DR/XT and Sigma Zoom Problem

[rmpcanon]

I previously have been using an EOS Elan film camera w/a Canon EF 28-80 1:3.5-5.6 lens and a Sigma UC 70-210 1:4-5.6 zoom, and just purchased a Digital Rebel XT w/17-85 IS lens. I was under the impression that lenses and accessories (external flash, remote control, etc.) that worked on the Elan also would work on the XT, and was planning to use the Sigma 70-210 on the XT. The Sigma goes on the XT OK, focuses and meters OK, the shutter depresses properly, but the XT flashes "Err 99", and there is no picture written to the CF card. The XT manual states "This error may occur if you use a non-Canon lens ..."

Please tell me I am doing something wrong, and the the Sigma lens will work. After springing $600 for the 17-85 IS lens, I cannot afford additional bucks for another long telephoto. I am about to be sick.

Please help.

Dick P.

[bigun]

I'm not 100% sure but I think you can send the lens back to sigma and they can "rechip" it to work with your new XT. I do know some of the older 3rd party lens would not work until they were reworked.

Good luck! Bigun

[robertwgross]

That was just discussed earlier today.

Chances are it is the lens.

---Bob Gross---

[gavmar]

One quick thing to try is to manually set the camera to maximum aperture and try take a shot. I've got an ancient Sigma lens (too old an cheap to bother re-chipping) that I can use on my 300D at max aperture but nothing else. Fortunately most shots that I take on the lens are ok at maximum aperture.

[rmpcanon]

Well, guys, sad ending to my story.

Sigma says my lens is too old to be able to be re-chipped; so I'm in the market for a replacement for use w/XT.

My basice lens w/XT is a Canon 17-85 IS. The Sigma I wanted to keep using was 70-210. The LCS suggested a Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 II USM.

What do you guys think (or should I post this on the Lens forum?)? Would you go w/the Canon, or does Sigma/Tamron/Quantary/etc. have something better in the same price range? Because I already spent $600 on the 17-85 IS, and now must also buy not only a long tele, but also a Speedlight, the $200-$250 looks pretty good. The Canon 75-300 is available from Amazon @ less than $200.

Dick P.
Pbrowse@aol.com

[condyk]

The Canon 100-300mm or the Sigma 70-300mm APO Super II. The latter is cheaper, maybe $220 or so if I remember US prices, and maybe more flexible as has a 'Macro' capability ... not a macro lens but you can get some decent close up shots.

All the cheaper zooms seem to be a bit softer at the 300mm end, to one degree or another, and there also seems to be sample variation. I don't like any of the 75-300mm Canon, tho' the 100-300mm is an nice option but mire expensive. Search for these lenses here and you'll find LOTS of comments. I go for a SH 100-300mm or the Sigma new.