Percentage of Times a Sigma 50mm 14 Art Lens Is Not Calibrated
D00M • Senior Fellow member • Posts: 1,148
Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
four
Summary: I purchased new Sigma 50mm f/i.iv lens for my Canon 6D. No surprised, I encountered AF result. I sent the lens to CRIS (Sigma authorized) service center. After service, the focus is dead on for all distances upward to around 100 ft.
There are varied reports on the performance of this lens. Many of the reports are consistent with what I saw in my copy. Simply I also recollect there are a lot of misinformation, especially by novices who do non empathize stage observe focus; or those who have cameras without AF adjustment adequacy. So I want to share my experience and hopefully clarify the bug on this lens, especially for those who are in the market for this lens.
Fifty-fifty later on reading all the focus issues in online posts, I took a chance and purchased Sigma 50mm f/1.4 online. Although I'one thousand an amateur photographer, I am very confident in my understanding of AF operations and know how to AF calibrate the lens. Note that I piece of work as engineer in image sensor company . For testing AF, I use dot tune method to narrow down the AF microadjustment or AF fine tune or MAF. So compare versus Live View (contrast discover) vs View Finder (phase find) to confirm MAF.
(i) AF alignment changes by distance. Aye, my copy is severely affected past this problem. Front focusing at close distances and back focusing at far distances. It makes the lens unusable using VF phase discover focus. No upshot if focus is done thur LV dissimilarity observe focus.
Here are my values for MAF. With such large range, there is no way to have single MAF that works.
- six ft: +16 (dot tune range: +8 to +xx)
- x ft: +1 (dot melody range: -8 to +10)
- 15 ft: -four (dot tune range: -fourteen to +half dozen)
- xxx ft: -6 (dot melody range: -sixteen to +3)
(2) Focus shift, defined equally focus changing when aperture steps downward. Aye, it exists, merely pocket-sized on my copy. AF microadjustment is made at f/1.four, obviously. So when MAF is done for that same distance, f/1.four focus is dead on. Identical shot at f/ane.6 shows a small shift in focus compared to f/1.iv. This shift is probably only +/- 1 to 3 on the AF microadjust scale. And so at f/1.8, the focus shift is almost gone; the focus at f/i.8 is nearly identical to f/i.4. Higher up f/1.8, the focus shift is gone, plus the paradigm gets sharper, see (three). The focus shift doesn't bother me. I tin can merely skip using f/1.vi. And fifty-fifty at f/1.six, focus shift is negligible and tin only be seen pixel peeping at 100%.
(3) Softness at f/ane.four. Yes, the lens is not equally precipitous at f/ane.4 as stepped down. Annotation this is not related to focus issue. I checked by comparing LV vs VF at various aperture of involvement. At f/1.four, the lens is definitely softer even at the middle of frame. I didn't bother checking edge/corners. At f/2.0, I first to see improvement in center sharpness. This is expected for almost all lens wide open.
(iv) Inconsistent focus. Not on my re-create. In fact, the focus is very consistent and repeatable. I can AF microadjust to the right distance. In one case adjusted, the focus is expressionless, unfortunately only for that distance. I suspect some translate issues (1) and (2) as inconsistent focus.
(5) AF Unmarried vs Servo mode. False. I use Back button AF and servo mode exclusively. Servo style will not resolve issues (1) and (2) listed above. At that place are are those who believes AF Single mode does non use feedback loop and Servo style improves the accuracy of focus. I chalk this upwardly equally same equally (4). They are seeing (1) and (2) but exercise not understand information technology, then they come up with false claim.
Service for AF Scale: I am in California. I sent the lens to CRIS in Arizona. The turnaround was 9 business organisation days. Here is the timeline in business days but; not including weekends. I shipped it out on Twenty-four hour period 0. Day ii, the shipment arrived. Solar day 3, in repair. Day five, reapir completed. 24-hour interval half-dozen, detail shipped. Day 9, render shipping received.
Subsequently scale by the service center, Issue 1 listed above (AF alignment changing past distance) was corrected. AF is expressionless on for shut distances up to effectually 100 ft. Yet, when the focus is far abroad, such as 150-200-300 ft, I institute the focus to be variable. It seems highly dependent on the subject and scene. In some scene/setup, not affair what I try, the focus is slightly off (back focused). Only in other scenes, the focus is correct. This issue only shows upward in f/1.4. In one case I become upwards to f/two.8 or 4 and smaller discontinuity, dof is large enough that I can no longer see any difference between LV and VF focus. This is non-result in existent world shooting. If I'm shooting landscape, I would not be using f/i.4, merely smaller aperture. And using LiveView contrast focus is not a problem for mural.
Effect 2 (focus shift) and Issue 3 (softness broad open up) are not corrected by the calibration. No surprise here.
Sigma QA: I disagree with those who claims that Sigma'due south AF issue is due to Canon'due south proprietary AF algorithm. Also, consequence is not because each lens need to be calibrated to each photographic camera. Again, nosotros need to dissever 2 different issues on AF calibration:
A. AF microadjustment or AF finetune or MAF. This is indeed camera and lens specific. But this is true for all cameras and lenses, not just Sigma. Even Catechism lenses on Canon camera tin require MAF. Those with camera without MAF feature, tin still run into this problem.
B. Instead, Issue 1 described above is lack of correct AF calibration table past distance. Sigma (and I presume all lens manufacturers) has the capability to write the AF calibration by distance into the lens firmware. New Sigma lens tin can be adapted using SW and USB.
http://world wide web.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/06/sigma-optimization-pro-and-usb-dock
Information technology is just mind boggling why Sigma does non perform the AF scale past distance (or practice information technology correctly) for all the lenses leaving the factory. Obviously some 50mm f/i.iv lens are calibrated correctly, every bit possessor report they have perfect focus. Merely many others, including my copy, was not calibrated (or done correctly).
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.iv for Canon: My AF Calibration Feel
My experience with the 8 Canon and the one Sigma lenses that I have owned over the last nine years is that they all have focused accurately out of the box, even on Rebel bodies.
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
The Sigma 50 is known as a special needs lens. It focuses differently based on distance. Check lensrentals.com for Roger's thoughts on this lens. Since he sees a lot of these things I'll take his word on information technology.
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Feel
Thanks for posting this! Fantastic, detailed write-upward. I take this lens and demand to cheque it more carefully, and maybe transport it in.
Nice to see a postal service that follows a good testing methodology.
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NancyP • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,592
Re: Sigma 50mm f/one.iv for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
How good is the AF on the Canon 50mm f/1.four at 1.4 on the 6D? Is information technology the f/1.iv giving a trouble for the 6D AF, or is it the Sigma AF plan?
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NancyP
OP D00M • Senior Fellow member • Posts: 1,148
Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.four for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
NancyP wrote:
How adept is the AF on the Canon 50mm f/1.iv at one.4 on the 6D? Is it the f/i.4 giving a problem for the 6D AF, or is it the Sigma AF program?
Nancy,
I had no focus problem with Canon 50mm f/1.4 on 6D. After the Sigma lens was serviced and calibrated, I had no problem with Sigma focus either. The issue is that Sigma lens had to be calibrated out of the box. This was reported by many Sigma lens buyers/owners, particularly with Canon DSLR.
Comparison Sigma to Canon 5- f/one.4 focus arrangement, I'd say the confidence and accurateness in both lens is the same. If I accept to choose a winner on the focus arrangement, I'd go with Sigma because its focus motor is smoother than Catechism.
Jimmy
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.four for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Thanks for taking the fourth dimension to type this out.
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Goguin • Forum Member • Posts: 50
Re: Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Feel
I never, in my life, see a Sigma lens that focus correctly!
Here how I examination them:
With the camera on a tripod, or a edible bean bag or simply on the store counter, aim a flat and contant distance, like a brick wall.
Select the center betoken for focusing
Put the camera in live view and zoom the alive view to 10x, half press the shutter to proceeds focus.
So, get out of live view and half printing shutter once more. The focus band should non move. If it move, you lens take problem.
Repeatedly half press the shutter. One time the focus aquired, the focus ring should not move over again and again.
When the auto focus push is engaged, in that location should'north be no slack on the focus ring.
I did not examination the Sigma A serie.
Excuse my poor english.
OP D00M • Senior Member • Posts: i,148
Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Goguin wrote:
I never, in my life, see a Sigma lens that focus correctly!
I'yard not pro-Sigma. I only own 1 Sigma lens and that is what I reported to a higher place. Just I detect your claim vague, provides no factual information, and basically useless.
1. Never in your life... So you tried couple lenses? Y'all take tried hundreds and every single one has AF outcome? Basically you are implying that Sigma lens all have AF issue. Well, I only take used 1 Sigma lens, so I cannot validate or deny your claim. Simply I cannot imagine that every Sigma lens take problem.
2. Y'all claim Sigma lens do not focus correctly. Simply you exercise not state or you do not know what is incorrect.
- Is it AF outset (which can exist fine tuned past user with AF microadjustment on camera, or by service)?
- Is information technology AF changes by distance (which tin can be adapted by user on new Sigma lens with USB firmware support, or by service)?
- Is information technology AF shifting over fourth dimension?
- Is it AF that varies with single frame? Ane time if focus closer, side by side time it focus further, under identical conditions?
- Etc.
Precision and accuracy are 2 different things.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accuracy_and_precision
Precision is related to repeatability. Accuracy is related to showtime from desired value. The Sigma 50mm f/1.iv lens I checked out is precise (at lease by my standard using dot tune and image test). Simply it is inaccurate out of the box. In this instance, it tin be calibrated. Later on service, it is both precise and authentic. Except for broad open for focus distance > 200 to 300 ft.
On the other hand, if an unit of measurement is not precise (you get varying AF in identical status or AF shifts over time under identical weather condition), so alignment is not going to fix the problem. The root cause is either bad pattern, poor algorithm, bad role, bad assembly, etc. In this case, buyer should just return the lens and exercise not bother with service and calibration.
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Goguin • Forum Member • Posts: l
Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Feel
Extract from Photo Plus review of February 2014
I tested that kind of lens, and as well 18-105mm.
I make the tests described in my previous mail.
Tin can not focus reapetedly. All the time yous half printing the button, the focus change. There is a slack on the focus ring. I test many of them in the store. I never had these troubles with Catechism or Tamron. Some of them may non exist spot on but a micro-ajustment make them perfect.
Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
For anyone interested, I got a used copy of the Sigma 50mm i.4 knowing I ran a huge adventure of this happening. The seller didn't have the receipt then I'd take to pay to have it calibrated. I of course had the same issue everyone else reports. I sent information technology to Sigma NY and the repair was $50 and they charged $10 for shipping back.
I've seen this questioned asked a lot on forums (because I wanted to know too) so here's the reply.
Re: Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 for Catechism: My AF Scale Feel
Jimmy K. wrote:
Summary: I purchased new Sigma 50mm f/one.4 lens for my Canon 6D. No surprised, I encountered AF result. I sent the lens to CRIS (Sigma authorized) service center. After service, the focus is dead on for all distances up to around 100 ft.
There are varied reports on the performance of this lens. Many of the reports are consequent with what I saw in my copy. But I besides think there are a lot of misinformation, especially by novices who do not understand phase find focus; or those who take cameras without AF aligning capability. And then I want to share my feel and hopefully clarify the problems on this lens, specially for those who are in the market for this lens.
Fifty-fifty after reading all the focus issues in online posts, I took a chance and purchased Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 online. Although I'm an amateur photographer, I am very confident in my understanding of AF operations and know how to AF calibrate the lens. Annotation that I piece of work every bit engineer in image sensor company . For testing AF, I use dot tune method to narrow down the AF microadjustment or AF fine tune or MAF. Then compare versus Live View (contrast observe) vs View Finder (phase detect) to confirm MAF.
(one) AF alignment changes past altitude. Yes, my copy is severely affected by this problem. Forepart focusing at close distances and dorsum focusing at far distances. It makes the lens unusable using VF phase detect focus. No event if focus is done thur LV contrast find focus.
Here are my values for MAF. With such big range, there is no manner to accept single MAF that works.
- 6 ft: +16 (dot tune range: +8 to +20)
- ten ft: +1 (dot tune range: -8 to +10)
- 15 ft: -iv (dot tune range: -fourteen to +6)
- thirty ft: -6 (dot tune range: -xvi to +3)
(2) Focus shift, divers as focus changing when aperture steps down. Yeah, it exists, merely small-scale on my copy. AF microadjustment is made at f/1.4, apparently. And then when MAF is done for that same altitude, f/1.iv focus is dead on. Identical shot at f/1.6 shows a small shift in focus compared to f/1.four. This shift is probably only +/- 1 to 3 on the AF microadjust calibration. Then at f/ane.eight, the focus shift is near gone; the focus at f/1.eight is about identical to f/1.4. Above f/1.eight, the focus shift is gone, plus the paradigm gets sharper, come across (3). The focus shift doesn't bother me. I can simply skip using f/1.6. And fifty-fifty at f/i.vi, focus shift is negligible and tin can just exist seen pixel peeping at 100%.
(3) Softness at f/1.4. Yes, the lens is not as sharp at f/ane.4 as stepped down. Note this is not related to focus issue. I checked by comparison LV vs VF at various discontinuity of involvement. At f/i.4, the lens is definitely softer even at the centre of frame. I didn't bother checking edge/corners. At f/2.0, I offset to see improvement in center sharpness. This is expected for nigh all lens wide open up.
(4) Inconsistent focus. Not on my re-create. In fact, the focus is very consequent and repeatable. I tin can AF microadjust to the right distance. In one case adapted, the focus is dead, unfortunately but for that altitude. I doubtable some translate bug (1) and (2) as inconsistent focus.
(5) AF Single vs Servo mode. Fake. I utilise Back button AF and servo mode exclusively. Servo fashion will not resolve problems (1) and (2) listed above. There are are those who believes AF Unmarried mode does not use feedback loop and Servo mode improves the accuracy of focus. I chalk this up equally same as (iv). They are seeing (1) and (2) but do not understand information technology, so they come upwardly with false claim.
Service for AF Calibration: I am in California. I sent the lens to CRIS in Arizona. The turnaround was nine business concern days. Here is the timeline in business days only; non including weekends. I shipped it out on Day 0. Day two, the shipment arrived. Solar day 3, in repair. Twenty-four hours v, reapir completed. Day vi, detail shipped. Day nine, return shipping received.
After scale by the service center, Issue 1 listed above (AF alignment irresolute by distance) was corrected. AF is expressionless on for shut distances up to around 100 ft. However, when the focus is far away, such as 150-200-300 ft, I establish the focus to be variable. It seems highly dependent on the subject and scene. In some scene/setup, non matter what I try, the focus is slightly off (back focused). Just in other scenes, the focus is right. This consequence only shows upward in f/one.4. Once I go up to f/2.eight or 4 and smaller aperture, dof is large plenty that I tin no longer see any difference between LV and VF focus. This is non-issue in real earth shooting. If I'chiliad shooting landscape, I would not be using f/1.4, but smaller aperture. And using LiveView contrast focus is not a problem for landscape.
Issue 2 (focus shift) and Outcome 3 (softness wide open) are non corrected by the scale. No surprise here.
Sigma QA: I disagree with those who claims that Sigma'southward AF result is due to Canon's proprietary AF algorithm. Also, upshot is not because each lens need to exist calibrated to each camera. Again, we need to split 2 different problems on AF calibration:
A. AF microadjustment or AF finetune or MAF. This is indeed camera and lens specific. But this is true for all cameras and lenses, not just Sigma. Fifty-fifty Canon lenses on Canon photographic camera can crave MAF. Those with camera without MAF feature, can still run into this problem.
B. Instead, Outcome one described to a higher place is lack of correct AF calibration table past distance. Sigma (and I assume all lens manufacturers) has the capability to write the AF calibration by distance into the lens firmware. New Sigma lens can be adjusted using SW and USB.
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/06/sigma-optimization-pro-and-usb-dock
Information technology is simply mind boggling why Sigma does not perform the AF scale by distance (or practice it correctly) for all the lenses leaving the factory. Obviously some 50mm f/ane.4 lens are calibrated correctly, as owner report they have perfect focus. But many others, including my re-create, was not calibrated (or done correctly).
This is an old thread...
I'm having a very similar experience using the 6D and a brand new Sigma 50 f/ane.four EX.
I have a AMFA of +4 dialed in and it'due south generally working pretty well for most of what I do. Shots of a few hundred feet away aren't focused correctly close to wide open up, merely I don't typically use the lens that way.
Stopped downwardly to f/eight in that long distance focus scenario the subject is ok, simply the foreground is blurrier than a properly focused shot - I'm back focusing. If I use contrast detect the situation improves.
That said, the lens is fairly spectacular IMHO when it is focused right. Can I justify spending $399 on a lens that I can't really trust the autofocus in stage detection?
I'm not terribly optimistic that if I send the lens in it will repaired to quite the extent that yours has been.
Dave
Re: Sigma 50mm f/ane.iv for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Service for AF Calibration: I am in California. I sent the lens to CRIS in Arizona. The turnaround was 9 business days. Here is the timeline in business days only; not including weekends. I shipped information technology out on Day 0. Day 2, the shipment arrived. Day 3, in repair. Day v, repair completed. Day 6, particular shipped. Solar day 9, return aircraft received.
ane) Did you have to ship the lens and the camera?
2) What did information technology price?
AF is dead on for close distances up to around 100 ft. However, when the focus is far away, such as 150-200-300 ft, I establish the focus to be variable. It seems highly dependent on the bailiwick and scene. In some scene/setup, no affair what I try, the focus is slightly off (back focused). But in other scenes, the focus is right.
I found this particular issue to be a problem with getting the camera's focus point (the red rectangle on the Nikon) perfectly centered on the target y'all want in focus. In some instances, a tripod to steady the photographic camera was necessary to accomplish this. Far away targets vs. the tiny focus point in the view finder brand this exceedingly difficult with the Sigma 35mm lens.
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truview
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Non trying to hyjack your thread; but some may find my similar review of the Sigma 35mm and Nikon D800 camera interesting, as well.
I have seen a few comments on the inexpensive appearance of the box in which the lens is packaged (the USB Dock is packaged in an identical box). I don't come across the relevance of such comments, every bit once the lens is removed, the box is more often than not discarded or stored away. Information technology'due south the contents of the box that is purchased, not the box. Removing the one-size-fits-all lens case from the box reveals my first criticism. While sufficient to protect the lens, I consider it to be less than functional. It is large and square. In fact, the 35mm lens is too small for such a large case. There is approximately three-quarters of an inch of dead space surrounding the lens, causing information technology to move around inside the case. It makes the instance rather large to carry on your belt. Additionally, the loop provided to attach it to your belt is sewed closed at both ends, requiring y'all to remove your chugalug from several pant loops to put it on your belt. The case should have been smaller and more lens-fitted. And, a loop the was snapped and Velcro'ed at one end would take been more convenient. But, it's the lens that counts; and so let's become to information technology.
First up is the lens shade. Once again, I have seen some comments almost the fact that it is plastic, rather than metal. Irrespective of the material it's made of, it does the job, every bit far as I tin can tell. I worry about the eventual loosening of the plastic-on-plastic threads. But, a metal-on-plastic threads would probably be worse in that regard. I besides wonder if it would snap a piece off and damage the front end chemical element, if dropped, equally opposed to a metal hood bending to absorb the impact. At whatever charge per unit, information technology seems to go along, come up off, contrary, and go back on, with ease.
The near comment I have read has to do with the lens' purported inconsistency to accurately auto-focus. When I offset received the lens, I took some semi-macro shut upward shots. I was amazed at the absolute sharpness of this lens. Simply, of class, the target I was focusing on, filled the entire frame. What I noticed next, was that it was seemingly out of focus on afar objects. My first thought was to check any front or back focusing issues. Since I already had the LensAlign arrangement, I fix everything up in my well-lighted living room. I take used the LensAlign system extensively; and have had groovy success. It went very smoothly; and off I was to shoot some examination shots at a +3 micro tune setting. The same distant fuzziness appeared. Additionally, the lens demonstrated the worse purple fringing of any lens I accept ever owned; absolutely unusable images. Thinking I had done the alignment incorrectly, I did it all over again. It still showed excellent focus on close object, and softness on more afar objects; and horrible purple fringing. So, I read the literature, and watched the videos, on the Sigma USB Dock. I suppose that I rationalized that at that place must be some special properties with this lens that made information technology necessary to calibrate each of the four focus zones covered by the USB Dock. And so, I bought the Dock.
The first thing I did was to attempt calibration with the Dock; but leaving the LensALign scale in place. I could get cypher precipitous. So, I removed the LensAlign adjustments; and started over with the USB Dock. Now, I have to tell you, calibrating with the Dock is a humongous pain in the rump. I come across no purpose for the first focus zone on, basically, one foot. This isn't a macro lens! Just, I did it, anyway. The second focus zone of 1 pes to 2 feet, I suppose, makes sense if y'all intend to place an object in the near foreground of a shoot. However. I doubt anyone would place a foreground object that shut to the lens very often. The third focus zone of 2 feet to approximately ix feet begins to make some sense. But, the fourth and concluding zone goes from 9 feet all the way to infinity. Needless to say, I had very little organized religion this sort of calibration would exist effective. I was beginning to experience I had wasted my money on not only the lens; simply, now the additional $59 for the Dock. Simply, I faithfully followed the directions and calibrated all four zones. Well-nigh two hours later, I went out to examination shoot it. Naturally, I wanted first to try a distant shot. The difference was amazing. No more purple fringing. No more distance softness. All I tin figure is that must be some sort of relationship amongst the iv focus zones, wherein all have to be in sync to make the lens focus properly.
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truview
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OP D00M • Senior Member • Posts: 1,148
Re: Sigma 50mm f/i.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
I didn't know in that location was boosted responses to this old thread. Thus my delayed responses.
Island Golfer wrote:
Service for AF Calibration: I am in California. I sent the lens to CRIS in Arizona. The turnaround was nine business days. Here is the timeline in business organization days but; not including weekends. I shipped it out on Day 0. Day 2, the shipment arrived. Day 3, in repair. Day v, repair completed. 24-hour interval vi, item shipped. Day 9, return shipping received.
one) Did you have to send the lens and the camera?
2) What did it cost?
1) According to the service rep, it is optional to ship my camera in. They can exercise the AF calibration to fix the varying AF past distance, without my camera. If I ship my camera in, they volition marshal the lens to my photographic camera so MAF is 0. I sent my camera in with the lens. And it was exactly zero'ed when I tested information technology after.
If your camera does not have the MAF scale feature, and so yous should send the camera in. Otherwise you will take will have constant front or back focus. If your camera has MAF scale feature, and you cannot live without your camera for 2 weeks, then you can set your MAF scale yourself after you go the lens back.
2) I bought the Sigma lens make new. Service cost is free. I paid for shipping to service heart. They paid for shipping back to me.
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Re: Sigma 50mm f/one.4 for Catechism: My AF Calibration Feel
I can confirm, like several other posters mentioned, that Sigma lenses are non that reliable in terms of AF performance. My experience with Sigma AF lenses hasn't been proficient, and this applies to both older sigma EX lenses I've had back in the years and even to the newer Sigma Art lenses, of which I bought the 35/1.4 and so sold information technology because of unreliable AF. - It focused well at close range just not at longer distances, and if I corrected for the longer distances with the camera's AF fine melody then it would screw up the close distance focus... I had to purchase the dock and spend hours adjusting, shooting, readjusting, reshooting, etc etc... In the end I managed to brand it almost spot-on but I did not proceed it. Off information technology went and I got a Zeiss. At least my optics don't suffer from electronic mismatches...
I don't know if it'southward a QC related problem, but I know that I'm not buying whatsoever more Sigma lenses. What's the utilise of having superb optics if you can't trust the AF? I'm sure many people will chime in and say "if you purchase the dock you can adjust the lens and it volition focus well" - my reply is: "Why the heck later on spending 900 bucks on a high-performance lens do I have to spend another 50 bucks and several hours of my gratis time merely to make that lens piece of work properly?" In my book, it's unacceptable. I expect an expensive lens to work well correct out of the box...
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OP D00M • Senior Member • Posts: one,148
Re: Sigma 50mm f/one.4 for Canon: My AF Scale Feel
2
Rick_Hunter wrote:
I can confirm, like several other posters mentioned, that Sigma lenses are not that reliable in terms of AF performance. My experience with Sigma AF lenses hasn't been expert, and this applies to both older sigma EX lenses I've had back in the years and even to the newer Sigma Art lenses, of which I bought the 35/1.4 and and then sold it because of unreliable AF. - It focused well at close range but not at longer distances, and if I corrected for the longer distances with the camera's AF fine tune then it would screw up the close distance focus... I had to buy the dock and spend hours adjusting, shooting, readjusting, reshooting, etc etc... In the terminate I managed to make it well-nigh spot-on merely I did not keep it. Off it went and I got a Zeiss. At least my optics don't suffer from electronic mismatches...
I don't know if it's a QC related problem, but I know that I'chiliad not buying whatever more Sigma lenses. What'southward the use of having superb optics if you lot can't trust the AF? I'm sure many people will chime in and say "if you buy the dock y'all can adjust the lens and information technology will focus well" - my reply is: "Why the heck afterward spending 900 bucks on a high-performance lens do I have to spend another 50 bucks and several hours of my free time just to make that lens work properly?" In my book, it's unacceptable. I expect an expensive lens to work well right out of the box...
Rick,
The original postal service from 2013 is my feel with AF calibration on Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. The cost is $350. This is not Sigma 35mm Art lens. And then I don't get why you and other forum members wants to comment (or argue) about completely different Sigma lens. The other poster (Goguin) was talking nearly Sigma 18-105mm and Sigma lxx-300 lenses.
I think your experience with other Simga lens should be shared in separate thread specific to that lens. Every lens model has its usage, toll point, pros/cons, etc. If you have straight feel with Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, then share that. I don't agree on putting a blanket argument on lenses from any manufacturer, whether Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, whatever.
For 50mm, I would buy this Sigma 50mm f/ane.4 EX DG HSM lens over again in a heart beat. The cost for me is $350 + $twenty aircraft to Sigma back up. I spent 1.5 hour doing MAF alignment on this lens. 1 hour on the initial MAF check; 30 minutes after I got the lens back from Sigma service. This is something I do with all new lenses. In fact, I spent more fourth dimension doing MAF Canon 24-104mm f/4L lens.
Hither are the 50mm alternatives for Canon mount:
- Canon 50mm f/i.eight. Great depression price. Performance is crappy. Can exist an option for some. Not for me due to poor IQ.
- Canon 50mm f/ane.four. This is closest direct comparison with the Sigma 1.4 EX HSM. Depending on the auction bachelor, the cost difference can be plus or minus $50. Canon AF has reported potential reliability issue; AF fails later on several years of usage. For me, Sigma wins for the bokeh shooting wide open for portrait.
- Canon 50mm f/1.ii. $1500. Too rich for this apprentice.
- Sigma 50mm f/ane.iv DG HSM Fine art. This is a new lens that was since introduced. I take no idea what is the performance on this lens. But at $yard, this is ii.5x more, so it is a different segment and intended at different shooters.
- Zeiss ZE T* 50mm F/1.iv is transmission focus lens for twice the price. Not for me. I would non consider manual focus lens for portrait and for my kid.
Sony a6400 Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS Sony E 16-50mm F3.five-5.6 PZ OSS Sony Eastward 35mm F1.8 OSS +3 more than
Re: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Jimmy Grand. wrote:
I don't get why yous and other forum members wants to annotate (or contend) virtually completely different Sigma lens.
Because numbers (statistically) tell that Sigma lenses are more than prone to AF issues than Nikon lenses, people are only sharing their feel, and the trend does not seem to have changed in the 14 months since you've posted your OP. In fact in this thread there is another person (island golfer) that just like me had issues on a brand new, expensive Sigma Fine art lens. Other people have posted in this thread commenting virtually their older Sigmas defective AF...
The other poster (Goguin) was talking nearly Sigma eighteen-105mm and Sigma 70-300 lenses.
And fifty-fifty him commented about AF bug with sigma lenses...
I don't concur on putting a blanket statement on lenses from any manufacturer, whether Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, whatever.
You don't agree? So just accept iv or 5 random DSLR photography forums and do a search on how many threads they have about sigma lenses needing tuning / servicing for proper AF operation, and how many nikon or canon lenses need the same thing...
For 50mm, I would buy this Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens again in a heart beat. The cost for me is $350 + $xx shipping to Sigma support. I spent 1.5 hour doing MAF alignment on this lens. 1 60 minutes on the initial MAF check; thirty minutes afterwards I got the lens back from Sigma service. This is something I do with all new lenses. In fact, I spent more fourth dimension doing MAF Canon 24-104mm f/4L lens.
Healthy, glad you're happy with your choice.
As for AF tuning: I simply cheque every new lens I buy for focus accuracy with a lensalign-like device... over the years I've had to fine tune four out of the five sigmas I've had and two nikons out of twenty. Do your math.
Here are the 50mm alternatives for Canon mount:
- Canon 50mm f/1.8. Great depression price. Performance is crappy. Can be an option for some. Not for me due to poor IQ.
- Catechism 50mm f/ane.four. This is closest direct comparison with the Sigma ane.4 EX HSM. Depending on the sale available, the toll divergence can be plus or minus $50. Canon AF has reported potential reliability issue; AF fails after several years of usage. For me, Sigma wins for the bokeh shooting wide open for portrait.
- Canon 50mm f/ane.2. $1500. Besides rich for this apprentice.
- Sigma 50mm f/1.iv DG HSM Fine art. This is a new lens that was since introduced. I have no thought what is the performance on this lens. But at $k, this is 2.5x more than, so it is a dissimilar segment and intended at different shooters.
- Zeiss ZE T* 50mm F/i.four is manual focus lens for twice the price. Not for me. I would not consider manual focus lens for portrait and for my kid.
I don't shoot canon and so I can't comment on this.
Accept a squeamish day.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Nikon D600 Nikon D750 Nikon AF-Southward Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/ii.8G ED +11 more
(unknown member) • Forum Pro • Posts: eleven,356
Re: Sigma 50mm f/i.4 for Canon: My AF Calibration Experience
Jimmy Yard. wrote:
Goguin wrote:
I never, in my life, see a Sigma lens that focus correctly!
I'm non pro-Sigma. I only own one Sigma lens and that is what I reported above. But I observe your claim vague, provides no factual data, and basically useless.
1. Never in your life... So y'all tried couple lenses? You lot accept tried hundreds and every single one has AF issue? Basically yous are implying that Sigma lens all have AF issue. Well, I only take used 1 Sigma lens, so I cannot validate or deny your claim. But I cannot imagine that every Sigma lens take trouble.
Accept a look below in my signature and those are not all of the Sigma lenses I have had over many years. I had multiple versions of them likewise. Many of them have focus problems if non all but it all depends how sensitive y'all are to those issues. For case if 85mm has a trouble at 2 feet but has no problem at 10 feet where I am usually using information technology I would not be screaming.
For that matter many OEM lenses accept problems too. My first two Nikon lenses (after I switched from Canon 3 years agone) had problems and were sent to Nikon for adjustment. Even after aligning instead of -fifteen I had to exercise -five.
I just bought 14-24mm and information technology required -xv on my D800e but only in the examination. In real life DOF is and so huge that I did not find the problem at all.
But over many years of owning many lenses I accept noticed that once OEM lens is adjusted it generally focuses correctly at whatever distance while Sigma lenses do not.
That is why Sigma Global vision lenses with the USB dock gives you ability to arrange at four dissimilar distances.
His method of checking focus bug does not work on all lenses but at least it will requite you an idea if you lot are in the ballpark and tin can be adjusted in the camera. I have seen some lenses that would refocus in AF but indicator in focus window would not movement so the just way would be to visually see it on figurer screen.
(unknown member) • Forum Pro • Posts: 11,356
Re: Sigma 50mm f/ane.four for Canon: My AF Calibration Feel
Jimmy K. wrote:
I didn't know at that place was boosted responses to this sometime thread. Thus my delayed responses.
Island Golfer wrote:
Service for AF Calibration: I am in California. I sent the lens to CRIS in Arizona. The turnaround was 9 business organisation days. Here is the timeline in business days only; non including weekends. I shipped it out on Day 0. Mean solar day two, the shipment arrived. Twenty-four hour period 3, in repair. Twenty-four hour period 5, repair completed. Day half dozen, item shipped. Day ix, render shipping received.
1) Did yous have to send the lens and the camera?
2) What did information technology toll?
1) According to the service rep, information technology is optional to transport my camera in. They can practice the AF calibration to fix the varying AF past distance, without my camera. If I transport my photographic camera in, they will align the lens to my camera then MAF is 0. I sent my camera in with the lens. And information technology was exactly zero'ed when I tested information technology afterwards.
If your camera does not have the MAF calibration characteristic, then you should ship the photographic camera in.
That would be totally stupid regardless if you have MFA in your camera or not.
If your send your camera in and they adjust your lenses to your camera and then you sell your photographic camera afterward on but keep the lenses your lenses will not be skilful with your new photographic camera.
What you demand to do is to calibrate your lenses to the standard target first. And if afterward that you lot still have misfocusing you lot need to send your camera to appropriate OEM for calibration to the reference target otherwise you going to terminate upwardly with sending lenses all your life. This comes from feel I had with Catechism 70-200mm F2.8 which was adjusted to 1Ds and was misfocusing with 1Ds2 then it had to be sent in again after warranty expired and having a huge fight with the service manager.
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