TonyP Loc: New Zealand

SIGMA 2.8 24-70 EXDG.
Have owned this lens for a few years and forgot why I put it away, but 'found' it again yesterday, put it on a camera and !@!#!*!

It has a sort of dead spot in the zoom which makes it rather difficult to use.
Almost like it fills up with air then puffs the air out when it goes past the 'dead' spot.
I seem to recall contacting SIGMA NZ who quoted heaps just to even look at it, so put it away and forgot about it.

Hard to explain exactly the problem but anyone with this lens and a similar problem will know what I am talking about.
If you had the problem, was there an easy fix?
(Have posted this on the Macro forum as well as it is a Macro lense)

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Can't speak to your particular lens, but I have been off Sigma for quite some time.

My third failure on a Sigma was 6 month ago. Nice lens until the AF quit working. When switched to AF, the focus motor just chatters, with no movement on the focus. Still usable manually, but it's broke, and I did not pay enough for it to repair it. It's the 28-105, f2.8-4.

The other two that failed me were similar focal lengths... on one the aperture failed, and on the other, the zoom seized up.

I have often heard anecdotal comments about poor Sigma Quality Control... Good lenses generally but too many instances of failure.

Still it took me three (me cheap) to learn my lesson.

Sorry to hear about your problem, but your course of action, as has been mine is send it to Sigma $$$$ (I looked into that on two-very pricey) or replace it. Sorry, there is a third option, just as I am still using my third and last Sigma without Auto Focus.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Ouch! Sorry to hear of your problems too.
This was a very pricey bit of glass here in NZ when I bought it some years ago. Am retired now and don't have the money to spend on equipment that I had when I was working. Hence my digging this out again. It still takes a lovely photo but if I point it down I can't 'wind' the zoom in and point it up and I can't wind it out.
Holding it level, I can work it in and out but with that dead spot in the middle sort of puffing air.
It's the only non Nikon lens I own and while I wouldn't like to sell it to anyone as it is, it is frustrating having it sit in the closet as well.
A dilemma!
When I think about it, this may have been a silly post as I guess the only decision is do I spend about $200 sending it off for sigma appraisal, then find it may cost another $xxx to repair or do I just use it as a book case ornament.

Thanks for your reply, appreciated.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Well, I just looked on eBay and looked into the completed listings for final sale prices. There were 193 listings sold in the last 60 days. It certainly appears as if there is value there. All of those sold listings ranged (used) from $350 to 600 for the specifications listed. If you decide to look change the specs a bit... use:

SIGMA 2.8 24-70 EX DG with a space between EX and DG.

The way you had it did not turn up any hits. The way I listed it turned up a ton of this lens in various mounts.

Since the lens seems to have some decent value, I think I would first attempt to find out if there is a reasonably local camera repair person who does lenses, find out what his or her reputation is, and get an estimate there.

Secondly, I would contact Sigma on line and pursue an estimate. Many camera and lens mfrs now quote a fixed repair fee, or a max possible before sending it in.

Good luck. If it's something you would use in good condition ????

I often assess just how much I will use a lens before considering repair. I might also weigh into a decision just why about 300 of those lenses (all mounts) are either currently listed or have been sold in just the last 60 days???

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Thanks for that.
I wrote EXDG as that is the way it's printed on the lens but now you mention it, there could be a very tiny space.
See what you mean about sales on eBay.
Like you, when I googled EXDG got no hits but now I have tried EX DG get 1000's. will spend a little time seeing if anyone else has reported a similar problem. Mine is about 10 years old and in mint condition apart from the problem, takes a nice photo so I think, in view of the 2nd hand prices, I will pursue a repair, somehow.
Thanks again.
Cheers

Soxfan Loc: Miwaukee Wisconsin

I have that lens. Purchased it on EBay used. Bought it from someone I will never deal with again. The lens arrived and it was broken. I could hear something rattling in it and in manual focus it "jammed up" and would not turn. I demanded $100 back from the seller and he sent it no questions asked. I then sent it to Discount Camera and Lens Repair (The owner Rick is a member here) He told me that the focus rails were broken. Repaired it for $85.00 and sent it back Priority Mail $15.00. Works great. Total cost =$430.00. Which is what I originally paid for it. This is NOT the newer HSM lens, but it is a great "EX" Lens

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Compared to here in NZ, you got it at a pretty good price. Pleased to hear you are happy and it works well for you. Mine goes okay if it's held level, like on a tripod. And provided not shooting outside near on to the sun. (The front bulbous front lens causes bad rainbows or flare in the bottom of pics). Its a wonderful portrait lens though.
Thanks for the reply.
Cheers