I will do rigorous testing of the lens as soon as I get it. I contacted a lot of first hand users. Surprisingly, just 2 seems to mention having AF issues, and just one told me he had to send the lens back to Sigma.
About 95% of users to which I personally talked, said their copies performed as expected, and that they were very happy with the lens.
I will definitely update you as to how mine does when I get it!
bhollis wrote:
I also own a Sigma 85 and like it very much.
One caveat, though. Based on many user and professional reviews I've read, and as with some other Sigma lenses, it seems like getting a copy that autofocuses well with your camera can be somewhat hit and miss. There's even a name for this--"the Sigma lottery." The problem is that AF can be inconsistent--sometimes back focusing and sometimes front focusing--such that it can't be corrected with mfa.
So I'd recommend you do some testing with your new lens when you receive it to make sure that it AF's well with your camera. If it doesn't, hopefully you can send it back. But chances are it will be fine.
BTW, don't expect perfect AF, particularly at f/1.4. With such thin dof, you're bound to get some misfocused shots. But if the lens is AFing properly, you should get a reasonable proportion of keepers.
Not getting the Sigma 85/1.4 when I had the chance to is one of my most acute gear-related regrets. I liked how it performed (at least slightly stopped down, and wide open it wasn't too bad when I tested a sample in a shop). That was 4,5 years ago. Now, of course, the Tamron 85/1.8 VC is also a thing to consider.
I liked how it performed (at least slightly stopped down, and wide open it wasn't too bad when I tested a sample in a shop). That was 4,5 years ago. Now, of course, the Tamron 85/1.8 VC is also a thing to consider.