Nikon 500 PF AF/VR Noise: I have just received a Nikon 500 PF lens and have noticed a clicking noise when VR engages and disengages. I have noticed this on some other Nikon lenses, but...

TonyBrown

I have just received a Nikon 500 PF lens and have noticed a clicking noise when VR engages and disengages. I have noticed this on some other Nikon lenses, but wondered if anyone else experiences it on the 500 PF. It’s a fairly expensive lens so want to make sure it’s a normal part of the VR operation.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Is the lens new? How loud is the clicking sound? Does the lens function as it's supposed to? All VR lenses make sounds, especially when engaging and disengaging.
I don't have the lens of which you speak but I do have numerous Nikkor, Canon, Sigma and a Tamron that all make some sort of sound when the image stabilization vibration compensation/reduction mechanism activate. None of which are loud enough to hear unless you are up close to the lens. A microphone attached close by would pick up many of them but a person standing a few feet away wouldn't hear any of them.

TonyBrown

It’s new. I suppose I’m conscious of it so I hear it, but can’t say it’s loud. Just a click when auto focus engages and the same when it disengages. It seems to work okay, but I have never used a 500pf before so I’ve nothing to judge it by. AF speed seems good, but not instant when I move around.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

TonyBrown wrote:

I have just received a Nikon 500 PF lens and have noticed a clicking noise when VR engages and disengages. I have noticed this on some other Nikon lenses, but wondered if anyone else experiences it on the 500 PF. It’s a fairly expensive lens so want to make sure it’s a normal part of the VR operation.

Interesting, would like to know.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

It doesn't click when turned on, it clicks when you press the shutter button which engages it. You can hear it running as well. All my other nikons make a similar noise. It also clicks when it stops running.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

TonyBrown wrote:

It’s new. I suppose I’m conscious of it so I hear it, but can’t say it’s loud. Just a click when auto focus engages and the same when it disengages. It seems to work okay, but I have never used a 500pf before so I’ve nothing to judge it by. AF speed seems good, but not instant when I move around.

Using VR does slow it down just a bit and having it set in single shot mode. I normally use with higher shutter speeds so no need for VR and I also always use Back Button Focus in the Continous Shooting Mode. If you have on of the newer Nikon camera models, like the D500 or the D850 I would recommend purchasing Steve Perrys tutorials on the Nikon focusing system. The parameters for the focusing and shooting modes in the new cameras are set up different. I tried setting my D850 up like I had my D600 and D7200 and was Not happy with the results. Once set up properly using Steve's guide I'm Very happy with the results.......

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

TonyBrown wrote:

I have just received a Nikon 500 PF lens and have noticed a clicking noise when VR engages and disengages. I have noticed this on some other Nikon lenses, but wondered if anyone else experiences it on the 500 PF. It’s a fairly expensive lens so want to make sure it’s a normal part of the VR operation.

RELAX, this is quite normal. When my VR is off, I get just the focusing system noise, when I switch to VR, there is a clicking noise, this is the normal sound of the VR system working.
I very rarely use the VR on any of my telephoto lenses since I commonly shoot at 1/1000 sec. or higher so I do not need VR.
But, again, relax, all is well with your lens. And, I shoot my 500 PF off my D850 and D500. You are really going to enjoy it's sharpness.
Below is a grab shot at about 70 feet with the D850, Green Heron.

TonyBrown

Thank you. It does seem an amazing lens. I also have the 300pF, but the 500 seems even sharper. Great pic.

garrickw Loc: Wyoming Mn.

I have had this lens for over a year have never heard a sound out of it some times I have to look and check and make sure I have it on when shooting BIFs hand held

CaptainBobBrown

My 500 pF makes slightly louder focus motion sounds than my 24-70 but about the same as my 70-200. I suspect the more lens elements that have to be moved the more noise from focus motors. If you have a sounds distinctly different from your other Nikon lenses it might be worth getting checked out but if it otherwise is working normally I'd not worry about it.

CWGordon

Billnikon:
I think the bird you have just shown us is beautiful. A bit different, too. It motivates me to grab my camera and run out to shoot. Unfortunately, I have a long “honeydew” list before our Xmas party. Still, I will get out soon.
re: noise w/lenses? Some of my nikon lenses do when focusing and the motor continues to run. Others, including my 500 Nikon make no noise except the immediate and instant focus. I wish we all knew why the disparity exists.

TonyBrown

I only hear the clicking noise when VR is on and it happens when VR engages and disengages. It’s not loud, but it’s there. I have found similar noises with other zoom lenses, but wanted to find out whether it’s normal for a higher end prime. From feedback it’s seems it is.

Rob48 Loc: Portland, ME

billnikon wrote:

RELAX, this is quite normal. When my VR is off, I ... (show quote)

Nicely done, may I call you, Bill; great effect.

Bar Loc: da 'YouPee', eh!

I can only compare my Nikon D5300 af-p with my old Minolta Maxxims, noise? what noise? I don't hear a thing.