85mm f/1.2 focus ring play

[roisin_murphy]

<p>hi</p>

<p>i just got the 85mm f/1.2 II from amazon<br>

and the manual focus ring has maybe 1mm play in it<br>

not the focusing movement itself, but the whole ring is kinda loose, doesnt seem to be a problem though<br>

is that normal?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

[alan_bryant1]

<p>Yep, normal</p>

<p>From http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.2-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx :</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>While manual focusing is also improved, I am a somewhat disappointed that the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens still utilizes a full-time <strong>electronic manual focus</strong> override. Electric manual focus utilizes the focus motor to adjust focus while you turn the focus ring. The camera must be powered on for manual focus to work. I can't say I am inhibited by this feature, but it is not my favorite attribute of this lens. The AF motor is always slightly behind me in this focus-by-wire setup. Manual focus lag is slightly improved over my 85mm version I. The undamped focus ring turns too freely in my personal opinion. It is super smooth, but harder to fine tune. Avoid grasping the MF ring when mounting/dismounting the lens.</p>

</blockquote>

[angel_bocanegra]

<p>totally normal</p>

[roisin_murphy]

<p>ok, i'll try again, not the ring itself, but the whole front part that turns, has maybe 1mm of play, when you press it from left to right/top to bottom..., cant explain it properly...</p>

[brucecahn]

<p>You have to press half down on the shutter to get it to work right. A pain for sure, but a very good lens.</p>

[alan_bryant1]

<p>Roisin, are you referring to the lens barrel? The part that extends and retracts as it focuses?</p>

[roisin_murphy]

<p>i'm referring to the focusing ring, but not the focusing rotating motion having a 1mm play, but the ring itself, as it attaches to the rest of the lens, my 200mm prime and 17-40 zoom have their focusing rings attached perfectly tight</p>

[roisin_murphy]

<p>maybe because it's 'undamped'?</p>

[PuppyDigs]

<p>Amazon is tight on packing materials. Maybe the the lens bounced around inside the shipping box a little too much.</p>

[peter_j2]

<blockquote>

<p>...the manual focus ring has maybe 1mm play...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I got mine from eBay used. The focusing ring "1mm play" as you have described does not happen with my copy. It is solid without any play.</p>

<p>Go visit a camera store and ask to handle their new copy. Bring your lens as well to compare. I am sure the store won't mind (selling you a new one).</p>

[roisin_murphy]

<p>i'm in honolulu, not sure if any store here stocks has that lens in stock</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Lighthaus Camera shows available here:</p>

<p>http://www.lighthauscamera.com/Catalog/Canon/Auto-Focus-Lenses/Standard-and-Medium-Telephoto/Item/2657/Canon-EF-85mm-1-2L-II-USM.php</p>

<p>They also have a lens rental section which I cannot verify if they carry more than just a 400/2.8L IS USM.</p>

[roisin_murphy]

<p>this is what it sounds/looks like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64QsIFxWBug</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>It is ingenious to have your problem shown on youtube! No, my copy still doesn't have the play as demonstrated on your video. Have you checked to see if the fasteners haven't been tampered with? If not, it points to either a dropped lens inside a camera bag or it is a problem resulting from the manufacturing stage.</p>

<p>None of my 6 other Canon lenses exhibit this problem.</p>