I've had one for over a year - you received a defective lens. The 'flop' you are experiencing is not normal.
Maris Don Sanderson wrote: > -----Original Message----- > From: Don Sanderson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2004 5:49 PM > To: PDML > Subject: Question for owners of FA 80-320/4.5-5.6 > > > I bought this lens about a week ago and am reasonably pleased with it > from 80 to about 200mm. > From 200 on the forward-most section has A LOT of play. > With it set at 320mm and focused as close as possible (longest > extension) very gentle pressure on the very front by the filter > threads will deflect the front over 5mm. > Just turning it from right side up to upside down will allow the front > element to "flop" a bit over 2mm. > Would those of you who own this lens please tell me if this is normal > or unusually "sloppy"?

