DSLRUsers.com

I was wondering if someone out there might be able to help me work through an issue which i am encountering with my D300.

The camera is brand new (literally 3 days) and i am using the VR 18-200mm lens.

I started noticing an easily audible clunk everytime I half press the shutter, whilst the lens is autofocusing, aperture opening etc. If I don't shoot, there is a second clunk after a delay of a few seconds. I have tried a number of settings / modes etc but can't stop it happening. Photos are coming out fine (great even) but the sound is ugly and mechanical which scares me (and tells me maybe its not meant to be there).

Has anyone had any experience with this or can help.

Thanks
Michele

Is the lens new too

I had the same issue with my 24-120VR on my D3, there was just a little slop because the lens was well used, I didn't notice
the clunk on my D200 or S5pro. The D3 focuses alot faster than the D200 as would the D300, so it was pushing the lens a little harder.
Never had a mechanical breakage and the pics always turned out fine.
If its a new lens and your worried about it, it would be woth getting it checked out, thats what warranty is for

Mick

SOunds like it's the VR setting up and then releasing. Does the appearance of the image in the viewfinder seem to move/realign itself when you get this sound upon (i.e shortly after) releasing the shutter?

If so, and if my diahnosis is correct, then this is perfectly normal.

its the VR. turn it off and see what happens. better yet, put a non VR lens on. you should also hear a quiet whirring noise as you hold the shutter button half pressed down.

Think G and Rooz might be right.
The 24-120 was the only VR I have ever owned, and the clunk never botherd me cuz it took pictures fine, the VR thing makes sense to me.

Mick

I remember getting this when I tested a Sigma HSM 18-200mm OS (scared the shit out of me!!) but yes I think it is the VR as well. I have noticed that on some VR lenses but not all. My 70-200mm is the only VR lens that I own and I have only ever noticed it has a slightly louder whirring noise when VR is on (depressing the shutter but not when depressing the AF button) but not clunks.

I would not worry, but if you are worried call Nikon and ask (that is if you have Aust stock)

Yep
It's the VR working. On the 80-400mm the VR is particularly noisy and causes much concern among the uninitiated.

Yep - perfectly normal. All my VR lenses do it (18-200VR and 70-200VR)

Thanks all. Defintely was the VR as you predicted. I just wasn't used to it being so in my face... PS - have been on a month long break learning to use the D300 and absolutely love it..

thanks again for the advice.

Yep Definiently VR, wait till you feel it moving in a 300 2.8 lens !!! Clunk, more a thump!!