Concerns about getting a Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX Macro lens

[SENster7]

I have concerns about getting a Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX Macro lens because I have a Digital Rebel and heard around the net that some people had Error 99 and in some cases had to get the lens rechipped for it to work with the DRebel. I only see amazing pictures from this lens throughout various galleries, and I am leaning to purchase this lens, but I want to make sure I am making the right purchase. If anyone has this lens here, please let me know if you ever had any Error 99 problems or needed to send this lens back to get rechipped. If I purchase it, I would get it through B&H.

Thanks

SENster7

[Haifidelity]

I don't have that lens, but i haven't heard many ERR99's occuring with that Sigma Macro and the DRebel. If you buy from B&H, they have a good exchange policy just in case.

[Scottes]

I have one, with a 10D though, and have never had an issue. This does not mean that you will be fine. It is a recurring problem with Sigma lenses.

If you can spare the extra $100 I'd go for the Canon 100 Macro. However, if you can't spare the $100 it seems that you're stuck with the Sigma.

I wish that I had purchased the Canon, even though I've had no problems with my Sigma and it does produce excellent images. After hearing all the service and re-chip problems with Sigma I'll never buy another.

[Phil Hall]

I have one and have used it with the D30,1D and 1Ds withiut any problems. It is the only non Canon lense that I have kept.


Phil Hall

[SENster7]

Thanks for the feedback, however, I decided to go another route, and I purchased a Canon 77mm 500D Close-up Lens instead for $134.95. I'm hoping the 500D will work nicely with my 70-200.

[Scottes]

It will work very well.

But when that starts frustrating you (it might) then look at a set of extension tubes. The 70-200 and tubes go very well together.

[SENster7]

It will work very well.

But when that starts frustrating you (it might) then look at a set of extension tubes. The 70-200 and tubes go very well together.

Wow you hit the nail right on the head Scottes, using the 500D at first is very frustrating to get the focus right even when using the manual focus. After several blurry shots, I finally think I found the range where I can get focus, I have shots from last night which I still need to process and I'll post them. I think I will opt for the Sigma macro down the road, but for now I will continue to learn and attempt to master the 500D.

[Scottes]

Yeah, the thing that killed me about the 500D is the limited range - you *must* be between 16 and 19 inches from the subject.... Argh!

Tubes won't give you the magnification, and they're a pain in their own right (changing/removing them) but I find them much more useful. Even with a big tube your working range is measured in yards, not inches.

[jayadeff]

Once and for all:

BRAND NEW SIGMA LENSES WILL WORK FINE ON ANY CANON DIGITAL SLR!!!

It's only when you buy older used Sigma lenses that you have to be careful. If you buy a brand new Sigma lens from B&H, it will work fine on the Digital Rebel.

[polloloco81]

There shouldn't be problems if you get brand new lenses. But if you could hold off, Sigma anounced back in june that they'll be releasing 2 new macro upgrades for their 50mm and 105mm. The lenses will be lighter, faster, and is designed to work best on digital bodies. They anounced it back in june, so I'm guessing the release date will be sometime in Sept or Oct.

[SENster7]

Once and for all:

BRAND NEW SIGMA LENSES WILL WORK FINE ON ANY CANON DIGITAL SLR!!!

It's only when you buy older used Sigma lenses that you have to be careful. If you buy a brand new Sigma lens from B&H, it will work fine on the Digital Rebel.

Well here is my concern with B&H, don't get me wrong I love B&H, but I have heard from a few people, that they they do get a lot returns with lenses. My concern would be that just my luck, I would be getting a returned Sigma lens that needs to be rechipped. I know I know I would just need to send it back, but I don't know if anyone of you are like me, but whenever a new lens gets delivered, it's just like I'm a little kid on Christmas, and I would hate to get a toy that was broken :)

[polloloco81]

I used to shop at B&H, but after getting more aquainted with competing vendors like 17photo.com and deltainternational.com (which is pretty new), B&H prices are the most expensive. Unless I really really need to shop from B&H, I don't think I'll ever order from them again.

[Scottes]

Once and for all:

BRAND NEW SIGMA LENSES WILL WORK FINE ON ANY CANON DIGITAL SLR!!!

But who says that it will work with the camera you get two years from now? Lenses should be a lifetime investment.

Unless you're Belmondo, who buys them like candy. :)

[RichieHatch]

I have one for the last 6 months or so.... It works fine on the 300D.... Great lens apart from the SLOW autofocus but then again it doesnt bother me as i stick to manual most of the time....!

http://www.pbase.com/richiehatch/macro

Good luck with whatever you choose

Richie

[kkovak]

Canon Digital and Sigma Lenses:

I just obtained a 10D and when I tried it with my Sigma 105EX Macro (which I have had for about 3 years) I got err99, except when I shot at f2.8 (wide open). Emailed Sigma and they tell me there is a known incompatabilty with that generation lens and the 10D. I am to ship it to them and they will upgrade for FREE ! Not too bad as I do like this lens and am glad I'll still be able to use it with the 10D.

Ken Kovak
Lehigh Valley, PA USA