisture (We dash into the air-con booth at the zoo or shopping centres etc when its feel too hot outside dun we?)

That is why many commercial photographers and newspaper houses write off their lenses after a relatively short period of them, and buy the same lenses all over again.

Of course there still many good old lenses around, those that are not used extensively or subjected too much abuse. You just have to check ....

Believe it or not, I have owned 2 different copies of 28 - 135, 3 copies of 24 - 85 and 4 copies of 18 - 55. And yes, they can differ from copy to copy in terms of mechanical and image quality. I would personally prefer lenses not more than 3 years of age IMHO.

[Terence]

My oldest Canon AF lens is now approaching 18 years, still running strong.

My oldest Canon MF is a 50/1.8 LTM, about 30+ years and still going strong.

[kiwi2]

Originally Posted by canongrapherL That is why many commercial photographers and newspaper houses write off their lenses after a relatively short period of them, and buy the same lenses all over again. Of course there still many good old lenses around, those that are not used extensively or subjected too much abuse. You just have to check .... Believe it or not, I have owned 2 different copies of 28 - 135, 3 copies of 24 - 85 and 4 copies of 18 - 55. And yes, they can differ from copy to copy in terms of mechanical and image quality. I would personally prefer lenses not more than 3 years of age IMHO.

Whoa Bro, u Buy and Sell lenses to get back the same type to ensure they are within 3 years of age?

So far all my lenses are in tip-top condition but they are relatively new. The oldest ones are about 5-6 years.

[Stoned]

I frequently buy and sell lenses and use them as well, so I tend to come across quite a few old lenses. The oldest I've used was a 15 year old 135/2.8, worked great. I've tried out another 1 year old copy and a another 4 year old copy and neither had the same IQ as the 15 year old one. Weird QC. I've also used an 11 year old 70-200/2.8 for about half a year, worked stunningly well too.

I like old lenses. Good and cheap.

[canongrapherL]

Just be careful when buying used lenses.

There are some bad lenses around. Some common problems that lead people to sell their lenses:

1. Zoom creep
2. Zoom action or focusing ring action not smooth
3. Fungus infected lenses (attempted cleaning but failed, looks like no fungus anymore but still there, coating may be gone)
4. Scratched lenses due to self attempt at disassembly and cleaning.
5. Severely miscalibrated lens
6. Dirty dirty lenses.
7. Others...


Just watch out carefully when buying used lenses. Believe it or not, i have seen people keeping their lenses in bag withOUT lens cap. Store their lenses all the time in the boot of their car. And many of the original owners of our present 10-20 year old lenses do not have dry cabinets or properly maintained dry boxes then (Just ask your father or grandfathers)

[unseen]

What's the definition of die?

I believe no one would really let their lens die.. if usm spoilt, I'd send my lens in for repair to revive it... hmmmm...

[kiwi2]

Originally Posted by unseen What's the definition of die? I believe no one would really let their lens die.. if usm spoilt, I'd send my lens in for repair to revive it... hmmmm...

Opps, I mean faulty due to natural causes. Whatever mechanism and not bcos u dropped it, etc.

[Belle&Sebastain]

i really think it depends on the lenses, micro usm lenses may not have the same 'lifespan' as ring type. I heard cases of 70-200 IS wears off after using daily for a few years.

[JoshSiao]

Not using a lens is shortens the lifespan more than using it frequently, especially for auto focus.

[hazmee]

So far so good. No fungus on my L-lenses. Even my old Minolta MC/MD rokkors are still doing fine. It doesnt matter if the lens got fungus (it will grow fungus sooner or later) because the picture matters more to me. If there's fungus, i'll send it for cleaning. Cannot clean, throw it away buy a new one and move on.

On average, 2 years is a conservative figure for the heavy user and most probably 5-8 years for the careful user. Go figure.

[An drew]

Originally Posted by canongrapherL Every lenses are mechanical in some ways, especially in modern lenses with autofocus mechanism. As such, wear and tear is a fact of life.

I had asked this question at the Canon showroom before and I received an answer very similar to what canongrapherL wrote.

I think the electronic moving parts are most susceptible to wear and tear. IS mechanisms are very sensitive followed by the AF or USM mechanism. The aperture open and close each time we snap a picture.

I worry less about the glass as long as it is fungus free.

So I think you should be concerned about very old AF lenses. I am not worried about my manual lenses as I am sure they would outlive me as long as they are not abused. I guess this is the price of AF.