Focus issues with a sigma lens: I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. The lens has decided that it only has to focus when it wants to, not when I want it to., Some days it works...

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body.
The lens has decided that it only has to focus when it wants to, not when I want it to.,
Some days it works perfectly, next day I have to adjust focus by hand.

I put different lens in the camera, they all work ok so its the Sigma having problems.

Some days just by turning Af off then on it will work. Other days it will not.
Some days I remove the lens and put it back on and it works. Other days it doesn't.

Some days just turning the camera off then on it will work and some days it wont.

Im wondering if I buy the dock and upgrade the firm ware maybe that will fix it.

Ive also noticed there is maybe 1/32inch play in the camera/lens connection. Can that be tightened up????

anyone have any constructive ideas ,

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Try cleaning the contacts on the lens - carefully. I like to use a moistened lens wipe like the ones from Zeiss on the contacts. May or may not solve the problem, but it's an easy fix and worth a shot.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

bdk wrote:

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. br Th... (show quote)

I bought the same lens for my Canon. The lens dock is essential for this lens.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Which one have you got, the "C" or the "S"...?
I've had the "C" (Contemporary) for 2 years and never had any issues...it's very well made like all Sigma lenses.
I use it on my D7200 and my D500 and there is no play in the coupling at all. Mine also focuses very quickly..
I also have the Doc but the only thing I ever used it for was a firmware up-date...never changed any focus settings as I found it spot on from the factory...
I agree, try cleaning the contacts...I use a soft wipe with a smear of isopropyl alcohol...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...Im wondering if I buy the dock and upgrade the firm ware maybe that will fix it..." that's an epic idea bdk...
As for the play at the mount? worrisome... Maybe Sigma needs to be contacted on this...

All the best on your journey bdk

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Thomas902 wrote:

"...Im wondering if I buy the dock and upgrade the firm ware maybe that will fix it..." that's an epic idea bdk...
As for the play at the mount? worrisome... Maybe Sigma needs to be contacted on this...

All the best on your journey bdk

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

bdk wrote:

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. br Th... (show quote)

First of all, Sigma makes for many different camera's, so the only thing they change is the rear piece of the lens. Since that piece is not integral to the original design like that in a Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. lens it has a tendency to PLAY, hence the play your experiencing.
I would call Sigma, I have seen many buy the docking station and or update firmware to solve problems that you are experiencing. Some folks have even sent the lens back to Sigma, Sigma appears to be very customer oriented and I am sure they will try to help you out. You may want to consider a Nikon lens in the future. They do not have those issues. My 200-500 is very sharp throughout it's zoom range and focuses quickly and accurately.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I bet that if you use the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 VR you will not have any issues.

Bugs

I use my Canon Sigma 150-600 on my new R5 with fantastic results, none of the problems you describe. Got it about a year ago, almost returned it to Adorama for my perceived focus tracking problems with birds. Then an update was offered, I did, and problems were solved. Shot grand daughters ski competition and soccer games in Alaska with amazing results (on a Canon D Sr). This picture shot yesterday, Mesa, AZ, 30 mins after sunrise, Western Bluebird, 1/1250, F 7, 320 ISO, processed in LRC, R5. There is no perfect lens, each has its characteristics which has to be learned by user.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have the 150-600 Contemporary and use it on a Canon 6d2 and 7d2. I have a minuscule amount of mount play on both bodies. I called Sigma customer support and was advised to send it for examination if I want, I elected to not and it hasn’t been an issue. Is your lens still under warranty, if so, google Sigma customer service in NY. I’ve found them to be very responsive.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Have you tried to contact Sigma?

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

bdk wrote:

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. br Th... (show quote)

Let me tell you my experience with those big Sigma zoom lens, your problem is an indication of the focusing motor in the lens ready to fail! I have the Sigma 50-500mm f4.0-f6.3 with Nikon mount, I didn't used it much because it's weight, just like yours, it started having the same focusing problem occasionally. even I tried on two different Nikon body. finally it died. I found out from Sigma in Long Island office. it will cost more than $250-$300 to replace the motor, and the lens was only cost about $1200 new that time. No, I decided not to fix and it ended up as my spot scope, and it works well!

radiomantom Loc: Plymouth Indiana

bdk wrote:

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. br Th... (show quote)

I agree with lowkick, I have a nikon D80 and it is quite common for that to happen. Sometimes just releasing lens and turning a slight amount and then back everything is fine. Cleaning with a lenscleaner on contacts solves the issue for quite some time.

Starman441 Loc: Iguana Land, Fl.

bdk wrote:

I have a 150-600 Sigma lens on a nikon body. br Th... (show quote)

I had similar issues with a Sigma 18-300mm on my D5300. Luckily, it occurred before the '30 day return' policy ended, so I returned it. I then purchased a Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD and have had no issues thus far.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Thomas902 wrote:

"...Im wondering if I buy the dock and upgrade the firm ware maybe that will fix it..." that's an epic idea bdk...
As for the play at the mount? worrisome... Maybe Sigma needs to be contacted on this...

All the best on your journey bdk

I agree . Sigma has treated me wonderfully with service the one time I needed it.