Do I have a problem with my new lens? I bought a Nikon DX 18-300mm 3.5/6.3 lens this weekend at BestBuy . If I slightly shake it in my hand I feel some tiny noise inside, like if...

ikaush Loc: Medford, MA

I bought a Nikon DX 18-300mm 3.5/6.3 lens this weekend at BestBuy . If I slightly shake it in my hand I feel some tiny noise inside, like if something is shifting inside. I wonder if those who have similar lens experience something like that and it is normal, or I've got a potentially problematic unit, that I should return. Other than that the lens works fine. Thanks!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Take it back and check a couple of others - if there's a quiet one then do the trade. None of my lenses make any noise like that.

BillyP Loc: Cedar Point, NC

The internal noise is the VR (vibration reduction) doing its job. All's good!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Rockwell's review says "nearly no clicking" when shaken, so it would seem some interior noise is expected.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm-vr.htm

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

This is most likely the VR unit. If the lens element isn't locked down, you'll notice something moving inside. Don't shake it. This will damage the VR unit.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Return.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Does the noise exist when the camera is turned on? Like Billy Crystal used to say on SNL, just don’t do that. I have a Canon G3x (not the same, I know), but the IS makes a bit of a rattle sound with the camera off. Turn it on and no noise.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

47greyfox wrote:

Does the noise exist when the camera is turned on? Like Billy Crystal used to say on SNL, just don’t do that. I have a Canon G3x (not the same, I know), but the IS makes a bit of a rattle sound with the camera off. Turn it on and no noise.

That’s the test - if it disappears when the camera is on, it’s likely the armature for the AF or VR motor. My Fuji 90mm f2 makes a very noticeable “thunk” if turned with the power off, which disappears completely when powered - it’s normal for that lens.

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

ikaush wrote:

I bought a Nikon DX 18-300mm 3.5/6.3 lens this weekend at BestBuy . If I slightly shake it in my hand I feel some tiny noise inside, like if something is shifting inside. I wonder if those who have similar lens experience something like that and it is normal, or I've got a potentially problematic unit, that I should return. Other than that the lens works fine. Thanks!

Shake the lens and see if you hear anything when your shaking it. If you don't hear anything do the following.
Turn off the VR and shoot something, do you hear anything? If not, turn on the VR, now, shoot again, do you hear the noise now, then if you do hear a noise it's the VR working.
VR stands for Vibration Reduction, it is used for shutter speeds less than 1/500 sec. helps keep your lens steady during hand held slow shutter speeds.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

ikaush Loc: Medford, MA

Thank you fellows for replying and advising. I also sought advice on Google. Opinions seem to concentrate on the idea that some noise when shaking is natural in zoom lenses with AF and VR. I am taking the risk and choose to keep the lens.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

I repair these for a living and the #1 cause of damaged VR units is shaken baby syndrome. If things aren't locked down, and they should be automatically when the lens is off the camera, the surface of the electro magnets can get scratched. this can ruin the VR unit. Make sure you turn it off before you remove it from the camera. This should lock down the lens and save it from damage.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

ecobin wrote:

Take it back and check a couple of others - if there's a quiet one then do the trade. None of my lenses make any noise like that.

Perhaps like me me a visit to Audiologist is warranted! Stay well, well a little tongue in cheek! Perhaps that was too cheeky!

J. R.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

ikaush wrote:

I bought a Nikon DX 18-300mm 3.5/6.3 lens this weekend at BestBuy . If I slightly shake it in my hand I feel some tiny noise inside, like if something is shifting inside. I wonder if those who have similar lens experience something like that and it is normal, or I've got a potentially problematic unit, that I should return. Other than that the lens works fine. Thanks!

Many lenses have this happen as the elements are not solidly fixed as they would be with a lens with no image stabilization.
If it is slight do not worry.

DMB70

ikaush wrote:

I bought a Nikon DX 18-300mm 3.5/6.3 lens this weekend at BestBuy . If I slightly shake it in my hand I feel some tiny noise inside, like if something is shifting inside. I wonder if those who have similar lens experience something like that and it is normal, or I've got a potentially problematic unit, that I should return. Other than that the lens works fine. Thanks!

I have had this lens since it was introduced and when I shake it I hear a noise. I woouldn't wory. Great all around lens

Fiddlingbill Loc: Mass.

If it is a brand lens. It is usually just the vr mechanism doing it. Some of my vr lenses have that noise. If the lens is focusing ok. I would not worry about it.