Hi,
I just purchased Canon's 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM lens used. Takes great photos and seems to be working fine. The only issue I'm having is that the motor makes a noise during focusing. It's an electronical/mechanical sounds, high-pitched, whenever the motor turns the focusing ring.

Is this normal, or something I should be worried about? I wondering whether I ought to return the lens while I'm able to do so and put the money towards a new one. Does anyone hear this sound using their lens?

Thanks,
theturninggate

I think this is due to your more than EXCELLENT hearing sense. It is most likely that that you hear the UltraSonic frequency range ! ...

Well, there's definitely a sound -- a sort of high-pitched, mechanical whir; the sort of sound you might expect a device of this sort to make if it weren't supposed to be silent. And that's why I'm concerned. I've managed to find a few articles online that mention such a noise from USM lenses, so maybe this is normal, but I don't know.

So, presuming that I'm not crazy or possessing of super-human hearing capabilities, and that I actually do hear a sound, should I be worried? Might this be indicative that something is wrong with the motor?

The best thing you can do is find another similar lens (16-35 f/2.8 or 17-40 f/4) and compare the noise with your lens. My lenses don't seem to produce high-pitch noise...

I own the lens... and have good hearing.... it only makes a small amount of noise during focusing... but it is quiet.

It's hard over the internet to say if the sound is normal or not. For peace of mind, you might just exchange it. That is what I would do. The only times I've heard any real change in the sound of the lens is cold weather... I believe when the greese is cold and therefore a bit thicker.


rick

I have a 17-40 f4l and i hear a slight sqeak out of it when it gets really cold (< 25F). otherwise, it's pretty quiet, and i have very good hearing. i'm one of the cursed folks who can hear the whine of an old CRT tv or monitor..

I can also hear old TVs and monitors. The sound the lens makes is quiet, but certainly more obvious than a TV whine. My only options are to keep the lens, or to return it and pick up a new one for maybe $200 more.

It's not bothersome except I worry that the USM may be going bad, as the lens is already used (I don't know its history). At the moment, however, it seems to be perfectly functional ...

And because I'm in Korea, whether I buy new or used, there simply is no warranty. There's a very bizarre clause here that invalidates international warranties on all Canon lenses except those specifically manufactured for and marketed in South Korea. Such lenses bear an LG logo. So, for the extra $200, all I get is a cardboard box. That's an expensive box ...

I can't say that I have ever heard mine make any noise.

I think I can hear AF noise on every single USM lens I've ever tried.

I don't have a 16-35L but I can hear the 17-40.

Very quiet noises & very different then traditional AF motors but they still make noise. Kind of a whirring or brushing noise.

Usually the shorter the focal length the less noise it makes. My 300/4 makes lots of noise, you can hear it applying lots of force to move those big pieces of glass.

Replacing the USM system is likely to be more expensive than $200 in the warranty doesn't cover it.