Noisy (problem?) EF 18-55mm lens

For almost a week I have been eagerly waiting for my Canon 30D with the kit EF-

S 18-55mm lens to arrive. Now, I am wondering if I should keep the EF-S 18-

55mm lens.

 

Right out of the box the zoom function on the lens did not feel good. Yes, it

is a cheap lens and it does not have the silky smoothness while rotating the

focal ring. That was expected. What I did not expect was a metallic click

while rotating the zoom ring. Imagine that you are rotating a rewound film

canister by hand. As the film goes by the opening in the canister, you feel

the film slipping over the opening and there is a click. This is the same type

of feeling and the click has a metallic sound.

 

Since I cannot purchase my preferred wide angle lens (EF 17-40mm f/4) at this

time and I need a wide angle lens, I am inclined to exchange the kit to get a

new EF-S 18-55mm.

 

However, I am wondering what are other photographers experiencing with this

lens. Do you have similar problems as mine? Are you happy with the lens? In

hindsight, would you purchase a different lens than the EF-S 18-55mm?

"...metallic click while rotating the zoom ring..."

 

Mine developed all sorts of "clicks" after a couple of months of use, however has been perfectly fine for almsot two years since.

 

Optically, this lens is a little gem. Go to www.bobatkins.com to see a relatively favourable review.

In addition. I have since purchased a Tikona 12-24, however I still use the 18-55 with a polarizer. I wouldn't hesitate using the 18-55 for any type of shoot. Yes, it looks cheap and nasty, however its optical part is on par with a lot more expensive lenses.

I used one for about a year. Optically there are better lenses out there, but probably nothing worth upgrading to under $350.

 

Build quality is appalling but it probably should not matter to most people and at least it makes the lens light.

feels cheap, built cheap but can deliver great results...

Your lens shouldn't do that out of the box. Get the supplier to replace it. This is a great entry level lens capable of very good results provided it is used within its limitations. All the limitations can be found in the reviews listed with a google. If you can't find them, I can post the links for you.

Mine doesn't click, it just makes a grating noise of plastic an plastic.

 

Unless there is an obvious flaw in terms of image quality or it stops working, I would just use it. The chances are, you are just experiencing some rough plastic moulding wearing into place. When you get your 17-40 you will be very please with the build quality of that lens.

 

My 2p.

 

Pete

Mine had some noyse and click problems also ...

I?ve exchanged to the 17-40 f4 for about two weeks now, and its like night and day diference !

Save some money and when you buy a new lens get the 17-40 F4 L.

Gary,

This is not normal at all. I've had my 18-55mm for two years and while it isn't the smoothest zoom in the world there is certainly no clicking, catching, or anything like that as I zoom. You should get it replaced as it is very good value for the money (I have the USM version).

Thanks for the responses.

 

I was about to exchange the 30D kit in order to change the 18-55mm lens that is bad. Then while playing with the lens I realized that the front portion of the 18-55mm lens rotates whenever it focuses. Because polarizers and GND are a large part of my photography, having the front of the lens moving when focusing is a huge drawback.

 

So I broke down and ordered the 30D body only and the 17-40mm lens. It's PBJ sandwiches for lunch for the next two months. :-)