gota new efs 17-55mm .... IS??

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have just picked up a new 17-55. Still playing with the lens, but one question: are you suppose to be able to hear the IS kick in and turn off everytime it autofocuses? makes it sound kinda....cheap and about to break. IQ is excellent, but I'm concern about the IS failing. I'm a total noob to photography, so dont have any other IS lenses to compare to. thanks.

Yes, it seems that almost all lenses with IS make some noise when it is turning on or off. They all sound different, so I can't comment on your 17-55, but I know that my 55-250 used to be pretty noisy, and the 18-55 I have makes noise.

My 18-55IS you can't really notice. On my buddies 70-200 f4 IS, you can tell if it's on or off it's so loud.

I upgraded to the 17-55 not long ago from the 18-55. There is a tremendous difference in the noise of the IS system. The 18-55 I could not hear anything, however the system on the 17-55 is quite audible...and my hearing sucks! lol...

However the auto-focus on the 18-55 was much louder than that of the 17-55, so maybe it is an even trade?

Enjoy that awesome lens!

its normal. i have 3 IS lenses & they all sound different from each other. dont worry about it, you have an awesome lens.

welcome to the forum!

It's normal. Congratulations on the lens -- it's a great one!

Bryan

Yep normal on the 17-55, you can definitely hear that it's on. Enjoy your new lens. It's fantastic.

Mocows wrote in post #8214765
My 18-55IS you can't really notice. On my buddies 70-200 f4 IS, you can tell if it's on or off it's so loud.

the 70-200 f/4L IS isn't "loud" its "Humming".

Everytime I hear that hum I smile.

I've heard it in every IS lens I've owned

None really louder than the other, from my memory I think the Sigma OS in the 150-500 was the quietest of the bunch however... [I owned the 24-105, 17-55, 100-400 and the Sigma 150-500...] and the Sony in-body stabilization is practically silent

nureality wrote in post #8215214
the 70-200 f/4L IS isn't "loud" its "Humming".

Everytime I hear that hum I smile.

My bad, loud is a harsh word for such a pretty lens. I guess I was just comparing the hum to my non-hum of the non IS version.

Thanks for all of the feedback. So far I like the lens; going to decide if I will keep the 24-70 in the next couple months.

40dbaby wrote in post #8215589
Thanks for all of the feedback. So far I like the lens; going to decide if I will keep the 24-70 in the next couple months.

keep it if you have full-frame aspirations. sell it if you need a tele-zoom like any of the 70-200s.

Yes, IS can be loud, or it can be rather quiet. My 70-200 F/2.8 IS is really loud, and when it disengages, it lets out a 'clunk'. Made me uneasy when I first got it, but heck, about 4 years later and it's still working perfectly.

40dbaby wrote in post #8215589
Thanks for all of the feedback. So far I like the lens; going to decide if I will keep the 24-70 in the next couple months.

On a 40D? Having both, the 24-70 is like a waste of bag space if you have a 40D and 17-55 already. I can't think of ONE instance where I'd rather have the 24-70L over the 17-55. Unless you're trying to look cool or something with that red ring. I've used the 17-55 in downpours, dust storms, beaches, the works. It handled them all well with no battle wounds.

I was/am still happy with the 24-70 for what I use it for (family portraits and stuff with the kids). But the wifey really didnt like the weight and the lack of IS made it hard for her to get clear pictures sometimes. Plus, it made me nervous watching her hold that combo; was afraid she might bang it into a doorway or something, granted the 17-55 isnt that much lighter.

I never carry multiple lenses....just the 24-70 for going out and the sigma30 for home. I'll decide which to keep in a couple months (17-55 or 24-70), then maybe pick up an efs 10-22 once I get more into this hobby.

Thanks for the info on the IS longevity. First thing I thought when I heard the IS was "this IS is going to die one day after warranty ends"

The IS motor on the 17-55 is actually kinda weak. It doesn't stand up well to constant use. I turn on IS ONLY when I actually need it... like shooting at 1/40 or below and using no flash. If you use it this way it'll last forever.