markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks. I guess the 75 - 300 must be an older lens by Sigma. I could not find it on their website. Not important - just curious.
Good luck with your decision. It's a very unfortunate mishap with the bag. I hope you get resolution.
Mark

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Are you sure? outgassed? do you carry lens cleaner/ or any other chemical that might have spilled? The foam and soft material would hold it against the plastic andr affect it in a way a simple quick wipe would not. Does you wife wear nail polish ? Acetone will do this.

I did hear of couches shipped from China treated with an anti fungal so they wouldn't arrive ruined on board ships in containers... It was only discovered when people were showing up with weird rashes that turned out to be chemical burns. Someone noticed a pattern. So may not be the manufacturer at all, but the shippers!. Who knows. Freakin' Chinese don't care about anybody... its the wild west over there.

In order to attack that much plastic, there would have to be some heavy duty gassing, or my suspicion would be something leaked, your bag sopped it up, and held it in place... and you didn't know it for a few days.

Do this, as long as the lens is toast, put it back in and see what happens. If it damages it again- now you can go after them and have them replace it!

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

In Canada, Gentec repairs Sigma lenses. I had my 18 - 250 mm Sigma repaired.
The malfunction was the result of a fall. It cost me a flat rate fee about $100 plus parts. About $50.

I was very pleased with the the repair and the lens has worked flawlessly

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Call C.R.I.S. in Arizona (Google their number). They'll give you a hunch. Then you can send it to them and they'll give you a free estimate or tell you to forget it. I've used them for several repairs and they've always done well for me. And they are authorized warranty for a bunch of brands.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Great idea. Put several lenses in the bag, get them good and gassed, and dissolved a bit, and then simply go after them and have them replaced. New lenses for free!

DoninIL Loc: East Central Illinois

Richie,

This happened several years ago. When it happened I suspected outgassing and I took a sniff inside the bag. There was a very distinct chemical odor. In a few weeks the odor was gone, so I assumed it was now safe to use and I've been using it ever since. I don't carry any kind of liquids in my camera bag

I've quit thinking about getting it repaired. Besides all the advice I've gotten here, Authorized Camera has told me it wouldn't be worth it.

If I can figure out a way to get it extended out to 300mm, I'd put a 2x adapter on it and just keep for an extra long fixed lens.

DoninIL Loc: East Central Illinois

I just want to say thanks to all the people who took the time to try to help me. I appreciate the advice you gave me.

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Although you never stated it, I bet the maximum aperture on your lens at 300 mm is either f/5.6 or f/6.3 . With a 2x teleconverter, wouldn't its maximum aperture be only f/11 at best? Except attached to a tripod on the brightest day imaginable, would you actually use it in that configuration?

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Take it apart and see how its made then you will see why lens are so expensive to repair.

jayd Loc: Central Florida, East coast

Was the lens in the bag with or were you wearing any insect repellant containing DEET. DEET will devolve plastics...just saying.....