Lens creep with my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens

[rpcrowe]

I have owned this lens for many years and love it dearly. However I have not noticed that under certain circumstances the focal length will creep.

I was asked by another rescue group to get a shot of Pepsi and Cola in a Trick of Treat venue. They wanted the dogs looking directly into the camera and wanted to be looking down at the dogs, just like I would if they came to my door in a trick or treat situation.

I seldom shoot with the camera pointed down and almost never shoot one handed. However, in this case I needed to hold a treat near the lens; using my left hand for the treat and operating the camera with my right hand.



When I pointed the camera down at the dogs, without holding the lens with my left hand, the lens would creep from wide angle to a longer focal length. It is a bit disconcerting but, since I will probably never shoot this way again, I dont really mind it.

[Shadowman]

I have one or two lenses that exhibit the same behavior.

[DanK]

I have a bit with my 24-105. Usually I ignore it, but when I find it bothersome--like on long hikes--I use a Lensband. For $5, it's an easy if partial solution. If you google, you'll see that for at least some Canon lenses, you can supposedly slip the rubber on the barrel to uncover adjustment screws, but I have never tried it.

[Wendy Stanford]

Thanks for that Dan, I have the 24 - 105 that has recently developed a creep, no bad, but i dont think it will improve ,
Might have a look at the lensband

[xpatUSA]

Thanks for that Dan, I have the 24 - 105 that has recently developed a creep, no bad, but i dont think it will improve ,
Might have a look at the lensband

Well worth it. A similar band fixed two lenses of mine that had the same problem.

[rpcrowe]

Thanks for the link to Lensband...

[Jimr1961]

I keep several wide rubber bands in my case for just such purposes. I also have a black sock cut in half. I use the leg portion to go over the lens and the ND filter stack when I'm using one to keep side light out.

[kdoc856]

Lens creep is especially irritating to me. My life has improved a little since I started using a single strip of electrical tape along the barrel, crossing the focusing ring onto the stationary portion. A strip of about 2-3 cm will arrest the creep, leave no residual from the tape, and is weak enough that if I forget it's on there, still let's me adjust the focal length with no noticeable extra effort.