Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM -SIGMALUX-

[supremeguyx]

Is this lens good for a crop body?
I'm planning on getting one, but don't know where to look besides b&h.
I prefer a used or refurbished one.
Any help..?:)
!?!?!
COMMENTS?!?
SUGGESTIONS?!?
I'm tempted to get this lens but there are so many pros and cons to this lens.
HELP?!?!

[punkerz123]

!?!?!
COMMENTS?!?
SUGGESTIONS?!?
I'm tempted to get this lens but there are so many pros and cons to this lens.
HELP?!?!
50mm is a bit tight for indoor shots... it depends on you of course and what you like to shoot

[thatkatmat]

Right, perhaps the 30/1.4 from sigma would make a better walkaround. The 50mm on a crop seems to be more of a portrait style lens. But, if that's what you're looking for, it is really really nice on a crop...Flowers, portraits, still life.....Not my favorite FL for a walkaround

[supremeguyx]

Right, perhaps the 30/1.4 from sigma would make a better walkaround. The 50mm on a crop seems to be more of a portrait style lens. But, if that's what you're looking for, it is really really nice on a crop...Flowers, portraits, still life.....Not my favorite FL for a walkaround
I'm shooting portrait style.
Mostly on people and maybe walk around.
As a teenager, I am on a tight budget, so if I do get this lens, it will most likely be on the body for a very long time.
I've read and seen so many pros and cons, and I decided to go for the Sigma 50 over Canon's 85mm 1.8.
But idk. I'm still debating, thus, I asked you people on this thread for opinions, comments..etc.

[punkerz123]

I'm shooting portrait style.
Mostly on people and maybe walk around.
As a teenager, I am on a tight budget, so if I do get this lens, it will most likely be on the body for a very long time.
I've read and seen so many pros and cons, and I decided to go for the Sigma 50 over Canon's 85mm 1.8.
But idk. I'm still debating, thus, I asked you people on this thread for opinions, comments..etc.
have you considered the Canon 50mm lens?

[tupper]

have you considered the Canon 50mm lens?

If you can get a good copy of the Sigma 50mm, get that anyday over the Canon 50 1.4

[weezerfan84]

Right, perhaps the 30/1.4 from sigma would make a better walkaround. The 50mm on a crop seems to be more of a portrait style lens. But, if that's what you're looking for, it is really really nice on a crop...Flowers, portraits, still life.....Not my favorite FL for a walkaround

I sold my Sigma 50 and 5d this week. Didn't have much time available to take pictures anymore. I will be getting back into a DSLR soon, but it will be the tune of a 30-40D with a Sigma 30. I loved the FOV on the Sigma 50 on FF. Why not get the same FOV on crop. Bought a bike, so my camera equipment had to go. :(

[royv]

A Citroën concept car at the IAA (world's largest motor show) in Frankfurt this year.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3966448820_31225c8283.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3966447276_e0dc7d494f.jpg

[tupper]

Love the photo.. hate the car. :lol:

[lukeap69]

I sold my Sigma 50 and 5d this week. Didn't have much time available to take pictures anymore. I will be getting back into a DSLR soon, but it will be the tune of a 30-40D with a Sigma 30. I loved the FOV on the Sigma 50 on FF. Why not get the same FOV on crop. Bought a bike, so my camera equipment had to go. :(

That's a shame.
I have both 5D + 50 1.4 and 40D + 30 1.4 combo and I like the results I'm getting with the 5D + 50 better, though the latter is a good combo as well. Not just as good as the former.

[supremeguyx]

have you considered the Canon 50mm lens?
I thought about canon's 50mm f/1.4, but it didn't catch my attention.
Yeah I should get canon's 50 f/1.4 and save a couple bucks, but the sigma caught my attention much more.
Once again I will ask this question one last time.
Is this lens worth the money on a crop body.
I will be shooting portrait and will be using it as walk around lens.
This lens will be on the body for a very long time, due to my tight budget.

[stu46]

On a crop, it's a better portrait lens than a walk around, IMO. The Sigma 30 will make a better walk around and is very capable for 3/4 and full length portraits. Not too great with head and shoulders type shots. Again, IMO. The Sigma 30 is also a bit cheaper on the used market and you might be able to swing it and the Canon 50 or 85 with a little more savings.

[weezerfan84]

That's a shame.
I have both 5D + 50 1.4 and 40D + 30 1.4 combo and I like the results I'm getting with the 5D + 50 better, though the latter is a good combo as well. Not just as good as the former.


It's not a shame to me though. I love my bike, and it's something that I can always make time for. It works as transportation as well, so it's more hobby friendly right now. My camera gear would never fit in my backpack, so I always had to take my car. Now, I will just have a bike and I'm excited to have it.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/weezerfan84/sideviewcontrast.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/weezerfan84/reartofront.jpg

These images were taken at 1000 ISO with my flash. I was in a hurry and didn't even think to change the ISO.

[stu46]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3979549824_031a49bf2b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3979549824/)

[tupper]

That is one epic sky!

[stu46]

The clouds here have been crazy! Too bad I didn't have my camera when doing PT this morning. Hope to get more tonight during my bike ride.

[regnis]

A Citroën concept car at the IAA (world's largest motor show) in Frankfurt this year.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3966448820_31225c8283.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3966447276_e0dc7d494f.jpg

great shots!!

can we see 100% crops of these?

[royv]

great shots!!

can we see 100% crops of these?

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6916/img008322.jpg

that's at f/1.8, no sharpening applied in PS.

[pdjetlic]

Here is my little portrait contribution to this wonderful lens sample list. Her name is Kika.
Taken with 5D mark 2, @f2.2, 1/125 sec. ISO 100, no post processing.

http://www.35mm.hr/boris/kika.jpg

[pdjetlic]

Sorry for such high res... should of resize it to something normal...

[TheHoff]

Sorry for such high res... should of resize it to something normal...

And given her a few minutes of retouching. I know this is the place to show off lens sharpness but that is too much for a female portrait, eh?

[pdjetlic]

Heh... I wanted to show sharpness... I can do retouching :)

[MikeKS]

I'm shooting portrait style.
Mostly on people and maybe walk around.
As a teenager, I am on a tight budget, so if I do get this lens, it will most likely be on the body for a very long time.
I've read and seen so many pros and cons, and I decided to go for the Sigma 50 over Canon's 85mm 1.8.
But idk. I'm still debating, thus, I asked you people on this thread for opinions, comments..etc.

This lens is great if you get a good copy ( me stating the obvious.. i know)
Currently one of my favorite lens on the 5D. I perfer the color and sharpness to the 85 1.8.

However i rarely used the 50mm on my 40D when i had it.. maybe it's me but i found the focus to be less accurate on my 40D.

[Brett]

This post is repeated from the "Sigma Focus Issues" thread.

After long consideration, I just got my 50/1.4 today, and decided that instead of stressing out about the possibility of AF problems, I'd just go shoot the lens.

I'm used to fast lenses. I'm used to razor-thin DoF, and I think I am quite capable of dealing with both. I tend to shoot both the 85/1.8 and 135L wide open, or close to it. I have a very high keeper rate with both lenses.

I took about fifty images with the 50/1.4. NOT ONE subject is in focus, at any aperture I shot (mostly 2.2-1.4). My keeper rate was 0%. I've shot the Canon 50/1.4 with near-100% keepers.

I just don't understand how they can manufacture a lens with such great optical properties, and not QC it to a standard where I can order a lens and expect it to work.

It front-focuses quite severely, as evident from many of the shots I took today.

Now I'm not sure whether to return it, or have it calibrated. It's way off as it stands.
I'm very frustrated with this $500 lens right now.

[thatkatmat]

Yikes....Sorry to hear this...I love the lens and can't stand Sigma's QC with this lens.
Not so sure if I'd keep it with a body that doesn't have microadjust....Sent mine in and it came back perfect on both my 5Dmk2 and 50D....But, not sure I'd have taken that chance if I didn't have microadjust on BOTH bodies.....

[Permagrin]

I wouldn't either (own this lens w/o the option to micro adjust). But this is a really good article on the basics of lens/camera tolerances and how they can both be within tolerance levels and yet be OOF with one another. Just a good FYI.

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.12.22/this-lens-is-soft-and-other-myths

[thatkatmat]

That's a great article Permie, makes a lot of sense. Glad I have microadjust....I actually use it every couple months on my lenses....Sometimes one will be out of whack ...

[Brett]

Yikes....Sorry to hear this...I love the lens and can't stand Sigma's QC with this lens.
Not so sure if I'd keep it with a body that doesn't have microadjust....Sent mine in and it came back perfect on both my 5Dmk2 and 50D....But, not sure I'd have taken that chance if I didn't have microadjust on BOTH bodies.....

I played with it some more, and I'm not sure the lens is capable of sharp focus anywhere in its range. Even MF, I can't get a sharp shot.
I really wanted this lens, but I think it's going to have to go back. I took the gamble hoping to get lucky, and struck out. :(
Hearing the service times (someone said 27 days and counting), I'd lose the ability to return it if Sigma has it that long, so that's not really an option.

I wouldn't either (own this lens w/o the option to micro adjust). But this is a really good article on the basics of lens/camera tolerances and how they can both be within tolerance levels and yet be OOF with one another. Just a good FYI.

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.12.22/this-lens-is-soft-and-other-myths

I've read that before, but thank you.
I guess I'll have to wait for Canon to figure out that a good ~$500 50/1.4 would probably be a very popular lens. I really don't like their current 50/1.4, and the 50L scares me with the shift problems.

I guess I'll have to look for a MF 50mm. The Contax Planar T* 50/1.7 intrigues me for the price.

[thatkatmat]

I guess I'll have to look for a MF 50mm. The Contax Planar T* 50/1.7 intrigues me for the price.

Good luck....I was headed that way too til I found this Sigma, perhaps you can find a good used copy of the Sigma 50 on the boards sometime from someone like me* who has a good copy that's been to Sigma....







*Not me, but someone like me;):D

[TheHoff]

I'm already first in line for mat's Sigma when he keels over.

More bacon, Mat?

[thatkatmat]

I'm already first in line for mat's Sigma when he keels over.

More bacon, Mat?

Yes Please! I love pig.............it's "good" fat:p

[Brett]

Good luck....I was headed that way too til I found this Sigma, perhaps you can find a good used copy of the Sigma 50 on the boards sometime from someone like me* who has a good copy that's been to Sigma....







*Not me, but someone like me;):D

Thanks. Results I've seen from the Contax look like it's a real winner. It's got that Zeiss "3D pop" and microcontrast thing going on. I'm just not sure I want to be limited to MF.

The last Sigma I saw for sale hadn't been back for service, and although the seller was claiming it was sharp, I figured I had about as much chance of getting a new one that would play well with my 5D. I was wrong, apparently.

It just ticks me off. I love 50mm. I really wanted this lens. :(

[syntrix]

This post is repeated from the "Sigma Focus Issues" thread.

After long consideration, I just got my 50/1.4 today, and decided that instead of stressing out about the possibility of AF problems, I'd just go shoot the lens.

I'm used to fast lenses. I'm used to razor-thin DoF, and I think I am quite capable of dealing with both. I tend to shoot both the 85/1.8 and 135L wide open, or close to it. I have a very high keeper rate with both lenses.

I took about fifty images with the 50/1.4. NOT ONE subject is in focus, at any aperture I shot (mostly 2.2-1.4). My keeper rate was 0%. I've shot the Canon 50/1.4 with near-100% keepers.

I just don't understand how they can manufacture a lens with such great optical properties, and not QC it to a standard where I can order a lens and expect it to work.

It front-focuses quite severely, as evident from many of the shots I took today.

Now I'm not sure whether to return it, or have it calibrated. It's way off as it stands.
I'm very frustrated with this $500 lens right now.



What body and when did that happen? Just interested here!

I got an early copy, worked great on a 40d and two 5d's. 5d2 needed adjustment.

I just got another copy recently and it's on a 1dmkii with PERFECT focus. I would think they worked the bugs out. If that semi-quote above is old, you need to go back and specify that, and the equipment used, and link to the post.

[syntrix]

It just ticks me off. I love 50mm. I really wanted this lens. :(

Apparently this lens does not want you! :mrgreen:

[PhatheadWRX]

I decided to roll the dice and order a sigmalux. I just wasn't stoked with the bokeh my Canon 1.4 was producing.

I pray I get a good focusing unit since I don't have MA on my 40D :eek:

[versedmb]

I played with it some more, and I'm not sure the lens is capable of sharp focus anywhere in its range. Even MF, I can't get a sharp shot.
I really wanted this lens, but I think it's going to have to go back. I took the gamble hoping to get lucky, and struck out. :(
Hearing the service times (someone said 27 days and counting), I'd lose the ability to return it if Sigma has it that long, so that's not really an option. ..


Mine took about a month to get back, but now its perfect. But I bought mine used with no return option.

If its not even good in MF, I'd get a new one. A good copy of this lens is fantastic.

[versedmb]

I wouldn't either (own this lens w/o the option to micro adjust). But this is a really good article on the basics of lens/camera tolerances and how they can both be within tolerance levels and yet be OOF with one another. Just a good FYI.

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.12.22/this-lens-is-soft-and-other-myths

This is a fantastic article, I've read it before, but so many people have had issues with the Siggy 50 - its way off the charts in terms of problems.

[versedmb]

f/2....
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/670403863_Mqoid-XL.jpg

[versedmb]

f/2 again....
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/599105793_evDUX-XL.jpg

[kevinmcdade]

Mine took about a month to get back, but now its perfect.

Mine has been at Sigma New York for about 2 weeks. I got an update today stating the following: "Replaced Main PCB, Firmware update, Adjusted AF Data". This is after their initial inspection that stated that nothing was wrong with the lens. Their first update was for me to send in my camera which I refused to do. I kindly asked them to reevaluate the lens since I was adjusting my 1D3 by +16. I'm more concerned about it working on my 5D since it does not have microadjust. I really hope when I receive my updated lens back it will be truly fixed. 50mm is my favorite focal length and I sold my Canon 50 1.4 before thoroughly testing my Sigma 50 1.4.

[syntrix]

Mine took about a month to get back, but now its perfect. But I bought mine used with no return option.

If its not even good in MF, I'd get a new one. A good copy of this lens is fantastic.

The manual focus you mention.

I manual focus all the time with my Canon brand split prism. If your body is having issues, then MF won't even work. This just supports my observations that it's NOT the lens, but variances in the canon bodies.

What body do you have? There was some informal discussion on FM about this in the past.

[Brett]

What body and when did that happen? Just interested here!

5D. I got the lens yesterday (October 4, 2009).

I got an early copy, worked great on a 40d and two 5d's. 5d2 needed adjustment.

I just got another copy recently and it's on a 1dmkii with PERFECT focus. I would think they worked the bugs out. If that semi-quote above is old, you need to go back and specify that, and the equipment used, and link to the post.

I had thought the same thing, about them working the bugs out, because I don't see as many complaints here lately.
Then I saw the "Sigma focus issues? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=757790)" thread, and that poll is running 19 to 7 for having to send the 50/1.4 for calibration.

Sorry I didn't link to the post in my OP; there was a post earlier in this thread asking people to add to the poll. I added the same post to both threads almost simultaneously.

I manual focus all the time with my Canon brand split prism. If your body is having issues, then MF won't even work. This just supports my observations that it's NOT the lens, but variances in the canon bodies.

What body do you have? There was some informal discussion on FM about this in the past.

I know you were referring to Michael, but as far as lens fault vs. body fault, my 5D has been perfect with every lens I've shot on it: my current lineup, plus (all Canon) 70-200 f/4 IS, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 50/1.8, 50/1.4, and 100/2.8.

My copy of the Sigma is absolutely at fault. I have enough experience with my 5D to know the lens just isn't right. :)

[stu46]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3986781288_36a4aa2750_o.jpg

[joove]

I know you were referring to Michael, but as far as lens fault vs. body fault, my 5D has been perfect with every lens I've shot on it: my current lineup, plus (all Canon) 70-200 f/4 IS, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 50/1.8, 50/1.4, and 100/2.8.

My copy of the Sigma is absolutely at fault. I have enough experience with my 5D to know the lens just isn't right. :)

I am not sure if that extrapolation can be made. I tried two different copies of 5D when I got the Sigma 50/1.4. Both of them were very inconsistent. They worked wonderfully with every other lens I had wide open (Canon 50/1.4, 70-200 2.8, 24-105, and 100-400). The Sigma however completely confused the 5D.

The 5DII however had no such issues. I don't know what the problem was. I had a choice of sending an out of warranty 5D in for calibration and eat the cost (and risk having to send it in multiple times) or get a body with MAF. I chose the latter and ended up with the 5DII. The Sigma has been perfect on the 5DII.

[agphotography]

@Brett - Yeah that was me that was 27 days and counting for my SECOND repair from C.R.I.S. I got it back only to have had nothing done to it. They had it for a month only to tell me I had to send my cameras in if I want it calibrated, I of course told them this wasn't an option so they sent it back.

I've contacted Sigma directly this time and I'm awaiting a response from them now.

I bought mine on Fred Miranda so I had no return options, I'm going to battle it out with Sigma until they fix it or give me a new one.

I still think the lens is worth it. I don't want another canon 50mm f/1.4 until they update it and make it better.

[joove]

agphotography: I am trying to understand the problem you are having. Is it that the lens needs MAF calibration on the 5DII or that even after MAF, it is not working as expected ?

I had to send my sigma in as it just wasn't consistent on the 5DII. When it came back, I spent hours on a Lens align kit and ended up wth +7 MAF. I was happy.

I then get back home and the AF turns to rubbish again. I ditched the lens align (the recommended 50x focal length left a lot of DOF and I just couldn't tell what adjustment was needed) and proceeded to shoot objects near/medium/far (3ft/10ft/~100ft) with various MAF adjustments (from -20 to +20) and arrived at a very different +1. At that point the 50 was spot on at all distances.

You might want to give MAF another try. The adjustment you now have could be off. All sigma will do is to calibrate the lens to their inhouse reference camera/testbed. If it needs more adjustment because your 5DII is slightly off (within tolerance) nothing they can do about it till you send the camera in. Since that is not something many would be comfortable doing, a second round of MAF might actually be worth it.

[Brett]

I am not sure if that extrapolation can be made.

The camera is consistent with every other lens I've shot, until I mounted the Sigma. Which would you blame?

I tried two different copies of 5D when I got the Sigma 50/1.4. Both of them were very inconsistent. They worked wonderfully with every other lens I had wide open (Canon 50/1.4, 70-200 2.8, 24-105, and 100-400). The Sigma however completely confused the 5D.

That seems to be the case with my copy. Nothing is consistent, at all. I played around with it some more last night, and I actually got a couple sharp shots at f/8, with subject distance ~10'. If I move closer, forget it. f/2.2-1.4, it looks like you shot it through the bottom of a Coke bottle.


The 5DII however had no such issues. I don't know what the problem was. I had a choice of sending an out of warranty 5D in for calibration and eat the cost (and risk having to send it in multiple times) or get a body with MAF. I chose the latter and ended up with the 5DII. The Sigma has been perfect on the 5DII.

It boils down to this: I'm not interested in any lens that requires any changes to my 5D, because it's so spot-on with every other lens I've tried. I have had zero issues with this body until this lens. So, I don't think my body needs any adjustment.

If I had micro-adjust, I'd give it a go, but I have no plans to replace the 5D anytime soon. I just need to decide if it's worth the gamble to send the lens to Sigma. I'm leaning towards returning it to Amazon.

[agphotography]

agphotography: I am trying to understand the problem you are having. Is it that the lens needs MAF calibration on the 5DII or that even after MAF, it is not working as expected ?

I had to send my sigma in as it just wasn't consistent on the 5DII. When it came back, I spent hours on a Lens align kit and ended up wth +7 MAF. I was happy.

I then get back home and the AF turns to rubbish again. I ditched the lens align (the recommended 50x focal length left a lot of DOF and I just couldn't tell what adjustment was needed) and proceeded to shoot objects near/medium/far (3ft/10ft/~100ft) with various MAF adjustments (from -20 to +20) and arrived at a very different +1. At that point the 50 was spot on at all distances.

You might want to give MAF another try. The adjustment you now have could be off. All sigma will do is to calibrate the lens to their inhouse reference camera/testbed. If it needs more adjustment because your 5DII is slightly off (within tolerance) nothing they can do about it till you send the camera in. Since that is not something many would be comfortable doing, a second round of MAF might actually be worth it.


Well my problem is I have 2 bodies I would like to use the lens on. 1 has Micro-Adjust (5DmkII), 1 doesn't (40D). That being said, I do plan on getting the 7D in the future, but that's another matter entirely.

The lens consistently front-focuses at all apertures and distances. It's less noticeable past f/2.8, but VERY noticeable from 1.4-2.8 which is a huge bummer. I have tried micro adjustment on the 5D and was getting an ok result, but when I change my distance the micro-adjustment becomes irrelevant. It's too cumbersome to change my adjustment setting just so I can move a few feet closer or farther away from my subject.

So is the general consensus that it's not possible to get a lens from sigma that will focus perfectly on 2 camera bodies?

[thatkatmat]

So is the general consensus that it's not possible to get a lens from sigma that will focus perfectly on 2 camera bodies?

Nope, mine is sweet on both my bodies....IMHO probably the best 50mm for EOS right now....Many people love theirs....I was shooting an event this last weekend and noticed a pro shooting with the Sigmalux...He loved it too, no problems at all.....

[versedmb]

...It boils down to this: I'm not interested in any lens that requires any changes to my 5D, because it's so spot-on with every other lens I've tried. I have had zero issues with this body until this lens. So, I don't think my body needs any adjustment....



Makes sense to me.

I'm using mine on a 5d and a 40d and mine came back perfect from CRIS on both bodies, although thus far I have used it on the 5d much more frequently.

[stu46]

My lens will focus correctly on two 5D bodies after some time spent at CRIS.

[Brett]

Makes sense to me.

I'm using mine on a 5d and a 40d and mine came back perfect from CRIS on both bodies, although thus far I have used it on the 5d much more frequently.

Hmm...:confused:

My lens will focus correctly on two 5D bodies after some time spent at CRIS.

See, you guys are making me think maybe I should just send it to Sigma.
But, both Mat and Permie think it's foolish to own this lens when one doesn't own a body with micro-adjust.

I'm so confused. :confused:

[stu46]

I can test it on over 5 different bodies this weekend if you wish.

[Permagrin]

Brett, we're just saying what we would or wouldn't do. I've seen stories where people have got it corrected and have no issues and others who still have to micro adjust. Because this lens is so finicky, it's just what I would do. That being said, I LOVE it. I really do. I just don't want to see you having to go down the road agphotography is going. On the other hand, you may not have to at all.

[thatkatmat]

Well, Brett, if you can't achieve focus in MF, I would at least trade it in for one that can...and go from there....sorry to send mixed signals....wish you lived in Seattle so you could just test mine on your 5D.

Hey Permie....cool avatar....:)

[Brett]

Brett, we're just saying what we would or wouldn't do. I've seen stories where people have got it corrected and have no issues and others who still have to micro adjust. Because this lens is so finicky, it's just what I would do. That being said, I LOVE it. I really do. I just don't want to see you having to go down the road agphotography is going. On the other hand, you may not have to at all.

Yes, I've read the same nightmare stories, and good ones as well. It seems it's a gamble, either way.
It does seem that the people who have a good copy absolutely love it, so I'm still torn.

Well, Brett, if you can't achieve focus in MF, I would at least trade it in for one that can...and go from there....sorry to send mixed signals....wish you lived in Seattle so you could just test mine on your 5D.

Hey Permie....cool avatar....:)

Part of the problem, I think, is that I've never changed the 5D's focusing screen for the EE-S. It's still stock, which makes MF not too easy, especially with my slightly-corrected eyesight. I'll have another go at MF with the lens later tonight when I get back. I did coax some semi-sharp shots out of it at f/8-f/11, so maybe there's hope.

Meanwhile, I've got Contax Planar T* 50/1.4 fever. :D

[syntrix]

Mmmmm, T*

[agphotography]

I truly and honestly do want to be a believer in this lens.

Sigma wrote back to me today and said they want me to send the lens in to them this time along with my paper work from both trips to C.R.I.S. they did also once again say that for "perfect calibration" they want me to send in my camera bodies. I just don't feel comfortable sending them out, nor am I able to be without them. I don't think it's unreasonable for me as a consumer and a working professional to not want to send both of my cameras in.

Anyways, as usual they were very polite via email, and they have also given me their Fedex Account information so I won't have to pay to send it in.

Let's see how it goes :)

[syntrix]

I'll agree with the body send-in, but I'll bet that Sigma doesn't have access to 100% of the canon line.

If you have a break, I don't see this as unreasonable, as long as they DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE BODIES.

Again, over time, there are canon bodies that are out of adjustment. And in general, the issues show up at 1:1.0 to 1:1.4. Heck some body issues show up at 1:2.8 even and that's lens agnostic.

Remember that if you are shooting at the front of something, your focal plane is the FRONT of that something!

edit: and I'll add... if they used a cough cough early production 40D, there's a good chance that body was OOF cough cough.

[thatkatmat]

edit: and I'll add... if they used a cough cough early production 40D, there's a good chance that body was OOF cough cough.

Huh....didn't research the 40D much before I grabbed one....Never heard this before....But the first one I bought was terrible, the second, better but I sold it fairly quick...Felt my 30D had better files and images came out sharper, figured it was due to the new sensor or something....

[agphotography]

Well they DID tell me they did the testing with a 40D body. I don't know if it's an early model or not.

What's the serial range of early models?

[il Dottore]

Sigmalux + 5DMkII also B+W 77mm CPL

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6320/img2180strumykfajny.jpg

[stu46]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3994344947_22d753df46_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3994344947/in/photostream)

[thatkatmat]

Wow...Super cute...Love it.

[TheHoff]

Hi Stu, was that a single light?

[tsw910]

here is my little story with this lens .. by all means, its not meant all sigmalux will have the same result ..

i went to B&H hoping to acquire this beautiful lens ever since my silly self got rid of the 50L .. and from what i've seen and hear, its pretty darn close in IQ .. so i got home, tested it out and of course, focus issues (front/back focus) .. so i jumped back into my car and drove down to B&H and try to get a swap ... while i was at B&H i went through about 4 other lenses and all of them had the same issue. B&H is great, they kept calling up as much as i want to test till i gave up and ask for a refund. They also called down a guy from the DSLR desk upstairs to come down and test with me on one of their own SLRs and came up with the same conclusion .. so they said they may have to send the majority of it back to sigma cuz they dont want to deal with all the returns and whatnot ..

so the bottom line is for me .. should i get one regardless and send it off to sigma to have it repaired? i really need a 50mm lens and the 50L price went up so .. what say you ?

[H20boy]

Scuba, if you can be patient (about 4 weeks worth), Sigma service (CRIS, or others) will fix it. I have heard only a few instances, among many, that haven't been corrected by a one-time trip for calibration. I was very disappointed at first, but now, I'm extremely pleased.

[tsw910]

thanks H20 .. i really want to dig this lens as well .. i've heard nothing but good things and the IQ to me .. i think its way better than the canon 50 1.4 ..

i think i may just bite the bullet and buy it and ship it LOL

[H20boy]

Mine was in my possession less than 12 hours before it was enroute to CRIS. The more you keep it and 'test' it, the more mad you'll get. Buy it, then immediately ship w/ your cover letter n warranty info with the focus problem described.

[ckfishel2001]

Scuba, if you can be patient (about 4 weeks worth), Sigma service (CRIS, or others) will fix it. I have heard only a few instances, among many, that haven't been corrected by a one-time trip for calibration. I was very disappointed at first, but now, I'm extremely pleased.

concur!

[stu46]

Wow...Super cute...Love it.

Thanks!

Hi Stu, was that a single light?

Yes, a single B800 w/86" white PLM. Didn't get the black outer cover though. Placed it about 5' from my daughter and angled it down a bit.

[stu46]

Mine was in my possession less than 12 hours before it was enroute to CRIS. The more you keep it and 'test' it, the more mad you'll get. Buy it, then immediately ship w/ your cover letter n warranty info with the focus problem described.

Same here. I bought it with the expectation of sending it directly to CRIS. Sent it out the day after it arrived from B&H.

[mdwsta4]

5D2 + 50 f1.4
http://images51.fotki.com/v178/photos/1/51621/7949278/IMG_2501-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1573/photos/1/51621/7949278/IMG_2542-vi.jpg

[Jeff81]

So this may not be the right place for this question but I figured you guys would know - I'm looking to pick up a sig 50 second hand that's already been calibrated. If I need it worked on by Sigma, do you know if they will honor the warranty? I'm very excited to be picking up this lens soon. Thanks.

[syntrix]

So this may not be the right place for this question but I figured you guys would know - I'm looking to pick up a sig 50 second hand that's already been calibrated. If I need it worked on by Sigma, do you know if they will honor the warranty? I'm very excited to be picking up this lens soon. Thanks.

I'd call them to be sure. I've had this question come up a few times when selling lenses. The scenario I use.... what if your cousin bought it for you as a gift?

But again, call sigma to be 100% sure :)

[Brett]

Scuba, if you can be patient (about 4 weeks worth), Sigma service (CRIS, or others) will fix it. I have heard only a few instances, among many, that haven't been corrected by a one-time trip for calibration. I was very disappointed at first, but now, I'm extremely pleased.

Does it work well now on your 5D?

It's the only DSLR I own, and I have no intention of replacing it -- it does everything I need it to right now, except get sharp shots with the Sigma.

I still haven't decided what to do. I was so mad at the lens, I was ready to return it. Then, I went through this thread again, looking at the images. I want this lens!

:confused:

[Jeff81]

I'd call them to be sure. I've had this question come up a few times when selling lenses. The scenario I use.... what if your cousin bought it for you as a gift?

But again, call sigma to be 100% sure :)

Yeah, unfortunately they're closed until Monday and I was hoping to pick it up this weekend. I think I'll wait till Monday and see what they say. I'll report back so we know once and for all. :)

[agphotography]

I'm waiting to hear back from Sigma, but I've sent mine in directly to them. (Just for the record this is a third trip.)

I'm anxious to get this lens back and in working condition so I can use it.

[PhatheadWRX]

If you have an original receipt (from the purchaser) and warranty paperwork, I would assume they would honor the warranty work. Can't wait to hear what they say.

My new lux should be here Tuesday. I hope I don't have to send it in, but I'm ready to if there are issues.

[bbss]

Got the Sigma 50mm today. Lightly used. Extremely happy during my first shoot out. Focus looks to be ok too. Maybe I got a good one.

Here are some shots. All at 1.4 of course(except the landscape one, to test sharpness). Handheld. Just random point and shoots.

First impression is best lens I ever had!! Not even the yellow cast.

I'm curios about the focus though, did not get to test it so much yet.

These are just converted in c1, and resized in cs4. Almost no PP, slightly sharpened, but no need really. The pics looked okay to me as they where. That's a first time.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4004672019_ce238770ac_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/4005436962_fbc3e1e0e4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4004670643_534dd15081_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/4005436594_136c580871_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/4005436390_0c848229f9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/4004669911_d769aa288f_o.jpg

Crop of eye.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/4004823815_f77885cc9c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/4005432692_1c11a4ac47_o.jpg

[Permagrin]

bbss, it looks good to me too. Cool. Congrats on your new lens.

[ckfishel2001]

This is current? Where are you that you have snow already:(









http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/4005436390_0c848229f9_o.jpg

[thatkatmat]

I see mountains.....I know it was snowing around denver last week...So my guess is Colorado....or Alaska:)

[Permagrin]

Even the PNW has snow in the foothillls of the Cascades. It's been a really cold fall.


OOC, do any of you guys experience a focus shift with this lens? I was noticing my focus is dead on at 1.4 but when I shift to the 2, 2.8 etc it shifts, if I don't re-focus. I just wondered if anyone else finds this to be true. It doesn't bother me...refocusing is fine. I just was wondering.

[H20boy]

Sorry Brett, just now saw your question.

The recalibrated sigmalux works identical on both my 5d and IIn, just a hair front focussing. I don't notice any problems being off the intended focal plane during normal shooting situations...only on test charts and at MFD tabletop tests.

[Brett]

Sorry Brett, just now saw your question.

The recalibrated sigmalux works identical on both my 5d and IIn, just a hair front focussing. I don't notice any problems being off the intended focal plane during normal shooting situations...only on test charts and at MFD tabletop tests.

Thanks; that's encouraging, at least.

I've decided to bite the bullet and send it to Sigma. I was hoping it would go to C.R.I.S., since it seems they are sorting out the lenses for quite a few people, but I doubt they're going to send it to Arizona since I'm in Cleveland.

One question to those of you who have sent it in: I did the "Online Repair Form" thing at Sigma's website, and it generated a PDF to send with the lens...but there's not an address listed to send it to! Same thing with the "Service Request" PDF. Did you just send it to the Ronkonkoma address?

[H20boy]

I personally did the pdf form on sigma's website and sent it to C.R.I.S. address. Sorry, i didn't send mine to Sigma...as that would just delay WHO actually did the repair. Ship direct. :)

[bbss]

This is current? Where are you that you have snow already


I see mountains.....I know it was snowing around denver last week...So my guess is Colorado....or Alaska:)

Even the PNW has snow in the foothillls of the Cascades. It's been a really cold fall.


Today. Over the ocean. Norway ;) It's getting colder :(

[Jeff81]

Even the PNW has snow in the foothillls of the Cascades. It's been a really cold fall.


OOC, do any of you guys experience a focus shift with this lens? I was noticing my focus is dead on at 1.4 but when I shift to the 2, 2.8 etc it shifts, if I don't re-focus. I just wondered if anyone else finds this to be true. It doesn't bother me...refocusing is fine. I just was wondering.

I was reading somewhere where a few people had experienced focus shift with this lens...unfortunately I can't remember where I was reading about it. Sorry.

[thatkatmat]

Thanks; that's encouraging, at least.

I've decided to bite the bullet and send it to Sigma. I was hoping it would go to C.R.I.S., since it seems they are sorting out the lenses for quite a few people, but I doubt they're going to send it to Arizona since I'm in Cleveland.

One question to those of you who have sent it in: I did the "Online Repair Form" thing at Sigma's website, and it generated a PDF to send with the lens...but there's not an address listed to send it to! Same thing with the "Service Request" PDF. Did you just send it to the Ronkonkoma address?

I'm in Seattle, don't remember the PDF form (but I'm sure I filled it out) I called the service number too. But anyways, sent mine to the Ronkonkoma address.(not CRIS) Got it back in a week, spot on with my 5Dmk2, 20D and 50D.

OOC, do any of you guys experience a focus shift with this lens? I was noticing my focus is dead on at 1.4 but when I shift to the 2, 2.8 etc it shifts, if I don't re-focus. I just wondered if anyone else finds this to be true. It doesn't bother me...refocusing is fine. I just was wondering.

Permie, I never change the aperture while focus is locked so I don't know, perhaps that's why I've never experienced it. However, with the 50L, you don't need to change the aperture during focus lock to get the shift....It's just always there between 1.4 and 2.8 if the subject is close...Like within 5 ft or so.

[Brett]

I personally did the pdf form on sigma's website and sent it to C.R.I.S. address. Sorry, i didn't send mine to Sigma...as that would just delay WHO actually did the repair. Ship direct. :)

I'm in Seattle, don't remember the PDF form (but I'm sure I filled it out) I called the service number too. But anyways, sent mine to the Ronkonkoma address.(not CRIS) Got it back in a week, spot on with my 5Dmk2, 20D and 50D.


Thanks guys. I think I'll call them tomorrow, and see if they'll let me just send it to CRIS. I just decided today to give it a go, after getting over my initial disappointment that I didn't get a good copy. I think I'll still get the Contax Planar I was looking at, but I need a good AF 50mm for what I shoot.

Thanks again. :)

[single_track]

we need more photos

[Permagrin]

hey guys, thanks for the info on the focus shift thing...I didn't know that about the 50L Matt.

[MackDaddy1962]

http://images52.fotki.com/v727/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1776-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v643/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1791-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v640/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1799-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v730/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1806-vi.jpg

[versedmb]

...
...but I doubt they're going to send it to Arizona since I'm in Cleveland....



I'm in Mass. and mine went to AZ.

[versedmb]

we need more photos

Here's a couple.

Love the bokeh with this 50, f/2. close to MFD....
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/679647184_4PqaK-XL.jpg



f/2 again....
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/679644900_3Bqqd-XL.jpg









http://images51.fotki.com/v730/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1806-vi.jpg

Nice shot.

[MackDaddy1962]

Thanks Michael . :)

More Bokeh...

http://images52.fotki.com/v727/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1691-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v637/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1693-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1130/photos/2/17642/7200392/IMG_1692-vi.jpg

[rslv]

Got this lens a couple of weeks ago, but it was useless on 450D/40D due to focus errors.
Got my 5D II today....micro-adjust sitting at +19 currently, which seem okay. Will do some real-world shooting ASAP and post some pictures.

[Brett]

I'm in Mass. and mine went to AZ.

I just assumed, since they list a service center in GA, that mine would end up there. I called them today, and they said I can either send it direct with the appropriate paperwork, or to Ronkonkoma. I think I'm going to send it directly to C.R.I.S. I planned to ship it today, but got too busy.

[PhatheadWRX]

Just got mine. Love the build and OOF quality, but mine suffers from front focus. Time to go to CRIS

both focused on the dog
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4009062925_6a12ac2064_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/4009062925/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4009064921_63104be4e6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/4009064921/)

focused on his right eye (left)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/4009824892_c6017931a0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/4009824892/)

here are the boring focus chart tests. I shot 3 distances (since a friend's sigmalux was inconsistently front focusing more or less at different distances). These were all shot on a tripod and the camera never moved between different apertures for the same framing.

Oddly, it looks like the focus plane shifts back and forth a bit depending on the aperture.

Large / Original

Medium Distance
1.4 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4009066245_8febaf42e6_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4009066245_351a3be235_o.jpg
1.8 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4009067593_27f0488c19_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4009067593_0772f876ce_o.jpg
2.0 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/4009068917_dc213f58fa_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/4009068917_6d8a64f537_o.jpg
2.8 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4009070169_924780a54c_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4009070169_c9db0d066b_o.jpg
4.0 - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/4009071589_ea58c83226_b.jpg / http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/4009071589_f5aebd8826_o.jpg

Closer
1.4 - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/4009840348_6641afc021_b.jpg / http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/4009840348_e960e7ce44_o.jpg
2.0 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4009074457_95d018e5e6_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4009074457_68bc2e4b10_o.jpg
2.8 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4009843094_114f748cef_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4009843094_b26a8cc70e_o.jpg
4.0 - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/4009844678_d7793073eb_b.jpg / http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/4009844678_62d9b6caa4_o.jpg

Farther
1.4 (looks REALLY bad) - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4009079145_1f1707e9a8_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4009079145_e7551c5673_o.jpg
2.0 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/4009848296_4faa90505d_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/4009848296_c919f80c05_o.jpg
2.8 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4009082503_c0b1c9e87a_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4009082503_cb2ae19d80_o.jpg
4.0 - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4009084339_280b79b023_b.jpg / http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4009084339_dd90fa832a_o.jpg

I'm totally confident that CRIS can fix it, and honestly, I'm not surprised that it has to go in. It's just an inconvenience.

[versedmb]

Just got mine. Love the build and OOF quality, but mine suffers from front focus. Time to go to CRIS...


Yea, just send it in. It took me about a month to get mine back :cry:, but now its perfect. :)

[versedmb]

f/2 on 5d again...
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/680136741_E7qgZ-X2.jpg

[PhatheadWRX]

Yea, just send it in. It took me about a month to get mine back :cry:, but now its perfect. :)
So do I just call up C.R.I.S. and send it in? Just tell them its front focusing? Send camera? Send pics? etc?

Better to send to Sigma?

I live pretty close to CRJ, but I just sent them my 10-20, and its still really off on one side. I wonder how many 50s they've worked with.

[bbss]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4009656041_46e430e09d_o.jpg

Hdr attempt, but lightning turned out very uneven. Only f5.6- this should probably have been at least 11.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/4009655833_82c2553bd9_o.jpg

[ckfishel2001]

So do I just call up C.R.I.S. and send it in? Just tell them its front focusing? Send camera? Send pics? etc?

Better to send to Sigma?

I live pretty close to CRJ, but I just sent them my 10-20, and its still really off on one side. I wonder how many 50s they've worked with.

I called Sig and they actually seemed bummed I called. Told me to just pull the service request form off the web site, send it in and all would be cool. It was, went smooth, took about 2 weeks, and now a lens that hits focus as often as any of my others....yeah.

[kcbrown]

So I have to wonder: what's been the fix success rate when sending to CRIS (which includes when it got sent there by Sigma) versus sending to Sigma? Which location appears to do better, more consistent work?

Mine has excellent sharpness and such but the amount of focus microadjust I have to dial in depends on the distance to the subject, so clearly mine needs calibration (my 50D's already been calibrated so that's not the problem).


EDIT: this posting might be useful for someone else, but as it happens I don't think I ever tested my 50 f/1.4 on my 50D after I got my 50D back from calibration. So I just now tested it, and the lens now appears to work properly throughout all the reasonable distance I've put it to, with a microadjustment value of +10.

Hmm...further edit: it works for a reasonable range indoors, but beyond 50 feet or so it starts to miss a little. Looks like I've got more testing to do to really characterize how it behaves...

[PhatheadWRX]

So CRIS > Sigma for 50 calibration?

[thatkatmat]

NY here....was perfect and only one week turnaround

[kcbrown]

NY here....was perfect and only one week turnaround

Is your spot-on throughout the range, MFD to infinity?

[thatkatmat]

Yes, I have no problems at any FL on both my 5Dmk2 and 50D

[agphotography]

So CRIS > Sigma for 50 calibration?

Definitely not in my case. I sent it to them twice. Still wasn't right. The second time they had it for 27 days.

[Brett]

So do I just call up C.R.I.S. and send it in? Just tell them its front focusing? Send camera? Send pics? etc?

Better to send to Sigma?

I live pretty close to CRJ, but I just sent them my 10-20, and its still really off on one side. I wonder how many 50s they've worked with.

Mine went out to C.R.I.S. today. I figured that with all the good reports here about service being done by them, and negative reports otherwise, I'd be best just to send it straight there. I called them first and asked if I should send images, and the (very nice) lady said it wasn't necessary, although Sigma's email said that I should. I didn't. I don't tend to print OOF shots from testing a lens. :)

I did fill out the online repair form and received an email with a service order number and a .pdf form to print and fill out.

[agphotography]

I hope my series of posts didn't sound entirely negative. Yes I am disappointed that C.R.I.S. wasn't able to fix my lens after 2 visits, but they were never rude to me, their customer service gal was very pleasant and quick to respond to my emails.

I just have bad luck that's all ;)

[Brett]

I hope my series of posts didn't sound entirely negative. Yes I am disappointed that C.R.I.S. wasn't able to fix my lens after 2 visits, but they were never rude to me, their customer service gal was very pleasant and quick to respond to my emails.

I just have bad luck that's all ;)

Unfortunately, yes, your's seems to be one of the bad cases. By now, shouldn't Sigma have offered you a completely new lens? Have you called them and politely "insisted" that they do?

[agphotography]

Unfortunately, yes, your's seems to be one of the bad cases. By now, shouldn't Sigma have offered you a completely new lens? Have you called them and politely "insisted" that they do?

I most definitely did just that, and they sort of skirted the issue entirely. They insisted that I send my cameras in, they said it was the only way to assure calibration. I told them once again that simply is not an option because I don't want to take the chance of them screwing with either of my camera bodies and possibly throwing the focus out of wack on my canon lenses.

(I will only take my cameras to canon for calibration)

When I asked again about replacing the lens they pretended not to hear me lol. If it doesn't come back perfect this time (they got the lens today according to fedex tracking) I'm definitely going to make a fuss with them.

[syntrix]

I most definitely did just that, and they sort of skirted the issue entirely. They insisted that I send my cameras in, they said it was the only way to assure calibration. I told them once again that simply is not an option because I don't want to take the chance of them screwing with either of my camera bodies and possibly throwing the focus out of wack on my canon lenses.

(I will only take my cameras to canon for calibration)

When I asked again about replacing the lens they pretended not to hear me lol. If it doesn't come back perfect this time (they got the lens today according to fedex tracking) I'm definitely going to make a fuss with them.

And I'm the devil's advocate, it's not unpossible that your body is out of alignment.\

edit; clicked on your list, please tell me you aren't using the 40D as a basis :(

Can't remember if I went over this with you, but 1:1.4 is magical, it's a very thin dof close up.

If you realize that, did you send them samples to get a basis from? And did you specify the body that you are shooting with?

I hate canon fast lenses sometimes. They will certainly lock on a "nose" but keep everything behind faulty, but that's 1:1.4 for ya!

Sorry, just seeing some info lacking from your post

edit: hmm, did this once but didn't take... noticed a 40D in your isht, you aren't basising this on your 40D are you? If so, I could unleash dogs on that one **sigh**

[agphotography]

No need to unleash the hounds. Yes I do own a 40D, and yes I would like to use this Sigma 50mm on said 40D, but no my primary body is the 5DmkII. I'm not going to be so smug as to say that both of my bodies are in perfect alignment and there is no possible way they could be off. It's very possible that could be the case, but seeing as how they both work well with my canon lenses I didn't want to ruin a good thing.

I'm also quite acclimated to shallow DOF lenses, I've owned my share on various camera platforms and I'm accustomed to how a razor-thin DOF works. I have also owned the 50L and shot with the 85L on numerous occasions. Those have hair thin DOF.

Yes I did specify which bodies the lens was being used on, and I also specified that the 5DmkII was my primary. They informed me that they did their testing on a 40D body.

I also offered to send a disc of images along with the lens, I did send it the first time but they told me it wasn't necessary. So I've not sent another.

Hope that helps with the assessment :)

[Yaamon]

I most definitely did just that, and they sort of skirted the issue entirely. They insisted that I send my cameras in, they said it was the only way to assure calibration. I told them once again that simply is not an option because I don't want to take the chance of them screwing with either of my camera bodies and possibly throwing the focus out of wack on my canon lenses.

(I will only take my cameras to canon for calibration)

When I asked again about replacing the lens they pretended not to hear me lol. If it doesn't come back perfect this time (they got the lens today according to fedex tracking) I'm definitely going to make a fuss with them.

When Sigma normally get a lens back for calibration they will calibrate it to a reference.
If that is unsucessfull they will ask for your body and the reason is that they DO NOT make any changes to the body calibration but they will calibrate the lens to your body even if that may mean the lens is out of there specification.

Good luck.

[kevinmcdade]

I just got my 50 back from Sigma New York. The round trip time was ~3 weeks. I am yet to try it out for a couple of reasons: 1) I'm afraid it's still going to front focus, 2) Since it's been gone I've gotten really accustomed to using my 24-70L. I may try it out this weekend. I'm not sending it back if it's not right...I'll just sell for whatever I can get and consider it lesson learned.

[H20boy]

ag, I assume you have micro-adjusted it on your 5d2? Can I ask what the adjustment was on that body? Is your's front focusing or backfocusing? At all distances, or just close to MFD? (sorry, lots of questions)

If CRIS (or go the to the other place) will calibrate the lens off your 40d, that's the way to go.

[agphotography]

ag, I assume you have micro-adjusted it on your 5d2? Can I ask what the adjustment was on that body? Is your's front focusing or backfocusing? At all distances, or just close to MFD? (sorry, lots of questions)

If CRIS (or go the to the other place) will calibrate the lens off your 40d, that's the way to go.


Sure thing.

When I first got it, I had to do a +13 adjustment, when I got it back It still required a +5 adjustment for anything closer than 6ft. beyond 6ft was a +3.

[Brett]

Sure thing.

When I first got it, I had to do a +13 adjustment, when I got it back It still required a +5 adjustment for anything closer than 6ft. beyond 6ft was a +3.

I hadn't caught the part about them testing it on a 40D.

I'm in the same boat. If it doesn't work on my 5D eventually, I'll either use it as a MF lens, or sell it for what I can get (probably to someone who owns a 40D :p ).

[RyanB]

Ugh, sold/selling all my MF 50mmish lenses, so tempted to get this :( My credit cards would not be happy though haha.

[H20boy]

When I first got it, I had to do a +13 adjustment, when I got it back It still required a +5 adjustment for anything closer than 6ft. beyond 6ft was a +3.

thanks Ag, that puts it in more perspective. From what I have gathered about the micro-adjusting, the +5 isn't much off, and +3 is practically on. I would assume if mine were on a 5d2 or 1d3, that would be right about where I would be adjusting it as well.

Brett, stay positive. :) You may be pleased with the final tolerances on your 5d. If not positive, at least open minded until you can take it out and use it in some real situations.

(click image for original) EXIF in tact f1.6, contrast added, no sharpening from raw -> jpg

http://matt.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p294850744-4.jpg (http://matt.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p294850744.jpg)

[single_track]

f/2 on 5d again...
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/680136741_E7qgZ-X2.jpg

She has that "will you put that thing away" spouse look. I seen it many times.

[rslv]

5DII | ISO400 | f/1.6 | 1/2000
AF Microadjust: +19

http://img.r2cph.com/sigmalux.jpg

[Permagrin]

rslv, great shot. And thanks for including the micro-adjust numbers. I think it would be interesting to see how much people still have to micro adjust their lens (either straight out of the box or after repairs).

Mine is at 0. I thought initially I needed to and did the focus chart tests...adjusted it to +10. Then I used it IRL and it was so off, I turned it back to 0 where it worked great.

[thatkatmat]

rslv, great shot. And thanks for including the micro-adjust numbers. I think it would be interesting to see how much people still have to micro adjust their lens (either straight out of the box or after repairs).

Mine is at 0. I thought initially I needed to and did the focus chart tests...adjusted it to +10. Then I used it IRL and it was so off, I turned it back to 0 where it worked great.

Yeah, I adjusted mine to +5 at first, then back to zero the next day. Both bodies are happy at zero. I mean...even my 300/2.8IS has a +3 on the 5DII and +4 on my 50D...So, the Sigmalux is...well....Perfect. I test them like every other month...Figure the bumps in the bag and from use might knock them out of whack...But so far, once it's set, I haven't had to adjust....This after about 10 months of fairly heavy use.

[Jeff81]

RE: warranty

Sorry for the delay...according to Sigma customer service the warranty does not transfer when you sell the lens to another person. Doesn't surprise me. However, I don't know how strict the service center is about this because I think I remember a few people stating that they had used lenses and were able to get them serviced under the warranty. Can anyone confirm that they were able to do this?

[n1as]

I bought a used sigma 100-300 f/4. It front focused so I sent it in with no warranty information at all. I called them a week later to get my repair quote and they said "free". I reminded them it was a used lens and I was not the original purchaser. They said "free".

When they finally got around to fixing my lens they just sent me a brand new replacement instead!

[Jeff81]

I bought a used sigma 100-300 f/4. It front focused so I sent it in with no warranty information at all. I called them a week later to get my repair quote and they said "free". I reminded them it was a used lens and I was not the original purchaser. They said "free".

When they finally got around to fixing my lens they just sent me a brand new replacement instead!

Did you send it in to Sigma or CRIS?

[PhatheadWRX]

I sent my 10-20 (used + receipt) to CRJ and they did warranty work. Just sent them my second hand 50 (w/ receipt) today, but don't forsee any issues.

Sigma should honor warranty work on the 50s since the lens is so new (none produced out of warranty)

[agphotography]

RE: warranty

Sorry for the delay...according to Sigma customer service the warranty does not transfer when you sell the lens to another person. Doesn't surprise me. However, I don't know how strict the service center is about this because I think I remember a few people stating that they had used lenses and were able to get them serviced under the warranty. Can anyone confirm that they were able to do this?

I bought mine second hand and I've only paid for shipping once. C.R.I.S. picked up the tab on the second trip, and Sigma picked up the tab on the 3rd trip.

[dingelingyi]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/4016404610_dedc3b46cc.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Monkey Bokeh...
..
..
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 800
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/4024987124_a2ec0dbed8_b.jpg

[agphotography]

Update: Sigma received my lens on the 14th, and only today acknowledged that they had even got it. The customer service gal I've been dealing with apparently wasn't aware I had shipped it to them (despite the last 6 emails we've had back and forth) and they had to track it down. Yikes.

Then I freaked out when I got an estimate emailed to me, but it turned out just to be an authorization, so I've not been charged anything (and I better not be).

So basically they've had it 4 days now and haven't looked at it yet. Let's see how this unfolds. I'll keep you all posted.

[H20boy]

More than likely, it'll ship and arrive before they 'confirm' its been worked on. I was told "it's been assigned to a technician", then 10 days later its on my doorstep.

[thatkatmat]

Yeah, me too, I ended up calling them to see if they recieved it and it was already being shipped back to me.

[TwistYaWig]

Heres two from yesterday

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3663533492_e1f3173141_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3663533100_26fa0d660a_o.jpg

The clarity of these pictures....I just bought a 17-55 and some of the pictures from this lens make me want to sell it and go all prime, starting with the sig 50mm f/1.4.

[Permagrin]

here's a couple from today. I am reminded how much I love this lens

http://lcimages.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p1033130649-4.jpg

http://lcimages.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p786324673-4.jpg

http://lcimages.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p946773278-4.jpg

[lukeap69]

very lovely colours grandma. i like these a lot...

thanks for sharing.

[thatkatmat]

Wow, great colors...Love the Brittany Spaniel...Grew up with two of those...Second shot is...well, .....perfect:)

[Permagrin]

thanks Lukeap69 & Matt. :)

Matt, he's a field bred English springer spaniel. He does often get mistaken for a Brittany though.

[thatkatmat]

Oops....my bad....knew I should have left it at...... Spaniel....My Brittany's used to get mistaken for springers all th time.:):oops::D

[gtcrispy]

I sent mine in to NY about 1.5 weeks ago with a front focus issue. There was also some bad CA when shooting the white text on the black sigma box that the lens came in. I sent my Rebel XT along with it because it experienced the same issues as my 50D did. I got it back yesterday and I'm still not convinced its fixed. I'm trying to ensure the error isn't based on my part. It does get noticeably better at F/2 but it did that before it was sent in.

[quickster]

just picked up my sigma 2 days ago! and im lovin it!

here are some shots with it.

lens pictured - olympus zuiko 50 f/1.4 MF
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4030998645_8030455477_o.jpg
50D + Sigma 50 f/1.4

and just a test shot
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/4031746662_a7f4099b8f_o.jpg
5d + Sigma 50 f/1.4

[stu46]

Pat - How you liking the Oly? Congrats on the 5D and Sigmalux.

[quickster]

thanks stu. im diggin both so far. the oly kinda sucks indoors.but thast probably because im blind...ive had my glasses since soph in HS. haha.

the lux, im really likin it a lot! so far no focus issues that i can tell...i hope to god there wont be any issues....i couldve saved me some $ but i chose to get a brand new one instead.

[stu46]

Good deal. I bought it new as well. Just wanted to ensure there wouldn't be any problems getting it calibrated.

[Permagrin]

Good deal. I bought it new as well. Just wanted to ensure there wouldn't be any problems getting it calibrated.

me too. Seemed the wise thing to do with this one.


Crispy, I noticed when I first shot this lens, that it took a while for me to get used to shooting it wide open. And I was used to other lenses with 1.2 apertures (shooting them with no problem). At first I thought it was focusing wrong but it wasn't. It was me.