topic Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta in Alpha & NEX interchangeable lens cameras

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:39:44 GMT

Hi all,

I have bought this lens online for my A700 DSLR. On receipt I found it said on the box "compatible with A65 and A77" but this was not stated on the seller's web page. The lens fits my camera but will not focus either automatically or manually. I believe this is a compatibility issue, rather than a faulty lens.

I have previously bought other lenses eg Tamron without problems and thought the only question was whether it was suitable for a Sony Alpha mount. Indeed I have lenses that work without problem on my old Minolta 35mm camera.

Any advice gratefully received, thanks.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

blaireau_photo — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:55:46 GMT

Hello Skighpilot

I have heard of some Sigma lens owners who have had issues when using them with Alpha cameras. If possible, first of all I would try and visit a camera store to try an identical lens to elimate the possibility of a lens fault. If the same issue occurs with another Sigma lens, then you may need to contact Sigma for further assistance relating to compatibility / the chip used within the lens.

The last publically available firmware update for the A700 was some years ago now:

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/DSLR-A700/downloads/A700_V4_WIN

So I am assuming that your A700 is up to date (it is always worth a look).

Hopefully, if there are any other Sigma lens users who have experienced the same issue, they may have some insight here. At the end of the day, if you feel that the original web site has mis-informed you regarding the compatibility of the product, I would strongly advise you to take it up with them. Do you have the original link to the product / site where it was purchased from so I can take a look?

Thanks,

Simon

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:33:58 GMT

Hello Simon,

Thanks very much for your response. I've already taken the matter up with the supplier and asked them to confirm whether the lens should be compatible with the A700. I've also asked the same question at Sigma's Support Department. This being the Easter weekend, I won't get an answer until Tuesday. I do have a link to the seller's website but would prefer to wait for their response before passing it on to you.

I will check to make sure that all the software and firmware is up to date, thanks for suggesting it.

Have a great weekend, I'll let you know what happens.

Skighpilot

PS I've now checked and I'm still on Version 2!! I've tried to install V4 but the confirmation window does not appear. I have Win 7 Home premium 64bit and I note 64bit is not supported. Presumably I'll have to get access to a 32bit OS to update?

Message was edited by: Skighpilot

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

blaireau_photo — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:18:26 GMT

Hello again

Yes I would definitely try and perform the update on a 32 bit machine. If you right click on the file to run it in Win 7 you may be able to run it in compatibility mode for previous versions of Windows but that can be a bit 'hit and miss'.

If you don't get any joy with Sigma then feel free to post the link.

Thanks,

Simon

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:47:22 GMT

Hi Simon,

I have now successfully updated the firmware to version 4. It has made no difference to the lens. What I don't understand is that, when I change the lens setting to manual and turn the focussing ring, the image in the viewfinder does not change, but remains out of focus. Next step is to reset the camera to default settings.

Skighpilot.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

blaireau_photo — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:42:05 GMT

Hello again

Hopefully it won't take Sigma too long to get back to you after the Easter break with any further suggestions for your lens and camera. Did resetting to the default settings help at all?

Simon

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:01:58 GMT

Hi Simon,

No, unfortunately resetting to default made no difference. I hope to hear from both the seller and Sigma tomorrow.

Skighpilot

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

gimp69 — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:22:44 GMT

It's a faulty lens I reckon. The A65/77 sticker suggests that you have a newly manufactured lens too.

There are no issues on the A700 with any Sigma lens I have, even an ancient 24mm f2.8 works.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:20:17 GMT

Hi gimp69,

Thanks for your input.

Skighpilot

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:08:09 GMT

I have now had a reply from Onestop Digital and I quote:

"We contacted Sigma Japan, and they said you would need to upgrade the firmware of your Sony A700 to the latest version and this will definitely solve the problem you are having."

I have replied saying that I have updated the firmware and reset to default and it has made no difference. This seems to suggest that compatibility is not the problem. I have said I now believe the lens to be faulty and asked that they arrange for it to be collected for refund or replacement. Will let you know the outcome.

Skighpilot

Message was edited by: Skighpilot

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:47:01 GMT

I have now had a reply from Sigma UK as follows:

"The lens should fully function on the A700. There are no compatibility issues. I suggest you return this to the retailer."

Onestop Digital have also sent me instructions for returning the lens at their expense. I have to say their sevice and response to the problem so far have been exemplary. My only dilemma now is whether to ask for a refund or replacement. I do really like the lens and have not seen it cheaper elsewhere. Just a little bit wary in case I get another duff one.

Skighpilot

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

gimp69 — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:17:08 GMT

I'd replace it. OSD are pretty good.

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

cmosse — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:21:58 GMT

Have you tried the Sigma 85mm lens on another camera? Do you own other SSM/HSM/SAM lenses which work on the A700.

I am asking because there is also the possibility that something is not OK with the camera. The HSM lens is powered by the camera and sometimes there is a defect in the power supply from the camera

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:55:53 GMT

I understand that, but would that prevent the lens from focussing manually? I do plan to take the lens to the Sony Centre of Excellence on Monday to check it on other cameras. Whether they'll have an A700 is debateable, but it should prove whether the lens does function correctly.

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:01:04 GMT

To answer the first part of your question, I have a number of other autofocus and zoom lenses powered by the camera that work perfectly. Even an old Minolta AF lens is fine.

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:35:00 GMT

Just to complete the circle, cmosse, I took the lens to Merchant City Cameras in Glasgow. He said that, if the lens wouldn't focus manually, it is definitely a lens problem and no point in him looking at it. I then took it to the Sony Centre, where they were only too happy to let me try it on an A65. It did not work. I am now waiting for Fedex to collect the lens for return to OSD.

BTW I had a little play with the A65 and was not impressed with the electronic viewfinder (the A700 has an optical one). Apparently most modern DSLRs have electronic viewfinders these days. Any thoughts?

Skighpilot

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

gimp69 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:24:07 GMT

The A65/77 EVF is far superior to the A700. I have both.

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:55:05 GMT

Thanks for that, will keep in mind. Onestop Digital have received the returned lens and despatched a replacement today. Fingers crossed...

Skighpilot

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

gimp69 — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:10:16 GMT

That's good service.

Re: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Skighpilot — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:46:58 GMT

It sure is. What's more, the replacement has just arrived and seems fine. I cannot fault Onestop Digital, it is not their fault the first lens was faulty. Their service has been impeccable and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Skighpilot