I really like the 60D, the only thing it lacks for me is the MA.
So far I haven't needed it though. I did try the Tamron 60mm f2, and it had horrible front focus.
I sent it back, and didn't look back. I really hope I don't have a problem with the Sigma, but the USB dock sounds like a good option if I do (assuming they ever announce when that is going to be released)
I still worry about using non Canon lenses for pro wedding photography. How will it stand up to the knocks in my bag? How will they cope if it breaks and it needs fixing?
To someone who makes money from their kit, these things really matter. It's a shame because it seems like a very very good lens, buy my trust is not yet high enough to get a Sigma
dsilly wrote:
Wow, really?! My girlfriend's 50D has MA. Are you sure there's no MA?
No need to get alarmed. I had the 40D for ~2.5 years. No MA and never needed it. I now have the 7D (which has MA) for ~2.5 years and never used it either. All that with a variety of lenses.
PhilDrinkwater wrote:
I still worry about using non Canon lenses for pro wedding photography. How will it stand up to the knocks in my bag? How will they cope if it breaks and it needs fixing?
To someone who makes money from their kit, these things really matter. It's a shame because it seems like a very very good lens, buy my trust is not yet high enough to get a Sigma
Your loss, really. I, too, was skeptical but after reading all the raving reviews and DXO results, I had to check it out at my local camera shop. Within minutes of shooting wide open, it was undeniable that it was the sharpest lens I had ever held. Not to mention the most well-built feeling chunk of glass and steel I've ever seen. I highly recommend checking it out in person so you can see for yourself. I had to MA mine using the DOT Tune method (posted here on FM) and it worked like a charm.
vertigo235 wrote:
I thought you were already sending it back because of an AF noise issue?
Yes, my copy squeals a little but Leo's Camera is just going to do a straight swap for me. No biggie. Btw, has canon fixed the articulating screen on your 60D yet? This is exactly why I'm glad I went with the 7D over the 60D. I primarily shoot ski/snowboard stuff and was worried it was just another thing to break.
Yes, optically, the lens seems to garner quite a bit positive reviews and I am not questioning the IQ that that lens can potentially can produce. And yes, it can be MFA'ed with your camera body. But it is the AF inconsistency that makes me think twice about getting this lens. I am referring to the erratic AF behavior such as needing different MFA under varying lighting conditions, and at different focusing distances. Yes, some of them may be attributed to user error but there are simply too many reports like that to be ignored/disregarded.
AGeoJO wrote:
Yes, optically, the lens seems to garner quite a bit positive reviews and I am not questioning the IQ that that lens can potentially can produce. And yes, it can be MFA'ed with your camera body. But it is the AF inconsistency that makes me think twice about getting this lens. I am referring to the erratic AF behavior such as needing different MFA under varying lighting conditions, and at different focusing distances. Yes, some of them may be attributed to user error but there are simply too many reports like that to be ignored/disregarded.
Interesting. Can you share a link to any reviews that have encountered this?
I went through (2) copies of this lens and had focus shift in artificial light that made very soft images. I have used the 35L and other fast primes previously on the same body and never have seen shifting like that. For whatever reason, it did not play nice with me and I returned both of them.
After that, I have seriously have had four or five people PM me and tell me they have the same issue, what to do, etc...
My focus did not shift with distance at all with either copy... Both were flawless with 0 MA on my 5D3 in normal lighting near and far. Indoors, it front focused and required +10 to be sharp. Was annoying to switch all the time.
It is quite common of an issue though. But people who don't shoot in the mixed lighting a lot may never have an issue or notice it. But since I use this lens equally indoors/outdoors, I noticed it VERY quickly. Became a hassle. Used (2) 35L's prior and never had any issue indoors, even though I *know* phase AF does change a bit with different lighting. The Sigma showed it a TON more. Too bad, though... The IQ is insane.
I think I will just wait and pay double or whatever it will be for the 35L II when and if it comes out... Spoiled by the Sigma IQ now compared to the 35L, but want reliable AF in any lighting condition... I may try once more in a few months with the Sigma from Amazon, so I can easily send it back if it still has the same issue.
I went through (2) copies of this lens and had focus shift in artificial light that made very soft images. I have used the 35L and other fast primes previously on the same body and never have seen shifting like that. For whatever reason, it did not play nice with me and I returned both of them.
After that, I have seriously have had four or five people PM me and tell me they have the same issue, what to do, etc...
My focus did not shift with distance at all with either copy... Both were flawless with 0 MA on my 5D3 in normal lighting near and far. Indoors, it front focused and required +10 to be sharp. Was annoying to switch all the time.
It is quite common of an issue though. But people who don't shoot in the mixed lighting a lot may never have an issue or notice it. But since I use this lens equally indoors/outdoors, I noticed it VERY quickly. Became a hassle. Used (2) 35L's prior and never had any issue indoors, even though I *know* phase AF does change a bit with different lighting. The Sigma showed it a TON more. Too bad, though... The IQ is insane.
I think I will just wait and pay double or whatever it will be for the 35L II when and if it comes out... Spoiled by the Sigma IQ now compared to the 35L, but want reliable AF in any lighting condition... I may try once more in a few months with the Sigma from Amazon, so I can easily send it back if it still has the same issue. ...Show more →
Interesting. Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to thoroughly test mine now. Way to freak me out. Hah! :/
PhilDrinkwater wrote:
I still worry about using non Canon lenses for pro wedding photography. How will it stand up to the knocks in my bag? How will they cope if it breaks and it needs fixing?
To someone who makes money from their kit, these things really matter. It's a shame because it seems like a very very good lens, buy my trust is not yet high enough to get a Sigma
You should use whatever you're comfortable with, of course. I don't own this lens (yet) but I will just say that I have owned three other Sigma EX lenses and I've never had a second thought about reliability. I don't worry about "knocks in your bag" anymore than with any other lens. I've beat up my 24-70 more than I care to admit. It's been knocked around, dropped, used in the rain, on construction sites, etc. Going on 5 years now of heavy use and it still works perfectly fine.
If it needs fixing? On EX lenses you get 4 years of warranty in the U.S (3 years in the U.K. I believe). Canon's 1-year warranty looks somewhat measely by comaprision.
If this new 35mm is built anything like their other EX lenses, I personally would not lose any sleep over it somehow being more fragile than a Canon lens
dsilly wrote:
Yes, my copy squeals a little but Leo's Camera is just going to do a straight swap for me. No biggie. Btw, has canon fixed the articulating screen on your 60D yet? This is exactly why I'm glad I went with the 7D over the 60D. I primarily shoot ski/snowboard stuff and was worried it was just another thing to break.
Ah, Amazon.com sent me a replacement, it was over 30 days old but they had an extended holiday return period, so they overnighted me a replacement and I sent the defective one back. Awesome customer service right there.
No issues with the replacement, and I've actually used the articulating screen a lot lately.
artd wrote:
You should use whatever you're comfortable with, of course. I don't own this lens (yet) but I will just say that I have owned three other Sigma EX lenses and I've never had a second thought about reliability. I don't worry about "knocks in your bag" anymore than with any other lens. I've beat up my 24-70 more than I care to admit. It's been knocked around, dropped, used in the rain, on construction sites, etc. Going on 5 years now of heavy use and it still works perfectly fine.
If it needs fixing? On EX lenses you get 4 years of warranty in the U.S (3 years in the U.K. I believe). Canon's 1-year warranty looks somewhat measely by comaprision.
If this new 35mm is built anything like their other EX lenses, I personally would not lose any sleep over it somehow being more fragile than a Canon lens ...Show more →
The new Sigma have a better build than the other EX lenses. It looks very similar to the lenses Zeiss make for Sony.
My old 15-30/3.5-4.5 EX suffered a fall on to a wooden floor once, functioned well since and was sold without issues. Tokina 12-24 crashed onto granite once, and didn't miss a beat. It's the Canon 50/1.8 II that didn't take my usual rough handling well. I wouldn't worry for the Sigmas, they're not made of paper.
Btw, has canon fixed the articulating screen on your 60D yet? This is exactly why I'm glad I went with the 7D over the 60D. I primarily shoot ski/snowboard stuff and was worried it was just another thing to break. 
. There are a few others here on this particular board although they are not specific about those issues I mentioned. In general people that are happy with the lens, they are really happy but there are a few of unhappy folks. Here is the link: