Strange question - how long will an L lens last?

[nilangsu mahanty]

An L lens is supposed to be durable and last a very long time. But there will

surely come a time when the L-lens has to be taken to Canon Service, but it

cannot be repaired because there are no spares available, signifying the end

of the road for that lens. Are there users in this forum, who had been using L-

lenses that are quite old in the EF line( like the 28-70 f/2.8, for example)

and have had to retire them because of focusing, zooming or electronic

problems (such as with IS) that are no longer serviceable due to lack of

spares?

 

You may wonder why I am worrying about what may happen, say, 8 years later (it

may very well get stolen or may fall off the table before that). I am

considering buying the 24-105 f/4 L and need to be really convinced that the

premium I am paying Canon is really worth it.

 

Can I expect 10 years of use (with reasonably careful handling)? Second, will

spares be available for a lens that is already more than 2 years old, after 10

years? $1000, when converted to Indian rupees, is a lot of money even with the

falling dollar.

 

Cheaper alternatives are third party lenses that, in my personal experience,

have questionable (at least worse than that of Canon) quality control. QC, per

se, has little to do with durability, though.

 

Your views will be sincerely appreciated.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[fotografpeterlundberg.se]

I have an 80-200 2,8L. Bought it maybe 8 years ago, and how old it was then i can only guess. But It sure must be at least 10, maybe 15, ears old. It still functions excellent. Picture are tack skarp, but the lens barrel shows some wear. Nothing loose though, except the ruber on the zoom ring wich in some parts seam a bit loose. I wouldn?t hesitate. As an amatuer, even an avid one, you should not be able to wear your lens out.

 

Good luck!

[nilangsu mahanty]

Peter Lyons mentions 3 threads below mine (on buying a new Canon body) that "the 70-200 f/2.8 .. will be great for 10, 15 years... who knows.." and favors great glass over great bodies.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[nilangsu mahanty]

Thank you, Peter. That's heartening. Does that apply to the newer breed of Canon L lenses?

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[martin_howard1]

Fungus is one of the biggest enemys of lenses long term - especially if you live in a hot humid climate. I keep a couple of the dessicant sachets in my bag to ensure any moisture is absorbed.

[bueh]

The production code of my EF 50mm f/1.8 Mk. I shows that it was manufactured in 1987. It is still going strong, as are many of my vintage (non-electronic) lenses.

 

Noone can predict when a specific lens is going to fail. As I understand it, the Indian climate (warm and humid) is not very lens-friendly and might lead to a higher chance of lens fungus and corrosion. L glass might help a little, but I wouldn't hold my breath if you expect decades of use from any lens you buy today.

[nickwhite]

'I keep a couple of the dessicant sachets in my bag to ensure any moisture is absorbed'

 

Using dessicants can be a good idea BUT they must be dried out (eg in an oven/stove), probably daily in damp climes, or they are totally useless. If you want to use dessicants, then get some with a built in colour indicator - the crystals will turn from blue to pink as they absorb the moisture, you will be surprised how quickly that occurs unless the pack is sealed in an airtight pack with the equipment!

 

I purchased about 500gm over 25 years ago, it is still usable today.

[nilangsu mahanty]

You are so right,Bueh. It is an eternal struggle against moisture and fungus. If you are not careful, you will not get a second chance, particularly where I now live (Kerala, India).

I understand from what you say that a weather-proof lens will help me in that regard.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[tridakfoto]

Speaking of "L" lenses I just noticed (as I am trying to decide on which L Lens to buy) that B&H either have a typo online for the Canon 70-200mm 2.8IS or it just dropped by $125 ! Was $1699 and is now $1574.

 

I know because I have it in my cart but am trying to figure out if the non IS would be adequate while trying to save a few hundred bucks and just noticed the price drop today.

 

Not sure if this will be the only one to be lowered but thought I'd let others know if this is the case then now may be a good time to get your "L" lenses. All the Best!

[anson_ko]

I have 17-35L 70-200L, 15mm 50 1.4, they all over 15 years, still working. I don't know how everyone uses their L lenses, it's hard to say about the durablity..

[lee_shively]

Mechanical parts will probably wear faster than electronic parts in AF lenses--electronics are pretty reliable these days. I have lots of old manual focus lenses that still work after decades of mechanical wear and tear--one lens was made in 1951 and still works fine and produces good photographs. You'll probably upgrade a Canon L-series lens before you wear it out.

[tridakfoto]

Sorry I know this is off topic but Just to update what I said about B&H price drops on their "L" lenses ... its true and they are dropping prices on other lenses as well and I've also noticed my price drop on my 580EX flash. Just in time for Christmas I suppose or the fact new gear may be coming.

[evan_gatehouse1]

There are a few older L lenses that parts are no longer available:

 

500 F/4.5

 

80-200 F/2.8

 

Any others?

[nilangsu mahanty]

When did Canon launch the EOS line of bodies and the EF lenses to go with them? How long a history is it?

 

The 24-105 f/4 lens that I am considering has the additional complication of IS. If IS fails, and is not repairable, will the lens still work?

 

Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[bueh]

<blockquote><i>When did Canon launch the EOS line of bodies and the EF lenses to go with them? How long a history is it?</i></blockquote><p>

1987.

[e._r._averitt]

EOS was launched in 1987.

[alexdi]

My 200/2.8L says it was manufactured in 1991. The AF motor was replaced in 2006, so that's a solid 15 years. I had a 70-210/3.5-4.5 that was from about the same time, and it was still going strong when I sold it in 2005.

 

There's substantial crossover in parts for many of the more recent USM lenses. I wouldn't consider the 24-105/4L a maintenance liability.

 

DI

[brian_lewthwaite]

Confirm Peter Lundberg's comments. Had my 80 to 200L 2.8 lens for 19 years and still use it regularly. Still produces excellent results.

Cheers,

Brian Lewthwaite

[nilangsu mahanty]

The 24-105/4 L IS (or any other L lens, for that matter) appears to be a solid purchase, as far as durability goes. I'll have to start looking for a good store to buy it from.

 

Thanks, Nilangsu

[anson_ko]

It also depends on the location, if you are in a high humidity area, more likely to get molds, hence more likely to fail. Temperature changes is another factor.

[peter_ehrenpreis]

There has been no $ drop, it's Canons's Instant Rebates that started today on select lenses and the 580 flash.

[alan_myers]

"There are a few older L lenses that parts are no longer available:

 

500 F/4.5

 

80-200 F/2.8

 

Any others?"

 

 

200mm f1.8L

[terry_smith2]

I bought a 28-70 L and a 70-200 L in 1995. The 28-70 gave up in 2002 and the repair costs were too high so I junked it. The 70-200 soldiers on, looking like it has been through a couple of wars, but still works perfectly.

[john_macpherson]

35-350L which is over 12 years old, used from arctic to tropics, and is still functioning perfectly.

[herman_hiel]

There are a few older L lenses that parts are no longer available:

 

500 F/4.5

 

80-200 F/2.8

 

Any others?

 

Well, my 600f4 (non IS) and the 300f2.8 (non IS)for certain. Basically any lens over 10 years old will not be serviced any more by Canon.