The Question:

Anyone else notice that the 300mm f4L IS makes some strange noises from the IS mechanism? I've tried two now and both make a loud "clunk" when the IS activates. Images aren't affected though. Being an engineer, this sound annoys me as something not precisely designed/manufactured. If this is a common phenomenon with this model (or others), does it get progressively worse over time?


The Result:

Being new to the AF SLR segment, so far I am most impressed with all this AF and IS technology (with the slight exception above). Below is an example of a shot previously impossible to me (and I thought I had steady hands) due to low light. Using the 70-200 f2.8L IS on a 10D, the spec's of the shot:

Shooting Mode
Manual
Tv( Shutter Speed )
1/60
Av( Aperture Value )
3.5
Metering Mode
Evaluative
ISO Speed
800
Lens
70.0 - 200.0 mm
Focal Length
200.0 mm
Image Size
3072x2048
Image Quality
Normal
Flash
Off
White Balance
Auto
AF Mode
AI Servo AF
Parameters
Contrast Normal
Sharpness Normal
Color saturation Normal
Color tone Normal
Color Space
sRGB

Hand held (no mono) at 320mm at 1/60 second - OK! Image here is unprocessed except to reduce the resolution. As good as the 70-200 f4L is, I got rid of it once I saw what IS can do.

The Question:

Anyone else notice that the 300mm f4L IS makes some strange noises from the IS mechanism? I've tried two now and both make a loud "clunk" when the IS activates. Images aren't affected though. Being an engineer, this sound annoys me as something not precisely designed/manufactured. If this is a common phenomenon with this model (or others), does it get progressively worse over time?


I have two IS lenses and both are noisy. After 5+ years, they have not gotten any worse. I think noise is just something one has to put up with.

Nice shot.

Thanks, Michael

I guess that's good news :confused: At least its not an isolated "lemon" issue.

Mine goes clunk too. Nothing terribly objectionable, but I can hear/feel it when the IS engages. It has never gotten worse and the lens still works fine (I've had it 2+ years). Here's one I shot with it a AAA baseball game, with a 1.4 TC, ISO 800. Not bad for being 330+ feet away in the left field bleachers.

Thanks for the info and image, Stephen! I'm just ecstatic with all this AF and IS technology. The IS has really revolutionized the photo industry. Throw out those hand-holding guidelines regarding reciprocal shutter speeds!

A sample below using the 300mm f/4L IS (with the clunk). This coach was notoriously camera shy and I had to keep lurking from behind players in order to pop out and shap this shot. Couldn't even use a monopod - IS saved the day.

I have been told that the noise is due to the gyroscopic sensor in the lens.

Mine doesn't make any noise, nor did the one I rented for two days before I bought one. My friend also shoots with a 300 IS as well as a 100-400 IS - he said he's never noticed anything either.

To me, it sounds a bit strange.

I have been told that the noise is due to the gyroscopic sensor in the lens.

Thanks, Almo. It's funny that my 70-200 f/2.8 IS doesn't have that startup "clunk". I wonder if the 3rd generation IS eliminated this little quirk.

With all, one can still hear the quiet hum of the gyros under power. That part doesn't bother me though.

I bought a 300 f4 IS about a month ago, and it makes what I consider a quiet "clunk" when it engages and disengages. There is a very quiet whirring sound while its activated. Its the only IS lens I own so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it performs very well and I've heard several other people say they hear the same noises. A 70-200 2.8 IS is next on my list so I will have to remember to compare the IS motors then.