sigma 70-200 concerns

suggs

suggs

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Harry
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Hi all

ive just got a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO HSM EX that i purchased from ebay, i gave it a quick test run on just random shots and found most are OOF, i shoot mostly motocross and if any of you have seen my pics in the critique section you will know im capable of getting good images and im consistent. i aired my concerns with the seller who suggested its my camera, and also told me there no point me using the lens without a tripod as it will only give blured shots as its an older lens ?

far as im aware most motorsport togs dont use tripods any many have far longer lenses than a 200mm

i havent gone down the route of back focusing etc yet but my D300 is spot on with my other glass...

anyone use the sigma lens and agree its a tripod or dont bother lens ?
 
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If your shutter speed is equivalent to focal length plus a stop you should get decent results handheld, unfortunately this is a very familiar occurrence with Sigma lenses, especially the HSM and 50mm. Always best to get test shots with used lens, if the seller is so confident get him to send you some of his pictures with exif intact.

Test it on a tripod first though, if it still misfocuses it's the lens, if not, it's your technique.
 
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suggs said:
anyone use the sigma lens and agree its a tripod or dont bother lens ?
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It's the same as any other lens, as long the shutter is fast enough (1/500 should cover it, faster the better for MX though), and the technique is ok it should be fine. So I would question the lenses calibration.
 
As long as your shutter speed is high enough for the focal length i.e. 1/200th x 1.5 = 1/300th second at 200mm, and the subject isn't moving fast, then your shot shot be sharp. If not, perhaps the lens needs micro adjusting. Either way, if you're not happy with it then you are within your rights to send it back.
 
suggs said:
*snip*

anyone use the sigma lens and agree its a tripod or dont bother lens ?
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I use one and it's definitely very usable without a tripod.

Have you tried testing it objectively? I'd start with a static, well-lit subject using a tripod and if the results are still blurred then you have some good evidence to present the seller. If the results are good, however, it's probably your technique that needs some work.
 
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I always find Sigma lenses need a bit of AF calibration on my Pentax and Canon bodies even though the own brand glass is normally spot on and needs no adjustment.

The Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 OS I bought recently for the 7D needed +10 to get it right.
 
Thanks for the reply's, will try on a tripod and see took a few shots indoors just now with the flash and it seems sharp hope its just me thats needs to adjust my technique

i mostly shoot at 1/400-1/500 for ground shots and 1.1000 for fast incoming airborne shots, havent shot with mx with the sigma yet just took a walk to my local wood and shot some static geese and duck and most where oof but the light was pretty bad..

ill have another go tomorrow if i get home before the light goes, i did think it should be fine without a tripod..

could it be back focusing with just the one lens, is there a easy test for this..

thanks
 
Can you post some of the samples up. There is a difference between OOF and blurry due to bad technique or poor light.
 
Various speeds, I did shoot some very low just messing but many at 400-500 and 800 blurred but some where sharp even a few at lower speeds. Maybe its just me then.

Seller has now told me in a tripod he had no problems but hand held he had similar issues.

I don't expect to need a tripod on a 200mm lens even if its an older version, there's many Motorsport togs on here and I've seen many of them mention not to use a tripod for sport, think I need to give it another test in better light, it was mostly at 2.8 with higher iso.

I nearly always use a 50mm prime and get in close so guess it could be hand shake as this lens changes the whole feel and ballence of the setup now :/
 
Sounds like technique but test it over various distances from subject and different focals to be sure. Also check you're not getting closer the minimum focus distance if you have your camera set to release without focus lock as you like getting in close.
 
Thanks, cameras set to focus release so won't fire unless locked on. Can't help wondering if its me shooting still subjects and getting hand shake on longer focal lengths as I almost always shooting fast action so panning etc where today I just stood there shooting at signs and tree trunks and ducks that where pretty much sitting there (sitting ducks lol)
 
I have the same camera so have you fine tuned the lens? I have the same lens as well.

If not go into shooting menu-set picture control- and in each of standard through to monochrome or even landscape if you have down loaded that, you can sharpen in each by pressing right side of paddle control and sharpen. Also do same with manage picture control.

In custom settings menu I have mine set at autofocus- a1/a2 on focus so it focus before taking picture.

in setup menu -AF fine tune- saved value- you can adjust back/front focus and save value , so each time that lens is on the camera the camera detects it and adjusts automatically to the settings you have made.

Oh I use mine hand held and works fine, with things that I take (flying birds) a tripod is useless

Hope this is of some help

Realspeed
 
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suggs said:
Thanks, cameras set to focus release so won't fire unless locked on. Can't help wondering if its me shooting still subjects and getting hand shake on longer focal lengths as I almost always shooting fast action so panning etc where today I just stood there shooting at signs and tree trunks and ducks that where pretty much sitting there (sitting ducks lol)
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Shoot the neighbours house chimney or something else detailed and distant, keeping speed at 1/1000 or up. If thats no good you got a duffer one. I remember them not being too sharp at 200mm, but at 70-130 range they should be very good wide open. If its not you know why they sold it ;)
 
What youve got to remember with using apertures around f2.8-f3.2 the DOF is very small so you have to nail the focus which I think is true in three as the sea above the ducks head looks in focus here, number two as you say looks like its back focussing and number one well looks pretty sharp to me.
 
The wind turbine thingy looks like you missed focus on that as branches in the background are in focus.
 
I use the original 70-200 APO which isn't even the HSM lens. I use it just fine at 2.8 and 125 for concerts. I'd be suspicious of any claims that it can't be used handheld.
 
shufflemoomin said:
I use the original 70-200 APO which isn't even the HSM lens. I use it just fine at 2.8 and 125 for concerts. I'd be suspicious of any claims that it can't be used handheld.
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It definitely can be with good technique. Shaky hands are a no no there :nono:
 
1st shot is fine, 2nd shot you werent picking the easiest of subjects especially if the blades are moving! 3rd not sure, requires more static object testing..... conclusion, I think its technique.
 
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