Shot, the last time they fixed it, it came back with something bent in it. Really bad! But they did the right thing in the long run, just a real hassle.

You know what, all I can do is let you know how things went for me. And, also what Canon themselves told me. It is not false advertisement to label them Refurbished as you will see if you look it up on Wiki. Same as Canon told me. The last time they fixed it, it came back to with something bent in it. It was a mess. Given credit where it's do I did end up with a new one that works great. But, it was a real time consuming and unpleasant experience to finally get something done. It was the Lens as also verified by Canon. Not the OP!

Thanks, Hopefully others have your experience and not mine. Good to hear that about Sigma!

Sorry, I was told that by at least 3 different people.

Thanks so much!

Hopefully, was sure surprised they aren't actually refurbished.

I do appreciate that! Thanks

Thanks Tommy!

I told everyone that I would let them know how this was resolved. After sending my 50 1.4 back to Canon for repair the 3rd time and talking to several managers I was finally able to talk to someone with access to the Presidents Office. Bottom line, I was able to stop them from sending it back for the third time and it was replaced with a new 50 1.4 which I asked them to check out on Camera before sending it. This was accomplished to my satisfaction as the new one is very good. However, it took a lot of time and going through several Managers to finally get to the right person and get it resolved. I might also add that "refurbished" does not mean that they actually did refurbish the lens. Stated by them and after looking it up on Wiki found that electronics that are sold as that can just be returns, slightly used etc. So buyer beware. Not actually refurbished. Canon also stated that. So, the thought that it's best to buy Refurbs from Canon because their techs have worked on them is not a truth. Found that out the hard way. I think if I buy refurbished again it will be from a reputable camera dealer that you can deal with much faster and can ask questions about the particular lens your buying. Thankful this is over as it was an ordeal.

Not sure of what you mean.

He's right folks - Good advice!

I love my Sigma lenses and will never buy another Canon lens after this experience. I don't like the way Canon has done business and I sure don't like thinking I was getting an actually refurbished lens. Hindsight!

Yes, I bought directly from Canon and now I am having to deal with them and that is not easy. I believed the same thing that you have believed. I have been told a couple of things. Two said that they are just returns, one said they take it out and take a few shots to check them. One said that they are returns from overstock in Camera Stores and are then resold by them and have to be resold as refurbished. Take your pick and if you buy from them hope they send you a good one, because they really don't know. The opinion that they have actually been refurbished by Canon is deceptive at best and a natural assumption, and of course it's what you would think, They are advertised that way. Yes, I am shocked too. Not So! Here's the clincher - mine is back for the 3rd time. What's wrong here - why twice worked on and still not right? Are they going to force me to take it back a 3rd time? I'll let everyone know how it's handled now. I have told them I don't want it back again! I'll know something shortly. No way I would trust that lens and after this experience I don't want another Canon 50 1.4. Would prefer a Sigma (wish it could be the Art Lens). But, I love the Sigma 17-50 2.8 and the Sigma 50-150 2.8 that I have. I have to believe their 50 1.4 would be a much better built lens. Couldn't be any worse.

Hope they do a good job on your G16! At least you got some satisfaction.

At this point I would get some satisfaction out of that. Hoping not to get it back, we'll see what they do. That does sound like a very GOOD idea! If I get it back the same way that's all it would be good for! Thanks, I needed a good smile over this!