New 70-200 EX DG...tests not so good:(

[subtle_spectre]

In my hand not mored than an hour ago, my new Sigma 70-200/2.8. No matter how I look at it though, I believe it is a front-focusser:mad:. I have attached a focus test chart image:

http://evanscottphotography.com/images/IMG_0375.JPG

On the other hand it seems to render nice color:

http://evanscottphotography.com/images/IMG_0368_1.JPG


My question, as I have not before had to deal with this sort of issue, is: send back to BH for exchange or to Sigma for calibration? Thoughts?

EDIT: In fairness and because I believe in this lens and REALLY like the colors I see from it, I will wait and run as tightly controlled tests as I can, also comparing against my 20D, at home this afternoon...who knows, it could be this stupid new 1DMkIIN!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

[In2Photos]

Are you sure you set up that test correctly? The focus test chart should be at a 45 degree angle to the camera. You should also use a tripod and cable/remote release. The picture though looks great IMO.

[20D_Newbie]

Just my opinion, I would send it back to Sigma. When they return it to you, it will be right. If you exchange it with B&H, the new lens may front focus too and you will be no better off. Front focusing seems to be relatively common problem on the Sigma lenses.

[mdm]

I've been looking real hard at the sigma 70-200 2.8 and it sure seems like some people have to work hard to get a good copy of this lens. For this much money you'd think it would be tested and re-tested.

[Jon]

Go out and take some real pictures. The sample "live" picture looks OK. A focus test is not a simple thing to run, and from the look of your test shot, there was plenty of room for errors to creep in. You should be tripod mounted, with the chart at 45 degrees to the image plane, and you should have a separate object for the camera to focus on - trying to focus on the black line leaves ample opportunity for your AF sensor to pick the wrong spot.

[Col_M]

The DOF on the focus chart doesn't seem that narrow, i was always under the impression that the DOF on the sigma was wafer thin at 2.8 but most of the lower half of the chart is legible.

[blonde]

I've been looking real hard at the sigma 70-200 2.8 and it sure seems like some people have to work hard to get a good copy of this lens. For this much money you'd think it would be tested and re-tested.

i agree. i was thinking about buying this lens but this is just out of control. every thread i see about this lens has the same thing "send it back to sigma" "my copy is really soft at 2.8" this is not what quality control should be like...

[In2Photos]

i agree. i was thinking about buying this lens but this is just out of control. every thread i see about this lens has the same thing "send it back to sigma" "my copy is really soft at 2.8" this is not what quality control should be like...

For every thread that says there is something wrong with it there are ten threads not written for how good it is.

[blonde]

For every thread that says there is something wrong with it there are ten threads not written for how good it is.

i am not doubting that. however, you have to admit that this is a bit concerning. i really don't feel easy buying this lens now because i really don't feel like dealing with returning until i get a sharp copy kind of thing....

we are talking aboout a fairly expensive lens and there is no reason why people should have to go through 3-4 copies before they get a sharp one.

[subtle_spectre]

This is my second copy of the lens...I sold one months back thinking I would get a Canon but got a new Canon camera instead...I believe the lens/brand to be good...sometimes, I guess, you can get a bad copy from any manufacturer. That is why I am going to re-do tests later today, not so hurried. Truth be told, I am not so sure it isn't the new camera...arghh!

[In2Photos]

i am not doubting that. however, you have to admit that this is a bit concerning. i really don't feel easy buying this lens now because i really don't feel like dealing with returning until i get a sharp copy kind of thing....

we are talking aboout a fairly expensive lens and there is no reason why people should have to go through 3-4 copies before they get a sharp one.

True. But, as I wrote in another thread, why is it that the manufacturers are always to blame. That lens gets shipped from the factory to some retail location several thousand miles away. Then some Joe Scmoe gets his hands on it at the store and possibly drops it. Or it gets put on another truck to be sent to someone's house via FedEx or UPS. The lens is on a truck more than it sits on a shelf. Something could happen during transit.

Also, as shown by some of the 24-70 L threads it isn't just Sigma. All manufacturers experience these problems from time to time.

[Col_M]

For every thread that says there is something wrong with it there are ten threads not written for how good it is. Or more :)
People usually whine much louder than they sing praises ;) (not directed at the OP)

This is just an observation and not a dig at anyone but in the photographic community but i've noticed a fair number of people say things like "my XX brand lens was faulty so i sent it back and got a canon" as an engineer i can say that every brand has manufacturing and QC issues occasionally and lots of the time end user calibration issues are caused by shipping, i just can't see the logic in not sending it back and getting a new one or having it calibrated under warrenty by the manufacturer instead of just saying "XX are useless i'm sticking with canon".

my 2p ;)

[subtle_spectre]

Let's all wait until later this afternoon to render a verdict...no one wants to be wrong more than me! And no one wants to know if it is lens, camera or user more than me! My quick tests this mornning were done under dim lighting, actually, and I was doing other things, as well. Plus, I did not have a square or other angle tool to insure a 45 degree angle.;)

[blonde]

True. But, as I wrote in another thread, why is it that the manufacturers are always to blame. That lens gets shipped from the factory to some retail location several thousand miles away. Then some Joe Scmoe gets his hands on it at the store and possibly drops it. Or it gets put on another truck to be sent to someone's house via FedEx or UPS. The lens is on a truck more than it sits on a shelf. Something could happen during transit.

Also, as shown by some of the 24-70 L threads it isn't just Sigma. All manufacturers experience these problems from time to time.

again, i agree on all points. all i am saying is that it seems like there are alot of not so good copies of this lens and getting a sharp one is a hit or miss...

[In2Photos]

again, i agree on all points. all i am saying is that it seems like there are alot of not so good copies of this lens and getting a sharp one is a hit or miss...

So are you gonna get the Canon, then.;)

[blonde]

So are you gonna get the Canon, then.;)

still making my decision. i really want the sigma but if it is unusable at 2.8 than what's the point. check out the new thread i started, i am asking people with this lens to post images at wide open and i would appreciate if you help me out by posting some images..

i am hoping that i am wrong on this, i really do want this lens.

[imrtun]

I'm sending mine off to be looked at as soon as they reply to my email. If they can't make it any better 70-200mm L f/2.8 for me. I'll let you knpw what happens.

[In2Photos]

still making my decision. i really want the sigma but if it is unusable at 2.8 than what's the point. check out the new thread i started, i am asking people with this lens to post images at wide open and i would appreciate if you help me out by posting some images..

i am hoping that i am wrong on this, i really do want this lens.

I just saw the thread you started. Hopefully you get a lot of good pics. It would be nice for your comparison as there is already a thread for the f4L.

[blonde]

i actually owned the 70-200 F4 before and let me tell you, amazing lens for the money. if the sigma can be 90% as good, i will be happy. if it can be the same or better, sigma will have a customer for life..

[JMHPhotography]

Two things... the chart doesn't look to be even remotely close to accurate on the setup front.

First...
You want your camera lens to be shooting down on it at 45°. Remember that the lens is heavy and will drop the front end of the lens further if you set the tripod head at 45° exactly so set it for slightly more shallow angle before mounting the camera and it should drop down to 45.

Second...
you want the lens wide open to have the shallowest DOF and you want the chart to fill the frame.

Third...
The chart should lay flat and you should have your center focus sensor right in the middle of the "focus here" line. I'd also use a cable shutter release if possible.

This should give you a more precise measurement of how your lens is focusing.

If you ask me, the second photo is a better representation. From that photo, this lens looks to be just fine.

[subtle_spectre]

Okay...I decided not to wait for home but to try fairly identical tests with two cameras...my new 1DMkIIN and my venerable 20D, all with this new Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX DG.

All shots were done in AV mode at 2.8 with ISO 3200(I am in my office) which gave a cross board shutter speed of 250th on both bodies. Hand held from same position at same target.

First, the 1DMkIIN with Sigma 70-200:

http://recoveryindiana.org/1d/IMG_9745.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/1d/IMG_9746.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/1d/IMG_9747.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/1d/IMG_9748.jpg

As you can see, I have marked where I placed the AF square. Now, the 20D:

http://recoveryindiana.org/edited20D/_MG_9724.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/edited20D/_MG_9725.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/edited20D/_MG_9727.jpg

http://recoveryindiana.org/edited20D/_MG_9728.jpg

Conclusion: to my eyes, and similar to other shots I have made today, the Sigma lens may in fact be good and my new so-called "pro" body the culprit. Good news for Sigma fans!:D Thoughts?

[2005GLI]

no problems with my sigma.

[05Xrunner]

you didnt do the test right at all..looks like you shot it right on.
You have to shoot with ap open fully and then have it shoot onto the test chart at a 45degree angle.
looks pretty good in that second pic though

[kneeslider]

I wouldn't dismay too much. I have been extensively researching this lense for about 4 weeks now (not just on this forum).

I can tell you, by comparison, I could count on one hand the amount of negative reports I have read on this lense.

It gets praised everywhere and I have now decided that this is the one to go for. I just get a very strange adrenaline rudh when I go to press the "Commit to buy" button. ;)

[subtle_spectre]

Update: contrary to some suggestions, I did do the tests correctly...but thanks for the thoughts. Upon thorough testing through the day, I am happy to report the lens is EXCELLENT as tested on my trusted and vaunted 20D!!!

However, I am dismayed to report that my new, alleged "top-end" 1DMkIIN seems to have a front focus problem as tested from over 12 different views and targets with every lens I have except for the 28 and 300mm's. Not very happy about that one...

[John7]

Nice pics from the 20D!

[subtle_spectre]

Nice pics from the 20D!

You know, I thought so, too...I was really psyched about them...mayhbe I should just get three 20D's and send this "pro" body back!

[JMHPhotography]

You know, I thought so, too...I was really psyched about them...mayhbe I should just get three 20D's and send this "pro" body back!

The white balance appears to be more correct with the 20D shots too. I'm not sure what the focus issue could be. Maybe this is one of those cases where the lens works fine with the 20D because the 1D is a newer body, hence newer electronics. People are always talking about Sigma lenses needing to be rechipped when a new Canon body comes out. I have a feeling that is the case here with your focusing issue.

[lostdoggy]

Is this 70-200f/2.8 EX DG also w/ HSM???

[subtle_spectre]

The white balance appears to be more correct with the 20D shots too. I'm not sure what the focus issue could be. Maybe this is one of those cases where the lens works fine with the 20D because the 1D is a newer body, hence newer electronics. People are always talking about Sigma lenses needing to be rechipped when a new Canon body comes out. I have a feeling that is the case here with your focusing issue.

I did tests all day with all my lenses...including the Canons. Similar results. I noticed the WB, too. Both bodies set on AWB. Who knows!!!

[BugEyes]

I've seem many focusing issues with the 1D mk II N lately on different forums.
The DG version of the Sigma 70-200 will work fine on a 20D. The previous version needed a firmware update to focus properly on 20D and 350D. Those with old firmware will front focus clearly on those bodies, still work properly on a 300D and 10D.

[imrtun]

I posted this just a little while ago, hope people that see this can make an informed decision. The quote from sigma uk is most interesting.



This is my lens.

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/3535/apo286yw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
F/2.8 200mm 100% crop

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/3903/apo560ll.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
F5.6 200mm 100% crop

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/408/cheapo1998canon562ge.jpg
£5 Canon F/5.6 70mm 100% crop

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/1547/sigma284lh.jpg
£500 Sigma F/5.6 70mm 100% crop

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6231/fullframe56canon2bh.jpg
Full frame canon 70mm.

I sent that lot to Sigma UK and here's the reply.

Dear Mr Catchpole

Please can you send me images at F2.8, one at 200mm focal length and at 4 and at 8 metres from subject the other at 70mm and at 1.4 and at 2.8 metres from subject. From the pictures you have sent me the lens seems to be to standard.

Kind regards

Daniel Cortes
Sigma Imaging UK Ltd


(My bold)

Other forum users lens.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1074/200mm100crop1ez.th.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200mm100crop1ez.jpg)
F/2.8 100% crop

My conclusion, I'm 17, working below minimum wage, and if that really is standard even I would save up the extra for the Canon L.