Is this Nikon 24-70mm worth keeping?

[0ptics]

Hello!
I received my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 earlier today and I purchased it USED from Amazon. The lens cost me $1450; it came with the case, hood, caps. The glass was in excellent condition (just 2 small smudges), the lens barrel/mount had not cosmetic damage, but I did have some concerns about the lens' rings.

Focus Ring: When I turned the manual focus ring on the lens, it turns very smoothly but it makes this "zzzzzzz" sound. It kind of sounds like gears moving or like a zipper sound. Is that normal? I did a quick google search and it seemed like other users had the same problem.

Focal/Zoom Ring: This ring feels stiff, like there's something grinding every time I turn it. It is especially obvious when zooming in/out between 24mm - 35mm as well as 50mm - 70mm. After doing another google search it seems like others had similar problems.

Loose Zoom: I also noticed that when I turn the lens upside down and right side up (180 degrees) it made this very quiet click sound and I am pretty certain it is the lens barrel. It sounds loose. When I gently pull the zoom barrel I can very slightly feel its looseness.

I really want to like this lens; its optics are still very sharp so they do not seem damaged. Also the autofocus is extremely fast, so I believe there is nothing wrong with that either. Maybe I am other thinking these minion problems; to me I think $1450 is a pretty good price, but I would like to hear your opinions of this used lens. Again, the glass elements are clean and remain sharp, the autofocus is lightning fast, all the problems I had with the lens did NOT affect my pictures.

Thank you all!

 

[astroNikon]

So let me get this straight
the lens has issues and you are contemplating keeping it or sending it back?

For that money i would send it back
then look at a used one at a reputable camera place like adorama, cameta, etc

 

[Don Kondra]

Cross posted @ PhotoCamel

Yup, you are over thinking this

The "zzzzz" sound of the zoom I believe is the sound of the gears working normally.

The clicking sound when turning the lens upside down/upright is one of the ball bearings in the lens mount.

As to the ring feeling stiff, this is a good thing and is simply the transition from in and out. By that I mean, zoom from one end of the range to the other while watching the lens. It moves out and then in..

FYI - I purchased mine new for ~ $1694 Cdn. including shipping and taxes.

Cheers, Don

 

[KmH]

Gears are indeed used to move the focusing group of lens elements.

Otherwise, it's hard to judge the other stuff without having the lens at hand.

 

[Zyr55]

Gears are indeed used to move the focusing group of lens elements.

I suspect the clicking sound is the VR mechanism moving, which is what it's supposed to do.

Otherwise, it's hard to judge the other stuff without having the lens at hand.

but it doesn't have VR.

 

[KmH]

Ya. The light bulb just went off for me and I came back to edit my post.

 

[jaomul]

Just to ensure you have the switch set to manual when turning the focus ring?

 

[Patrice]

Just to ensure you have the switch set to manual when turning the focus ring?

That is an AF-S lens, no need to switch to 'M' before moving the focus ring.

 

[manaheim]

It's funny, I've never played with my manual focus on mine, so I just tried it. It makes the zippery sound you are referring to. Mine was purchased brand new and I take good care of it.

I actually love that noise. lol Now I'll be playing with it till I break it.

I suspect you're fine.

 

[0ptics]

Yeah I'm leaning towards keeping it. The focus ring is butter smooth just the zoom ring though :/. Still kinda of still at some focal lengths, but I do not think its a deal breaker.

Oh also did anyone else have the "problem" where if make that click/loose sound when turning it upside down and right side it? When i gently pull on the inner barrel in and out it feels very SLIGHTLY loose.

Thanks y'all!

 

[manaheim]

Mine makes a little noise. A lot of lenses do. There's moving parts in there.

BTW, my zoom ring has always been a little less smooth than I expect, but it's never been a problem.