Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX (or EX DG) issues?

[MrChad]

Hi gang,

I had purchased a used Sigma 15mm EX fisheye (the older non-DG type) when the lens arrived it malfunctioned on my 5D mk3 and 40D cameras. It would AF but when you tripped the shutter it would give Err 01 (clean contacts).

The lens was in perfect shape contacts looked perfect from the retailer - a known well respected used retailer. The lens appeared to work fine on an old Rebel-G 35mm I had in the closet however.

With Canon no longer producing the 15/2.8 EF fisheye I'm leaning heavily toward perhaps just purchasing the newer DG Sigma fisheye in the hopes the issues are isolated to the older lens I had. (perhaps Sigma updated the firmware on the 15mm fish at some point?)

I was able to get 2 isolated shots off on the 40D before the error appeared again. The EXIF data in Apple's Aperture 3 program reports the lens as a Canon 24mm/2.8. I can only assume this is the data Sigma was using to provide AF operation on the fisheye.

I'm really looking for comments about operation of the Sigma fisheye both DG and non-DG versions on newer bodies, I'm concerned that if I purchase a new Sigma EX DG fisheye lens that in a few years it may fail to function on my newer Canon DSLRs. I normally only purchase Canon glass for this reason, but the 15mm EF is commanding quite high used prices lately, and I have zero use for non-15mm focal lengths or price of the Canon zoom fisheye. I wish the older f/2.8 EF fish was still sold frankly.

With the mentioned Err 01 issue I returned the lens for a refund, and am now trying to decide how best to pursue purchasing another full frame fisheye down the road.

-Regards.

[sonnyc]

If it still happens with the 40D then most likely it's the lens. I had the non DG sigma a while ago and it worked fine on the 1d3 and 1ds2.

If you want the Canon version, you can get it used.

[MrChad]

Thanks for the reply. Used canon 15's command a premium sometimes 200 more than a sigma new. Thus, I'm very tempted to pursue a new sigma assuming the error issue I experienced was isolated to the lens I purchased and returned used.

Some of the used canons are selling for more then the canon fish prime sold new. impressive what the arket will accept. Maybe canon should have just raised the old lens' price years ago. I'm not that motivated just yet.

[hard12find]

I have the newer Sigma 15 MM DG, and have never had an issue. Looses a little on crop body camera's but that is to be expected.
Jim

[MrChad]

I'm curious if anyone has used the sigma dg ex fisheye on a newer body like a 5d mk3 or 7d? Thanks.

[FuzzSummit]

Been using it on my 5D2 for about a month and a half. Works great, no problems so far.


182 | 365 | Spring in the high country by FuzzSummit, on Flickr


173 | 365 | Self by FuzzSummit, on Flickr


Cancun by FuzzSummit, on Flickr

[MrChad]

Thank you Fuzz, can I assume you are using the DG version?

[FuzzSummit]

Originally Posted by MrChad

Thank you Fuzz, can I assume you are using the DG version?

Yes, DG.

[amfoto1]

You should contact Sigma and ask them about it...

Some older Siggy lenses have compatibility issues with more recent Canon cameras, causing errors. The reason is that Sigma doesn't license the technology from Canon... Instead they reverse engineer their lenses' electromechanical bits and firmware. There's no guarantee of future compatibility, as there generally is with Canon lenses on Canon cameras. A few Tamron lenses have had similar issues.

I have an old Siggy 28-75 that works fine on EOS-3 and 10D, but causes a focus-related error on any later Canon camera. It's not worth fixing, but your lens might be. Sigma offered a free fix on some of the more valuable lenses. They might not offer a free fix on a lens bought used, though.

Because the EXIF data is incorrect, I suspect it's a communication problem between the lens and the camera. The camera isn't recognizing the lens properly. It could be something wrong with the lens, but I'd check with Sigma about compatibility, first.

IMO, a fisheye lens is so specialized, I think I'd just go with whatever is the cheapest solution.

[MrChad]

Thanks AmFoto,

Yeah, I thought about contacting Sigma but the lens was already used and at least a few years old. I wasn't going to put any time and effort into a non-working used lens with a return policy if the dealer wants to pay Sigma to update the firmware, etc. fine but they likely will tack that onto the lens at the next resale period. Dumping any further money into the lens on my parts was not an option I wanted to pursue either, now we are approaching new Sigma version prices and I'd gladly take the 4 year US warranty then, assuming the lens would function on a newer Canon.

Thanks guys. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for another used Sigma or Canon fish, but if I do get impatient of the hunt I may just settle for new Siggy. Regards.

[MrChad]

I wanted to post an update to my inquiry on the Sigma 15mm EX non-DG fisheye.

I believe my problems with my earlier copy was primarily a concern of the firmware/chip in the lens. I say this because I have recently acquired a second used EX (non-DG lens) and the serial number is much newer (higher) and my Apple Aperture 3 program records the EXIF data for this lens as a Sigma 15mm fish, my older prior lens was reported as a Canon 24mm/2.8 EF.

The older model would focus and fire the shutter fine on an older Rebel-G 35mm Eos camera (I shot a role of Velvia with it actually), and it would focus on my 40D and 5D3 but would give Err 01 if one attempted to trip the shutter on a newer DSLR. I was only able to fire the shutter twice on the 40D, it never fired on my 5D3.

My older copy was serial number 10032xx (green Sigma EX zipper case) my newer used copy is serial number 10099xx (black Sigma EX zipper case).

Therefore, I'm lead to suspect that if one is wishing to purchase a used EX non-DG Sigma fisheye a higher serial number may be more desirable unless Sigma can re-ship/re-flash an older lens, I'm not certain how that would be achieved. But nonetheless a second newer Sigma fisheye has proven to be a useful and economical fisheye option especially on my 5D Mk3. I'm very pleased with the results.

Thanks everyone, hopefully others wishing to purchase a used Sigma 15mm/2.8 EX fisheye may find this helpful when hunting for a bargain lens.