Sony Zeiss 16-80 lens - wobbly front barrel. Keep or return?

[ancient_mariner]

I've just picked up a Sony-Zeiss 16-80 zoom on ebay for a reasonable price. The lens seems to work acceptably in terms of focus and sharpness, but the front barrel is slightly wobbly. This seems to be not unusual with these lenses, and they're noted to to be up to normal Zeiss construction standards, even though image quality is good. I'm debating whether to keep the lens or try to return it (with all the hassle that will entail, plus finding another at the right price. The lens might be fine for years, or it might just rapidly wear & fall apart.

Anyone have experience of this lens? Could you advise me on your experience & likely outcome.

Thanks.

 

[jakeblu]

If your not happy with it Toni send it back. If you keep it you might regret it. Was the ebay purchase a bin or auction. Did the seller mention the wobble? It's really not that difficult to send stuff back and if it's not as described I would expect the return postage to be paid by the seller

 

[Brazo]

I'll test mine in the morning for you I think there's some play from memory.

These lenses aren't built very well at all but they do have great optics!

 

[Brazo]

Have had a little check. The front barrel is made out of plastic and does have a heavy front element (as first two elements are glued together in this lens) it does extend a long way from the housing and there is a little bit of play (lateral movement) say 1-2mm max, probably closer to 1mm.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Thanks Mark, Steve. It seems to be a common feature of this lens, but not every example does it. Hmmmm.

 

[Brazo]

I would also check the two front elements with a torch as they delaminate (looks like fungus but not) on the earlier models.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Thanks - will check, though I'd expect that to show up in soft images. I've contacted the seller through Ebay to ask to either return it or send it to Sony for repair, but have not yet had a reply.