A tale of 2 Ls

[Denosha]

Disclaimer: If you're a rabid Canon fanboy, please avoid reading this thread as it contains realities you might find disturbing...

Yeah, anyway, my reason for posting this is to share my personal experience, especially with those who have yet to chance upon the infamous "Bad copy". On to the story...

2 weeks ago my friend and I received our 24-70Ls from B&H. And BOTH lens were basically bad copies right out of the box. My friend’s one was back-focusing significantly, especially at 24mm and mine was not only mis-focusing but also soft at 70mm. Anyway, both lenses were sent in for calibration (international warranty! ) now both fixed! Mine seems VERY sharp at 70mm now.


24-70L before calibration <70mm F2.8>


(100% crop)


Same subject, distance, settings with the 70-200 F2.8L IS <70mm F2.8>


100% crop, HUGE difference huh?


24-70L after calibration <70mm F2.8>


100% crop, MUCH MUCH MUCH better huh? Oh, the focus was on the eye but the fur detail looks better here
 
So I guess those damn L bad copies are still out there. Luckily calibration will fix ‘em (most of them at least). The lady said they only had to do electronic adjustments on the lens.

The moral of the story is... check your lenses, even if they are expensive Ls, before buying to make sure they are not lemons. If you can't check or it isn't convenient (like in the case of buying them online like me), make sure that you have warranty that will cover any calibration or (touch wood) repairs you might have to do.

[CanonGrapher]

See, any fanboy would love your story as it demonstrated Canon's service.  Actually, their service center is not bad.

[jediforce4ever]

Calibration was done locally or overseas?

[Denosha]

See, any fanboy would love your story as it demonstrated Canon's service.  Actually, their service center is not bad.

Lol! Ok, that's one way to look at it... But i've got to admit, their service is pretty good. But it would be even better if I didn't need to test it. 

[Denosha]

Calibration was done locally or overseas?

Locally. The lenses from B&H were shipped to Singapore. The USA warranty (at least for lenses and flashes) is actually international and recognised by Canon Singapore. In fact my warranty card wasn't even filled in. I just brought down a copy of the B&H receipt (with the serial numbers of the items) and the unfiled warranty card and they registered my warranty on the spot.

[jediforce4ever]

What can I say...Enjoy your new lens!!haha

[evershine]

THanks for sharing... Didn't know calibration can do wonders.. i think i may bring my non L-lens to calibrate one of these days...   

[Nick]

Have to bring my 24-70L and 200L for calibration once I get my new body 

[heckcare.der]

how long did they take to calibrate? few hrs or few days?

[Michael]

Wah denosha...

Then what happened to your 17-85? :p

[Denosha]

how long did they take to calibrate? few hrs or few days?

Few days. Sent in on Thurs got it back on Mon IIRC.

Wah denosha...

Then what happened to your 17-85? :p

You mean my 17-55 F2.8 IS? Still have it. Getting ready for FF but my bro will still be using his 30D so he still needs that lens.

[sk.images]

how long did they take to calibrate? few hrs or few days?

Welcome on board heckcare.der.

I asked Canon earlier this week how long it would take to calibrate lenses and they quoted 3 days @$80 per lens.

[Michael]

$80 is acceptable if they can ensure it's going to be sharp.

I don't have much faith in their services.
A cleaning service still resulted in dust.

[Denosha]

The last time i sent in all my Canon lenses and bodies for calibration most of them were out of warranty. Luckily after checking everything (which is free), they said only the bodies needed adjustment. Something like S$40+ for a 20D. As for whether they can ensure it's sharp, you could always test it on the spot and if it isn't up to your expectations, ask them to take it back and try harder. Hur hur. That's what we did for my bro's 30D which seemed to still be quite hit/miss after calibration.

Which cleaning are you talking about? Sensor? I only did that once. Same thing, still not totally clean. Since then i've stuck with DIY sensor swabbing. Cheaper, easier and cleaner (after you get good at it at least).

[Michael]

Yeap. Exactly, their cleaning sucks.

I've never had to calibrate my lenses though, however, from what you said, you can send your lenses down for calibration and they'll see if it's needed first?