Sigma lens problem

[Chris Hayes]

Yesterday I went to use my wide angle lens (Sigma 17-35mm) and it wouldnt autofocus. I had to use it on manual focus and even then there were times it wouldn't take any pictures. I think I got it back in 2004. I took it up to a local camera store to see if they could have it repaired. The guy told me that since it's such an old model there probably arent any parts for it. What have your guys' experiences been with having lenses repaired? Do you think he was giving me the run around? When I described the problem to him, he was like "so what do you want me to do?"

As a POSSIBLE replacement I'm looking at a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. Anyone have any experience with that model?

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

Hello Chris,

First, I would know what camera body you use, this is imnportant to evaluate which lens to buy.

However I can tell you that the Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a good lens.

Best Regards

Niccolò Ubalducci

 

[Chris Hayes]

I still have a Canon EOS-10D. I just havent had the money to replace the camera as of yet. I hate the thought of being without my wide angle if I chase this year. While at the store I had the Tamron on my camera so I know it works with the model I have.

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

The Canon EOS 10D was a great machine, I am convinced that with a good lens gives good results still today.

If you show me a money budget I can recommend other alternatives.

You also have other lenses telephoto lens maybe?

 

[Chris Hayes]

I'm trying to look up some good alternatives. I have a Canon 70-200mm L lens.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Are there any factory authorized repair stations in your area?
Can one call Sigma and/or send it directly to them?
Season is coming up pretty quick; but there is still time...

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

I'm trying to look up some good alternatives. I have a Canon 70-200mm L lens.

The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is also made in the form VC (stabilized).

Here you can find a quite good test mtf Tamron 17-50 2.8 : http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/482-tamron_1750_28vc_canon?start=1

From what I can see, a good alternative Tamron 17-35 2.8 would be the same even though it may be a bit short.
Another alternative is 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro HSM.

 

[Chris Gullikson]

Try cleaning the electrical contacts on the lens where it mounts to the body.

 

[Chris Hayes]

I cleaned the contacts, and that didnt work. I was looking at lenses thismorning and I came across a Tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 lens for 470 on B&Hs website. I just need to make sure it will work with a new camera I get one day. I have the 10D and it's "only" 6mp so it works fine for now. I would just hate to buy this lens and it not work with any new camera I get.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583991-REG/Tamron_B001C_700_B001_SPAF_10_24mm_f.html

 

[Chris Gullikson]

The Tamron DI II lenses are made for the APS-C crop cameras with a smaller imager. If you plan on staying with Canon's 1.6x crop cameras, then this lens will be fine. This lens will not work on a full frame camera.

 

[Chris Hayes]

Well, I sent the lens into Sigma, and as I was told at the camera shop it cannot be fixed. Sigma did however offer me a trade-in. The replacement for the lens that broke was a 17-70 f3.8 Macro lens. The f-stop made this lens appealing but I also had them give me a price on the 10-20mm F4-5.6, and 10-20mm f3.8. The 4-5.6 was 380 and the 3.8 was over 500. I went ahead and got the 10-20mm 4-5.6. I'd love to have the 3.8 but I'm not going to dish out over 500 right now. The 10-20mm was just too good to pass up