Sigma 50-150: Still problems out there?

Since the Tokina 50-135 is being phased out here in the U.S. I'm looking at the 50-150.

Have the knuckleheads at Sigma improved the QC issues on this damned thing over the past 6 months or so? (front/back focusing). I really have no desire to send this thing back 2-3 times.

Note: Yeah, I can still find a Tokina but I'm wondering if this about to go through a version change. I have no freaking idea what the loigic is with discontinuing a lens that gets such great reviews.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9086948
Since the Tokina 50-135 is being phased out here in the U.S. I'm looking at the 50-150.

Have the knuckleheads at Sigma improved the QC issues on this damned thing over the past 6 months or so? (front/back focusing). I really have no desire to send this thing back 2-3 times.

Note: Yeah, I can still find a Tokina but I'm wondering if this about to go through a version change. I have no freaking idea what the loigic is with discontinuing a lens that gets such great reviews.

What QC problems ?

I had tried 2 copy of the lens and both have a AF problem. End up sending mine in to calibrated and is finally focusing properly. Not sure if that is common or I am just plain unlucky. I brought mine from sigma4less.
Btw. I have that lens for sale if you are interested. Moved to FF.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9086948
Since the Tokina 50-135 is being phased out here in the U.S. I'm looking at the 50-150.

Have the knuckleheads at Sigma improved the QC issues on this damned thing over the past 6 months or so? (front/back focusing). I really have no desire to send this thing back 2-3 times.

Note: Yeah, I can still find a Tokina but I'm wondering if this about to go through a version change. I have no freaking idea what the loigic is with discontinuing a lens that gets such great reviews.

I got the 50-150, and it did not focus right (on my 50d). Micro focus did not fix it, as it focused differently on different focal lengths. I took it to the Sigma service center, and spent about 2 hours side by side with the friendly technician. Finally he concluded that he could not adjust it to be within specs. So the reseller took it back, and as it did not sound like they really believed they could get a good one for me, I gave up on it.
It seems they have a serious problem with Canon bodies. (I think I heard they are ok on Nikons).

I've owned my Sigma EX 50-150mm f/2.8 APO for around 18 months now.. In over 30 years in photography it's one of he nicest lenses I've owned/used.. In my opinion it's up there with the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 and top shelf AI-S Nikkors I have..

It's the lens I use 90% of the time and suits my work perfectly.. The 50-150mm is light, compact and superbly sharp.. The focal length range is just right for me..

But,,it's not without problems.. On my 20D it focuses perfectly but on my 50D I had to do some AF Micro adjustment because it front focused.. All is well now..

Check this out..

EXIF

Make = Canon
Model = Canon EOS 50D
Exposure Time = 1/250"
F Number = F4
ISO Speed Ratings = 800
Focal Length = 150mm

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Well crap. This is not what I wanted to hear. You would think Sigma would do the math on all these costly repairs and just try to do it right to begin with.

The more I read about this thing and all the focus problems, it sounds like it's really just a 50-135 because the last 15mm is too "iffy". Maybe they misnamed it?

I have no doubt there's good copies out there. Glad you got one. Again, I just don't want to play "post office roulette" with the thing should I get one.

I'm going to try and find a Tokina 50-135. I know the focusing motor sounds like you're at a dental office but at least it seems to work out of the box from what I read.

I haven't had any issues with my 50-150. Focus is fine, range is great, built is good. I think a lot of the focus issues people have with this lens as with any 2.8 is the shallow DOF magnifying the user error.

If you have a problem with Sigma and still can get a Tokina 50-135, why worry about a version change, just buy it and I think you would be happy. I think if you got the Sigma no matter what you would find fault in it as it sounds like you already are against it.

Mine front focused on the long end inside of 8 ft. But other than that, it's a great lens, especially with its HSM. I don't know why it's only Canon cameras that have these problems with the Sigmas. You don't hear too much about it with the other cameras.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9088479
Well crap. This is not what I wanted to hear. You would think Sigma would do the math on all these costly repairs and just try to do it right to begin with.

The more I read about this thing and all the focus problems, it sounds like it's really just a 50-135 because the last 15mm is too "iffy". Maybe they misnamed it?

I have no doubt there's good copies out there. Glad you got one. Again, I just don't want to play "post office roulette" with the thing should I get one.

I'm going to try and find a Tokina 50-135. I know the focusing motor sounds like you're at a dental office but at least it seems to work out of the box from what I read.

There probably are a few "iffy" copies out there with the 50-150mm but most are great..

And I'm certain most "iffy" copies are due to user error..

And it appears you're making a decision on the Sigma 50-150mm "from what you've read"..

Eagle wrote in post #9088708
I think if you got the Sigma no matter what you would find fault in it as it sounds like you already are against it.

Why would I buy one just to find fault with it? Sounds kind of stupid to me.

The reviews I've read go back to '07. I was simply asking if "recent" buyers of this lens have had a different experience. So far for some it doesn't sound like it. But if this thing is dependable at 2.8 all the way up to 130-135 I'd be fine with it.

I've found a Tokina... just waiting to pull the trigger on it but I haven't yet.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9089279
Why would I buy one just to find fault with it? Sounds kind of stupid to me.

The reviews I've read go back to '07. I was simply asking if "recent" buyers of this lens have had a different experience. So far for some it doesn't sound like it. But if this thing is dependable at 2.8 all the way up to 130-135 I'd be fine with it.

I've found a Tokina... just waiting to pull the trigger on it but I haven't yet.

Mine is and all the way to 150mm.. Maybe I just know my gear and know how to use it..

yogestee wrote in post #9089154
And it appears you're making a decision on the Sigma 50-150mm "from what you've read"..

Why is this not good? Is everybody lying?

And where the heck am I anyway... the Sigma fanboy forum?

yogestee wrote in post #9089302
Mine is and all the way to 150mm.. Maybe I just know my gear and know how to use it..

I'm glad somebody swears by it. And I hope it's because you got a good copy because the AF micro adjustments on a 50D won't fix the problems I've been reading about.

I must be the luckiest photographer on this planet.. In over 30 years in photography which includes 28 years as a pro I've never had a dud lens, or even a camera for that matter.. The newspaper I worked for for 17 years has and had more lenses in stock than a street full of camera stores,,and guess what, no duds..

This has me thinking.. 95% of the lenses I've owned were bought in Australia, two came from Hong Kong, one I bought in Bangkok.. What lens manufacturers are doing is sending all their so-so stock to North America

yogestee wrote in post #9089302
Mine is and all the way to 150mm.. Maybe I just know my gear and know how to use it..

How is it at short distances at 150mm f/2.8? This seems to be the main problem area with this lens.

I rejected 2 copies of the Mk1 version of the lens for this front-focus problem, and gave up because Sigma had no confidence they could fix it. (No, it was not user error, it was consistent and repeatable, and did affect 'real' pictures as well as test shots. Just trying to cover all the usual objections to reports of focus problems ). I still wonder if I should have just lived with the problem, as it was a fantastic lens otherwise. I would have bought the Mk2 version, but found too many reports of the same problem when it was released.