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RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

Started Dec 23, 2020 | Questions
RK C New Member • Posts: 3
RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

I just received my RF 85mm f2 macro lens and got excited clicking tiny things around the desk. The focus range limiter switch is a tad stiff. Perhaps it will become better with use. However the one thing that piqued me was this low grade constant buzz sound from the lens. I turned off the IS thinking it was causing the sound (My old EF 70-300 makes a racket when IS is on) but that didn't stop it. I also turned off auto focus on the lens. That didn't help. The sound does not seem to change much, like when during IS or focusing. It just seems to be constant. Can leave the camera with lens on the desk and still hear it. Is this normal? Does anyone else notice this? I don't want to return this as I can't seem to find it stock.

 RK C's gear list:RK C's gear list
Canon EOS 500D Canon EOS R Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM +1 more
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R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,536
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

Completely normal.  The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

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quiquae Senior Member • Posts: 2,265
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

RK C wrote:

I just received my RF 85mm f2 macro lens and got excited clicking tiny things around the desk. The focus range limiter switch is a tad stiff. Perhaps it will become better with use. However the one thing that piqued me was this low grade constant buzz sound from the lens. I turned off the IS thinking it was causing the sound (My old EF 70-300 makes a racket when IS is on) but that didn't stop it. I also turned off auto focus on the lens. That didn't help. The sound does not seem to change much, like when during IS or focusing. It just seems to be constant. Can leave the camera with lens on the desk and still hear it. Is this normal? Does anyone else notice this? I don't want to return this as I can't seem to find it stock.

I have the same stiff focus range limiter switch problem as you—it was so stiff I almost returned my copy. Better than a switch that’s too loose and could be budged by accident, I guess.

As for the buzz sound, it’s there on my copy as well, but it isn’t audible even in a silent room unless I bring my ear close to the lens.

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MaStErPsX
MaStErPsX Regular Member • Posts: 203
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

Like all RF lenses, even with IS off

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thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

R2D2 wrote:

Completely normal. The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

I wonder what's actually happening when you have it turned off. I mean, if it never is off, why is there a switch?

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R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,536
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

thunder storm wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Completely normal. The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

I wonder what's actually happening when you have it turned off. I mean, if it never is off, why is there a switch?

The switch is there so you can decide when to activate the IS, otherwise with these newer IS systems it seems to idle like an automobile engine.  The switch is like your gas pedal.  

I have seen a theory that the switch also parks the lens (when switched off).

R2

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JConrad Regular Member • Posts: 318
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

IS (both in body, and in-lens) has elements that float.  IBIS and newer optical IS systems use the electromagnets that move the IS elements for stabilization to hold it steady in the center when the IS is off.  So the electromagnets are still operating (thus the subtle hum), but they aren't counteracting movement...just holding steady.

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thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

JConrad wrote:

IS (both in body, and in-lens) has elements that float. IBIS and newer optical IS systems use the electromagnets that move the IS elements for stabilization to hold it steady in the center when the IS is off. So the electromagnets are still operating (thus the subtle hum), but they aren't counteracting movement...just holding steady.

Thanks!

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thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

R2D2 wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Completely normal. The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

I wonder what's actually happening when you have it turned off. I mean, if it never is off, why is there a switch?

The switch is there so you can decide when to activate the IS, otherwise with these newer IS systems it seems to idle like an automobile engine. The switch is like your gas pedal.

That's an analogy giving me the feeling i understand what's going on.    Thanks.

I have seen a theory that the switch also parks the lens (when switched off).

Ah, nice, another thing to speculate about.

R2

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I love 50mm (equivalence)

 thunder storm's gear list:thunder storm's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5 Sony a7 IV Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM +24 more
OP RK C New Member • Posts: 3
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

JConrad wrote:

IS (both in body, and in-lens) has elements that float. IBIS and newer optical IS systems use the electromagnets that move the IS elements for stabilization to hold it steady in the center when the IS is off. So the electromagnets are still operating (thus the subtle hum), but they aren't counteracting movement...just holding steady.

Wouldn't that consume battery when idle?

Does this also mean that when I turn off the camera or remove the lens from the body that the floating element is jiggling around? That sounds less safe to me, for I'm not very gentle with my backpack. Should I be concerned?

 RK C's gear list:RK C's gear list
Canon EOS 500D Canon EOS R Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM +1 more
OP RK C New Member • Posts: 3
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

R2D2 wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Completely normal. The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

I wonder what's actually happening when you have it turned off. I mean, if it never is off, why is there a switch?

The switch is there so you can decide when to activate the IS, otherwise with these newer IS systems it seems to idle like an automobile engine. The switch is like your gas pedal.

I have seen a theory that the switch also parks the lens (when switched off).

R2

I like the idea that the lens is parked. I would be afraid of a floating lens element.

I wonder if there is a way to ascertain this.

 RK C's gear list:RK C's gear list
Canon EOS 500D Canon EOS R Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM +1 more
JConrad Regular Member • Posts: 318
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

Yes, it uses some battery (minor) when idle and the camera is on. With it off, the sensor in the R5/6 free floats, and most IS lenses free floats the IS group too, and indeed you can hear a slight rattle if you shake an IS lens when detached from the camera. But the lens is designed that way. And you won't harm it from normal handling.

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Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Fujifilm X100V Canon EOS RP +9 more
R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,536
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

RK C wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Completely normal. The IS is always “spun up.”

R2

I wonder what's actually happening when you have it turned off. I mean, if it never is off, why is there a switch?

The switch is there so you can decide when to activate the IS, otherwise with these newer IS systems it seems to idle like an automobile engine. The switch is like your gas pedal.

I have seen a theory that the switch also parks the lens (when switched off).

R2

I like the idea that the lens is parked. I would be afraid of a floating lens element.

I’ve never heard of any issues that were caused by this. I think you’re OK here.

I wonder if there is a way to ascertain this.

Point the lens straight up and shake it  (listen for the rattle).

R2

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Chris Giles
Chris Giles Regular Member • Posts: 443
Re: RF 85mm f2 macro lens idle noise

That's something a lot, if not all STM lenses do and it frustrates me that Canon didn't use USM focusing instead.

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