Sigma 70-300 lens noise on Sony A200

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johnjess

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Hi my Sigma 70-300mm lens has started making a grating noise when I switch on my Sony A200 and will not autofocus. Now I have read that this is a fairly common problem with this lens on Sony dslr's but it also makes the noise when I switch on the camera in Manual focus but after the initial noise it works ok in MF. My question is whether this initial noise in MF will be damaging the camera in any way. If this was the case I would have to bin the lens as I dont want to have to buy another camera if I can help it. Any advice gratefully received .


johnjess
 
Hi John.
Unfortunately, you're probably right that the lens has stripped its ring gear. It shouldn't be a danger to the camera should you decide to to use it in MF mode. There may however be bits of broken ring gear rattling around in the lens so it still might be a risk if these bits get into your camera.
I encountered this problem myself with my A700 and a 105mm macro. I was able to purchase a replacement ring gear from Sigma UK for only £8 and with a little care and some precision screwdrivers was able to replace it. Although the low price of the replacement was welcome, its low quality plastic construction was not, particularly for an EX lens. After repairing it I immediately sold it.
It's annoying that Sigma lenses appear to be so prone to ring-gear failure with the Sony screw drive, especially when 25 year old Minolta lenses continue to soldier on. They DO fail occasionally with other mounts but with nowhere near the same frequency.
If it were me, I would look around for a Minolta beercan (70-210 F4) to replace it. The loss in reach would probably be outweighed by the better IQ.
Mike.
 
Have to agree with Mile, sounds like its been chewed up. I'm not sure if it's all Sigma lens and Sony bodies or specific ones, but I've read about this problem before.

I'd certainly see cost wise what it's going to be to repair it, you could also sell the lens on as damaged, for repair if it's too expensive - you don't want to have a go at fixing it.

Hope you get it sorted
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Can you tell advise where to go to price for repair, is to my local camera shop or would I have to go direct to Sigma. If its to much to repair I may take your advice andyred and sell as damaged.

johnjess
 
Hi
If you go onto the Sigma uk webbsite they have a price list for repairs.
Alan
 
andyred said:
Have to agree with Mile, sounds like its been chewed up. I'm not sure if it's all Sigma lens and Sony bodies or specific ones, but I've read about this problem before.
Click to expand...

I've seen reports of other sigma lenses doing the same thing (on various Sony bodies) but the 70-300 is notorious for it.

The new-ish Tamron equivalent looks to be the best "bang for buck" alternative. Reviews suggest its very nearly as good as the Sony 70-300G.
 
johnjess said:
Are the parts used for the repair any better than the original ones?
Click to expand...

I would think Sigma are the only ones that can confirm this for definite, but I would suspect they are the same.
 
eccles said:
Hi John.
Unfortunately, you're probably right that the lens has stripped its ring gear. It shouldn't be a danger to the camera should you decide to to use it in MF mode. There may however be bits of broken ring gear rattling around in the lens so it still might be a risk if these bits get into your camera.
I encountered this problem myself with my A700 and a 105mm macro. I was able to purchase a replacement ring gear from Sigma UK for only £8 and with a little care and some precision screwdrivers was able to replace it. Although the low price of the replacement was welcome, its low quality plastic construction was not, particularly for an EX lens. After repairing it I immediately sold it.
It's annoying that Sigma lenses appear to be so prone to ring-gear failure with the Sony screw drive, especially when 25 year old Minolta lenses continue to soldier on. They DO fail occasionally with other mounts but with nowhere near the same frequency.
If it were me, I would look around for a Minolta beercan (70-210 F4) to replace it. The loss in reach would probably be outweighed by the better IQ.
Mike.
Click to expand...

Hello
I think i have the same problem where no autofocus & noise when i switch on my A200 & the same when i switch it off.
I looked on the link you supplied for Sigma but was then lost as to where i look for the ring gear.
Please could you advise a little more.
Thanks.
 
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