RF100-400 question

[candyman]

I hope someone who owns the RF 100-400 can help me out. Apparently, I'm having no luck with this lens (or maybe I am?). I bought the lens from Canon a long time ago and the AF didn't work. I have since acquired a new copy. The AF works. The lens barrel locks properly when extended and doesn't wobble. However, when I look inside the front of the lens, I see the lens group moving when I, for example, gently move the lens from left to right and back again. So, it seems to be loose on the inside. I didn't notice that with the other RF100-400. I took some short test photos indoors. (It is raining outside) AF, IS, and quality seem fine. I haven't done a PixelPeep test yet to determine if alignment plays a role. When you have the lens, do you also see the entire assembly moving inside when you move the lens?

 

[neuroanatomist]

Yes, that's normal. Some, but not all, RF lenses do that. My RF 100-400 does, as do my RF 100-500L, 70-200/2.8L and 100/2.8L Macro. Other lenses, e.g., my RF 24-105/2.8L and RF 24-240, do not. Even if you can't see the elements moving inside, RF lenses with IS don't park it when unmounted so they'll make a clunking sound when you move them around.

 

[candyman]

Yes, that's normal. Some, but not all, RF lenses do that. My RF 100-400 does, as do my RF 100-500L, 70-200/2.8L and 100/2.8L Macro. Other lenses, e.g., my RF 24-105/2.8L and RF 24-240, do not. Even if you can't see the elements moving inside, RF lenses with IS don't park it when unmounted so they'll make a clunking sound when you move them around.

Thank you for providing some more clarity. By the way, I don't hear any clunking sound. I guess that is good. So I only see the elements moving. After the first experience, I was already afraid I would have to go back to Canon again. Now I just hope for nice weather in the coming days so I can put the lens to work outdoors as well.

 

[neuroanatomist]

You won't hear the clunk if you 'gently move the lens from left to right and back again'. You most likely will if you give it a decent shake. Perfectly normal for these lenses.

 

[P-visie]

Thank you for providing some more clarity. By the way, I don't hear any clunking sound. I guess that is good. So I only see the elements moving. After the first experience, I was already afraid I would have to go back to Canon again. Now I just hope for nice weather in the coming days so I can put the lens to work outdoors as well.

As @neuroanatomist status: this is normal (I got quite a fright when I got my 100-500mm and saw the IS unit moving around). Canon has stopped "locking" the image stabilizer in (some) RF lenses.
See section "IS Lens Lock Mechanism"on https://exclusivearchitecture.com/03-technical-articles-CLT-18-image-stabilization.html

 

[candyman]

As @neuroanatomist status: this is normal (I got quite a fright when I got my 100-500mm and saw the IS unit moving around). Canon has stopped "locking" the image stabilizer in (some) RF lenses.
See section "IS Lens Lock Mechanism"on https://exclusivearchitecture.com/03-technical-articles-CLT-18-image-stabilization.html

Hi Pieter, thank you for the link to the article. I will read it.
I recall, by the way, that in the past it was also advised via websites to transport lenses with IS with the IS switch off. Apparently, that doesn't matter anymore either?

EDIT: I am reading "The IS unit is able to lock and unlock the shifting lens cell depending on the IS switch position on the lens barrel. Mechanically locking the compensation optics prevents the lens from unintentional shifts when stabilization is turned off."

 

[neuroanatomist]

EDIT: I am reading "The IS unit is able to lock and unlock the shifting lens cell depending on the IS switch position on the lens barrel. Mechanically locking the compensation optics prevents the lens from unintentional shifts when stabilization is turned off."

That's in reference to EF lenses. RF lenses don't do that. No point in switching off IS for transport of an RF lens.