Bruce Moore

I have just bought a 2nd hand 70-300 IS USM lens. It has a substantial amount of noise when IS is on. Much more than all my other lenses. Is this a problem or are some telephoto lenses just noisier than others. I'm just a bit worried about whether the IS is faulty or feeling it's age. Thanks.

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

Bruce Moore

Thanks for the reply. Appreciated.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I have that lens and have never noticed "heavy motor" noise, on some of my lenses I can hear the IS kick in but nothing that I would characterize as heavy, but of course it is a subjective characterization, could you better describe that noise?

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Consider checking with a Canon repair facility. You may to get the motor replaced.

Bruce Moore

Well it’s a constant warring noise that persists after the IS has focused.

It has a 6 month warranty and I’m wondering if I should return it to the shop. Bought it on Saturday.

Bruce Moore

Hi. Having just bought it with a 6 month guarantee I’m tempted to take it back to the shop.

My concern is how to prove it is excessive rather than a bit noisy or that poss the motor is wearing?

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Yeah, take it back and buy this one, I recently purchase the Mark II version of this lens and have this one for sale, I promise that it is in excellent condition and if you find it to be otherwise I will take a return. Having sold here before I have positive feedback on the site.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-522265-1.html#8857401

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

IS and focus drive are two different things.

IS uses several servos to move around a group of optical elements and generally just makes some soft "clicking" noises. Autofocus uses a motor to move a different group of elements and Canon uses several types. That lens is a USM model, with an ultrasonic motor. A "whirring" noise (I'm assuming that's what "warring" means) is more how I'd describe the noises produced by the AF drive, except that on a USM lens should be pretty quiet, too (though a little noisier than STM, if that's what you are accustomed to with other lenses). If your camera is set to One Shot mode (stationary subjects, with AF Confirmation), the AF will stop as soon as focus is achieved. If using AI Servo mode (moving subjects, no AF Confirmation) the AF will continue to run as long as you maintain half-press on the shutter release button or keep pressing the AF On button on the back of the camera. If using AI Focus, it's anyone's guess because that leaves it up to the camera to determine whether or not the subject is moving, then use the appropriate focus mode... so either can happen (and it doesn't always choose correctly or may not switch focus modes if a subject stops or starts moving).

It is probably pretty easy to check. First set your camera to any of the following: M, Av, Tv or P (don't use the "scene modes", because some of those may override other settings). Now turn off IS at the switch on the lens, half press the shutter release or press the AF On switch on the back (if the camera has one) and see if the noise occurs. If it does while IS is turned off, it's the AF system. If you don't hear the noise, try turning IS back on and instead turn off AF at the switch on the lens, then see if it makes the noise. If it does, it's the IS system. If not, it's the AF system.

"Noise problems" are pretty hard to diagnose very authoritatively over the Internet. What one person considers "loud" and describes that way, another might not. A lens that's new to you may seem loud at first, but is just acting normally. Even sound files online may not help, because the volume settings can be varied. The only way to be completely certain is to try another example of the same lens side-by-side in person and compare or have an experienced tech check it out for you.

Bruce Moore

Wow. Thank you for taking the time to give me such a detailed and helpful reply. I really appreciate it and will try your suggestion tomorrow morning. Thank you so much. Regards.

Bruce Moore

Hi again. I tried your test and it is the IS that is making the noise. It's certainly noisier than any of my other lenses but the IS is doing its job. Is there any way to tell if the noise is an indication of s problem rather than being a nuisance?