My brand new Nikon 55-200mm VR lens makes a high-pitched noise?

The sound is very high, like emitted from a CRT tv, and only occurs when the VR switch is on. I don't notice anything wrong with the lens, just the funny sound. It is warranted, and I want to know if I should send it back and have them check it out. My parents and some of my friends can't even hear it because it is so high pitched. I've read that this is normal, is this true? Should I take it to a camera shop (where I will be going to get a filter for it anyway) and have them look at it? Should I contact Nikon?

Yes, it's normal. I have 3 Nikon "VR" lenses and they all do it. It's the vibration reduction doing its thing. There are tiny little motors that are vibrating the lens elements around and that's what you hear.

Don't bother asking someone else if they hear, because chances are they won't! You've already found this out with your friends. You probably can hear the even higher pitched noise that comes from the LCD of your cell phone when it's lit up, too. It's a curse. (haha)

I can't imagine a software update can take away the noise created by tiny ultrasonic motors, but who knows? You've got a good lens there. Report It

same thing happens to my 18-55kit from canon. it emits some high pitched sound if you have the IS on. it's no big deal for me since i don't use it anyway.

canon released a firmware update for my camera that supposedly fixes the phenomenon of sound created by the IS (or VR in nikon tech). i haven't tried updating since there might be a chance of destroying my camera. i'll just have to have it updated when i send my stuff in for cleaning.