A few weeks ago, I ordered my Canon 24-70mm L lens. Well, the zoom ring on it was very tight in the wide focal ranges, so I was concerned that this was a defect in the lens. So, last week I requested an RMA with B&H so I could have it replaced with another version of this lens.
The new lens came in today. The zoom ring is still tight in the wide focal ranges which makes me think this is how it's supposed to be. I've scoured a few online forums and have chatted with B&H customer service and from what I've heard it's perfectly normal for a zoom ring to be a little tight at the beginning. It eventually works itself out.
I figured that's what was happening with my first lens, but I just wanted to make sure while the lens was still in the 15-day return period. I think this one will work out fine.