Noisy focus ring - DPChallenge Forums

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/19/2013 06:53:01 AM · #1

Hi All,

I just recieved the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di USD VC, the seller said it was second hand but had only been used for a month or so before he decided to go back to macro photography.

I only recieved it late this afternoon so havent had a good chance to use it yet but my only concern is the focus ring, when turning it back and fourth it sounds like there is grit or something inside, i just wondered if anyone else had this lens and had the same noise and im worrying too much or maybe its something more sinister.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/19/2013 10:02:04 AM · #2

Originally posted by AussieChris:

Typically a Tamron lens can't be manually focused unless you flip a switch on the lens barrel. You're causing stress on the mechanism doing what you're doing. Only certain types of high-end, ring-focusing motors like the Canon USM systems can be focused manually at all times.

So find your switch and you should be fine.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/19/2013 10:18:21 AM · #3

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by AussieChris:
Hi All,

I just recieved the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di USD VC, the seller said it was second hand but had only been used for a month or so before he decided to go back to macro photography.

I only recieved it late this afternoon so havent had a good chance to use it yet but my only concern is the focus ring, when turning it back and fourth it sounds like there is grit or something inside, i just wondered if anyone else had this lens and had the same noise and im worrying too much or maybe its something more sinister.

Typically a Tamron lens can't be manually focused unless you flip a switch on the lens barrel. You're causing stress on the mechanism doing what you're doing. Only certain types of high-end, ring-focusing motors like the Canon USM systems can be focused manually at all times.

So find your switch and you should be fine.

Yes, ensure the MF/AF switch is in the proper position and then evaluate. The Tamron lenses I've seen have made their own specific noise compared to others, but I wouldn't ever describe it as a grinding sound. If you experience resistance when manual focusing I'd be the clutch mechanism has failed, assuming the switch is in the MF position.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

07/19/2013 05:11:43 PM · #4

Thanks for the replies, after reading the manual again i noticed the below, I'm no expert but to me it sounded like the focus ring could be moved even in AF mode.

Using the full time manual function.

The A005 is equipped with the full time manual function.
The full time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine tuned by the
manual focus without the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture with autofocus.

How to use the full time manual function
First, set the focus mode to AF. You can adjust focus manually while turning the
focusing ring with the shutter button pressed lightly.

Below that was another statement which has me a little confused though.

* When set on AF mode, interfering with the focusing ring may cause serious damage to
the lens mechanism.

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 17:13:15.

Denielle

Canon EOS-7D Mark II

07/19/2013 05:28:33 PM · #5

Originally posted by AussieChris:

Maybe it was a typo? Should have been MF instead of AF.
Ya think?

It does make it confusing tho.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

07/19/2013 05:58:58 PM · #6

Originally posted by Denielle:

Maybe it was a typo? Should have been MF instead of AF.
Ya think?

It does make it confusing tho.

That's what i thought at first but there is also this part.

The full time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine tuned by the
manual focus without the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture with autofocus.

It seem's like a huge typo if that is the case.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

07/19/2013 06:43:58 PM · #7

I hesistate to say it, but this is the often forgotten side of buying less expensive brands.

Part of the cost of a brand name lens is there to pay for that very well written manual.

The first thing cut on less expensive products (anything) tends to be the documentation.

With that said? Someone should be fired over that one, it's almost certainly qualified for a class-action lawsuit if people really are damaging lenses because they read the manual. Certainly one of the most egregious examples of this I've ever seen.

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 18:44:43.

07/19/2013 07:15:22 PM · #8

Originally posted by Cory:

I certainly agree with you, i have sent Tamron a support ticket to get clarification on it so i will post here if/when i get a reply.