Tamron 18-400mm lens: Last week I purchased the latest Tamron 18 - 400mm lens, and I find zooming in and out to be very tight, the salesperson said over time, it will become smoothe...

anthonycampbell

Last week I purchased the latest Tamron 18 - 400mm lens, and I find zooming in and out to be very tight, the salesperson said over time, it will become smoothe and less resistive/tight in zooming in/out. I have tried zooming in/out 20-30 times per day since then, but have seen no change, is there a solution to this situation?
A. L. Campbell

danniepolley

I don't have a solution to your issue, but wonder what you think of the lens particularly at the long end?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

anthonycampbell wrote:

Last week I purchased the latest Tamron 18 - 400mm lens, and I find zooming in and out to be very tight, the salesperson said over time, it will become smoothe and less resistive/tight in zooming in/out. I have tried zooming in/out 20-30 times per day since then, but have seen no change, is there a solution to this situation?
A. L. Campbell

Take it back to wherever you bought it and request a refund. Then either: 1) contact Tamron and tell them what happened and ask them for a suggestion or 2) look for a different lens. — Ralph

ELNikkor

WD-40

anthonycampbell

It's a great lens, and I enjoy using it except when zooming, even turning the ring when videotaping it jerks. I'm just frustrated at times!

Anthony

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Ask your dealer to swap it for another copy.

anthonycampbell

Hi Ralph, I thought of all you mentioned but wandered if WD-40 will affect the lens! best yet, I should contact Tamron and get their advice.

Anthony

wetreed

I’ve been using the Tamron 18-400 for about a month now and it took about 3 weeks to loosen up. It was never too tight to start with. I love using this lens.

anthonycampbell

Thanks, I'll use it for a month and see the outcome, then I'll decide,

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Personally, I’d never put WD40 anywhere near a lens of mine.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

anthonycampbell wrote:

Hi Ralph, I thought of all you mentioned but wandered if WD-40 will affect the lens! best yet, I should contact Tamron and get their advice.

Anthony

Wd-40, which is basically fish oil, will destroy the lens and void your warranty. Call Tamron tech support and ask.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

anthonycampbell wrote:

Hi Ralph, I thought of all you mentioned but wandered if WD-40 will affect the lens! best yet, I should contact Tamron and get their advice. Anthony

NO WD-40, Brillcreme or Jiff Extra Crunchy!
Seriously, dude, no grease or lube unless you are a camera repair professional.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

It is a common issue according to several reports I have seen. My wife's copy was a little tight in the beginning. I don't understand the big flap about returning it. What's the big panic? What specifically is a warranty for?

I would contact Tamron and proceed from there and do nothing that isn't prescribed in the manual to maintain the warranty.

MURRAY BASS

I have had this lens for one year In the beginning it was tight when zooming Now no problem I am a press photographer and find it a relief that on most assignments, I only need one lens Very happy with it Great investment

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

anthonycampbell wrote:

Last week I purchased the latest Tamron 18 - 400mm lens, and I find zooming in and out to be very tight, the salesperson said over time, it will become smoothe and less resistive/tight in zooming in/out. I have tried zooming in/out 20-30 times per day since then, but have seen no change, is there a solution to this situation?
A. L. Campbell

Judging by many previous answers, give it a month or two, and it will probably loosen up. I would't sit there zooming it in and out, though. Use it as you normally would.