Camera making a very light noise

[LowSpark420]

I have never noticed this before, but my camera makes like a very tiny motor sound when I half press the shutter button...what's the deal? I don't recall ever hearing it before...but could have just not noticed it.

[Veemac]

Most likely the autofocus. If your lens has IS, it could be the IS at work, too.

[tzalman]

Lens focusing?

[LowSpark420]

Yeah, that is what it is I would assume?

[yanr]

I'm surprised that you are just noticing the noise now, even with my USM L lenses, I can hear the AF sounds. It is a completely normal noise for the lens to be making.

[DreDaze]

if it happens when you half press the shutter it's probably the IS...turn it off, and it should be silent

[lespaulowner]

Supposed to happen, sometimes it feels like the lens is shaking. Which is why when people are doing night shots, they turn the is off.

[LowSpark420]

Yeah, I only notice it on my 55 - 200mm lens...my kit lens doesn't make as much noise.

[vietiscool]

the 55-250 has a loud IS. if you put your ear to it you can hear clicking/buzzing

[bsaber]

I'm sure the OP would notice the sound of the AF. It's most likely the IS that the OP is noticing now.

[DeaconG]

My 70-200 2.8 IS makes a slight "clunk" sound when the AF engages, then it's silent.
My Bigmos, on the other hand, whines like a jet engine (a quiet engine, mind you, but it's noticeable) which is the OS engaging.