Noisy 300mm f2.8L IS

[SMT]

Got my new 300mm f2.8L IS a few days ago and took it out for a test shoot day before yesterday. I was quite surprised (alarmed!) how noisy the AF is. It almost clunks when it starts up and then is quite noisy whirring away while in use. Is this normal? My 24-105L and 100-400L are pretty much silent.

Thanks - Simon.

 

[Trappe]

Larger lens larger motors?

 

[malla1962]

AF is silent on mine but the IS makes a bit of a clunk when it dogs in.

 

[Roy C]

Mine is so quite I sometimes wonder if it is on/working - it is reassuring to see the image stabilise in the viewfinder. Mind you my hearing is not A1 due to working a lifetime in a factory, I suspect younger ears would hear it.

 

[swag72]

I hear the IS whirring on my 300/4. I never heard it on my 100-400. Not bothered by it though.

 

[pecrow]

Is certainly clunks in with my 300mm f4, horrible noise. was told it is normal...

 

[SMT]

Thanks, that makes me feel more comfortable about it!

 

[Vertigo1]

It'll definitely be the IS rather than the AF (turn IS off to check it). Some implementations are noisier than others - my 70-200 F4 IS makes a right old racket.