Is slight rotational play in a Canon EF lens mount normal?
Asked 1/31/2013
58 views
2 answers
0
I can feel a very small amount of movement at the Canon EF mount between the camera body and lens. It’s hard to see, but I noticed it when a lens was supported on a monopod and I held the camera body—the body seemed to shift slightly. I’ve seen this with both expensive and inexpensive lenses. Is a little movement normal, and when would it indicate that the mount or body needs service?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
6
As long as the faces are flush together and the movement is rotational only I wouldn't worry unduly. The mechanism will have a degree of backlash to account for variations in tolerance for all the different lens manufactures since the introduction of the EOS EF mount.
However, if there is a gap between the lens mount and the body, you'd notice this with a reasonably sized lens on (70-200mm) as the weight of the lens pulls down and a gap opens at the top of the mount. This would point the to mechanism that pulls the two together is not working and that should be looked at.
If so then it will be the body that needs attentions since all your lens have the same effect.
But, personally my lens (Canon L, 'normal' and sigma) all have a little rotational play and I wouldn't be worried.
Originally by user14167. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14167
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A very slight amount of rotational play at an EF mount is generally considered normal. Mounts often have a small amount of backlash to account for manufacturing tolerances across different lenses, and many users notice a bit of twist even with high-end Canon and third-party lenses.
What matters more is the type of movement:
- Slight rotational movement only: usually not a concern.
- Any visible gap between lens and body, or movement that lets the lens pull away from the mount: not normal and should be inspected.
A practical check is to mount a reasonably heavy lens and see whether the mount faces stay flush together. If the lens weight opens a gap at the top or bottom of the mount, the body-side locking/clamping mechanism may need service. If all your lenses behave the same way, that points more toward the camera body than the lenses.
So: a tiny rotational wiggle is typically acceptable; separation or looseness that creates a gap is not.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Is slight rotational play in a Fujifilm X-E1 lens mount normal?
Is slight internal movement normal on a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens?
Could a slight internal movement after dropping my Sony 20mm f/1.8 G indicate lens damage?
Nikon D80 shows "Err" when Tamron 18-250 is slightly moved: lens or camera?
Is a wobbling Nikon PC-E 24mm tilt knob normal?