17-55 2.8 making a clicking sound and then hear motor running followed by another click

<p>Hello! I just got the 17-55 2.8 today (after returning the 24-70 2.8L) and maybe I'm just paranoid but the lens is making some strange sounds. When I press AF-ON (I no longer use the shutter half press for auto focus) the lens makes a soft clicking sound as it immediately finds focus (very similar to the sound of a small amount of steam being released) and then I can hear the motor running for 1-2 seconds followed by another click sound and then the motor stops running. Is this normal? I would love to hear from other 17-55 2.8 owners!</p>

<p>This is supposed to be a new lens, not refurbished if that makes any difference. </p>

<p>If this is an IS lens, it's normal.</p>

<p>Its the IS for sure switch it off and see if it stops.</p>

<p>The new 70-200 f/2,8 L IS II does just the same when IS is on. Like Gary said, turn IS off to find out for sure.</p>

<p>Sounds the IS is working... fine. :)</p>

<p>"Is this normal? I would love to hear from other 17-55 2.8 owners!"<br>

Nope, I use one of these all the time on the job with a Canon 40D, never had the problem you describe.</p>

 

<p>I vote for the IS. When I read the topic, before clicking my thoughts where, "you mean the IS noise?"<br>

I'll bet on that.</p>

<p>is IS.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for reassuring me; it is indeed the IS, and it seems to be working great! </p>

<p>What they said...</p>

<p>Mine is over five years old now, and it has survived heavy commercial use, as well as numerous disaster scenarios over the years. It has also survived four generations of APS-C camera bodies from the 30D, to the 7D, and it still remains all alone at the summit of L quality lens performance in it's focal range for APS-C bodies.</p>

<p>Get used to it's unique chirps, and spend a decade or two smiling about how you chose the best lens that money can buy in it's class by far, without compromise or excuse. By the way, if you didn't buy a hood for your lens, buy one now. It is the best IQ enhancement, and the best insurance against damage offered for the lens at any price. All you have to do is commit to using it at all times. Trust me, it's true....</p>

<p>The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens is a prime example of how buying the finest glass is always worth more than buying the most current camera body. Here are three shots showing my first and only 17-55 lens on 40D, 50D, and 7D bodies. I also have shots where it is mounted on the 30D body that was leading edge tech when I bought the lens, but these three shots make my point in fine style.</p>

<p>My Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 lens is over five years old. There is nothing in the Canon catalog, or any third party catalog that can deliver higher performance on an APS-C camera in the same focal range. Nothing at all. When I bought my lens over five years ago, it cost me right at $1,000. Cleaned up for the used market, it still sells for right at $1,000 even after five years of heavy commercial use. Keep that thought in mind for a moment...</p>

<p>The 30D body I owned when I bought the new 17-55 f/2.8 lens cost me far more than $1,000 at the time. The addition of a battery grip, hand strap, and additional batteries brought the total to closer to $2,000 in reality. When I transferred that camera to a deserving new owner several years ago, it's used market value had declined to well below $600, even with the grip, shipping box, and accessories. The 17-55 was still worth $1,000 used at the time......</p>

<p>Since then, I have updated my camera bodies to remain abreast of technical advances that may enhance my ability to pay bills. I still own a 40D, a 50D, and a 7D in the APS-C form factor. In each case, the purchase price for each basic camera body alone was far more costly than the initial purchase price of the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens, yet within a year or two, both the 40D, and the 50D bodies lost so much cash resale value that their current used value (in pristine condition) is hundreds of Dollars less than the value of my five year old 17-55 lens!</p>

<p>My current 7D is very new, but I have no doubt that before another year has passed, it's used value will also dip below that of my old 17-55 lens.</p>

<p>People often tend to be dazzled by breakthrough camera performance, and then look for value power when they buy lenses, so they can afford the latest expensive camera bodies first. It's a backwards financial formula. Today, as in the past, the best lenses last for decades, if not a lifetime without becoming second string performers badly in need of an update, or worthless cheap entry points that were expected to be obsolete soon after the purchase was made because desire to have something now overpowered patience.</p>

<p>In reality, no matter how marketing people might wish things were different, or how happy people who currently own cheap glass may be as a result of never owning the best glass, the truth is that the high end examples of digital camera bodies offered today are the obsolete cheap used junk offered tomorrow, while the best lenses offered today will likely continue to be the best lenses available way beyond tomorrow....</p>

<p>In your case, you own the best lens money can buy in it's class. Enjoy it, as it will likely be with you for a long time to come....</p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4737447945_bff08ddf78.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4659343072_8f4a88a7ae.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4737442213_f0f6bbb70d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p>

<p> </p>

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Edited July 26, 2017 by William Michael