Rattle inside 70-200/f4 G lens

<p>I have the AF-S 70-200mm/f4 lens and like it very much. Focuses quickly, quietly, and accurately at all focal lengths. Its performance seems fine. However, I notice a slight rattle if I hold the lens with both hands and shake it gently. I wouldn't call it loud, just noticeable. It sounds like it's coming from the front end of the lens, just inside. Can't see anything loose in there, and as I said it seems to work fine. I emailed Nikon about this and they couldn't give a definitive answer. I'm stewing over whether to send it in to have them check it. Any opinions or similar experiences here? Thanks.</p>

<p>I had a rattle like there had been a loose part inside my 70-200/4 and I eventually took it to service. They said it was something broken in the VR system and fixed it.</p>

<p>I just shook my 70-200 f4 VR there was no rattle.</p>

<p>Thanks, guys. That does it, I'm sending it in.</p>

<p>Well, I just shook my 70-200mm/f4 AF-S VR, and it too rattles a bit. That seems to come from the front end.</p>

<p>My lens has been working great for several years. Perhaps that is just the way this lens is normally.</p>

<p>I suspect that the VR element might shake in some lenses. </p>

<p>When it is powered, the VR system has control over the VR element, but not when it isn't powered.<br>

Try shaking when the power is on.</p>

<p>In my case it was not the element itself that was loose (as far as I know; the 70-200/2.8G II has a VR which lets the VR element move freely when the lens is not powered up, whereas with other lenses the VR group is locked in position when the VR is not in use), but it appeared as if there was a part like a bearing ball loose inside the lens, the sound was like that, it seemed to be bouncing around. I had not heard such a sound from any other lens, VR or not. Anyway the repair consistent of replacing the inner barrel that contains the optics, the SWM and the VR system, as far as I understood the explanation. They also replaced the rubber rings to make it cosmetically perfect so there was little to distinguish it from a brand new lens. The extra sound disappeared. Anyway my guess of the ball bearing may not be correct but it was clearly something that was loose and bouncing around.</p>

<p>I also shook a couple other similar lenses: a 70-200mm/f2.8 AF-S VR II and a 300mm/f4 PF AF-S VR. Something is also rattling a bit inside the 70-200mm/f2.8 but to a lesser degree. There is no ratting at all in the 300mm/f4 PF.</p>

<p>In the case of the 70-200mm/f4 AF-S VR, it feels like some front element is moving side way a little.</p>

<p>This kind of issues is difficult to describe precisely over the internet. If the OP is not comfortable with his lens, it is best to find a camera store or some camera club to find another sample of that lens to compare.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Well, I just shook my 70-200mm/f4 AF-S VR, and it too rattles a bit. <br>

My lens has been working great for several years. Perhaps that is just the way this lens is normally.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Same here. Maybe a tad more pronounced than what I hear from other Nikon lenses, like the 16-35 or 80-400.</p>

 

<p>Thanks to all. It may be that it's normal, but I like this lens too much to risk having it fail while I'm using it. I wish I could compare it with a new one, but I'm well over a hundred miles from a camera store. It's on its way to Nikon. I'll post the results when it comes back.</p>

<p>Dave, it is important that as the owner, you are comfortable with your 70-200mm/f4. Since it doesn't seem to be easy for you to find another one to compare against, it is a good move to let Nikon check it out. Just don't be too surprised that they tell you there is nothing wrong.</p>

<p>I have this lens. I suspect it is the VR mechanism. Mine makes very little if any noise.</p>

<p>I just shook my 70-200/4 and I do hear some movement, could call it a rattle, when shaken. Probably the VR element group moving around. Never had any problem with the lens.</p>

<p>Thanks to all. It may be that it's normal, but I like this lens too much to risk having it fail while I'm using it. I wish I could compare it with a new one, but I'm well over a hundred miles from a camera store. It's on its way to Nikon. I'll post the results when it comes back.</p>

 

Did you ever get a response on this?