Noisy lens image stabilizer motor

[Richard Donham]

I just purchased a used Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4 IS lens. Appearance-wise the lens is in perfect condition, as it should be, as it was sold in "D" condition from Adorama. The autofocus mechanism seems to work fine, but I hear a quite audible motor noise when I half-press the shutter button. This goes away after a couple seconds, and it doesn't happen if I turn image stabilizer off. Is this normal? I haven't taken any shots. Should I return the lens?
Thanks!

[Sunray]

Hello Richard,

the image stabilizer on the EF 70-200mm f/4 Is lens does always make a herable sound when activated. If the IS switch on the lense is in its ON position the image stabiliser starts working when you (half)press the shutter button. After releasing it the image stabilizer system is still working for a couple of seconds. If you do not press the shutter at all the IS system does not do anything regardless of the switch position. The noise that you hear is normal.

Robert

[Richard Donham]

Hello Richard,

the image stabilizer on the EF 70-200mm f/4 Is lens does always make a herable sound when activated. If the IS switch on the lense is in its ON position the image stabiliser starts working when you (half)press the shutter button. After releasing it the image stabilizer system is still working for a couple of seconds. If you do not press the shutter at all the IS system does not do anything regardless of the switch position. The noise that you hear is normal.

Robert

Thanks, Robert, this is helpful. I called Canon, they also indicated that some lenses make noise, normally. And, some user reviews on the Adorama site indicated that the IS can be noisy on this particular lens. So, sounds like an OK thing.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Richard,

Does it look like it is working? (i.e. through the viewfinder) - I see a noticeable steadying (on my Nikon lens) at 200mm when it is running, over when it isn't.

Obviously do this test hand held

Cheers,

[rpcrowe]

The only advantage of being hard of hearing is that I have never been worried about the sound my 70-200mm f/4L IS makes.

[Richard Donham]

Hi Richard,

Does it look like it is working? (i.e. through the viewfinder) - I see a noticeable steadying (on my Nikon lens) at 200mm when it is running, over when it isn't.

Obviously do this test hand held

Cheers,

Thanks, Dave, and yes, it appears to be working, as you describe. Canon rep also says this is normal, for some lenses to make stabilization noise. I was a bit concerned because my 100 mm f/2.8 macro IS is very quiet, as is a Tamron lens that also has IS. Guess I should go shoot some photos. I appreciate the response.

[Richard Donham]

The only advantage of being hard of hearing is that I have never been worried about the sound my 70-200mm f/4L IS makes.

That's a problem I have too, usually. Thanks!