Depends what you actually mean by "banding" , if its longer alternating patches of lighter/darker engraving , it's usually not lens related In general , the banding that is like proper "bands" of differing engraving at random or even distribution is caused by mechanical , software, tube or fluctuating electrical supply issues. You really have to define the type of banding you getting and under what conditions it occurs to effect the correct solution.
It is certainly possible that what you say could occur , the banding that occurs in this scenario would always happen at the same points relative to the table and not relative to the graphic.
Rodney Gold, Toker Bros trophies, Cape Town , South Africa :
Roland 2300 rotary . 3 x ISEL's ..1m x 500mm CnC .
Tekcel 1200x2400 router , 900 x 600 60w Shenui laser , 1200 x 800 80w Reci tube Shenhui Laser
6 x longtai lasers 400x600 60w , 1 x longtai 20w fiber
2x Gravo manual engravers , Roland 540 large format printer/cutter. CLTT setup
1600mm hot and cold laminator , 3x Dopag resin dispensers , sandblasting setup, acid etcher