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Archive 2009Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
p.7 #1Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
M Vers wrote:
I had the same problem with Canon 50L on 5D mark 2 body. The focus shift is minimal but when focusing wide open on subject 10M away, it will not perform correctly. I sold the lens after used it for 2 weeks.The focus shift issue is the reason I don't own the 50/1.2. The price tag is another. FWIW I don't have a problem spending $1600 on an f/1.2 prime as long as it performs to that standard, which IMO the 50L doesn't.
How come you get away with a statement like that, while I get always tarred and feathered?
Bryan Ko wrote
M Vers wrote
I have never seen a lens perform like this.How come you get away with a statement like that, while I get always tarred and feathered?
Jan 02, 2010 at 02:03 PM
p.7 #2Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
Let the tarring and feathering begin. 
I think the defenders of the 50/1.2L have given up trying to defend it so strongly.
For those it works for, they are happy and enjoying the really nice bokeh from the
lens. Those scarred away by the focus shift or those living through it continue
to mourn what could have been.
I think the defenders of the 50/1.2L have given up trying to defend it so strongly.
For those it works for, they are happy and enjoying the really nice bokeh from the
lens. Those scarred away by the focus shift or those living through it continue
to mourn what could have been.
Jan 02, 2010 at 03:11 PM
p.7 #3Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
stanj wrote:
I had the same problem with Canon 50L on 5D mark 2 body. The focus shift is minimal but when focusing wide open on subject 10M away, it will not perform correctly. I sold the lens after used it for 2 weeks.The focus shift issue is the reason I don't own the 50/1.2. The price tag is another. FWIW I don't have a problem spending $1600 on an f/1.2 prime as long as it performs to that standard, which IMO the 50L doesn't.How come you get away with a statement like that, while I get always tarred and feathered?
trumpet_guy wrote:
Let the tarring and feathering begin.
I think the defenders of the 50/1.2L have given up trying to defend it so strongly.
For those it works for, they are happy and enjoying the really nice bokeh from the
lens. Those scarred away by the focus shift or those living through it continue
to mourn what could have been.
M Vers wrote
Bryan Ko wrote
M Vers wrote
I have never seen a lens perform like this.trumpet_guy wrote:
Let the tarring and feathering begin.
I think the defenders of the 50/1.2L have given up trying to defend it so strongly.
For those it works for, they are happy and enjoying the really nice bokeh from the
lens. Those scarred away by the focus shift or those living through it continue
to mourn what could have been.
Jan 02, 2010 at 05:14 PM
p.7 #4Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
M Vers wrote:
I have never seen a lens perform like this.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4232220282_33a8571a43_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4232229202_5d3b4b4a40_b.jpg
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...
I have never seen a lens perform like this.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4232220282_33a8571a43_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4232229202_5d3b4b4a40_b.jpg
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...
Jan 02, 2010 at 05:34 PM
p.7 #5Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
fraga wrote:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4232220282_33a8571a43_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4232229202_5d3b4b4a40_b.jpgThat is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...
Well, there goes my theory down the drain.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
M Vers wrote
I have never seen a lens perform like this.http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4232220282_33a8571a43_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4232229202_5d3b4b4a40_b.jpg
Well, there goes my theory down the drain.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Jan 03, 2010 at 02:10 AM
p.7 #6Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
stanj wrote:
How come you get away with a statement like that, while I get always tarred and feathered?
well for one this isn't a 50L thread and secondly you own the lens and openly criticize it for what it is. Others who own the 50L who either choose not to recognize the lens' faults or deny any at all see this--enter the 'If you're not with us, you're against us' mentality. That's not to say every 50L owner feels this way, but most are overly defensive about the lens.
How come you get away with a statement like that, while I get always tarred and feathered?
well for one this isn't a 50L thread and secondly you own the lens and openly criticize it for what it is. Others who own the 50L who either choose not to recognize the lens' faults or deny any at all see this--enter the 'If you're not with us, you're against us' mentality. That's not to say every 50L owner feels this way, but most are overly defensive about the lens.Jan 03, 2010 at 12:07 PM
p.7 #7Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
fraga wrote:
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...
Really? Does it focus accurately at distances up to, at and around 10ft?
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...
Really? Does it focus accurately at distances up to, at and around 10ft?
Jan 03, 2010 at 12:08 PM
p.7 #8Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
M Vers wrote:
Really? Does it focus accurately at distances up to, at and around 10ft?
MVers, can I point you to this I just posted;
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/851959
fraga wrote
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...MVers, can I point you to this I just posted;
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/851959
Jan 03, 2010 at 12:14 PM
p.7 #10Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
M Vers wrote:
I'll comment in your thread
I'll comment in your thread
Jan 03, 2010 at 12:33 PM
p.7 #11Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
Got mine yesterday. I noticed immediately that it front focused badly. I dialed in +15 on my 5D MKII and its usable, however my wife shares lenses with me and her camera has no MFA...so I guess it will be going back.
I also noticed that at longer distances the MFA adjustments make it back focus to much. So I guess this copy goes back for a replacement.
I will say that on the 5D MKII at 10ft or less with +15 MFA its an amazing lens. At 1.4 I could see pores in my wife skin, and F1.8 and F2.0 its even better.
I also noticed that at longer distances the MFA adjustments make it back focus to much. So I guess this copy goes back for a replacement.
I will say that on the 5D MKII at 10ft or less with +15 MFA its an amazing lens. At 1.4 I could see pores in my wife skin, and F1.8 and F2.0 its even better.
Jan 03, 2010 at 02:25 PM
p.7 #12Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
M Vers wrote:
Really? Does it focus accurately at distances up to, at and around 10ft?
Perhaps I should have explained myself in more detail.
If I MFA the lens to close distances, pics will be OOF at longer distances.
If I MFA at longer distances, it will be OOF up close.
I use it mainly for available light indoors, so it's usually set up to close distances.
But if I open the front door of my house and shoot the tree in my neighbors front-yard, it will look just like the pic you posted...
I haven't exactly measured if it's 10ft or not.
Sorry for not being more explicit.
fraga wrote
That is EXACTLY how my 24L II performs...Perhaps I should have explained myself in more detail.
If I MFA the lens to close distances, pics will be OOF at longer distances.
If I MFA at longer distances, it will be OOF up close.
I use it mainly for available light indoors, so it's usually set up to close distances.
But if I open the front door of my house and shoot the tree in my neighbors front-yard, it will look just like the pic you posted...
I haven't exactly measured if it's 10ft or not.
Sorry for not being more explicit.
Jan 03, 2010 at 03:13 PM
p.7 #13Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
fraga wrote:
Sorry for not being more explicit.
No problem, just wanted a bit of clarification since I have never heard of any other primes performing this badly. Have you considered a replacement for the lens--just seems to me like you got a lemon.
Sorry for not being more explicit.
No problem, just wanted a bit of clarification since I have never heard of any other primes performing this badly. Have you considered a replacement for the lens--just seems to me like you got a lemon.
Jan 03, 2010 at 03:16 PM
p.7 #14Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
I guess I will have to send it back for calibration.
I haven't done it already because I live on an Island in Portugal and will have to send it back all the way to the Netherlands...
I already got one 50d stolen in the mail, so I'm a bit apprehensive in having it shipped back to the seller.
I haven't done it already because I live on an Island in Portugal and will have to send it back all the way to the Netherlands...
I already got one 50d stolen in the mail, so I'm a bit apprehensive in having it shipped back to the seller.
Jan 03, 2010 at 06:25 PM
p.7 #15Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
I'm using it on a 5D mark ii, adjusted +3 it's dead on < 10'.
At > 10' I haven't noticed any problems, but haven't done any rigorous testing.
It is my very favorite lens.
At > 10' I haven't noticed any problems, but haven't done any rigorous testing.
It is my very favorite lens.
Jan 12, 2010 at 10:23 AM
p.7 #16Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
no issues with my Sigma 50mm F1.4
rock climbing in the Sandia Mountains
rock climbing in the Sandia Mountains
Jan 12, 2010 at 11:04 AM
p.7 #17Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
abqnmusa wrote:
no issues with my Sigma 50mm F1.4
rock climbing in the Sandia Mountains
What settings were those shot at? More specifically what apertures?
no issues with my Sigma 50mm F1.4
rock climbing in the Sandia Mountains
What settings were those shot at? More specifically what apertures?
Jan 12, 2010 at 11:29 AM
p.7 #18Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
That climbing pic was 1/400 @ F8 to have wide depth of field for detail on the rocks and background.
I find focus is good at F1.4 - 2.0 faster settings. I use the Sigma 50 for some indoor stage stuff.
I find focus is good at F1.4 - 2.0 faster settings. I use the Sigma 50 for some indoor stage stuff.
Jan 12, 2010 at 12:14 PM
p.7 #19Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
Regarding the large number of people discussing focus issues with the Sigma 50 1.4... Has anyone considered the possibility that their camera body autofocus system may be slightly out of calibration from the factory?? I had exactly this scenario about 1.5 years ago with a 40D body and didn't know it for a couple months.
The Sigma 50 1.4 is definitely more sensitive to variations in the body focus electronics than canon lenses are. I was one of many who returned 2 of these lenses before keeping the 3rd copy which worked OK. But wait, I don't really know if the first two were "bad" because I ended up getting my 40D re-calibrated at Canon Service just before receiving the 3rd copy which I kept. Important details coming..
At the same time I was also experiencing focus issues with a new Sigma 70-200 2.8 Macro, sent it back to Sigma service and they returned it saying it was fine, I contacted them and argued for a while, because I had decent results with all Canon lenses I tried including the 24-70L, 70-200 f4L, 100-400L, and 28-135. Sigma asked me to send my 40D body with the lenses so they could adjust the lenses to match the body. I was worried that might void the Canon warranty so I sent the body to Canon service for evaluation instead. A few days later I got the email from Canon stating it had back-focus issues and they repaired it. No focus problems with the Sigma lenses after that.
I'm not saying all focus issues are caused by the body, but I am saying "do not assume" the body is not playing a role. Canon knows they have variability in the focus calibrations and added the Micro-Adjust feature to newer cameras primarily to reduce visits to the Service centers. (and some thought they were just being nice to us!)
I hope Sigma has learned from all the returns how to re-design the focus system so it can better handle the range of problems Canon is shipping to consumers around the world. Most customers do not understand the complexity of the electronics and physics involved here, and they shouldn't need to!
Happy shopping and shooting,
George
The Sigma 50 1.4 is definitely more sensitive to variations in the body focus electronics than canon lenses are. I was one of many who returned 2 of these lenses before keeping the 3rd copy which worked OK. But wait, I don't really know if the first two were "bad" because I ended up getting my 40D re-calibrated at Canon Service just before receiving the 3rd copy which I kept. Important details coming..
At the same time I was also experiencing focus issues with a new Sigma 70-200 2.8 Macro, sent it back to Sigma service and they returned it saying it was fine, I contacted them and argued for a while, because I had decent results with all Canon lenses I tried including the 24-70L, 70-200 f4L, 100-400L, and 28-135. Sigma asked me to send my 40D body with the lenses so they could adjust the lenses to match the body. I was worried that might void the Canon warranty so I sent the body to Canon service for evaluation instead. A few days later I got the email from Canon stating it had back-focus issues and they repaired it. No focus problems with the Sigma lenses after that.
I'm not saying all focus issues are caused by the body, but I am saying "do not assume" the body is not playing a role. Canon knows they have variability in the focus calibrations and added the Micro-Adjust feature to newer cameras primarily to reduce visits to the Service centers. (and some thought they were just being nice to us!)
I hope Sigma has learned from all the returns how to re-design the focus system so it can better handle the range of problems Canon is shipping to consumers around the world. Most customers do not understand the complexity of the electronics and physics involved here, and they shouldn't need to!
Happy shopping and shooting,
George
Jan 14, 2010 at 01:18 PM
p.7 #20Sigma 50/1.4 AF Issues [pt.III] UPDATED
Well I got my 2nd Sigma 50mm F1.4 today and the 5 shots I just took are dead on with my 5D MKII! I still need to try it on my other bodies but this is a very good sign.
I have a boudoir shoot on Saturday so I will be using this lens almost exclusively!
I have a boudoir shoot on Saturday so I will be using this lens almost exclusively!
Jan 14, 2010 at 07:16 PM