Sticky Zoom lens

[c3p1]

Hi all,
I did a search and did not find anything (of course, not sure what to search under either).
However, I have a sigma 75-300mm zoom lens. You push the lens in and out to zoom. It is about 10+ years old. However, while using it in a humid environment, I noticed that the zooming in and out was getting difficult because it is sticking when trying to zoom out and in. Now, it is really stuck and takes some work (muscle) to get it to move back and forth.
Has anyone dealt with this? Could I maybe use some WD40 to lub it up--or are there safer lubs?
Any help would be appreciated as I am in the market for the Digital Rebel and need to know if I must factor in the cost of a new zoom.

Thanks, Paul

[condyk]

Welcome Paul

Not sure it will work with a DSLR anyway as the older Sigma lenses often need to be rechipped to work with recent Canon digital camera's. This is usually free but some lenses can no longer be adapted. For the definative answer I suggest going to the Sigma web site and emailing them from there with clear details of your lens and what you will use it with. Thety are prompt asnd responsive, in my own experience at least.

For info. there is a nice Sigma zoom called the 70-300mm APO Super II Macro that you may want to look at. Costs around £150/$220 US. Apparently, there is a new DG variation of this lens just appeared too. The cheaper DL version is not so good. There are other options depending on need and budget of course so feel free to ask further quesions.

[ron chappel]

It needs lubing but it's something that can ONLY be done by taking the lens apart.
Trying to spray stuff inside -even with the help of a thin tube- is a sure fire way of getting gunk on the lens surfaces.
How do i know this?
....well,:oops: er.
yep,i've done it myself:lol: :lol:
Actually it can be done to some lenses if you know what you're doing ,but for that particular lens forget it.
If sigma want too much to service the lens,consider taking it apart yourself. If you're mechanically inclined it should be easy.Old type zooms are actually quite easy i find.

By the way-this lens will allmost certainly not work with the new rebel -It's just the way the software is in old sigmas.
That will be another thing to ask sigma .Some lens software can be updated but not all.

[c3p1]

Wow, Thanks for the quick replies! Sadly, it is not what I was hoping to hear.
Nonetheless, great information.
I am not too mechanically inclined, however, if it will not work with the digital rebel without being reprogrammed (or other), I might give it a shot to open it up.
In the meanwhile, work on Plan B and see if I can get more money in the budget.

Thanks again for the information!
Paul