GeorgeK wrote:
I have an EFS 15-85 mm lens that I am not able to get repaired. My local camera shop shipped it to Canon and was told parts were no longer available. They sent it to a local person they use and were told the same thing. Apparently, the problem is with the aperture as the image through the viewfinder is dark and the camera returns an “Err 01” message.
I believe this was a kit lens that came with the camera, 7D II, so it may have not been expensive when new.
I am looking for suggestions what to do with this lens short of using it as landfill. Would any parts be salvageable or useful to anyone? I am happy to donate it to any worthy cause. At the same time I am looking for suggestions for a replacement. I use it primarily for family events and walking about exploring.
Appreciate any thoughts.
I have an EFS 15-85 mm lens that I am not able to ... (
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No, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM definitely WAS NOT a kit lens sold with any camera. Not even with the 7D Mark II (that could be bought in kit with either EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM or EF-S 18-135m f/3.5-5.6 IS USM).
In fact, it's a rather expensive upgrade only sold separately. It's currently selling brand new for $800, plus the separately sold lens hood.
The EF-S 15-85mm is one of two PREMIUM standard zooms for their APS-C DSLRs. The other is the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, which normally costs even more but is currently on sale with a hefty discount.
Both are among the best APS-C lenses Canon has produced. Folks who wanted the wider 15mm and greater zoom range might choose the 15-85mm as an upgrade, while people who really wanted f/2.8 and didn't mind the narrower focal length range could opt for the 17-55mm.
I cannot believe Canon can't fix it! They're STILL SELLING IT! The USA warranty version is available new from B&H and other sellers. (Same with the 17-55mm.)
It IS one of the 24 or 26 lenses Canon has said they're discontinuing, but that was only announced in April of this year. Spare parts should still be available! (Same with the EF-S 17-55mm!)
There may be some legalities involved. I think most manufacturers are required by law to provide repair support services for some period of time after an item is discontinued. I know that's the case for cars and trucks. It may be a state thing here in California, but home builders have to warrant construction for 10 years after completion (which is why many built apartments, then convert them to condos after 10 years).
I don't know if or how this applies to camera gear. But a lens that was still "in production" just 7 months ago SHOULD still be repairable!
When asked about all those lenses they were discontinuing, Canon stated:
"Canon has around 80 lens options for creators to choose from – only 22 of which are RF at this time. Over the past two years, we’ve been focused on building out our range of RF lenses to expand the creative possibilities of our R-System consumers, however our commitment to supporting our EF lens range is unwavering. It’s true, Canon has recently discontinued select EF lenses in our range, however this is a process of series optimization, not an indication of us abandoning EF lenses. Lenses that have been recently discontinued are lenses that have multiple versions available; comprise technology that’s been superseded by other available options; or, are low volume lenses. There are still many options for creators to choose from in our EF range, while our RF range continues to expand." https://petapixel.com/2021/04/22/canon-clarifies-discontinuing-26-ef-lenses-series-optimization/That's BS.
For example, seems like it would have made more sense to discontinue the EF 17-40mm f/4L than the EF-S 17-55mm. The latter is newer, sharper, has a better focal length range, offers a one stop larger max aperture AND has IS!
Canon also is conflating some things by saying they have 80 lens options to choose from.... 22 of which are RF, the system they're focused upon building out. That's all well and good. However, R-series cameras that use RF lenses also can use EF and EF-S lenses via an adapter.... But EF mount cameras cannot use RF lenses. They can only use EF or EF-S lenses. So, no, Canon's commitment to supporting their EF lens range is definitely not "unwavering". In fact, they're really pushing people toward buying R-series cameras and much more expensive RF lenses. Many of the RF lenses are innovative and excellent, but also more costly. An RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is 33% more expensive than the latest EF 70-200mm f/2.8. An RF 24-70mm f/2.8 is 26% more expensive than an EF 24-70mm f/2.8. The RF 100-500mm is 16% more expensive than the EF 100-400mm II, but at least you get an additional 100mm with that RF lense, which also is a half lb. lighter... The difference is less with some others and there's no difference with a few... the RF 600mm f/4 and EF 600mm f/4 both sell for the same $12,999. AND Canon has recently introduced a slower (f/5.6-f/8), compact, non-L RF 100-400mm that's less than 1/3 the price of an EF 100-400 II.
Canon particularly needs to continue supporting EF-S lenses... at least until they begin to offer APS-C cameras in the R-series too.