topic RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Elements Wobble in EF & RF Lenses

RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Elements Wobble

JoelT — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:18:09 GMT

I recently purchased a refurbished RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM. When zoomed back to 100, and the lens is held in a vertical orientation, then tipped back and forth, you can see (and hear) the group of elements just behind the front lens tip form side-to-side. Is this normal? I sent it in for repair and just got it back. It is still doing the wobble, so I'm wondering if this is just what to expect. It would seem to me that a grouping of lenses that at off-axis would create image aberrations.

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

Stephen — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 21:23:05 GMT

It'll be easier to call support so they can verify this with you one-on-one. They're at 800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666).

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

kvbarkley — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:51:37 GMT

You forgot a few letters: IS

You are seeing the image stabilization group that is not locked down when the lens is off. It does indeed cause a lens aberration in order to keep the image stable. Try shaking it with the camera on and focusing.

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 23:07:48 GMT

Hello, Joel, and welcome to the forum.

That is normal when the lens is off camera or the camera is off. When the lens is on camera and powered, it won't do that. Not sure of the technical aspects, but those elements are part of the lens IS system, which is magnetic IIRC, and will hold those elements in place under power.

Newton

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

JoelT — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:01:56 GMT

Thank you for the swift reply. I am able to confirm that the lens does snap into place then the camera is turned on.

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

FloridaDrafter — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:19:05 GMT

Sorry, I type slow and didn't see your correct reply until later or I would have deleted mine.

Newton

Re: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Wobble

FloridaDrafter — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:29:55 GMT

@JoelT wrote:
"Thank you for the swift reply. I am able to confirm that the lens does snap into place when the camera is turned on."

You are welcome, Joel! We see this same question from time to time and understand the concern. Another thing you might notice, if your R series camera has it, is the IBIS system will also rattle a bit if the camera is shaken.

Newton