Brass Plate Under Zoom Ring Rubber?

[Maver!ck]

I recently purchased a used 14-24 2.8. The rubber zoom ring was a bit tatty so I decided to replace it. On taking the old one off I found a thin plate underneath that appears to be brass looking material and is selotaped on at each end. I was wondering if anyone is aware of what this is or what it might be covering. I am reluctant to take it off but would like to what it is before putting the new rubber on. Any clues?

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[Canon Bob]

It's a very similar setup on Canon zooms. There's a hole under the brass to gain access to the focus/zoom helicoils and the plate is there to provide support so that you don't push the rubber ring into the hole when zooming/focusing.

Bob

 

[Maver!ck]

Thanks bob. Good to know. I will clean up round it but leave it very much in situ.