p.2 #1 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
BenV wrote:
to say Nikon won't lose sales to Sigma or other 3rd parties is just crazy. The second people choose to buy the Sigma, Nikon just lost sales.
Not necessarily. Consumers often choose a budget brand when the premium model is priced beyond what we're willing to pay. Nikon didn't lose a sale when I bought a Sigma 300 f/2.8.
p.2 #2 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
Frank_Maiello wrote:
Not necessarily. Consumers often choose a budget brand when the premium model is priced beyond what we're willing to pay. Nikon didn't lose a sale when I bought a Sigma 300 f/2.8.
I'd still consider that Nikon losing a sale. Nikon has a 300 2.8, and you choose not to buy that one. Now if Sigma had a lens Nikon didn't, then I'd say Nikon didn't lose a sale.
p.2 #4 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
BenV wrote:
I'd still consider that Nikon losing a sale. Nikon has a 300 2.8, and you choose not to buy that one. Now if Sigma had a lens Nikon didn't, then I'd say Nikon didn't lose a sale.
I didn't exactly "choose" not to buy the Nikon, it's simply out of my price range. If it was the only option available, I wouldn't own a 300 f/2.8 at all, so it was no loss for Nikon in my case.
p.2 #6 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
I think it’s a cool feature, but playing devil’s advocate, this new ability also means that users will be able to make a lens perform worse. That wouldn’t be good marketing. It also has the potential to send the message that, “Our products are sloppily constructed and have been widely reported to have serious calibration issues, so we’ve decided to pass that stage of our manufacturing/QC process on to you, the consumer.”
I can see the complaints already, “I’ve tried adjusting every setting and my lens won’t focus at all. Don’t buy Sigma.” Imagine if car manufacturers gave us the ability to tweak the engine and transmission computers? That would be great for enthusiasts who know what they’re doing, but it stands to create more problems than it would solve. Add to that a tendency (that’s tendency) for Sigma buyers to be less-experienced photographers who may have greater problems with their technique than the performance of their equipment (which would be me).
p.2 #7 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
Frank_Maiello wrote:
I think it’s a cool feature, but playing devil’s advocate, this new ability also means that users will be able to make a lens perform worse. That wouldn’t be good marketing. It also has the potential to send the message that, “Our products are sloppily constructed and have been widely reported to have serious calibration issues, so we’ve decided to pass that stage of our manufacturing/QC process on to you, the consumer.”
I can see the complaints already, “I’ve tried adjusting every setting and my lens won’t focus at all. Don’t buy Sigma.” Imagine if car manufacturers gave us the ability to tweak the engine and transmission computers? That would be great for enthusiasts who know what they’re doing, but it stands to create more problems than it would solve. Add to that a tendency (that’s tendency) for Sigma buyers to be less-experienced photographers who may have greater problems with their technique than the performance of their equipment (which would be me)....Show more →
Not evey lens can be perfectly calibrated to each body, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax. This software is meant to adjust for those small variations. This is no different than in camera Micro adjustment. The only difference it is the lens being adjusted. Each time a manufacture comes out with a new body there is a chance a third party lens wont work. This software can help update the lens so that it will.
p.2 #8 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
Bruce Sawle wrote:
Not evey lens can be perfectly calibrated to each body, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax. This software is meant to adjust for those small variations. This is no different than in camera Micro adjustment. The only difference it is the lens being adjusted. Each time a manufacture comes out with a new body there is a chance a third party lens wont work. This software can help update the lens so that it will.
I'm assuming it will function as intended and be very useful, I'm just playing devil's advocate. Going further--what happens to a "calibrated" lens that is sold on the used market to an individual who doesn't have the tools, software, or inclination to re-calibrate it for his or her camera? It does seem like it may open the door to a couple problems.
p.2 #10 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
Frank_Maiello wrote:
Going further--what happens to a "calibrated" lens that is sold on the used market to an individual who doesn't have the tools, software, or inclination to re-calibrate it for his or her camera?
Bingo........
they get pissed and say "oh well sigma lenses suck, dont buy one!"
p.2 #11 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
... "calibrated" lens that is sold" ...
Like cameras and most electronics ... two button reset to factory spec/settings is how I expect that bridge to be crossed. Or a variant of this technique ... not a concern for me.
p.2 #18 · Sigma Calibration Pro Software/USB lens docking station to be released in 2013
BobSam wrote:
... "calibrated" lens that is sold" ...
Like cameras and most electronics ... two button reset to factory spec/settings is how I expect that bridge to be crossed. Or a variant of this technique ... not a concern for me.
It isn't a concern for me either, but that’s not what I’m saying. I’m only pointing out that there are enough complaints about gear due to operator error that there is a potential risk for a manufacturer to give customers more variables that can significantly affect their pictures. While there doesn’t appear to be an obvious reset feature on the new lenses in the video, it would make good sense if properly implemented. That also means that it shouldn’t be possible to affect a total reset through carelessness, which would stink if you were far away from home.
The "hide" button works especially well in this regard. 
just some opinions I value more than others