My first lens failure.

[Wazza]

I was shooting Rugby today, with my Sigma 70-300 Macro Super II, the one I also shoot all my motorsport with, and airliners.net shots, and other various pics....
And it broke. :eek:

I had been using it for about 20min, and then when it was on 70mm setting, I tried to zoom out, but it was very stiff, and I just turned the lens as normal to zoom out, and it went crunch, and then all loose. Now The lens, upon turning, will zoom out, but won't zoom back in, when turning other direction. Also from about 200mm onwards, autofocus won't work, and instead gets close to an AF lock, and then goes IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT... very rapidly, and won't focus.

I was shooting AI SERVO mode at the time. Luckily, I had my old 400mm with me, and continued to shoot with this.

The problem is, this lens cost me NZ$465, (about US$330), and I have NO idea where my receipt is. Soon after the purchases, of this lens, and my 17-40L, from Auckland Camera, I thought I had my receipts in my car, and then they weren't there, and have never seen them since.
I bought these lens on 5th February I beleive. I remember the day, as it was my ex girlfriends 21st birthday party. ;)

Anyway, has anyone ever experienced such problems?
:(

[felix21685]

ouch.. how weird of it to just stop like that..im suscribing since i have that same lens.

[Wazza]

I hadn't actually used it much in the past few weeks. I've been using either a telescope, 17-40, and 400mm. How odd. :(

[condyk]

Maybe if you paid by credit card then you still have the statement that the seller may accept as proof of purchase. You also have the serial number which they should have a record of. I think go in personally and explain the situation and see if you can get a repair.

[ron chappel]

It sounds like a small structural failure inside the lens.If all goes sour with the warrantee i would guess it would cost about nz$100-200 to fix (prob nearer the lower figure)

Wouldn't the store have a copy of your reciept?
If they are honest and helpfull (most are) should might help

[S230]

You should take this to a local Sigma repair centre and see if they are willing to fix this lens for you without the receipt. I know Sigma here in Canada is awesome and customer service is far superior than Canon's. My friends have same experience with both Canon and Sigma and Sigma is much better. Technically, they should be able to pull up the serial number and match it.
The 70-300mm Super has a Macro switch on the side. I suspect while you extended beyond the 200mm length, the macro switch kicked in and when you tried to retract the lens., that was where you heard the crunch. I personally don't know if this would be covered under warranty even if you find your receipt but doesn't hurt to try.
The Macro switch locks between 200 and 300mm with the focus fully extended. To retract, you must set the length to 200 then retract the focus to disengage the macro lock. You said that it felt stiff while in 70mm, this I probably where the macro was already kicked in place. And when you extended it out to 200, it "Clicked" fully into place and when retracting it, the internal broke. Unfortunately for this particular lens, you need to be careful where the macro setting is switched.
Hope this helps.

[cfcRebel]

Sorry to hear about the problem. Hopefully u can find some proof of purchase and get it fixed soon.

[Keiffer]

I also agree with S230, even if you don't have a reciept it's obvious it's their lense and it failed.

[Wazza]

You should take this to a local Sigma repair centre and see if they are willing to fix this lens for you without the receipt. I know Sigma here in Canada is awesome and customer service is far superior than Canon's. My friends have same experience with both Canon and Sigma and Sigma is much better. Technically, they should be able to pull up the serial number and match it.
The 70-300mm Super has a Macro switch on the side. I suspect while you extended beyond the 200mm length, the macro switch kicked in and when you tried to retract the lens., that was where you heard the crunch. I personally don't know if this would be covered under warranty even if you find your receipt but doesn't hurt to try.
The Macro switch locks between 200 and 300mm with the focus fully extended. To retract, you must set the length to 200 then retract the focus to disengage the macro lock. You said that it felt stiff while in 70mm, this I probably where the macro was already kicked in place. And when you extended it out to 200, it "Clicked" fully into place and when retracting it, the internal broke. Unfortunately for this particular lens, you need to be careful where the macro setting is switched.
Hope this helps.

It was actually clicked/snapped when extending from 70mm. I know a couple of times the 200-300mm Macro has been on. But this time it definately wasn't. It can't even be forced on when it's at 70mm only. :(
Thanks anyway for that info.
I might not be able to return it until next Saturday anyway.
I'm too busy working my day job during the week.

[S230]

Keep us posted on the outcome. :) Good luck.

[Wazza]

Well, I put the lens in Friday 24th June, and had a phone call, Monday 11th July saying it was fixed.

I just picked it up now.
Lens now moves in and out much more freely.

Good to have my lens back, and just in time for a special Boeing 777-200LR due here Tuesday. :D

[S230]

Well, I put the lens in Friday 24th June, and had a phone call, Monday 11th July saying it was fixed.

I just picked it up now.
Lens now moves in and out much more freely.

Good to have my lens back, and just in time for a special Boeing 777-200LR due here Tuesday. :D
That's great... also considering the turn-around time is quite reasonable. Did they say exactly what went wrong? Did you have to pay?

[willg]

the company might have the approx date of purchase by the serial number...i would call sigma and find out what they can do for you....a lost receipt shouldn't be cause to reject a warrenty claim