tomthompson53's reviews

  • Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    good and sharp
    apparently a design flaw

    I'm a Canon camera user. I've never had a problem with a Canon camera or lens until a couple of weekends ago when I started getting an Error 01 ( lens cannot communicate with camera ). It was erratic but when it happened I had to regroup and shoot again. It got progressively worse until I had to stop using my Canon 24-105 F4IS L lens all together. I contacted Canon and got the procedure to send it to them. It cost me $36 to box and send via UPS. Canon acknowledged receipt of the lens in a couple of days. In two more days I got an email stating that the lens was out of warantee and would be $336 to repair. I approved the repair and the money was debited from my account. Two days later I get an email and a call from Canon Repair that they will have to replace the barrel of the lens and the estimate was now $536. This lens is $1100 full retail.
    Once I restarted my heart I called Canon and disapproved the repair. They will send the lens back to me in a week or so. I can't afford a new lens and I can't afford to pay 1/2 the price of the lens to get it repaired especially when the lens was not damaged due to any mishandling by me. It is a reported problem with this lens that the wiring harness in the lens comes apart after a period of use. Canon refuses to acknowledge this defect. I wish I had enough clout to make it uncomfortable for someone at Canon !
    I'm now shooting with a 'lesser' quality lens and will be saving up for an 'off brand' lens instead of the 24-105.
    End of rant.... at least until I get the lens back and my money

    reviewed July 30th, 2013 (purchased for $1,100)