Z9 / FTZ II noise

[steigw]

I recently purchased a Z9 / FTZ II kit and have found that when I mount the only 2 AF-S lenses I own (a 500 PF and 105 2.8 Micro) onto the FTZ / Z9, a motor like sound starts running. I initially was calling it a grinding sound, but believe it's more like motor sound now. AF is not active. the camera is just sitting there doing nothing. turn the camera off and the noise stops. turn it on and the noise immediately starts. I called Nikon USA support and demonstrated it on the call. He asked if I had any other non Z lenses and I put a 70-300 DX lens on and the noise did not happen. Just dead silent, just as the camera is with a Z lens mounted to it. The short is that he said they would try to duplicate the noise in the shop.

Because I was so sure something was wrong with the FTZ adapter, I purchased a second one which exhibited the exact same behavior. So now not so sure. It's a pretty annoying sound to have grinding away and I would expect that if something is actually spinning in there it would impact camera performance and battery life. BTW, if I remove the lens so that its only the Z9 with FTZ II on it, there is no sound. the Z9 has firmware 3.01 on it.

I'd welcome any input on what might be going on and most importantly how to stop it.

 

[RichF]

could this be VR engaging?

 

[JDG Photo]

It may the VR in the lens running. Try turning the VR off.

 

[DRwyoming]

Yeah, as posted above VR is a likely culprit. In Nikon mirrorless cameras VR stays active as long as the camera is awake unlike DSLRs where the VR shuts off when the meter times out.

 

[Bobo]

I experienced the same thing with the 500 f4. It's the VR motors running constantly - and, really unfortunate because it means i have to forgo using VR. So, i lose a very important capability on big glass - because i don't want to risk burning out the motors. The VR system is not designed as a continuous duty system and is not meant to run all the time. No telling - with supply chain issues - what the cost and time would be to repair the VR of a big lens. Since i cant upgrade to z-mount big glass due to availability - i'm a bit disappointed working in crippled lens mode

 

[Steve]

I experienced the same thing with the 500 f4. It's the VR motors running constantly - and, really unfortunate because it means i have to forgo using VR. So, i lose a very important capability on big glass - because i don't want to risk burning out the motors. The VR system is not designed as a continuous duty system and is not meant to run all the time. No telling - with supply chain issues - what the cost and time would be to repair the VR of a big lens. Since i cant upgrade to z-mount big glass due to availability - i'm a bit disappointed working in crippled lens mode

To be fair, I don't think I've ever heard of VR burning out. FWIW, I know I used VR without issue with my F-mount glass and Z9 since I got it - and my Z9 has seen a LOT of use this year

I don't think it's a big worry. Keep in mind VR was always on whenever the meter on your DSLR was on in the past too.

 

[steigw]

Well you are all correct. I checked it out on both the 500 PF and the 105 Micro. With those lenses on the Z9 and VR activated, the motor sound is on continuously. Because those lenses have the VR control on the lens, you can't turn it off via the body's settings, instead you flip the switch on the lens and the motor sound stops. I find it amazing that none of the numerous reviews of the Z9, including the tests showing how fast the AF-S big glass can focus ever picked up on this issue. It makes me wonder if a more recent firmware upgrade caused it? I mean its loud and noticeable. I'm upgrading from a D7500 and used the 500PF / 105 Micro on it for a year and it doesn't make any noise at all when the VR is running.

 

[Steve W]

I experienced the same thing with the 500 f4. It's the VR motors running constantly - and, really unfortunate because it means i have to forgo using VR. So, i lose a very important capability on big glass - because i don't want to risk burning out the motors. The VR system is not designed as a continuous duty system and is not meant to run all the time. No telling - with supply chain issues - what the cost and time would be to repair the VR of a big lens. Since i cant upgrade to z-mount big glass due to availability - i'm a bit disappointed working in crippled lens mode

You should still have the cameras IBIS but it is less effective on long lenses than the “in lens” VR.

 

[steigw]

To be fair, I don't think I've ever heard of VR burning out. FWIW, I know I used VR without issue with my F-mount glass and Z9 since I got it - and my Z9 has seen a LOT of use this year

I don't think it's a big worry. Keep in mind VR was always on whenever the meter on your DSLR was on in the past too.

I'm more focused on the sound issue. It's noticeable. If it ran silently as it did on my D7500, I wouldn't have ever noticed or started this thread. I don't really understand the mechanics of why it can run silently on the D7500 but not run silently on the Z9. I don't have access to professional grade DSLRs to know how quiet or noisy it would be on them. Never have read a review where someone commented on the noise, so I'd assume it ran silently on the various DSLRs. But no one commented on how AFS glass with VR would be noisy on the Z9 either, so I'm still at loss as to why it makes a continuous small motor running sound on my particular Z9.

 

[Steve]

I'm more focused on the sound issue. It's noticeable. If it ran silently as it did on my D7500, I wouldn't have ever noticed or started this thread. I don't really understand the mechanics of why it can run silently on the D7500 but not run silently on the Z9. I don't have access to professional grade DSLRs to know how quiet or noisy it would be on them. Never have read a review where someone commented on the noise, so I'd assume it ran silently on the various DSLRs. But no one commented on how AFS glass with VR would be noisy on the Z9 either, so I'm still at loss as to why it makes a continuous small motor running sound on my particular Z9.

I'm not sure. My 500PF seemed about the same on my Z9 as my DSLRs. The Z9 also adds IBIS, but that's pretty quiet too. If I get a chance, I'll do a quick comparison and report back.

 

[Steve]

OK, I checked the 500PF on my D7500 and then on my Z9 with the FTZ 2 and I can't really tell any difference in the noise level. It sounds the same to me.

 

[steigw]

OK, I checked the 500PF on my D7500 and then on my Z9 with the FTZ 2 and I can't really tell any difference in the noise level. It sounds the same to me.

That is strange. Are you saying they both produce a motor like sound, just not too loud? Or are you saying they are both silent? I shot a short video that I'm going to have to provide to Nikon, I don't really know how to post it here. The video shows the noise on the Z9 but I shot it before knowing that turning off the VR would turn off the sound. the video is of the 105 Micro. Makes me think I have a lemon for a Z9. Already contacted Adorama and they refused return saying its a warranty issue.

 

[Steve]

That is strange. Are you saying they both produce a motor like sound, just not too loud? Or are you saying they are both silent? I shot a short video that I'm going to have to provide to Nikon, I don't really know how to post it here. The video shows the noise on the Z9 but I shot it before knowing that turning off the VR would turn off the sound. the video is of the 105 Micro. Makes me think I have a lemon for a Z9. Already contacted Adorama and they refused return saying its a warranty issue.

Both produce a motor-like sound and yes, it's not too loud at all. I can barely hear it from behind the camera (although my room isn't 100% silent). It's normal to hear the sound, but I don't think it should be excessively loud.

I also happen to have the 105 and give it a try. Again, it seems about the same. However, I did noticed that after a moment it got quieter on the D7500 and then noisier (about twice as loud) when I half-pressed the shutter. The half-press level of noise is what I hear on the Z9.

 

[steigw]

Both produce a motor-like sound and yes, it's not too loud at all. I can barely hear it from behind the camera (although my room isn't 100% silent). It's normal to hear the sound, but I don't think it should be excessively loud.

I also happen to have the 105 and give it a try. Again, it seems about the same. However, I did noticed that after a moment it got quieter on the D7500 and then noisier (about twice as loud) when I half-pressed the shutter. The half-press level of noise is what I hear on the Z9.

Thanks for the info! I guess another reason to move to all Z glass. But this also makes me wonder if I've not had VR running on my D7500. Is there a setting that should be turned on? I think I was just relying on the switch on the lens. Because my D7500 doesn't make any noise similar to what I'm getting on the Z9. I'd say its silent, at least when using the 500 PF which is what I use most of the time.

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the info! I guess another reason to move to all Z glass. But this also makes me wonder if I've not had VR running on my D7500. Is there a setting that should be turned on? I think I was just relying on the switch on the lens. Because my D7500 doesn't make any noise similar to what I'm getting on the Z9. I'd say its silent, at least when using the 500 PF which is what I use most of the time.

When the VR switch is on the lens, that's what controls everything (even on mirrorless).
My guess is that what you're experiencing is normal, but it would be nice if you knew someone with similar gear to compare side by side.

 

[StarDust]

Strange

I am not hearing anything

 

[MJR]

I never noticed any VR noise in all my F and Z mount lenses before. I checked the 500 PF with the FTZ II adaptor on my Z9 and I had to put the lens up to my ear to hear the whirling VR sound. Turning the VR of stopped the motor. I also checked the sound on my other Z9 with the 300 PF with the original FTZ and the same results. Why don't you put your home city in the post and see if any members with the same gear live nearby and would be willing to meet up and you could see if it is the Z9 or FTZ or the lens. Short of that you will have to send it into Nikon to sort it out which is a PIA. Just as a point of interest Z lenses that I have do not have a VR switch on the lens but the Z 100-400, the Z MC 105 and the Z 85 1.8 all make the same VR whirling noise. I again have to put it up to my ear to hear it.

 

[iustin]

I can't check right now, and I haven't shot much with the FTZ, but for the amount I did, I don't remember any special noise. At least, not to the extent of me worrying about it.

What bothers me much more is the fact that the Zs disable VR (at least for Z lenses, not sure about F) when you enter the menus or look at a photo, and re-enable when going back to shooting, and this enable/disable of the VR makes an annoying noise (like a loud clunk), which was not present with DSLRs. Turning off VR makes the transition into and out of menus entirely quiet.

 

[O]

I recently purchased a Z9 / FTZ II kit and have found that when I mount the only 2 AF-S lenses I own (a 500 PF and 105 2.8 Micro) onto the FTZ / Z9, a motor like sound starts running. I initially was calling it a grinding sound, but believe it's more like motor sound now. AF is not active. the camera is just sitting there doing nothing. turn the camera off and the noise stops. turn it on and the noise immediately starts. I called Nikon USA support and demonstrated it on the call. He asked if I had any other non Z lenses and I put a 70-300 DX lens on and the noise did not happen. Just dead silent, just as the camera is with a Z lens mounted to it. The short is that he said they would try to duplicate the noise in the shop.

Because I was so sure something was wrong with the FTZ adapter, I purchased a second one which exhibited the exact same behavior. So now not so sure. It's a pretty annoying sound to have grinding away and I would expect that if something is actually spinning in there it would impact camera performance and battery life. BTW, if I remove the lens so that its only the Z9 with FTZ II on it, there is no sound. the Z9 has firmware 3.01 on it.

I'd welcome any input on what might be going on and most importantly how to stop it.

Simple...

My test

1) I put my 14-24 G lens on the Z9, turned it on, put my ear flat on the body of the lens, i could hear a very slight motor running noise that is the Z9 sensor IBIS.
2) I put on the 70-200 FL same thing just the noise was much louder as the lens VR was running, i flicked the VR switch on the lens to OFF, the louder noise was gone, just the very faint noise of the Z9 sensor IBIS running like it was on the 14-24 G.
Turned the lens VR back on bingo the louder noise was back.
3) put on the 50mm 1.8 Z lenses same motor noise of the sensor IBIS heard like when the 14-24 was on and the 70-200 fl with the VR turned off.
4) In my opinion its not related to any firmware change that i am aware of, it was the same on my Z9 from new and currently still on firmware 2.1


Summary Z9 FTZ motor noise

It seems to be the way things are designed to work, i assume.

You have when the camera is turned on a constant running/idling sensor IBIS noise, i dont know if it ever pauses.
You have when a (in this example) G series VR lenses attached with VR turned on, you hear the Lens VR motor idling as well as the sensor IBIS motor idling combined.

If you have really excessive noise, take it to NIKON.

Nikon on smaller Z lenses removed the VR feature, 1) for massive cost savings, makes sense. 2) to reduce VR motor noise from being picked up by the micro phone for video primarily when using smaller primes.
3) other reasons possibly to do with focusing or tracking performance especially for video, assumption only.

VR motor noise levels may largely vary depending on the lens type, size and quality.

A after thought and question, re..considering constant use moving parts.............ie: we would usually find ourselves needing a shutter assembly being replaced in our DSLRS when reaching their maximum recommended design life (actuation or use by)
With mirror less cameras the limit to (Frames taken) is assumed unlimited....BRAVO
Not so fast,...here is a question, if every time you turn on or use you camera the motor is running with IBIS, which is also containing moving parts, so the question ? is this the equivalent or similar to the DSLR shutter that eventually needs replacing, i mean do they wear out like DSLR shutters ............only a question.............

Happy days

Only an opinion

 

[O]

When the VR switch is on the lens, that's what controls everything (even on mirrorless).
My guess is that what you're experiencing is normal, but it would be nice if you knew someone with similar gear to compare side by side.

Short answer

Its Normal from what i can tell, VR lenses have a motor idling noise unless VR is switched of, at least the few i have listened to have, i dont know if they stop after a while.
On the Z9 when you turn the camera on the sensor IBIS motor idles constantly when in operation, i don't know if it turns off later to save battery, i assume you use the menu to turn it off if you wish ??? i don't know, i haven't looked that far.

PS, see my lower reply of my lens test.

I have 20/20 vision and 100% perfect hearing, unless my girlfriend asks me to do chores LOL.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

Strange

I am not hearing anything

you need to put your ear flat on the lens barrel camera turned on, if its a Z lens like a 50mm you will hear a faint motor idling which is the IBIS on the sensor, if you add a G lens 70-200 fl say with VR on you will hear a much louder and combined noise of a motor idling again you need to have your ear hard on the lens, and ok hearing.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

Thanks for the info! I guess another reason to move to all Z glass. But this also makes me wonder if I've not had VR running on my D7500. Is there a setting that should be turned on? I think I was just relying on the switch on the lens. Because my D7500 doesn't make any noise similar to what I'm getting on the Z9. I'd say its silent, at least when using the 500 PF which is what I use most of the time.

Your DSLR D7500 has a shutter and no IBIS on the sensor, so any noise would be from the lens VR if turned on.
The Z9 regardless of lenses used has a IBIS motor idling on the sensor making noise that i assume is perefectly normal.
I don't know if any of the Z glass with VR built in are as noisy say as a DSLR version............I haven't tested larger new Z lenses, as the noise of motors idling isn't an issue at all for me.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

Both produce a motor-like sound and yes, it's not too loud at all. I can barely hear it from behind the camera (although my room isn't 100% silent). It's normal to hear the sound, but I don't think it should be excessively loud.

I also happen to have the 105 and give it a try. Again, it seems about the same. However, I did noticed that after a moment it got quieter on the D7500 and then noisier (about twice as loud) when I half-pressed the shutter. The half-press level of noise is what I hear on the Z9.

Isn't that VR being activated fully from idle when you half press ???
My 300 2.8 does that when its VR is idling then half press it kicks loud for split second then settles. Again i dont know if the idling is all the time or just for short periods.

 

[StarDust]

you need to put your ear flat on the lens barrel camera turned on, if its a Z lens like a 50mm you will hear a faint motor idling which is the IBIS on the sensor, if you add a G lens 70-200 fl say with VR on you will hear a much louder and combined noise of a motor idling again you need to have your ear hard on the lens, and ok hearing.

Only an opinion

yes

But I dont think the OP is complaining about a noise that he has to use hearing aid to detect it

 

[O]

yes

But I dont think the OP is complaining about a noise that he has to use hearing aid to detect it

Understand, if its really loud that it can be heard from a small distance then steigw i can only assume must have a bad sample/samples of one type or another and should take the lens and camera back to the store or Nikon.

Other than that, For my self i decided to check this out quickly, and there are noises from lenses and IBIS, to me easily listenable but not annoying, the level of loudness may determine if there is an issue or not

As i see it,

the Z9 with No Lens NO FTZ adapter, turn the Z9 on, place the ear close or onto to the screen near the shutter button or on the side of the body and you can hear clearly a noise of something running, its Normal to me, i feel its the sensor IBIS, then adding the FTZ adapter with no lens wont make a difference as it has no running components, but for the exercise i added it, no change.

Add a lens with VR and turned on (in this case 70-200 FL) place your ear on or close to the barrel of the VR lens and you hear a much much louder noise from the lens VR running, all normal to me, Turn off the lens VR the noise is gone from the lens.

Bottom line its the same with a variety of lenses, so i assume its all quite normal and not an issue unless you can clearly hear the loud noise from a distance.
If the Noise is loud from a distance with the lens VR turned off or using a NON VR mirror less lens, then the noise can only be coming from the IBIS in the Z9.
To me its all perfectly normal, unless you can clearly hear a annoying loud noise from a small distance, then its easy enough to pin point the cause.
In all cases in my test the noises are all perfectly normal and not auditable form close distance.

Simple, in the spirit of helping

Only an opinion