Sony A200 - Sigma 70-300mm fault repairable?

Drewpyfz6

Drewpyfz6

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Andrew
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Hi,
Was using my Sony A200 with the Sigma 70-300mm to photograph my bird table yesterday, when it started making a strange vibrating noise after changing to manual focus.

Not sure what happened, but its making this noise every time I turn the camera on or off, when you normally get the sensor cleaning vibration.

I have tried the kit lens and that is fine.
So must be the Sigma lens.
It still seems to auto focus ok, but the vibration noise does not sound good at all - :'(

Is it worth sending off to Sigma for repair?
Don't know how much it is to be diagnosed.

Or should I just bin it and buy another?

It only cost less than £150 when bought a few years ago, so am thinking the repair cost might be more than that, with postage etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Andy
 
The sigma 70-300 has gears made of butter. They tend to drop to bits very quickly on sony cameras as the in body AF is generally quite robust. I'd make sure it is set on AF on the lens as well as the body if you're using AF. It will make some noise as when you turn on and off it makes sure it is set on infinity focus I think.

If you want a cheap 300mm lens then harrison cameras did have a 28-300 tamron for £40. It's built like a tank. I have one as a spare as my 28-300 sigma has started misbehaving too.

I'd probably not buy any cheap sigmas to use with sony. Get tamron, minolta or sony's own.

Ffordes have a new tamron 70-300 for £140: http://www.ffordes.com/product/100723163510657

But if you haven't got the spare cash for that there is a cheap sigma 75-300: http://www.ffordes.com/product/11080310222481 I'd ask them how robust it is before deciding though!
 
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Thanks for the quick reply Suz.

I have had the Sony for nearly 2 years (my first DSLR) and its now my second camera.
Got the Sigma (DG Macro version) at the time because it had better reviews. It has been pretty good.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000B8T6DI/ref=pd_cp_ce_0
But have since learned this gear thing is a common issue - usually when around 1 and a half years old... which just about fits.

Shame the gears have gone and will have to look at the Tamron.
I dont really fancy getting another Sigma, only for the same thing to happen again.

Thanks,
Andy
 
It would be worth ringing up sigma and seeing how much it would cost to repair. They might do it cheap as the lens is under 2 years old or offer a discount on a replacement. Sigma started doing 3 year warranty on their lenses but I can't remember when it started so I'd check it out in case it is under warranty. I think less than 2 years for a lens isn't much cop to be honest. I'd also contact the retailer and see if they would consider contributing to repair costs. If you can swing a cheap repair and a retailer contribution it might not cost that much to sort out.
 
You could try printing off a couple of dozen forum post about the issue (to establish that it's a common fault) and taking it back to the shop where you bought it. I'd be inclined to claim it's the retailers problem, as it seems to fall into the "design/manufacturing fault" that the Sale of Goods Act is supposed to protect us against.
 
Thanks for the replies.

The camera and lens came from Amazon. Bought July 2009.
So just over 2 years - but it has had very light use and no abuse.

Just called Amazon customer service and they only offer 1 year warranty and suggested I contact Sigma.

Suz,
I looked for that 28-300 lens on ffordes, but could not see it, maybe it has already been sold?

EDIT - just realised that the Tamron 70-300mm, is the exact same as I got with my latest camera bundle, shame its a canon fit.
And have had some good 300mm photos of motorsport using it this summer.

Think I am going to order one for the Sony, as Jessops have them for £99.95

Thanks again for the replies.
Andy
 
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The 99 quid tamron seems sensible to go for.

The 28-300 tamron that was £40 has been sold from Harrison cameras I think. Couldn't see it. Was almost tempted to get it myself as a spare!

Can still see the 75-300 on ffordes site. Page 4 of the sony minolta AF section. No idea how it compares with the tamron but as the tamron is brand new it probably isn't worth the risk to save 30 odd quid.
 
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