I've recently purchased a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens and guess what? It focuses all over the place! It's also extremely soft between f/1.4 and about f/3.5.
At close range it front-focuses and at long range it back-focuses
- No amount of MA will 'bring it in'
I don't want to play the Sigma-Lotto and try a replacement (The store only had one copy at the time) so I've decided to send it back to Sigma.
What I want to know is, if anyone here has sent a lens back to Sigma (UK) (I'm sure there must be a hundreds 
) how much of the original packaging did you enclose?
I was just going to send it back Royal Mail 'Special Delivery' in the padded case (Is this advisable?), wrapped in loads of bubble-wrap and well packed in my own cardboard box, Not the original lens box. I'm not going to enclose the hood either.
The web site only says to "Enclose your full contact details including a return address (returned packages will need to be signed for) and, if under warranty, a copy of your proof of purchase." so I guess I don't need to send the warranty card either.
I have just registered it for the 3yr extended warranty as well so this is on file.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice.
EDIT: having re-read the text on the web site
, I notice they say "Please note that all packaging will be discarded at the time of opening your parcel."
So does this mean they will discard the padded case? 
- Maybe I'll play safe and just wrap it up well in bubble-wrap!
