Possible problem with kit lens

Verbium · 18 Jan 2009 at 21:21

My trusty 18-55mm Nikon AF-S lens is causing me some problems, went on a photography trip to London a few weeks ago when it was below zero temperatures and after a few hours it started to become very sluggish on the zoom. By the end of the day it was almost stuck going past 40mm and i assumed my lens was freezing in the cold weather.

Thought it might have been normal but took the camera out today and it was still pretty sticky and I'm a bit worried the cold snap has killed my lens. Suggestions? Would this be covered under my warranty?

whitecrook · 18 Jan 2009 at 22:39

? The zoom is operated manually? How can it become sluggish? Do you mean focus?

Verbium · 18 Jan 2009 at 22:42

Sorry i'll clarify a bit more, when i'm changing the zoom it sticks a lot more than it used to. It doesn't feel as fluid and natural anymore.

whitecrook · 18 Jan 2009 at 23:01

is it a new lens / had minimal use? Do these lenses tend to do that after a lot of use? I wouldn't worry. My 70-200 has more resistance than my brand new 18-55. Still works 100% though. At the wide end it 'frees up' a little. I just thought that was normal. I prefer a bit of 'weight' to the motion...

Verbium · 19 Jan 2009 at 02:01

Got it with the camera in August of last year, its been pretty smooth up until London, it does get a far bit of use though.

I'll keep using it in other weather conditions to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the advice.

Namistai · 19 Jan 2009 at 08:05

It doesn't sound normal to me, although I don't profess to being an expert! I would try contacting Nikon support to see what they say. The concern for me is that the symptoms appear to have started on a discrete day, rather than over a long period of time.

Let us know how you get on