lens

[lanie1]

sorry about this but need more help with the lens thing,i have been offered a sigma 70-300mm 1-4-5.6 dl macro,but when tried on my canon 350d err 99 appears on the display help much needed sorry to be such a novice.thanks lanie

[Geoff F]

Error 99 is a general error warning and can relate to many causes.

My first suggestion, as I have just advised in another post, is to remove and replace the battery. Also check the lens contacts.

Do you have problems with other lenses? It is possible that this lens is faulty.

[freiston]

I've just seen this after posting the following in the 'Canon preview problem' topic (so I thought I'd paste it here):

A very old Sigma lens with incompatible chip that I had always gave an error 99 - the Canon code for unspecified error. In the early days of Canon DSLRs, some older third-party Canon AF-fit lenses weren't compatible on account of the [micro]chip in the lens - typically Sigma lenses. I haven't heard of compatibility problems with third-party lenses for a long time so I'm hoping it really is an historical problem.

If your Sigma lens is old - this might be the problem. Sigma used to re-chip the lenses for free. I understand that they still offer this service but at a price. Their website gives the following contact details:

service@sigma-imaging-uk.com
Telephone: 01707 329999

They also give the following FAQs (amongst others):

When attaching my old Sigma lens to my new Canon digital camera, an Error99 message appears.
This could either be due to the lens’ iris or the lens’ circuit which may need upgrading. Please contact us for further details. To speed up you enquiry, please have to hand the exact model number and serial number of your lens.

I have an old Sigma 70-300mm lens which I gather needs ‘re-chipping’ to work on my new Canon digital SLR. Can this be done?
The majority of lenses we can rechip. However there are a few older lenses which we are unable to re-chip due to parts no longer being available. In order to answer your question, we need to determine which 70-300mm lens you have. If you look at the lens, is the Macro switch held on by two screws? Or does it state 'Super' on the unit?