Disassembling a Canon 16-35mm F2.8 L Lens

This video shows you how to take apart a Canon L Lens - specifically the 16-35mm F2.8. This process can take a while, so take your time and stay organized. Like/Comment and subscribe for future videos!

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[caitlynmackie]

Thank you this helped me fix the broken zoom on my lens, turns out it was just those 2 pesky screws that had fallen out

[riggoproductions]

Thankyou!!! You just saved the day for us. VIDEO SAVED THE DAY! Had lens that needed repair and we could not afford the down time. I used the info I needed and found and fixed the two loose screws that were failing.

[swftU]

THANK YOU WORKED 100% take your time when disassembling my zoom stopped working once i took it apart i found a screw that came unattached and was stopping my zoom, i watched this video and took my time step by step and fixed it free plus cleaned my lens, Thank you saved me $250 service fee subbed for sure and thumbs up.

[ariffsuhut]

Hi, after taking it apart like you did, do we need to do some sort of lens calibration/alignment so that it will be pin sharp again?

[mikelong]

This is one outstanding How-To video and I thank you for posting it! My 16-35 took a brief, but hopefully not fatal, dip in the ocean surf, and I now need to try to clean it up following your instructions. Before doing that, however, I'm in the process of editing and uploading your video RUN BACKWARDS to demonstrate the 16-35mm ASSEMBLY procedure! Once done, I'll post it on YouTube, give you the credit, and follow up here to share the link with you and others. Obviously, since the video is backwards, there will be no sound, just some elevator music. Anyone using my assembly video would want to first watch yours so they have a frame of reference and the steps will make more sense. Wish me luck, and thank you again - as in VERY MUCH!

[Webpromotions]

I have to say THANKYOU for your video. I bought a 'non working' F2.8 lens for AUS$300 (About USD$200) and fixed it in about 10 min by putting the focus screws back after they had fallen out. I now have a fabulous addition to my lens stable and saved a fortune! (If you have a fix for a non power up of a 7D I'd appreciate it as well, (well actually my daughter will as it will be her camera) ;-) )

[gutz]

Hi there. I fixed my lens issue in a way thanks to your help. I got to 6:34 and I got two out of the three screws off. But then, the last screw was not moving and it started to lose its grooves for the driver. It was getting worse so I decided to leave it until I buy a better driver with a grip on it. I did however get out what I needed to get out which was a 9:17 plastic piece and screw that had come loose and was beginning to jam my lens. I can fix that once I can get the other screw that is threaded off. But do you know where I can get a new or replacement screw for the ones at 6:34? I wanna have one ready at hand to replace the worn out one. Seems like a hard one to get and no random screw will do the job. Do you know where I can order one or two of these, or if just a random replacement works from some other device or I can order online? Any help appreciated. Cheers.

[philip]

Arthur I see you are using a precision screwdriver (obviously works but doesn't look to be a specialist product) what precision set would I need to buyy to take apart these lenses, I was told JIS but can't buy them anywhere in UK

[mikeodendahl]

Hey Authur, thanks for the run down.... I recently dropped my Canon 16-35... no exterior damage, but I notice the focus isn't reliable. Non-responsive to the focus ring in manual and auto focus... it randomly kicks in then good to go.... not the best state for event shooting. I am gun shy to disassemble, so I will send it to Canon to make it right. It nice to know at least what it looks like disassembled.... thanks. - Mike

[roastduck]

My lens would squeak every time I try to zoom to a certain point. Thanks to your video I was able to take my lens apart and fix the problem.

Thank you!!

[steezyfishing]

Question cause I hear a rattling noise in my lens and the zoom ring isnt working anymore, Can those screws and gold sleeves fall inside? They quoted me 4 week repair, I think Im capable of doing it on my own Thank you

[robertunderwoodiv]

Was curious on what was catching my zoom to not zoom in and out smoothly. Noticed a flat head screw that was catching and rubbing. Screwed it down and problem fixed! Thanks for having an easy-to-follow tutorial on disassembling this lens. Cheers!

[joshualaird]

can you remove the front filter barrel without starting from the rear? I have a damaged (bent) Barrel so I cant get the filter off but the replacement barrel is cheap... how hard is it to replace?

[thedeathcake]

Thanks for this. My len mount snapped off of the barrel, so now I know it's going to be costly to even just buy the pieces. Great video.

[bravozavalaguillermojoel]

Hi I have this lens and the image is very soft, in 35 f2.8 looks very blurred, which could the problem be?

[davidfay]

Hey! I've got this lens, AF motor isnt spinning (it had some beer spilt on it) although the focus confirmation does work. My thought was to try and take it apart to clean/fix/replace the motor. You have any thoughts on how to test whether its the motor or the connections/pcb that are preventing it from focusing? (my thought is that if focus confirmation is working, that the PCB is likely okay). Awesome video.

[williamrainey]

What did you clean the inside glass with?

[jessicacarvalho]

Olá! Eu tive um problema com a minha lente 18mm 55mm da NIKON D3100 e agora da erro: objetiva não fixada.
Nisso um colega meu abriu a lente é percebeu que um fiozinho preto estava solto você faz manutenção de lentes Assim?

[honzaklaus]

Hi, I just need to remove the front metal part which holds filters. I actually have 16-35 f2.8 II version. Do I just unscrew the screws under the focusing ring? Or do I have to take it all apart like you did? Thank you very much.

[DriveByReviews]

Good job, I just got this as a project lens! Can you list the steps from 1 to 458 in the comments section please?