Lens creep on EF-S 18-200 IS

[xbeano]

HI, Just bought a EF-S 18-200 and I find that the lens creep is a little too much for my liking, just like to confirm if this is indeed so for other owners of the same lens.

To describe my experience a little, by pointing my camera 90 degrees downwards, and turning the focal length to 24mm, the lens will automatically extend to 175mm.

Anyone have the same experience as me?

Thanks for the feedback

[hehahe]

bring to the service centre at Habourfront lor...i think they are quite good..

[CS TAN]

Originally Posted by xbeano HI, Just bought a EF-S 18-200 and I find that the lens creep is a little too much for my liking, just like to confirm if this is indeed so for other owners of the same lens. To describe my experience a little, by pointing my camera 90 degrees downwards, and turning the focal length to 24mm, the lens will automatically extend to 175mm. Anyone have the same experience as me? Thanks for the feedback

That's why Canon provides a zoom lock for this lens. Read the manual that came with the lens carefully and you will find this very useful switch on your lens.

Or better yet, look here:
http://a.img-dpreview.com/lensreview...s/zoomlock.jpg

[Garion]

The positioning of that locking switch is a bit retarded, in my honest opinion. It means you have to turn the cam upside down just to locate and activate the zoom lock...not really user friendly. Canon should take a leaf from the 3rd party manufacturers' books...their zoom lock is easily accessible. (usually positioned near the AF/MF or focus limiter switches).

[CS TAN]

I would disagree on this. If you hold the camera same as most people, your left hand index finger will be right at that switch when you hold the camera to your eye. After you have decided on the zoom range, you will just flick the switch with your left index finger to lock the zoom.

[Garion]

Originally Posted by CS TAN I would disagree on this. If you hold the camera same as most people, your left hand index finger will be right at that switch when you hold the camera to your eye. After you have decided on the zoom range, you will just flick the switch with your left index finger to lock the zoom.

Apart from awkward positioning, the switch seems to be a little too small as well....it may not be so easy to flick especially if one has large fingers or hands.

[xbeano]

Originally Posted by CS TAN I would disagree on this. If you hold the camera same as most people, your left hand index finger will be right at that switch when you hold the camera to your eye. After you have decided on the zoom range, you will just flick the switch with your left index finger to lock the zoom.

The zoom lock switch is only workable at 18mm. It will not work at other focal lengths.
I think its function is more of securing the lens when it is being carried about, not when it is being used. Hence if you are shooting with the lens pointing downwards, it will extend to about 180mm if you do not hold the zoom ring.

[twinrongs]

Originally Posted by xbeano HI, Just bought a EF-S 18-200 and I find that the lens creep is a little too much for my liking, just like to confirm if this is indeed so for other owners of the same lens. To describe my experience a little, by pointing my camera 90 degrees downwards, and turning the focal length to 24mm, the lens will automatically extend to 175mm. Anyone have the same experience as me? Thanks for the feedback

I think all the superzoom (18-2XXmm) lenses have the zoom creep problem. Just make it a habit to turn to 18mm after your shots (I don't like to carry my zoom lens half extended anyway). I find the position of the zoom lock button pretty all right. After my shots, I will turn back to 18mm and flick the zoom lock with my middle finger, it gets pretty intuitive after a few times. This is much less hassle compared to changing lenses.

[unseenshadows]

From the-digital-picture.com:

Quote: Canon provides a small zoom-lock switch on the bottom of the lens by the mount. This position is about where your left thumb rests when shooting in landscape orientation. Gravity zooming is an issue with this lens - primarily below 135mm. Plan on needing to hold the zoom ring in place if shooting downward or upward. If you shoot and then chimp (review the shot on the rear LCD) with the lens downward, you will need to either hold the zoom ring in place or readjust before you take the next shot.

I believe the zoom creep found on the 18-200 is normal, as it is after all a super zoom with such a large focal length range. If I'm not wrong, Nikon's 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR also has this issue.

[2evans]

The tamron 18-200 also has a lock on it, but only activatable at 18 mm.

[Akatsuki]

lens creep is a fact of life...

my sigma 18-200 also has 1 zoom lock... but is slightly bigger than Canon's... always make sure shoot finish, retract back to 18mm and lock, if not, hold the zoom ring

[engrmariano]

another typical s'porean complaint.

[Lost Dog]

to eliminate zoom creep.. don't point your cam downwards.. so easy..

[CS TAN]

Originally Posted by xbeano The zoom lock switch is only workable at 18mm. It will not work at other focal lengths. I think its function is more of securing the lens when it is being carried about, not when it is being used. Hence if you are shooting with the lens pointing downwards, it will extend to about 180mm if you do not hold the zoom ring.

Sorry, my bad. Didn't realized that it is only able to lock at 18mm. I thought it allows you to lock at any focal length.

[TsQ]

wow didnt know this can happen to super long range lens.. haha..

mainly due to the fact that i don't hv one.. but thks for the post, at least now i wont hv such problem when i get one next time

[CS TAN]

Originally Posted by TsQ wow didnt know this can happen to super long range lens.. haha.. mainly due to the fact that i don't hv one.. but thks for the post, at least now i wont hv such problem when i get one next time

You will still have the zoom creep problem but just that you will be aware of it.

[TsQ]

eh actually what i meant is? "at least now i wont think its a problem when i get one next time" ..hehe..

[diver-hloc]

Even shorter range EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 also suffers from some lens creep

[Akatsuki]

so long is a zoom lens.. eventually if u use long enough, it will creep.. just that superzoom tend to creep earlier due to the design.... it's jux wear and tear... get only prime or those lens that utilize push/pull design... cfm won't creep

[frankchn]

Originally Posted by diver-hloc Even shorter range EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 also suffers from some lens creep

Even my 24-105L has zoom creep (backwards though) if you set it to around 70mm or so and place it front element facing up.