topic Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up? in EF & RF Lenses

EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Hikelife — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:24:09 GMT

Hello, I just got a used 100-400 with a known "rattle" when shaken, so far everything seems to function but haven't tried it out much yet. When half shutter depressed everything runs as expected, IS and AF both work perfectly, but after IS is depowered the lock up doesn't function and is free to shake till repowered, has anyone come across this issue and a possible resolution or is it just a matter of sending it in for repair?

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Tronhard — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:57:32 GMT

Hi and welcome to the forum:

There are several variants of the 100-400: the EF (original) 100-400 and a MkII one, then there is the RF 100-400. Which of these do you have?

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Hikelife — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 22:10:23 GMT

Thank you for the welcome!

I have the EF 100-400 4.5-5.6 L IS II USM

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Tronhard — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:08:41 GMT

Thanks for that. I have the same lens.

When the lens is not connected to a camera, or it is not powered up, the IS element within the optics is free to move around, so a slight rattle is not unusual. I have used several of this variant, and the degree of rattle seems to vary a bit, but I have not found this to be an issue.

When the lens is active, the IS element is moving at high speed and thus the gyroscopic effect of the movement, as it is intended, should not result in a significant rattle.

You might find this reference handy in getting to know more about your lens.
User manual Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM (English - 21 pages)

I hope this addresses your question!

Where abouts do you hike?

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Far-Out-Dude — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 04:31:11 GMT

Any clue where I can buy that in paper form? The one I bought only came with a three or four page manual. Thanks.

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Tronhard — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:02:40 GMT

Sorry, no idea where (I live in NZ), but you could always get it printed, or download it to your phone or tablet.

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Hikelife — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 23:13:36 GMT

Highly appreciate the info and definitely answered my question! Im glad its a known "feature" and not a major issue across the models.
I hike the north eastern US in the 4k peaks for the majority. Try to bring my camera along as much as i can!

Re: EF 100-400 IS II, IS lock up?

Tronhard — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:33:06 GMT

Glad you are reassured! I used to hike in BC and Alberta but now live in NZ where I have also 'tramped' (as we call it here) over a significant part of the company. Given these were multi-day activities and I didn't want to overload, and much as I love Canon gear, I use the Sony RX-10IV - which is arguable still the world's best bridge camera.

It's got a 20MP BSI/stacked 1" sensor, IS, and a fabulous Zeiss lens of 24-600mm (equivalent FoV) attached. The menus are horrible, but I have configured the beast to my needs so I don't have to access them any longer. The saving in bulk and weight is significant. I can take landscapes and immediately get up close and personal with a bird (the main variety of wildlife here).