Is Squeaky AF Noise Normal for Canon RF 24-105mm f/4?

[Grep]

Hi,

I recently bought the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 lens as a refurbished item from Canon's website, and I use it with my Canon R8. In video mode, autofocus is quick, accurate, and completely silent, even when I adjust the Movie Servo AF Speed to the fastest or slowest settings. The lens smoothly refocuses in under a second when switching between subjects at different distances.

In photo mode, autofocus is extremely fast and works perfectly. However, when Preview AF is enabled (or when I half-press the shutter button to continuously search for focus), I notice a squeaky sound, similar to a rubber bath toy maybe? I uploaded a video where I point the camera toward the ceiling, repeatedly searching for focus.

My question is simple: Is this squeaky sound normal for this lens, or should I contact Canon for a replacement?

To summarize:

1. In video mode, everything works fine—no sound at all.
2. In photo mode, the squeaky sound occurs when Preview AF is enabled or during H+ continuous JPEG shooting with fast-moving focus. It's especially noticeable when I'm indoors in a completely silent environment. And if I press.
3. If I half-press the shutter button to continuously search for focus - this is when I hear the sound mostly.

What do you think? Is this behavior expected for this lens?

https://youtube.com/shorts/V6UMahkHxRg

Thank you

[Grep]

Meanwhile I got a reply from reddit. Looks I'm not the only one: "Yes. I had 3 copies of that lens. Only 1 made that sound. I would not classify it as normal."

[ebiggs1]

"My question is simple: Is this squeaky sound normal for this lens, or should I contact Canon for a replacement?"

Yes you should contact Canon and certainly not Reddit as a source for answers. Call Canon 1 (800) 652-2666 if for nothing else your piece of mind as to whether it is normal or needs service.

[Robegul]

Hi,

I listened to your video - sounds like a bird stuck in there!  I have the RF 24 - 105L on an R6.   Had it for about 2 years.  I don't see a "Preview AF" mode on mine, but I can set it to Servo mode or just Continuous AF, so it searches continuously.   It is totally quiet.  So it appears to me that this might not be normal, unless for some reason it is linked to an R8.  I would call Canon tech support and discuss with them.  Good luck.

[Grep]

I don't believe the issue is related to the R8 body, as my other STM lens, the RF 50mm f/1.8, operates completely silently. Did you purchase the lens new or refurbished? I spoke with Canon support today, and while they offered to exchange the lens, it's currently out of stock. This means the only option is to return it—unless it becomes available again within the next 14 days

[Robegul]

I bought my lens new.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

That squeaking is not normal.  Not by a long shot.  Contact Canon.  

[Grep]

Yeah , it's very annoying high frequency sound. Do you still have RF 24-105 F4? Should I ask canon to fix it or return? They don't have refurbished replacement and don't know what to do...