70-200 f4 - loose IS element

[scotch196]

I bought a used 70-200mm f/4 IS lens (unseen) and when it arrived from the seller by courier, it appears the IS element is loose. If I tilt the lens gently I can hear something moving around. When attached to a camera, as soon as you turn the camera on then is a distinct "click" from the lens. When focusing with IS turned on, the image jumps once or twice and then settles as the element seems to click in to place.

I contacted the seller and he says the lens has not been used for a year but he attached it to a camera before sending it to me and it seemed fine, so thinks it took a knock during transit. Fortunately he's prepared to take it back but blames my choice of courier for causing the problem. But I was wondering if anyone has had similar issues with the 70-200 F4 IS?

Also wondering if it's possible that non use for a year could possibly cause a rubber seal or similar to perish and then taking a knock during transit caused the element to become loose? I have no reason to disbelieve the seller, so it's likely that something happened to the lens between dispatch and receipt, although it was well packaged and shipped by a reputable courier. Any thoughts or ideas welcomed!

Thanks, Scotch

[KeithB]

I've noticed the IS in my 17-85 doing the same sorts of things.  If the seller wasn't too sophisticated, he may have never noticed it.

[Bob Atkins]

Lots of IS lenses rattle. I just finished looking at the Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS and the Canon 17-55/2.8 IS. Both of them rattled when I shook them.

It's just the IS elements moving around like they should do. With no power on the lens there's nothing to hold them in place so they are free to move around a little.

I would not be the slightest bit surprised if the 70-200/4 IS rattles too.

[scotch196]

Thanks KeithB and Bob for the replies.

I've decided to return the lens as believe the "rattle" noise and the way the image jumps around when the shutter is initially pressed with IS turned on is more pronounced than is normal for Canon's IS "L" lenses. I've previously owned a 100-400mm and been fortunate to use a number of "L" lenses that belong to a friend of mine (300 f/4 IS, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 600 f/4 IS) and never been aware of an element apparently "floating around" before it clicks into place as is the case now.

I guess the lesson is to always try used photo gear before buying, but the cost of new gear like "L" lenses, particularly here in South Africa, can be prohibitive for many of us.

Cheers,

Scotch