Grit/Dirt in Focus Ring of SELP18105G (18-105)

[kbru]

Hi all,

From what I can tell, I have some sort of dirt or grit under the focus ring of my 18-105 lens. I've only had it for three months so the prospect of having to shell out $200+ to get it fixed is a disappointment. Just to make sure I'm not overreacting, can someone please tell me, is the focus ring on your lens significantly more stiff than the telephoto ring? My telephone ring moves easily with just one finger while the focus ring now requires me to actually grasp and turn. This isn't terrible as it stays in place nicely but I think there is more resistance than before.
 

Thanks in advance!

[Pieter]

On mine both run pretty smooth but if I had to call a difference, the zoom ring runs just a slight bit smoother. There shouldn't be a grinding sensation to rotating it.