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Archive 2009Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
p.1 #1Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
A while back I posted a poll in regard to AF Issues that many reported from their Sigma 50/1.4. Now that time has passed allowing more lenses into circulation I figured I may as well post an update to determine whether or not things have changed. Since the last poll I had tried out a copy for myself at B&H and it exhibited very poor AF, although this could have been caused by the rep literally tossing the lens onto the counter as if it were a tennis ball--but who knows 
Again, try and include the Mfg# (perhaps there was a fix for later lenses (?)) and body on which its used.
Again, try and include the Mfg# (perhaps there was a fix for later lenses (?)) and body on which its used.
Apr 24, 2009 at 04:14 PM
p.1 #2Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
I don't have the lens in front of me but I think the number is something like 1005...
I used it on a 5D and now a 5D Mk II. Gorgeous lens, no focusing issues whatsoever.
Edited on Apr 24, 2009 at 04:41 PM · View previous versions
I used it on a 5D and now a 5D Mk II. Gorgeous lens, no focusing issues whatsoever.
Edited on Apr 24, 2009 at 04:41 PM · View previous versions
Apr 24, 2009 at 04:19 PM
p.1 #3Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
No issues on a 1DS3, 40D, 5D. Great lens #1006..
Apr 24, 2009 at 04:37 PM
p.1 #5Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
dont have my ID numbers anymore, I literally went thru 10+ lenses. I was assured by Sigma there was a "bad batch" which to me, means a bad QC department. I cant imagin if my QC department was that bad, but then again, we build jet engines :-)
Apr 24, 2009 at 05:56 PM
p.1 #7Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
No issues on my D300 after micro-adust to +9, forgot to add SN 1010****
Edited on Apr 25, 2009 at 08:15 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Apr 25, 2009 at 08:15 AM · View previous versions
Apr 24, 2009 at 08:13 PM
p.1 #9Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
I had front focusing at MFD-10 feet. Since my office is only 10 minutes from Sigma's headquarters I took it into them. A technician came out to meet me, we discussed the problem and he saw the same thing I was seeing. I picked up the lens 24 hours later and it was perfect. BTW, the tech brought the lens out to me and we tested it together. I am totally impressed with Sigma's service. I use the lens on a 50D and it is a pleasure to use. It is a 1007*** serial number.
Apr 25, 2009 at 05:25 AM
p.1 #10Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Mine severely back focused at 10+ feet on both a 5D and 20D body. Don't have the serial #. May give it another shot later this year.
Apr 25, 2009 at 06:52 AM
p.1 #11Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
On my 2nd copy now and still don't have a good one. 
The first copy I got was so bad I only took a few dozen shots with it then packed it up and returned it the same day I got it. I got a 2nd copy (both from Amazon) this week, and while it is better than the 1st I just can't get shots as sharp as my Canon f/1.4.
From what I can see with the one I have now it is mis focusing at both close distances and far pretty much equally. I didn't see any clear indication from the shots I took whether it was front or back focusing, but I haven't had much time to play around with it.
I'm returning my 2nd copy to Amazon and looking for one locally. I talked to a Sigma service rep today and he is contacting a local sales rep to help me find one in my area. I have to say the service rep was very helpful.
Another interesting note, two of the camera shops I talked to in my area said they don't stock Sigma lenses because they had too many returns with them. They special order them only. All the camera stores in the Chicago land area stock poplular Canon lenses.
I hope to eventually find a good copy. I'll post my serial number later today...I'm at work at the moment.
Edit: serial is 1026***
Mark
Edited on Apr 30, 2009 at 03:55 PM · View previous versions
The first copy I got was so bad I only took a few dozen shots with it then packed it up and returned it the same day I got it. I got a 2nd copy (both from Amazon) this week, and while it is better than the 1st I just can't get shots as sharp as my Canon f/1.4. From what I can see with the one I have now it is mis focusing at both close distances and far pretty much equally. I didn't see any clear indication from the shots I took whether it was front or back focusing, but I haven't had much time to play around with it.
I'm returning my 2nd copy to Amazon and looking for one locally. I talked to a Sigma service rep today and he is contacting a local sales rep to help me find one in my area. I have to say the service rep was very helpful.
Another interesting note, two of the camera shops I talked to in my area said they don't stock Sigma lenses because they had too many returns with them. They special order them only. All the camera stores in the Chicago land area stock poplular Canon lenses.
I hope to eventually find a good copy. I'll post my serial number later today...I'm at work at the moment.
Edit: serial is 1026***
Mark
Edited on Apr 30, 2009 at 03:55 PM · View previous versions
Apr 30, 2009 at 12:12 PM
p.1 #12Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Hmm...55% still ain't so good and certainly worse than the first time around. I want to love this lens, as I'm sure others do, but I just can't get past the poor QC this lens upholds I'd order a couple to test out for myself but I don't want to deal with the headache involved.
I'd order a couple to test out for myself but I don't want to deal with the headache involved.Apr 30, 2009 at 12:43 PM
p.1 #13Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Someone help me. If the glass itself is good - i.e. the lens is capable, however erratically, of taking a sharp image, then, there is no good reason that it shouldn't be capable of being fixed by the factory so as to be consistent, right?
I ask, because I've sent it to a local lab that is an authorized sigma facility, and I still can't believe the shots it misses. I really like the lens, but there are just times that I cannot believe what it does. So I agree with you M Vers. I wish I had the opportunity to cherry pick, but the lens I have now is outside the return period.
I've seen backfocus at both near and far distances, otherwise.
--took image down
Edited on Apr 30, 2009 at 02:45 PM · View previous versions
I ask, because I've sent it to a local lab that is an authorized sigma facility, and I still can't believe the shots it misses. I really like the lens, but there are just times that I cannot believe what it does. So I agree with you M Vers. I wish I had the opportunity to cherry pick, but the lens I have now is outside the return period.
I've seen backfocus at both near and far distances, otherwise.
--took image down
Edited on Apr 30, 2009 at 02:45 PM · View previous versions
Apr 30, 2009 at 01:14 PM
p.1 #14Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Joe, while the people behind the sign appear to be in greater focus it's tough to tell from the example you posted whether or not the lens you own is actually bf/ff-ing. Try shooting a similar subject but without focus and recompose using one shot from several different distances at 1.4.
Apr 30, 2009 at 01:21 PM
p.1 #15Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
I know what you are saying Matt. But at 1:1, to me, it was pretty apparent. I don't want to hijack this with "is my copy sharp", but for illustration I'll post some crops of this one pic, tonight.
Apr 30, 2009 at 01:25 PM
p.1 #16Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
I understand there seems to be BF in the image posted, but what I'm trying to say is eliminate as many variables as possible to determine whether or not human error was/is a factor. Real world tests are great, but things like focus and recompose and camera shift when using wide aperture lenses can cause errors. I'm not saying I don't believe you but it would be easier to determine the status of your lens via a more 'scientific' approach.
Apr 30, 2009 at 01:38 PM
p.1 #17Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Yep, one of the things I've been meaning to do.
Apr 30, 2009 at 02:38 PM
p.1 #18Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Mine is 1007xxxx and used on 5d2 with "normal" amount of micro adj.... No problems.
Apr 30, 2009 at 03:27 PM
p.1 #19Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
This one is my third copy and it functions perfectly on a 1DMKIII, 5D MKII, 50D, and XSi. Ser#1015xxx.
Jim
Jim
Apr 30, 2009 at 05:24 PM
p.1 #20Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.II]
Jim Victory wrote:
This one is my third copy and it functions perfectly on a 1DMKIII, 5D MKII, 50D, and XSi. Ser#1015xxx.
Jim
So I'm assuming the other two had AF issues? If so what type did they exhibit?
This one is my third copy and it functions perfectly on a 1DMKIII, 5D MKII, 50D, and XSi. Ser#1015xxx.
Jim
So I'm assuming the other two had AF issues? If so what type did they exhibit?
Apr 30, 2009 at 05:31 PM