Ripped Off - Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS ?

I just received a Sigma lens I purchased on ebay (as an upgrade for my Tamron 17-50 non-VC), and I don't think it's right. While it focuses ok (it doesn't focus as well as the Tamron in low light), and takes good photos, I'm afraid it has an issue and just thought I'd ask here before taking it up with the seller.

It has a significant wobble between the base and focus ring, as though it's trying to come apart. It moves maybe a millimeter or so, enough that you can see the printed circuit ribbon inside. Here are some photos showing what I'm talking about (the second photo is with the base tilted away from me as far as it goes, and the third is with the base tilted toward me):

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HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

How was it described? This should have been disclosed either specifically, or generally by saying the condition was "fair" perhaps. "As new" would be a disputable claim.

Sounds to me like that lens went to the Isaac Newton School of Gravity.

I bet one of the female threads that the bottom screws into in the barrel is cracked, and barely hanging on.

Other possibility is that it is simply a loosened screw that just needs to be tightened.

If it were me, I'd probably return it. If the seller has a no return policy, it's a simple case of Item Not As Described (damaged).

xarqi wrote in post #16564646
How was it described? This should have been disclosed either specifically, or generally by saying the condition was "fair" perhaps. "As new" would be a disputable claim.

The only thing he said was that the lens is in good condition.

I gently tried to snug up all the screws that were easily accessible, none of those were loose.

If it's as you suggest, a cracked thread, is that something that can be repaired for not too much expense? Just wondering, I'll more than likely return it, but just checking. I guess if all else fails I'll file a dispute with my credit card company (I paid through paypal with a credit card).

Yeah, something is up. I have had that lens a long time and it is super nice, definitly no wiggle or play.

groundloop wrote in post #16564748
I gently tried to snug up all the screws that were easily accessible, none of those were loose.

If it's as you suggest, a cracked thread, is that something that can be repaired for not too much expense? Just wondering, I'll more than likely return it, but just checking. I guess if all else fails I'll file a dispute with my credit card company (I paid through paypal with a credit card).

If the screws you tried to snug up were on the ones on the mount, those aren't the ones. You would have to take off the mount, and go for the next set or two fo screws inside. May be accessible without removing the circuit board, or you may have to go one level deeper, and remove the circuit board (an easy task). But, I think that's too much work to do for a lens you (probably) paid FMV for.

To repair the cracked thread correctly, you would have to replace the barrel, which would require a trip to Sigma, and won't be 'cheap'.

Easiest way to handle this is to send the seller a message. Give him 24 hours to respond, and if he says "Too bad, as-is", open an Item Not as Described case with ebay, and with Paypal. Do this now, and don't wait any longer then you have to. You shouldn't have to go to your credit card, unless it is not found in your favor.

groundloop wrote in post #16564748
The only thing he said was that the lens is in good condition.

If that's the way it left the vendor, then I would disagree with that description. I suggest that you follow the ideas the other recent posters have proposed. The goods were not received as described.

Psh! I got in trouble with eBay for selling a 7D to a person who had no idea how to use it (said it wasn't as described because her photos were blurry all the time [Because she took handheld photos at 1/10 second according to the EXIF info on the photos she didn't delete from the memory card I included]). This is clearly not 'good condition' and you should have absolutely no problems. eBay sides with the buyer 99% of the time.

send it back
we have to send a message "we won't accept items" not describing the faults

Well, it looks like I at least have a seller who's reasonable. Said he didn't know the lens was like that (???) and he'll refund my money after I send it back. As a last resort it was paid for with a credit card, but hopefully I won't have to resort to disputing the charge. I was really looking forward to this upgrade, but at least I hadn't yet listed my Tamron for sale.

How about they refund the money, THEN you send it back. You took the risk paying first when you bought it I assume; they should take the risk on the return.

xarqi wrote in post #16565238
How about they refund the money, THEN you send it back. You took the risk paying first when you bought it I assume; they should take the risk on the return.

Unfortunately that's not how the return system works. The buyer still has paypal and credit card protection if the seller fails to repay after the return. But after the seller refunds, he can do next to nothing if the buyer decides not to actually return the item.

Sirrith wrote in post #16565372
Unfortunately that's not how the return system works. The buyer still has paypal and credit card protection if the seller fails to repay after the return. But after the seller refunds, he can do next to nothing if the buyer decides not to actually return the item.

With those additional protections in place, that's fair enough.

madhatter04 wrote in post #16565044
Psh! I got in trouble with eBay for selling a 7D to a person who had no idea how to use it (said it wasn't as described because her photos were blurry all the time [Because she took handheld photos at 1/10 second according to the EXIF info on the photos she didn't delete from the memory card I included]). This is clearly not 'good condition' and you should have absolutely no problems. eBay sides with the buyer 99% of the time.

Agreed. If buyer and seller can't resolve a dispute, E-bay & Paypal will always make the buyer happy. Their future depends on it. That type of system quickly weeds out disreputable sellers.

I quit selling on E-bay for a similar issue to madhatter's. I sold a 500D that worked fine when I shipped it. The buyer didn't know how to operate it. I was forced (basicaly) to issue a refund. The camera worked just fine when I got it back, fortunately. At least I didn't have to pay for return shipping.

EOS5DC wrote in post #16566081
I quit selling on E-bay .....

Well, out of maybe 10 or so photography related purchases on ebay this lens is the second item that has had problems. Thankfully the first seller was good about taking back a defective lens, and hopefully the current one will be as well. And so far I haven't had any issues with stuff I've sold on ebay. Well, except for one time when I reluctantly told someone in Brazil I'd ship there even though my listing specified US only and he wound up asking me to lie about the value on the customs form - I notified ebay and cancelled the transaction.

I usually just buy from sellers that have at least around a hundred or so transactions and at least 99% positive, but I did get a killer deal on my 70-200 by buying from a new seller.