After 5 days of tests in any conditions and on both of my bodies (5d2 & 1D mk IV) I decided returning this lens to BH. I also talked to several lens owners here on FM and DPReview, got same opinion from all - AF is very jerky. Interesting that initially I was thinking about "bad" 5D2 AF and low lights effects, but after getting same jerky AF on mk IV and outside in good lights my decision been made.
That was my first Sigma lens & kind of disappointment since lost some time, camera clicks and shipping cost. I guess no way I will escape 85LII at this point
For anyone who could bypass this issue - lens is very interesting in bokeh and well build even if missing weathersealings.
Again - this post is not about how good Sigma brand is nor about how accurate/sharp is AF on this lens. It is about annoying jerky movements happening while lens trying to lock AF.
I've read about it in another thread but my copy works as it's supposed to. No excessive hunting in low light and no jerkiness. It might not be as fast as some USM lenses I've tried before but it's very fast. I've used it recently at my kids tennis practice (using 1DII) and there were no AF issues at all. What's important is that my keepers rate did not decrease. If all of those reports are true, it might be poor QA on Sigma's part which is very unlike the Japanese.
I have had nothing but exceptional focus with mine no jerkyness locks on and stays locked on. It is very good in both servo and one shot. At 1.4 you need to be a bit more patient but this is true with all fast glass.
Bruce Sawle wrote:
I have had nothing but exceptional focus with mine no jerkyness locks on and stays locked on. It is very good in both servo and one shot. At 1.4 you need to be a bit more patient but this is true with all fast glass.
Again not just "my experience" if you read my post.
I read your post there are many on this board who are very happy with this lens and have no issues. I would not believe nor trust the bulk of what is posted on Dpreview. Many there will post there comments without any first hand experience. Sorry your lens does not live up to expectations.
Bruce Sawle wrote:
I read your post there are many on this board who are very happy with this lens and have no issues. I would not believe nor trust the bulk of what is posted on Dpreview. Many there will post there comments without any first hand experience. Sorry your lens does not live up to expectations.
I agree it could be just that I got spoiled by L's but no, I really kind of lost my confidence in this lens and Sigma since that. To my understanding "Made in Japan" product that cost $900.00 should be tested and adjusted well especially for AF.
Bruce Sawle wrote:
I read your post there are many on this board who are very happy with this lens and have no issues. I would not believe nor trust the bulk of what is posted on Dpreview. Many there will post there comments without any first hand experience. Sorry your lens does not live up to expectations.
agree.
i wouldnt even trust many HERE. as an example, look at the thread about he 7D and 85 Sigma.
to the OP, its unfortunate that your lens did not live up to your expectations, but i know some very accomplished photographers here (and have spoken directly to a few of them) who have shown that that sigma is on par (even better) than its L counterpart.
The Sigma 85 lens would hunt for AF on my 7D, but I didn't notice it on the 5D II. While AF speed was acceptable, it was still dog slow compared to my 100 L with the focus limiter switch engaged.
While the IQ was excellent even wide open on my 5D II, I just didn't feel 100% comfortable with it, and it was returned based on the inconsistent performance with my 7D. My primary purpose for the lens was portraits, but I'm finding my 70-200 f2.8 II on the 5D II to be much more versatile.
mine did the mad-fast-hunt-loop thing a few times in conditions and on bodies that should never have had issue. and then it's been perfect or even above expectation with its focus speed and poor light ability. one shot, center point in each case.
I'll trust the people who shoot with the for a living, myself.