My EF 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5II broke after about 9 years (bought in 1990) of use. It seemed like some internal gears stripped, so it would not focus to infinity, the manual focus was very rough and both focus and zoom would sometimes stick (maybe broken parts jamming up the mechanism and I heard a screw loose inside). It was returned to Canon Canada (in Calgary AB) who fixed for a fee as it was no longer under warranty and returned it to me in about 4 weeks. It worked fine for awhile, but in August 2000, only the zoom component broke (i.e.: the zooming lens would not squarely slide up and down in the lens barrel) and the movement was rough. I had it repaired again around March 2001 and just recently it has broke again (September 2001). Does anyone have an idea what is causing this problem? A repairman I took it to thought it was because of the filter I had screwed on, but I have not been using the filter now. Is it because of the plastic used in the version II of this lens, apparently the original lens had more metal components. Is it worth repairing this lens or should I buy the 28-70 2.8L assuming it is built to last. IMO my lens has an inherent design flaw or the use of inferior materials including the replacement ones.

-- Matthew Lam (matthew_lam@city.vancouver.bc.ca), September 26, 2001

Answers

I would certainly buy a new lens, not least because of the problems you are having with your current lens, but also the advances that have been made in the meantime, in optics and focus motors.

The other thing is that the lens you have is a consumer lens. It is reasonable that after ten years of use it should warrant replacement. These things don't last forever.

Yes, an L series would last longer in the same use than a consumer zoom, but look after a consumer zoom and it will serve for about the length of time you have experienced.

Look at the three mid-range canon lenses (24-85, 28-105 mk II, 28-135 IS) as well as the L (28-70 F2.8L). I should think any of these are optically better, and the mid-range lenses should give you another 10 years or so of use. Maybe the L series would give you 20 years or more of use, but are you really going to still be using the same gear in 20 years time? Factor in also the extra size and weight and cost of the L series. My choice would probably be the 28-135 IS if you're happy with 28mm for the wide end. I use a 24-85.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), September 27, 2001.

The EF 28-70mm f3.5-4.5II was possibly the sharpest zoom Canon ever made under $800. The 24-85, 28-105 and 28-135 are nice lenses for the money and are wider ranging with a bit faster focusing, but the 28-70 2.8L is the only thing that will exceed its sharpness.

It's a shame that yours broke again. I have one in similar condition, but I believe it was dropped.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), September 27, 2001.

Hi. I have this lens also and it is very sharp with good contrast. I like it! I also have had the zoom aspect of the lens break. My camera bag fell out of the car and landed on its bottom. The camera was facing downward and the lens took the impact (through the foam in the bottom of the bag).

You'll notice that, with a filter in place, the zoom portion of the lens sticks out beyond the main body of the lens at both 28mm and 70mm. The result is that it is particularly susceptible to frontal impact damage. If the lens is not stored with the lens cap on and zoomed back tight against the lens body, the plastic zoom bracket inside can be broken pretty easily by a frontal impact.

Nice lens. Quirky feature. I know this is an EOS site, but I vote for the Tokina 28-70mm f2.6-2.8 Pro II. Note the 'II'! One third the price of the 28-70mm 'L' series lens with comparable results. Not as good (what lens is as good as 'L'?) but definitely comparable. I agree. Time for a new lens.

Have fun!

-- Mark Elam (mjelam51@juno.com), October 02, 2001.

i have a 28-70 mk II lens in good condition that i will sell if anyone is interested. i don't need it since i have a 28-70L now. email me if interested.

-- josh h (jhansen007@hotmail.com), October 15, 2001.