Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro USM question

I just received a Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro from Buydig. I've only taken a few test shots indoors at night, and they are quite sharp. However the USM (or something else in the lens) is loud, and I just wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced a problem with this lens being loud?

Oddly enough, the lens is making a lot of noise after the shot is taken, for a second or two, almost like it's is continually trying to focus, though it isn't, as it makes the same noise in manual focus mode. It almost sounds like a toy train engine (think N scale) after a picture is taken?!

I've never quite heard anything like it.

That's just the IS noise...

Thanks, the noise coming from the IS makes sense, so I'll re=phrase the question. Is it common for the IS on this lens to be a lot louder than the IS on other Canon lenses?

(I have the 28-135, 17-55 ef-s, 70-300 DO, and 24-105. None of which make even remotely as much noise as this lens.)

yes, should be completely normal.

the IS on the 100L sounds very similar to my 70-200 II.

I find that the sound is much louder on my 100L than on any of my other lenses.

I also notice that this lens is very light and hollow feeling. Maybe this is one of the reasons why the IS is louder than normal.

Steve,

Please clarify....

Is it a 100/2.8L IS?

That's not what you asked about... You asked about the other 100mm... Reading your post, it sounds as if you are using the non-L, non-IS lens. (Both lenses have USM. But the non-L, non-IS is often just called the "100/2.8 USM Macro", to distinguish it from an older version 100mm macro that was not USM. So there are three Canon 100mm macros: 100L or 100L/IS, 100/2.8 USM, and 100/2.8.)

If it is the IS version, then the noise you are hearing is pretty normal. The IS mechanisms in the L/IS version of the lens do make some noise, such as the gyros winding down even after you have taken the shot (or continuing to run if you still have the shutter release button half-pressed or the AF On button pressed).

If it is not the IS version, then the noise is not normal, something is wrong and you might be wise to ask for an exchange. The 100/2.8 USM is a pretty quiet lens... just very slight noises from the AF and aperture that are almost intantaneous and likely won't be heard over the camera's shutter.

the first post says


"I just received a Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro from Buydig." ..............

Which means IS. The prior 100, as good as it is, is not an L and not IS.

Totally normal for the 100L. The IS is noisy.

Keep in mind this lens is listed as having a "hybrid IS" system, never looked too deeply as to what exactly that is, never cared enough too.

Just got mine too from buydig, and I do notice that the IS is louder than the 70-200.

Alan, yes this is the IS version of the lens, and the IS is what I am hearing (the noise stops when I switch IS off). Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond and confirm this is normal for this lens.