new lens working right?

[4HOLIDAYS]

I am new at the whole dslr thing, so please forgive if this is a stupid question.

I have a canon t41 with 18-135 lens and now a 55-250. My question is, should the barrel of the lens after using it to zoom go all the way back in when done? I have been using the 18-135 for a couple weeks and when done , I turn the lens all the back and it is flush but the 55-250 does not, it stays between a half to 3/4 an inch out, but after turning the camera off, it can be pushed back it.

I am not sure if I am explaining this correctly, but does it sound like it is working properly? I don't understand why one goes flush and the other does not.

Thanks for the help, again.

 

[Cafeen]

I am new at the whole dslr thing, so please forgive if this is a stupid question.

I have a canon t41 with 18-135 lens and now a 55-250. My question is, should the barrel of the lens after using it to zoom go all the way back in when done? I have been using the 18-135 for a couple weeks and when done , I turn the lens all the back and it is flush but the 55-250 does not, it stays between a half to 3/4 an inch out, but after turning the camera off, it can be pushed back it.

I am not sure if I am explaining this correctly, but does it sound like it is working properly? I don't understand why one goes flush and the other does not.

Thanks for the help, again.

It's likely focused out, since the 55-250 does not have a 0 travel focus (like I'd guess the 18-135 must), when you focus it extends/retracts the tube a bit. Switch to MF and turn the focus ring down, and it should end up flush. Just don't forget to turn it back to AF after if you tend to use it, as it stinks to forget and get a few blurry pictures! (Trust me on that one, I rely on AF more than most, since my vision is pretty crappy and it's tough to verify focus through the viewfinder for me)

(Note: "0 travel focus" is not the technical term. It's my term. It means the same as the technical term and describes the same thing though, I'm sure you get the point ).

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

thanks for the answer- I tried a few dif ways, it seems to be an issue with using auto focus. When I use it in manual he zoom goes all the way back in, but in auto it stays out quite a bit.

I called Canon, described what you said, what I tried and they said it sounds defective. I should return it to where I purchased if poss. I don't think they seemed very knowledgable, and that's coming from me who knows nothing.

So back to the store and see what they say. thanks anyway.

 

[photo_chick]

This actually sounds pretty simple and it doesn't sound like a defective lens to me. But I could very well be wrong.... The Canon 18-135 focuses internally (front element does not rotate), the 55-250 does not (front element moves and rotates). So if it was focused on something the 55-250 will not go all the way back in until you turn off the auto focus. Neither lens has full time manual focus so never try and change the focus manually when auto focus is on or you can strip the gears in the focus motor.

Now, if you really feel like it's something wrong with the lens I would take it back and exchange it. It's better to err on the side of caution than to find out a month after the warranty is up that there really is something wrong.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

So, do you keep turning auto focus off and switch to manual, then manually push the lens back (to flush with the outside barrel)each time you turn camera off? Then turn it back to auto each time when you turn it on?

Being new, I am definately using auto right now while trying to learrn.

I really have no idea if there really is something wrong or how these type of lenses should work. But since the cannon rep said I should return it , I guess it is better safe than sorry.

 

[photo_chick]

I usually don't worry if the lens is sticking out when I'm done. It never bothers me. But also, most of the lenses I use now have full time manual focus and most also focus internally.

 

[Cafeen]

I'm pretty much the same and don't worry if it's sticking out a bit. If I know it's going to be stored for awhile in my bag, I'll do exactly that, switch to MF, twist it down, then back over to AF before putting it away.

And, I also agree that if they say take it back, and you feel like something's wrong, then go for it. Can't hurt