100mm f/2.8L IS macro noisy?

I'm looking for a macro lens and am almost ready to pull the trigger on the 100 L IS.

However, recently I've been reading user reports about noisy IS, and that the lens makes a rattling sound.

Almost all reviews I've read are positive and don't seem to mention this though. However not articles about this lens are a bit dated now.

I owned a sigma 17-50 for a brief period and that lens was quite clunky, I found it quite annoying.

What are people's experience with the 100L macro? Is is noisy / clunky? How does it compare to more modern lenses that are released today? Are there better options for macro now? Or is the 100L macro still considered a top choice?

It is not particularly noisy in use. BUT if you slightly shake it, you can feel (and hear) the optical elements inside moving quite a lot. I do not know if this is in all the 100L, but it surprised (and scared!) me when I got the lens. Otherwise everything is working perfectly, this is a beautiful lens!

It's fair to say that it does have its own sound but it's not annoying. I think the reported rattle is down to the hybrid IS which also attempts to correct lateral movement but the rattle is only obvious when the lens is shaken.

Bob

Every IS lens I own rattles and whirs when in use. It is just the IS mechanism, nothing to worry about.

Though I wouldn't go shaking it too much in case you put it out of alignment.

The Canon 70-200 f/4L IS is basically a coffee grinder when running, but I'm told that's normal. I've never noticed the IS on 100L running when behind the viewfinder, so from my POV it's not noisy.

Yes it does and no, it's not an issue of any kind.
Go for it. The lens is great.

I won't speak to whether there are better macro lens but I do own the 100macro L - I also own 70-200 F4 IS, 70-200 F2.8 IS, the 100-400 II IS and 24-104 F4 IS.

In terms of noise, none of them is silent but:

1) 70-200 F4 IS - by far the loudest (espresso machine when it starts up - but it is a constant swirling sound)
2) 100 macro - has more of a chirping sound when it starts - it is NOT silent but lets say 50% of the 70-200 F4 (minus the first loud chirp)
3) 24-105 - if the 70-200 F4 is a 10/10, the 100 macro is a 6.5/10, this is a 3/10 in terms of sound (it is actually quiet)
4) 70-200 F2.8 - quieter again than the 24-105 - lets say 2/10
5) 100-400 II - very slightly quieter again - maybe 1.5/10

'Noisy' is defined differently by each individual. I own the 100mm L and hardly ever notice the sounds it makes. I also own the 70-200 f/4 L IS and I would definitely not compare it to a coffee grinder: again, I barely notice its sounds. I'd say that unless you'll be working in an environment where you can hear a spider spinning its web, once you get into the heart of the matter (the actual photography) you'll stop paying attention to minutiae (lens noise).

And, for the record, I'm not deaf, thank God. I actually have a very acute sense of hearing.

I wouldn't worry too much about lens noise; you'll notice it when you first start using the lens, but afterwards your brain will filter it out. Unless you are intently listening for it.

Pull that trigger, and forget about any IS noise (unless you're using it for video). It's a fantastic lens.

I never noticed it being noisy, nor my 70-200F4. It's a great lens, I got it when I went full frame and sold my 60mm to a friend.

LV Moose wrote in post #17522617
Pull that trigger, and forget about any IS noise (unless you're using it for video). It's a fantastic lens.

Trigger pulled

wanner wrote in post #17524134
Trigger pulled

Enjoy. I think you'll love it.

I agree with the others. The lens isn't silent, but it isn't loud or distracting either. As others have mentioned, there are definitely louder implementations of IS (300 f/4L IS for example). I really like mine and am strongly considering pulling it from the FS thread because it is worth more to me than I can probably get for it here on the forum. It really is a great lens. Super sharp, fast and accurate AF, solid build etc. It doubles as an excellent portrait lens and works for much more than just macro. You will enjoy!

I got one, never noticed the noise, but I do notice the great images! Pull the trigger and enjoy!

I had a 100L and when I first got it, it made a loud clunking sound. I asked Canon about it and they said that the hybrid IS mechanism making that noise. I think, that if you turn the IS off before turning the camera off, and then remove the lens, it will make a lot of internal noise.

I tested this out and if I remember correctly, when I left the IS switch in the on position, turned the camera off and then removed the lens, there was a lot less noise when handling the lens when it is was away from the camera body.

Test it and see if this makes a difference.