Sigma lens problem - advice sought

Barryboy

Barryboy

Messages
274
Name
Rob
Edit My Images
Yes
Firstly, if I have posted into the wrong section, please by all means transfer the post to the appropriate section.

I am looking for a little advice on a problem I have with my Sigma 24-70 f2.8 Nikon fit. The lens will work properly for maybe a dozen or two shots and then just freeze - it doesn't autofocus and it won't allow the shutter to fire. If I just wait, then try again later it will work well but again only for a period of time then freeze up again. I am confident that it is the lens at issue as it did exactly the same on my previous camera (Nikon D3) and when I switch to my trusty old Nikkor 35-105 f3.5 that lens performs faultlessly - I could shoot all day with it...

I would welcome any thoughts. The lens is out of warranty (I bought it used some time ago) and there's no chance of a warranty claim, so is it a case of getting it serviced/repaired, or is old numpty here doing something wrong? If it has to go off for repair would you recommend Sigma or is there an independent repairer you could point me to?

Grateful for your thoughts/suggestions

Rob
 
If this is a case of a Sigma lens not being quite compatible with a later version of camera body or camera firmware (which it sounds like), then Sigma will often upgrade your lens firmware for free. Check with Sigma.
 
chris malcolm said:
If this is a case of a Sigma lens not being quite compatible with a later version of camera body or camera firmware (which it sounds like), then Sigma will often upgrade your lens firmware for free. Check with Sigma.
Click to expand...
I thought this at first, but then he said it did the same with his previous camera. Of course, without knowing ages there's a chance the lens could be older than both cameras and so could still be just an outdated firmware issue.
 
chris malcolm said:
If this is a case of a Sigma lens not being quite compatible with a later version of camera body or camera firmware (which it sounds like), then Sigma will often upgrade your lens firmware for free. Check with Sigma.
Click to expand...

They will charge if you are not the original owner and have proof of purchase.

Saying that Sigma is the place to send it anyway, they are normally pretty good and the only charge for a quote is the return postage costs should you decide not to have the repair done.
 
Update. Spoke to Sigma who feel it's unlikely to be a firmware issue, more likely to be a faulty electorincs issue. I've sent it off today for them to check - if it's firmware they will update it for £39.99 or if it needs a repair to the internal wiring it's £86 ish. So including postage to them it will probably cost me the thick end of £100.... ah well....
 
Got the lens back from Sigma. They made a 'circuit repair' total cost £85.99 and it now works fine. I blasted 20 or 30 shots though it on fast continuous (what I always though of as motordrive) - it didn't freeze up, exposure and focus seemed spot on, the change in lens position between manual at auto focus positions seems much more definite - it seems like it's a new lens and I'm a happy bunny again. There's good weather forecast for this weekend so I might just get out and do some seascapes with it.

Rob
 
Great stuff and I guess much cheaper than replacing it. Hope it now has a long life.
 
Pleased its sorted,i had the same problem with my Tamron 150-600 they had two goes and failed to fix it,perhaps i should have sent it to Sigma;)
 
Praise where it's due... I have to hand it Sigma. They did exactly what they said they would, gave a warranty on their work, kept me advised throughout the process, did the job at what seems to be a decent price, and returned the lens repaired in just a little over a fortnight. Can't recommend them highly enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top