p.2 #1 · I talked with Sigma regarding the 35 1.4 and the D800..
Mine doesn't focus properly using either right or left AF points but is dead accurate using the centre AF point and was easy to AF tune.
My problem is I like it too much to part with it for a few weeks. One of these days I'll get it sorted out by Sigma.
First though I need to confirm whether my body has the left AF issue or not and if so, we have a Nikon repair centre in town which, I hope, makes the process quick and painless. Until I confirm outer AF points work reasonably well on the body, first, I'm not going to trouble Sigma with a support call.
Love the lens, would buy it again. I could not say that about either of the two copies of the Nikkor 50/1.4G I'd bought while waiting for this puppy. Returned them both.
p.2 #3 · I talked with Sigma regarding the 35 1.4 and the D800..
I have had the LF issue with the D800 so it is not feasible to make a judgment as to the S 35/1.4. As it stands I need a -19 Fine Tuning adj for the center focus point which by some accounts may be high but who really cares as the lens is incredibly precise and sharper than any lens that I have, or have had, albeit at -19.
I have now received back from NSC my D800 and after I have "re-learned" how to use focus points other than the center I'll check out the S35. Given my usage of the lens, the center FP is the one that really matters. In any event, IMO it is the fault of Nikon as their QC is, and has been, on their recent bodies (to wit, D800, D600 and the D7000) fraught with problems. It is no wonder that a third party such as Sigma which has to reverse engineer the product to produce its after-market product has encountered some difficulties.
p.2 #4 · I talked with Sigma regarding the 35 1.4 and the D800..
Having had my D800E come back from Nikon to get rid of the left side focus issue I proceeded to use my new Sig 35/1.4 to test the AF operation of every focus point on the camera. I do all of my testing against a flat resolution target that provides plenty of vertical/horizontal bars for the AF system to lock on to.
Sigma 35/1.4
This one had the most trouble with almost the entire center vertical strip of focus points being pretty far off. There was one other one left of bottom-center that was pretty far off. The other focus points were hit and miss, some were spot-on, some were close.
Nikon 200/2 VR
Every focus point was spot-on. Really, spot-on.
Nikon 24-70/2.8 (at 35mm)
Almost every focus point was spot-on. The ones that were not were not off by much at all.
My verdict is that the camera is fine and that the lens plays a huge role in how well the lens+body AF system actually works. I did do an AF fine tune on the Sig for the center AF point so that I at least have one reliable focusing method. I emailed Sigma NY late last week about it and have not heard a peep.
p.2 #5 · I talked with Sigma regarding the 35 1.4 and the D800..
I just got my D800 back from Melville today and took a few shots outside (overcast) and all I can say is wow! They performed the B1 service and cleaned my sensor (had oil on it) and this lens is simply amazing. If you're having problems especially if the camera is still under warranty, send it in asap!
how to use focus points other than the center I'll check out the S35. Given my usage of the lens, the center FP is the one that really matters. In any event, IMO it is the fault of Nikon as their QC is, and has been, on their recent bodies (to wit, D800, D600 and the D7000) fraught with problems. It is no wonder that a third party such as Sigma which has to reverse engineer the product to produce its after-market product has encountered some difficulties.