Mikes Photography

creators · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:55 am Post subject: Lens help.

I have a Sigma APO DG 70 - 300mm 1:4 - 5.6 macro lens and I cannot get a sharp picture out of it. The following shots are firstly a macro reduced in size, but the other two are actual size from the point of focus. Is this a rubbish lens, is it me? Any help or advice very much appreciated.

300mm macro

300mm

70mm

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BA Fly · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject:

There's some nasty fringing there too. Have you have this problem since new, or has it only recently developed?

creators · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:40 pm Post subject:

It's been like it from new, and I gave up on it for ages. I got it out this weekend because of the comp, but I had forgotten how awful it is to use.
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Gilly · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject:

is it 'calibratable'? I know Canon lenses can be sent back to ensure good calibration..........

might be worth enquiring about Confused

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BA Fly · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

The only reason I ask is that I know there have been issues with some lenses but I can't remember from which country - basically poor build, but still built and sold as the good ones (it used to be the same with Fender guitars from dif countries - not relevant, just trying to make a point).

It could just be you got a duff one. Is it too old to return?

creators · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:52 pm Post subject:

I honestly haven't got a clue Gilly, I'll have to ask where I bought it.

It might be a lemon BA Fly, I'll check my receipts but I think I'm too late. Problem was that I thought it was me not the lens, as what I don't know about photography and lenses would fill an ocean.
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Simonzphotoz · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject:

hi keef. Is it the red ring or the gold ring apo dg? Just by the focus ring there is a ring of colour. If it is the gold one it is unfortunately an crappy (if the reviews are to be believed) lens. I did quite a bit of research when I bought mine an hence went for the red ring. If yours is the red ring then I think you have a duff one.

If you have a look at my site under macro all those are taken with my apo dg lens in macro function at full or near full zoom. Sorry if this doesn't help

http://www.simonharrisonimages.co.uk

Big love Sxxx
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To see it,
The day cannot end,
It can't be right,
That night will come,
Without you.

creators · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks for this Simon, it's a red one, for what that's worth. I'm still not sure it isn't me.

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carlj · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:

Mine lacks any sort of ring (isn't red a Nikon thing? Like Canon's having flashing neon signs nowadays?), but I've had no problems with my cheapo, non apo version - simple DG model.

creators · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:32 pm Post subject:

In my dreams, Carl. I ran some more tests last night, it needs to go back.
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carlj · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject:

Looking back at your shots Keith, no 1 looks most accurately focussed, but all 3 seem to be burnt out and no 3 especially out on focussing.

Carl

hil26 · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 4:39 am Post subject:

I seem to remember a little while back - different camera, not same lens as this one, having a similar problem - turned out I had the focus selector switch on, for all focus points, and camera couldn't make its mind up what to focus on.

Trawling Nikonians, found out that the only focus point that was really relied upon was the one in the middle - that was a few years back mind you, think its improved since then.
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jonH · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:40 am Post subject:

might be worth checking whether focus is consistently infront or behind the subject and then adding your findings to a service form when sending it to sigma for a look see.
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creators · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all your comments, I've been fiddling with it for a few days now and the bottom line is it just doesn't take good pictures. I've tried it on dynamic focus, single area focus, auto and so on. I haven't checked the consistency in front/behind, Jon, I'll do that next, thanks.

Simon rang me this morning and mentioned a little switch on the aperture ring, that switched one way shows an orange spot, does anyone know what this switch does, I can't see any appreciable difference either way? I have also misplaced my destructions, hence asking here.
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creators · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:39 pm Post subject:

I did a number of test shots and it appears to be bang on the money. Point of focus was the third screw head in.

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Simonzphotoz · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:06 am Post subject:

it workin now??
_________________
The sun cannot set,
Because you are not here,
To see it,
The day cannot end,
It can't be right,
That night will come,
Without you.

creators · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

No, though that is the best shot I think I've had out of it, it still lacks crispness.

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