david vt Loc: Vermont

Hi

Looking for a little help and/or guidance. Not sure if I have a lens issue or (more like) user error in settings.

I have recently acquired a Sigma 50-150 f2.8 lens Ver 2 (2008) used from KEH. Using it on a D7200. Overall, have been thrilled with the results.

Until last weekend, I had always shot this lens, due to what I wanted to shoot, through the viewfinder using BBF. No issues. Last weekend, I wanted to take a group shot and tried to switch to live view screen as I was on a tripod mounted well below my height. Could not get BBF to work at all. Viewfinder worked perfectly, but no matter what setting I changed, i could not get the AF (in BBF or “normal” ) to work in live view. I finally switched to my Nikkor kit 16-85, and it worked fine. For testing, I also put the 70-200 Nikkor on, and no issues.

Seems to only be with this Sigma. Is this a fluke of this lens on this camera, or is there a custom setting I got wrong. As I said, more likely user error, especially as I am still a relative newbie, but I could not find anyway to make live view focus, BBF or half press on shutter, and make have the lens focus.

Any suggestions?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

[quote=david vt]
Seems to only be with this Sigma. Is this a fluke of this lens on this camera, or is there a custom setting I got wrong. As I said, more likely user error, especially as I am still a relative newbie, but I could not find anyway to make live view focus, BBF or half press on shutter, and make have the lens focus.

Any suggestions?[/quote

By any chance, did you hit the AF/MF switch on the lens?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

On Nikon cameras, older Sigma lenses will not autofocus or BBF in Live View. Sometimes it's a simple firmware upgrade on the lens that's needed, other times you just won't be able to focus at all. It's a known problem with a number of older Sigma lenses. It has nothing to do with how the AF/MF switch is set.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1176259

I would contact Sigma and find out what your options are.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

This is one of the reasons why I recommend Nikon lenses with Nikon cameras and I know Nikon does not make a 50-150 f2.8 lens.

david vt Loc: Vermont

@rg - no MF/AF switch.

@Gene51. I think you hit the nail on the head. I have contacted Sigma to see if they will update the firmware of this 10 year old lens. Here’s hoping.....

@ papa. I do like Nikon lens, but as you noted they do not make one in this intermediate zoom size, especially at f2.8 for less than 1kg.

Thanks all. Will let you know how I make out.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I’ve not had any issues with either copy we have at work. Hope you get yours sorted out. It’s one of my top favorite crop sensor lenses. I use it on the Fuji S5pro.

david vt Loc: Vermont

For those that helped with advice....

contacted sigma. They had me send in the lens. Ended up updating the firmware. For Free! On a 10 year old lens! turned around in less than a week! Even free return shipping! Very nice

Seems to work now in live view, but have not had a chance to really test it out. Going on vacation next week, so will give it a spin then.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You were lucky, my Sigma 150 F2.8 Macro cannot be updated. It's a minor issue, and I have a Tamron 180 F3.5 that does not have that problem, so I use that. The nice thing is that if a third party can provide a fix, they will, and it is not a reason to avoid using third party lenses. I have a mix of 70% - 30% OEM vs 3rd Party - and I have no complaints, but there some minor annoyances sometimes.

User ID

`

Older Sigma lenses are like that.

I've got a bunch of them. You can
find two seemingly identical copies
with an invisible FW difference. No
casual inspection can tell you what
to expect of an older Sigma. When
you luck out, they're great.

`