Loud Image Stabilizer

[Robin J Rosett]

Just received my Canon 500mm 4.0 IS. With IS on there is a very noticable humming noise, much louder than 100-400IS. Never even noticed the noise on the zoom until I put my ear right next to it. Should this very expensive lens be this loud? Thanks.

[pierrot]

Maybe it's trying just to say hello?

[Adam Hicks]

Isn't it a much larger lens? Maybe the IS gyros are larger relative to the lens size vs. the 100-400? If it's just a whirring noise I'd assume that's normal.

I'm interested to hear what others say though...

[KennyG]

My 300 2.8IS and 500 4.0IS are both louder than my 100-400L. It is due in the main to the large lens body amplifying the sound. Perfectly normal.

[Jon]

I'm never sure that my 100-400's IS is working, whereas the noise from the 75-300 IS is quite noticeable (I can even feel it).