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Lens Creep

bobpringle

New Member
Hi. Everyone. Just joined the forum, having recently invested in the 10-20mm and 18-200mm. Both great lenses. My question is about the lens lock on the 18-200. How,when and why do I use it and who is this lens creep I keep hearing about?. Also the manual says not to use Optical Stabilizer on a tripod. Why would this be?
Thanks for any advice.
 
My question is about the lens lock on the 18-200. How,when and why do I use it and who is this lens creep I keep hearing about
Lens creep is when a lens extends or contracts under its own weight, usually when pointed up or down. If you set the zoom lock, the lens will not zoom regardless of how the lens is pointed.

Also the manual says not to use Optical Stabilizer on a tripod. Why would this be?
Image stabilization works by counteracting movement due to shaking. If there is no shaking, the system might still add a little movement trying to stabilize what is already stabilized, making things worse, not better. More advanced stabilization systems can detect when they're on a tripod. Also note that some tripods aren't all that steady (particularly in a windy environment), and using a stabilizer while on a tripod can sometimes be a good thing.
 
A sipmle rule: Use the lens lock while you do NOT use the lens.
I.e. during transport or if stored.
The lens lock only can be activated if the lens is fully retractet.
Regards
Uwe
 
Uwe
Thanks for the reply. Okay. Now I am beginning to get it. So I lock the lens when I put it away. Why?

It's not so much when you put it away, but rather when you are walking around and don't want the lens to extend on its own. If you lock it, it will stay zoomed in and compact and easier to carry.
 
It's not so much when you put it away, but rather when you are walking around and don't want the lens to extend on its own. If you lock it, it will stay zoomed in and compact and easier to carry.

... that's it exactly! :)

It is very tedious /(with very long telephoto-lenses in particular) if they unintendedly stretch out to full length when being carried around. Then just lock it!

See you with nice pictures

Klaus
 
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