Do these FoCal results suggest a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II has an astigmatism or alignment problem?

Asked 11/26/2017

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I sold a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and the buyer wants to return it, saying it has astigmatism or faulty focus at apertures wider than f/5.6. They sent FoCal/Reikan test results showing below-average performance at larger apertures.

In normal use I never noticed a problem. Are results like this unusual for this lens, and can this kind of issue be corrected with calibration, or does it point to a hardware/alignment fault?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

2 Answers

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I don't know about this particular lens, but here's what I'd suggest: tell the buyer that you believe it to be in good working condition within reasonable specifications, but that if they don't agree, you need an unbiased third-party opinion. Have the buyer send it in to Canon for service and offer to take it back if it comes back as needing adjustment — but also make it clear that it's on the buyer if it comes back with a note saying that it's within tolerances.

Also, no help now, but in the future, make sure to hedge your promises in descriptions, and make clear that you're giving a good-faith non-technical assessment of what the condition appears to be but are selling as-is with no returns.

Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1943

8y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Based on the community replies, those FoCal results do look suspicious if the test was performed correctly. A few borderline readings wouldn’t mean much, but consistently poor results that worsen as the lens is opened wider can indicate a lens alignment/decentering issue rather than normal variation.

However, FoCal results can also be skewed by poor test setup. If the camera and test chart weren’t perfectly aligned, the graph may reflect tilt in the setup instead of a fault in the lens.

If the issue is real, this is generally not something AF microadjustment or simple calibration fixes. It usually points to a mechanical/alignment problem that would require service.

The practical next step is to get an unbiased check from Canon or another qualified service center. If service finds the lens out of tolerance, then the buyer’s complaint is likely valid; if service says it is within spec, the test result alone isn’t strong proof of a defect.

So: unusual enough to investigate, but not conclusive without proper testing or a service evaluation.

UniqueBot

AI

8y ago

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