FTZ + Nikon 105mm 2.8G Micro: VR noise even when not shooting?

[spec68]

I bought Nikon 105mm 2.8 Micro/Macro (mind blown how camera store literally tossed in box but different story). Attached to the Z6 with FTZ and set to "VR" the VR doesn't stop "purring." Even if I'm no where near the shutter or AF-On or not even touching my camera, it's literally always on.

In comparison when it's on my D500 under same scenario the lens is silent until I half press the shutter.

So is my experience with this lens on the FTZ considered "normal" or did I get a bad copy? (Yes, I did update the Z6 firmware).

 

[BasilG]

I bought Nikon 105mm 2.8 Micro/Macro (mind blown how camera store literally tossed in box but different story). Attached to the Z6 with FTZ and set to "VR" the VR doesn't stop "purring." Even if I'm no where near the shutter or AF-On or not even touching my camera, it's literally always on.

In comparison when it's on my D500 under same scenario the lens is silent until I half press the shutter.

So is my experience with this lens on the FTZ considered "normal" or did I get a bad copy? (Yes, I did update the Z6 firmware).

So you're saying that the VR is always active? I assume it's off when you turn off the camera - does it turn on immediately when you turn on the camera?

I think it's unlikely you got a bad copy, more likely to be an effect of using a VR F-mount lens on a Z-body, but others with direct experience will hopefully jump in.

 

[NAG3LT]

Looks like a normal mode of operation, just much easier to notice when using the lens with loud VR.

I did a first test on DSLR (D750). When using viewfinder, VR starts working only when pressing, half-pressing shutter and when focusing. In Live view VR is constantly on, including when going to menus or image review. I just tested that this is the case on 105 2.8G VR (motor is loud enough to hear while using the camera) and have previously noticed the same with Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 (a very specific noise of VC turning on and off).

Z6 seems to work in a similar way to DSLR Live view with both in lens VR and IBIS. The only difference is that going to image review or menu turns any kind of VR off. IBIS is most audible when turning on and off, and when resetting its position between shots. It works that way with both native 24-70 4S and adapted F mount lenses without VR, so it is not related to FTZ.

105 2.8G VR was just loud when using VR on Z6 as it was in DSLR Live view. I've also tried using 24-70 2.8E VR, it works much more quietly, but I was able to hear its VR motor working by placing the eat close to the lens.

So while I cannot say if such operating conditions are good or bad for lens and camera in the long run, it seems like a normal way for Z6 to work and it's not related to FTZ at all. It will also be interesting to see if native Z mount telephotos with VR work any differently in the future.

 

[spec68]

I bought Nikon 105mm 2.8 Micro/Macro (mind blown how camera store literally tossed in box but different story). Attached to the Z6 with FTZ and set to "VR" the VR doesn't stop "purring." Even if I'm no where near the shutter or AF-On or not even touching my camera, it's literally always on.

In comparison when it's on my D500 under same scenario the lens is silent until I half press the shutter.

So is my experience with this lens on the FTZ considered "normal" or did I get a bad copy? (Yes, I did update the Z6 firmware).

So you're saying that the VR is always active? I assume it's off when you turn off the camera - does it turn on immediately when you turn on the camera?

I think it's unlikely you got a bad copy, more likely to be an effect of using a VR F-mount lens on a Z-body, but others with direct experience will hopefully jump in.

Yes, to clarify, VR is always active when set to VR and the camera is on. When the camera is off or VR is off then the lens is silent.

I agree it's probably an effect of the FTZ adapter since I don't have this issue with the D500. I'm hoping it is the lens though. I'll be disappointed if this is considered "normal," one because Nikon didn't (at least noticeably) disclose it and two it effectively means the Sigma is the only macro lens that fully works with the Z. Ah, the struggles of being and early adopter, right.

 

[BasilG]

I agree it's probably an effect of the FTZ adapter since I don't have this issue with the D500. I'm hoping it is the lens though.

Unlikely.

 

[spec68]

Thanks for that. I tried that with my D500 and sure enough VR was always working in Live View. So I guess VR being always on in the Z6 is considered "normal." Not excited that the VR is always cranking but at least I know my copy is not defective.

I still find it a bit curious that it is constantly on on the Z and also in DSLR's LV - maybe a vestige being Nikon's old VR (I'm pretty sure it's not VR II). The only other lens I have with image stabilization is a Sigma 100-400 and it's OIS is not noisy at all on the Z6. Wondering if I should give the Sigma 105mm macro a shot.

 

[spec68]

Yep, FTZ not to blame.

 

[olyflyer]

I bought Nikon 105mm 2.8 Micro/Macro (mind blown how camera store literally tossed in box but different story). Attached to the Z6 with FTZ and set to "VR" the VR doesn't stop "purring." Even if I'm no where near the shutter or AF-On or not even touching my camera, it's literally always on.

In comparison when it's on my D500 under same scenario the lens is silent until I half press the shutter.

So is my experience with this lens on the FTZ considered "normal" or did I get a bad copy? (Yes, I did update the Z6 firmware).

So you're saying that the VR is always active? I assume it's off when you turn off the camera - does it turn on immediately when you turn on the camera?

VR is always on with a mirrorless except if you turn it off with the switch. This is the case with the Nikon 1 also, not just the Z.

I think it's unlikely you got a bad copy, more likely to be an effect of using a VR F-mount lens on a Z-body, but others with direct experience will hopefully jump in.

 

[Stavrosf]

What happens when you have only the viewfinder on (and the screen off)? does VR still works?

 

[NAG3LT]

What happens when you have only the viewfinder on (and the screen off)? does VR still works?

On mirrorless cameras, there is no difference in the way camera operates between EVF and the rear screen. While controls may change a little, for the rest of the camera it is just a question of showing the same thing on EVF or the rear screen.

 

[Stavrosf]

What happens when you have only the viewfinder on (and the screen off)? does VR still works?

On mirrorless cameras, there is no difference in the way camera operates between EVF and the rear screen. While controls may change a little, for the rest of the camera it is just a question of showing the same thing on EVF or the rear screen.

I think that the EVF works when the eye sensor is activated. If you have the screen disabled and your eye is not in the EVF I understand that the VR should not work.

 

[spec68]

Cycling though the monitor button modes, the VR stays on throughout. As far as I can tell there is no way to turn off the VR motor attached to a Z camera except by switching the lens from "VR" to "off" position or turning off the camera. Many here have noted this is how Nikon VR works with its mirrorless cameras. Someone here or elsewhere mentioned this even occurred with the V1.

I've played around with the lens a bit and more comfortable knowing it's "normal," hoping the noise isn't audible or at least scary to bugs. I'm not happy about it, but it is what it is, and I'd like to start shooting some macro with spring nearby. I know the Tamron 90mm macro isn't compatible (at least yet) and really don't feel like taking my chance with whatever noise the Sigma might make.

 

[olyflyer]

What happens when you have only the viewfinder on (and the screen off)? does VR still works?

Yes, of course. Why shouldn't it? I mean the EVF is just another display, but I don't think you can turn both off, unless you turn the camera off or it's going to sleep. When the camera goes to sleep the VR is turned off also.

 

[olyflyer]

What happens when you have only the viewfinder on (and the screen off)? does VR still works?

On mirrorless cameras, there is no difference in the way camera operates between EVF and the rear screen. While controls may change a little, for the rest of the camera it is just a question of showing the same thing on EVF or the rear screen.

I think that the EVF works when the eye sensor is activated. If you have the screen disabled and your eye is not in the EVF I understand that the VR should not work.

Yes, but when the eye is away from the EVF the EVF is only resting, not really switched off.

 

[olyflyer]

Cycling though the monitor button modes, the VR stays on throughout. As far as I can tell there is no way to turn off the VR motor attached to a Z camera except by switching the lens from "VR" to "off" position or turning off the camera. Many here have noted this is how Nikon VR works with its mirrorless cameras. Someone here or elsewhere mentioned this even occurred with the V1.

Not only the V1, but all the other Nikon 1 models also.

I've played around with the lens a bit and more comfortable knowing it's "normal," hoping the noise isn't audible or at least scary to bugs.

Bugs can't hear, so don't worry about it. This is why spiders can't be chased away by screaming... :-D

I'm not happy about it, but it is what it is, and I'd like to start shooting some macro with spring nearby. I know the Tamron 90mm macro isn't compatible (at least yet) and really don't feel like taking my chance with whatever noise the Sigma might make.

I think it is more of a disturbance for the camera user than those around. I mean, a meter away from the camera you can't really hear it unless something is wrong with the VR. Otherwise it's just a low, buzzing noise, clicking to lock when you half press the shutter release.

 

[NAG3LT]

As far as I can tell there is no way to turn off the VR motor attached to a Z camera except by switching the lens from "VR" to "off" position or turning off the camera.

Currently, going into menus or image review turns VR off as well on Z cameras.

 

[francissfo]

Side question, when you attached the 105mm f2.8G VR and FTZ adapter to the Z6, is your largest f stop being f3 instead of f2.8?

 

[Ellis Vener]

Side question, when you attached the 105mm f2.8G VR and FTZ adapter to the Z6, is your largest f stop being f3 instead of f2.8?

How close are you focusing?

 

[comoxbrit]

Put my 105mm 2.8 Micro on my Z6 and it made a noise...put the lens on my D610...no noise.

 

[Triffid]

Today bought a Nikon 105mm to replace an old Tamron 90mm (didn't work properly with the Z7) and was similarly surprised by the "always on", noisy VR as well.

I guess it's something you get used to, but initially, I'm finding it quite distracting and probably not ideal. Had I come across this thread beforehand, I may have looked into this a little more before purchase.

Obviously turning the VR off fixes the issue, but the VR seems to work really well, so I'd be reluctant to do that.