p.1 #1 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
Hi, I'm pretty much frustrated by this lens.
I'm using it on Canon 5d mk III. Autofocus is sometimes accurate, and sometimes completely useless.
It misses the target and locks somewhere behind it. Just got back from hiking and realized even the photos shot at f8 are slightly off.
I never could understand the pattern of it's behavior. Sometimes it's good in a bad light, and bad in perfect lightning conditions.
I bought it used, so I can't return it. In the beginning, everything seemed ok, so I didn't complain to the seller.
Is there a solution? Could USB dock calibration help? Could updating software with the dock help? First owner said he never used the dock and never updated the software.
I know there are many forum threads about 35mm art focus issues, but I have never found out has anyone actually managed to solve the inconsistency issue.
p.1 #2 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
I've read the Sigma and other third party lenses are much more consistent on mirrorless cameras. Maybe not the answer you want...
I experienced similar problems with Canon's own wide angle lenses on DSLRs over 10 years ago, which frustrated me to the point of adding a fully manual focus system. Back then mirrorless didn't exist and I ended up with Leica M. The rangefinder focusing system is extremely good with wide angle lenses. In your case, if the option allows, I'd suggest using live view to either AF (don't recall what kind of live view AF options are in the 5D3) or confirm focus by zooming in. It's probably the best option short of getting a mirrorless camera.
p.1 #3 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
I use the live view autofocus in situations when sigma's af is useless. It's slow, you can't shoot anything that moves. When shooting people, you have to tell them to freeze. Also, the focus box is quite big, so you can't precisely focus on the small target.
For manual focus, the Magic lantern software, with it's magic zoom option is great. But... 35mm art is not made for manual focusing. Focus throw is way too short.
It's frustrating.
USB dock is my last chance. If that doesn't work, I will sell it cheaply to one black market retailer and get the 35mm f2 IS. But I'm affraid the new lens will lack the magic that f1.4 lens has
p.1 #4 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
I also brought used recently and mount on A7r2. It has the problem you mentioned. I use both AF and MF for this fall season. It has problem in dim and very bright (aiming at sun) situation, then I quickly switch to MF. I have updated firmware thru A7r2 and not on USB dock. works fine.
p.1 #5 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
KKHA wrote:
I also brought used recently and mount on A7r2. It has the problem you mentioned. I use both AF and MF for this fall season. It has problem in dim and very bright (aiming at sun) situation, then I quickly switch to MF. I have updated firmware thru A7r2 and not on USB dock. works fine.
Did firmware update made autofocus any better?
Just came home again from hiking. Af was completely useless, same as yesterday It seems it worked much better a month ago.
I already contacted retailer for selling it. I will get a not so great, but reliable 35mm f2 instead, and save myself from this suffering
p.1 #6 · Can Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art autofocus inconsistency be fixed?
Hi, didnt read yr message until today. yes update firmware to v.2 and autofocus is fast.
this 35mm 1.4 is heavy but looks great, If you want to change to the new 35mm just wait and see.
one youtuber in hong kong review. (Lens meet expectation but not so great)
here is link (in cantonese)
It seems it worked much better a month ago.