Sigma 500 4.5 problem- reprise

[Foz]

It sounds to me like if you buy a Sigma lens it will need to be used on one body only!
A bit of a problem if you upgrade you body and need to get the lens re-chipped, no chance of using the old body as back up

[momji1971]

mmmm, well the jury is out. I'm told the repair will be around £160. I may be selling Sigma short so will wait to see what happens on the lens' return. Will try it on a d40 too just to see about compatability.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before but I do like the lens. Its amazingly sharp stopped down and hand holdable (I'm a whimp), which for a 500 prime is pretty good!

Just realising how much I'm losing dropping back to a 300+1.4x!

Now, I need eveyone to cross their fingers. Will let you know as and when.

Thanks for the input. Yes, even you the Sigma rep Nick lol. (just joking)

regards.
Stu.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by momji1971

.... My 1 year warranty is up by two months ....

Hi Stu,

Might I suggest that you familiarise yourself with "EU Directive 1999/44EC"

Under this directive, (which is now legally operational), and regardless of what Sigma or your original supplier might have to say, your lens must be unconditionally warrantied for 2 years from new if, though some manufacturing defect or design fault it fails to meet its stated specification and fitness for purpose.

This thread refers: - Warranty periods.

Good luck.

Regards,
Mike.

[momji1971]

Okay, update for those who remember the story.

Turns out, who ever my local camera shop was talking too, wasn't Sigma or a Sigma tech! They said about the new chip and having to ship the lens to Japan. So, I got the lens back as we go to Florida in four weeks.

Mailed Sigma a a bit of a rant, explaining how I was not very happy.

Sigma explained the shop hadn't contacted them and the new chip they were talking about was for the previous model. Basically the DG version has a re-writeable chip so is no big problem to tweak it.

Sent my lens in to Sigma, with camera. One week later get a call saying the lens is focussing properly but compared to a new off the shelf lens it lacks 'bite'. They weren't happy and it will have to go to Japan to have the optics sorted, eight weeks

However, Sigma have kindly said I can have the new Lens as courtesy to cover the holiday! Wow! completely off their own backs. Really well impressed with them keeping in touch and now this. Goes someway to repairing my faith in Sigma!

Seems Sigma are not no their own. A few American bird shooters have had trouble with their Canon 500's too not being tack sharp and having to return them to be sorted!

Will keep you up to date when it returns!

regards.
Stu.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by momji1971

However, Sigma have kindly said I can have the new Lens as courtesy to cover the holiday! Wow! completely off their own backs. Really well impressed with them keeping in touch and now this. Goes someway to repairing my faith in Sigma!

From people Ive spoken too the general consensus (from people that have actuall owned sigma gear rather than just dismissed them) is that although Sigma have some quality control issues their customer service makes up for it. I spose you could argue they are well practised One of the reasons I didnt hesitate when buying my 150-500mm

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

From people Ive spoken too the general consensus (from people that have actuall owned sigma gear rather than just dismissed them) is that although Sigma have some quality control issues their customer service makes up for it. I spose you could argue they are well practised One of the reasons I didnt hesitate when buying my 150-500mm

That's how I've found them. I've had to have my Bigma repaired three times, the last one was well out of warranty but they offered to do it FOC as they said the fault shouldn't have happened. I initially contacted them for a quote as I had a third party insurance, I told them this and it was at that point they offered to do it free.
Can't fault them for their service at all. I just wish they had others just as good in their quality control.

[Boddie]

I am sure I have de ja vu. Is that how you spell it?

I have read loads of threads on here with folk having to send their lens back with the body to have it calibrated.

[RichBrew]

Originally Posted by momji1971

Seems Sigma are not no their own. A few American bird shooters have had trouble with their Canon 500's too not being tack sharp and having to return them to be sorted!

I don't know why. Here's a link to the Canon web site, and a video of how their professional super telephotos are built and checked.

Technology Hall | Virtual Lens Plant

I imagine Nikkor construction techniques would be similar.

Boddie: It's Déja‘ vu...I think I told you once before (insert smiley emoticon here).

RichBrew

[momji1971]

Nice graphic from Canon!

It seems in manufacturing, even with every check made there is still room for error. Let face it, an optic doesn't have to be out by much to show. Just seems for whatever reason Sigma seem to have there fair share!

We'll see what the future brings.

Thanks for the help and comments everyone.

reards.
Stu.