Image Stabilization

[cliffy]

I just received a Canon 70-300mm IS lens today from B&H. I noticed the IS system is rather noisy. Sounds like a wheel spinning in the lens. I found this rather strange since the kit lens with my XSI is a 18-55mm IS lens and it make no noise at all. Does anyone else have experience with Canon's IS lenses? Is this normal? Thanks.

[Dbl]

Sounds normal to me. I've always been able to hear the IS kick in all the lenses that have IS. It should be smooth sound not raspy or grindy. Its a bit hard to explain but I hope you know what I mean.

[Nymph]

Yes,it is normal. That lens,for some reason,is a little louder than others.

[cliffy]

Thanks guys but I am sending it back. The sound is not smooth. It sounds like a wheel that is out of balance with a rubbing noise. To confirm my suspicion, I just ran out to Best Buy and they had the same lens and they let me play with it...and it does not make the same noise.

I probably just should have bought it locally but B&H had it for about 150.00 less....

Thanks again.

[Steve Foss]

I think that's the right thing to do, cliffy. Not sure about B&H's return policiy, but Canon will repair it on warranty at no cost to you. B&H may direct you to send it to Canon, and there should be contact info for Canon on the warranty card/printed info that came with the lens.

[Dbl]

B&H has excellent return policies, you will have no problems replacing the lens. If I remember you have 15 days no questions asked. Contact them for an RMA and you will be set.

[cliffy]

Yup, B&H has been great to work with so far. I contacted them, they sent a RMA number and said I would be getting a prepaid UPS label by e-mail later today. I was told to send it back and they would send me a new lens. Its too bad, I was really looking forward to using the lens on my days off...but for that kind of money, I want to make sure it works perfect. Thanks again for the info.

Cliffy.

[Steve Foss]

Well, the turnaround time shouldn't be too bad, especially if they're giving you a second-day air label. If you'd have had to send it to Canon, you'd be looking at potentially a couple weeks.