topic Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM in EF & RF Lenses

Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Ricey — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:40:14 GMT

This is rattle / shake normal for RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM? I've never had a canon IS lens with this amount of rattle / shake.

I Just moved from Canon DSLR to Mirrorless, my R5 Mark II body is still in the mail so I can't test it on body.

I bought this on Amazon (ships and sold by Amazon)

Vertical angle for mobile: https://youtube.com/shorts/U3vpsXRue5w

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Ricey — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 21:48:57 GMT

is this normal?

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

shadowsports — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:56:00 GMT

Hi Ricey,

If its a new lens, chances are its perfectly normal. The IS is not energized unless its on the camera and turned on. I know is somewhat disconcerting, but I'm sure you're fine. Wait till you get it on your camera... Its one of my favorite lenses. 😍

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Ricey — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 23:36:57 GMT

Thank you Shadowsports for your kind reply,

I see on another canon community thread where someone else posted a similar issue, but it looks like mine is worse, and the element that moves also tilts under gravity when the lens is positioned on its sides. This begs the question from me, if the IS is off without shouldn't the elements auto center? My older EF mount lens will rattle only if you shake it hard, but they never just move under gravity and tilting whichever side is down. I'm excited to get my R5 Mark II to test this, and this is not something I'm familiar with from any of the EF lenses I owned.

Here's the post with the similar issue, it looks like mine is worse.
https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EF-RF-Lenses/RF-70-200-f2-8-internal-parts-wobbling/td-p/462382

Here's the vertical YouTube short I took, I think it demonstrated the issue better because there's less glare, and the sound of the wobble / shake / rattle comes more clearly.
https://youtube.com/shorts/U3vpsXRue5w

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

deebatman316 — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:23:09 GMT

Most RF lenses use floating elements unlike EF lenses. So what you’re seeing is more there likely normal. There is no “auto centering”.

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

justadude — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:12:19 GMT

Although I understand your initial concern... I suggest that you stop shaking it before something really does go wrong. While they are built tough, I don't think they are earthquake proof. 😂

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

ebiggs1 — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:22:35 GMT

"I suggest that you stop shaking it before something really does go wrong."

I agree, why do that? 🤔

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

justadude — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:35:45 GMT

I belong to a Facebook group for the Canon R6 Mk ll. One of the often asked questions in the group by new owners is "My camera rattles when I shake it. Should I return it?"

I think you can guess the most common answer. 😂

Re: Lens elements rattle/shake on RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Ricey — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:41:07 GMT

Thanks for educating me on the floating elements of RF lenses.