70-300mm zoom stiffness

[Batman]

Has anyone else suffered any stiffness in the zoom ring on a 70-300mm lens.

My lens works perfectly and delivers some very good images. However, the zoom has always seemed a little stiff, ever since new. At that time I didn't really know what to expect, but since I have acquired some other lenses, I am starting to notice that this is by far and away the most stiff even though it is usable. This lens gets a lot of use by me and I had hoped that it would free up a bit with use.

Does anyone have any experience and advice please.

[EH1]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

I think you will find that as long as it moves smoothly, it`s ok!

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks Edward. I can cope with it but it does stick a bit towards the long end of the range. Part of my problem is that when some non Olympus friends have tried it they have also commented on the stiffness. Not a good selling point for Olympus!

Obviously I'm not going to do it but it is tempting to try to lubricate the barrel. No, I will not do this honestly.

[Shaw]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks Edward. I can cope with it but it does stick a bit towards the long end of the range. Part of my problem is that when some non Olympus friends have tried it they have also commented on the stiffness. Not a good selling point for Olympus!

Obviously I'm not going to do it but it is tempting to try to lubricate the barrel. No, I will not do this honestly.

My one is the same, and especially towards the long end.

Stewart

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks Stewart. It's nice to know I am not alone. In all other respects it is a great lens.

[Roberta]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

MIne feels the same, I had the same thought when I bought it the other week, and mine is now getting a lot of use.
Roberta

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks Roberta. I guess that we stick with it. Sadly though, I don't think it will get better with time, as mine is now over a year old and has seen a lot of use.

Great lens in all other respects though.

[wet in washington]

[Jonesgj]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

I have two of these lenses; one is quite 'free' and the other, though 'smooth', is a little tighter.

Interesting what wet in washington says though.

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks to Wet in Washington for the advice. I had thought about doing this but was worried about potential contamination of the lens. Good to know that someone else has done it without dire results.

Also nice to know from Graydon's experience that some variation is to be expected with this lens.

[Jim Ford]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

I endorse the silicone spray method. I use it on my 50-200 and 12-60 Zuikos. It transforms their zoom operation.

I got my silicone spray from Maplin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223403

Jim

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thank you Jim. This is all boosting my confidence to use this solution.

[Jim Ford]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

BTW, silicone spray is great for sticky lens hoods. The hood on my 12-60mm Zuiko was getting stiff to put on and remove. I tried cleaning the bayonet and lubricating with a soft graphite pencil, with little improvement. I then sprayed some silicon onto a cloth and wiped the hood and lens bayonet with it. This has transformed the fitting and removal of the hood, and is now like new.

Jim

[Batman]

Re: 70-300mm zoom stiffness

Thanks for the advice Jim. I am off to Maplins this morning.