Sigma 30mm 1.4 Calibration?

Hello POTN,

This is a bit of a continuation question from my inquiry about this lens yesterday. Im picking up a genuinely new copy today (new as in use and flat black finish on hood + lens) and would like to know if the calibration problems it has been said to have happen very often? I know some people say they have sent theirs in for fixing and others get great, sharp copies. Is this something that happens more frequently than not, is it usually only older copies, and is this something that happens right away or after a couple uses, etc.?

Just not sure if I need to take a few batteries, tripod and test the whole 'front/back' focus exam right then and there at the meetup before purchasing lol.

Any information on this is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Personally I think it is very much overblown. Folks that have issues come here and post about it, those that do not are out shooting. I also think that because this is so widely communicated that folks are looking for problems that may not be there.

Just take some shots with the lens and zoom in to see the sharpness. I personally would not test this lens any different than how I would test any other used lens.

That is just my two cents.

duane0524 wrote in post #15658301
Personally I think it is very much overblown. Folks that have issues come here and post about it, those that do not are out shooting. I also think that because this is so widely communicated that folks are looking for problems that may not be there.

Just take some shots with the lens and zoom in to see the sharpness. I personally would not test this lens any different than how I would test any other used lens.

That is just my two cents.

Cool, makes sense! Ty for your response

I had the Sigma 30mm 1.4 when I had my XS/7D. I did have real-world problems with mine. Focus was often inaccurate depending in distance and lighting. True of many lenses, I suppose, but the most problematic I've personally seen. On my 7D, I attempted to microadjust it, but never got consistent focus. Two trips to Sigma didn't really help at all. I gave it to my brother for use on his 60D, and he seems happy with it. I'm more picky about focus than he is. Wonderfully sharp when it hits, but just not consistent enough for me.

I've tried 3 copies, none needed any calibration.

Sirrith wrote in post #15658880
I've tried 3 copies, none needed any calibration.

I've tried 3 copies and ALL needed calibration. I was frustrated and annoyed with this lens, and decided to move on from it for good.

Well I'm hoping that since this is one of the more recent produced copies it doesnt have any problems. Fingers crossed!

I just picked one up last week. It is great right out of the box. All my Sigma's have worked as expected.

cor726 wrote in post #15661082
I just picked one up last week. It is great right out of the box. All my Sigma's have worked as expected.

Sounds good! Not that It matters, im just curious but did you pick up a new copy or a used one?

New one - for $289 at B&H I couldn't go wrong. Most I saw used around here were more expensive than buying new.

cor726 wrote in post #15661214
New one - for $289 at B&H I couldn't go wrong. Most I saw used around here were more expensive than buying new.

Nice! thats where I was going to get mine but they were sold out a few days ago... It even said discontinued. I called about it and they say its because of the new one that comes out later this year...

TimHphotovideo wrote in post #15661228
Nice! thats where I was going to get mine but they were sold out a few days ago... It even said discontinued. I called about it and they say its because of the new one that comes out later this year...

That's too bad. I am glad I jumped on it when I saw it. I have been eying this lens up for years but couldn't justify $600 at the time.

cor726 wrote in post #15661236
That's too bad. I am glad I jumped on it when I saw it. I have been eying this lens up for years but couldn't justify $600 at the time.

sheesh! If the new one that is being introduced is at that price I will feel much better about purchasing this one.

I got mine from B&H and it's SHARP AS MY JAPANESE KNIVES!!!! No issues!!! Best lens I own.

cor726 wrote in post #15661214
New one - for $289 at B&H I couldn't go wrong. Most I saw used around here were more expensive than buying new.

Adorma still has some as of today.