Sigma produces such outstanding lenses,

Fat Albert · 09-25-2014, 05:56 AM

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yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me?

SpecialK · 09-25-2014, 06:03 AM

Sigma requires observation, not guesswork. Tamron can be tricky. I have some Pentax caps that are so loose, they fall off.

**THoog** · 09-25-2014, 06:25 AM

In my shooting bag, I much prefer the Pentax press-on rear caps, even though they have been criticized for appearing cheap and flimsy (and may get loose with enough wear). My second choice are the generic twist caps, particularly the ones with a flange wide enough to cover the contacts on the mount. My Sigma and Tamron caps generally stay at home and are used only for storage.

esrandall · 09-25-2014, 06:48 AM

The Tamron rear caps are the worst for me. I've actually gotten one stuck on the back of another lens. Normally they are just a PITA to put on, having to turn them just right to find the sweet spot. Same with their hoods. My old 75-300, and my current 90mm Macro, had such a stiff hood, that I had to hold the lens barrel every time I took it on or off. Every Sigma lens I've ever purchased has been used, and has always had aftermarket rear caps, so that probably supports the OP's point pretty well

narual · 09-25-2014, 06:52 AM - **1 Like**

I don't like my sigma or tamron caps. I *really* like the op/tech USA caps. They're big enough to cover the contacts, they feel really solid, and they have an O ring to keep the rear element from getting dusty. In addition to the typical single lens mount cap, they make one that lets you cap two lenses back to back -- nice for carrying two limited primes, or carrying a teleconverter on the back of a zoom, or just for switching lenses with minimal exposure time.

OP/TECH USA Lens Mount Cap

reeftool · 09-25-2014, 06:55 AM

The rear? The front cap that comes with the new 17-70C is the worse ever!

audiobomber · 09-25-2014, 07:05 AM - **1 Like**

I bought ten of these and sidelined all my inferior third party caps:

New Rear Lens Caps Cover Black Plastic Round for Pentax PK 18 55mm 55 300M 40mm | eBay

I doubt they are authorized to put the Pentax brand name on these, but I couldn't for a million dollars say which are original Pentax and which are knock-offs.

narual · 09-25-2014, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by reeftool

The rear? The front cap that comes with the new 17-70C is the worse ever!

The front cap on my Nikon version of the 10-20 lens was junk and I replaced it immediately -- just an outer edge pinch that you couldn't remove if the hood was on. The pentax version came with a much nicer one, comparable to the pentax and nikon brand lens caps.

I dunno if I'm the only one who does this or if it's common, but I use a little piece of safety/skateboard tape on each side of the inner pinch part of my lens caps, to make them really easy to remove - no slipping on the plastic, and you don't need a solid grip.

---------- Post added 09-25-14 at 10:17 AM ----------

Originally posted by audiobomber

I bought ten of these and sidelined all my inferior third party caps:

New Rear Lens Caps Cover Black Plastic Round for Pentax PK 18 55mm 55 300M 40mm | eBay

I doubt they are authorized to put the Pentax brand name on these, but I couldn't for a million dollars say which are original Pentax and which are knock-offs.

I think those are the same ones I bought a bunch of to cap all the old lenses I picked up that didn't have caps at all. They work fine.

ElJamoquio · 09-25-2014, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by Fat Albert

yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me?

It's not just you! And it's not just their Pentax caps, too. Their Nikon caps are crap too.

Purchase a few extra Pentax caps and when you get your Sigma lens, leave the cap in the box for if/when you want to sell the lens.

---------- Post added 09-25-14 at 08:10 AM ----------

Originally posted by narual

I don't like my sigma or tamron caps. I *really* like the op/tech USA caps. They're big enough to cover the contacts, they feel really solid, and they have an O ring to keep the rear element from getting dusty. In addition to the typical single lens mount cap, they make one that lets you cap two lenses back to back -- nice for carrying two limited primes, or carrying a teleconverter on the back of a zoom, or just for switching lenses with minimal exposure time.

OP/TECH USA Lens Mount Cap

I have the back to back one. Great for two limiteds as you say. Hadn't thought about the teleconverter thing, that's a good idea.

narual · 09-25-2014, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by ElJamoquio

Great for two limiteds as you say.

Isn't it? I really want to get a 70 or 77 (still trying to justify the cost when I already have the 3 da* zooms). Then I can have my 15 and 40 in one pocket, the 7? and maybe a teleconverter in the other pocket, and have most focal ranges I'd want to walk around with covered, without having to carry any heavy zooms around, and without anything rattling around in my pockets.

Fat Albert · 09-25-2014, 08:52 AM

Originally posted by narual

Then I can have my 15 and 40 in one pocket, the 7? and maybe a teleconverter in the other pocket

This would make for one heck of a "or are you just happy to see me" joke

traderdrew · 09-25-2014, 09:07 AM

Originally posted by Fat Albert

yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me?

I have noticed my Pentax rear lens caps don't work well on my Sigma lenses as they fall off easily. I've never been upset about it as I just keep each lens cap with the lens it came with.

I think Sigma lenses with the EX designation are excellent lenses to work with. I suspect they usually need more Lens Aligning than other top brands. I just wish the 500mm F/4.5 had a faster autofocus and the same can be said with their 120-300mm F/2.8. I've tried other highly expensive super telephotos and they are a bit faster than the 500mm.

**grahame** · 09-25-2014, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by Fat Albert

yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare

I believe the rear caps on the new art lenses are much better now, at least on the 30/1.4 I bought recently. You don't have to line the invisible bot with the mounting mark, and it looks good.
For the old caps, I mark the alignment position with a white/sliver maker. It helps a lot.

vonBaloney · 09-25-2014, 02:49 PM

Yes, I've heard on this forum before that they've got new caps on their newer lenses, thank god. I keep a supply of extra "normal" contact-covering rear caps anyway for my used lenses...

09-25-2014, 05:56 AM	#1
Fat Albert Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 966	Sigma produces such outstanding lenses, Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me?

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09-25-2014, 06:03 AM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Sigma requires observation, not guesswork. Tamron can be tricky. I have some Pentax caps that are so loose, they fall off.

09-25-2014, 06:25 AM	#3
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	In my shooting bag, I much prefer the Pentax press-on rear caps, even though they have been criticized for appearing cheap and flimsy (and may get loose with enough wear). My second choice are the generic twist caps, particularly the ones with a flange wide enough to cover the contacts on the mount. My Sigma and Tamron caps generally stay at home and are used only for storage.

09-25-2014, 06:48 AM	#4
esrandall Closed Account Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Sumner, WA Photos: Albums Posts: 965	The Tamron rear caps are the worst for me. I've actually gotten one stuck on the back of another lens. Normally they are just a PITA to put on, having to turn them just right to find the sweet spot. Same with their hoods. My old 75-300, and my current 90mm Macro, had such a stiff hood, that I had to hold the lens barrel every time I took it on or off. Every Sigma lens I've ever purchased has been used, and has always had aftermarket rear caps, so that probably supports the OP's point pretty well

09-25-2014, 06:52 AM - 1 Like	#5
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	I don't like my sigma or tamron caps. I really like the op/tech USA caps. They're big enough to cover the contacts, they feel really solid, and they have an O ring to keep the rear element from getting dusty. In addition to the typical single lens mount cap, they make one that lets you cap two lenses back to back -- nice for carrying two limited primes, or carrying a teleconverter on the back of a zoom, or just for switching lenses with minimal exposure time. OP/TECH USA Lens Mount Cap

09-25-2014, 06:55 AM	#6
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	The rear? The front cap that comes with the new 17-70C is the worse ever!

09-25-2014, 07:05 AM - 1 Like	#7
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I bought ten of these and sidelined all my inferior third party caps: New Rear Lens Caps Cover Black Plastic Round for Pentax PK 18 55mm 55 300M 40mm \| eBay I doubt they are authorized to put the Pentax brand name on these, but I couldn't for a million dollars say which are original Pentax and which are knock-offs.

09-25-2014, 07:16 AM	#8
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by reeftool The rear? The front cap that comes with the new 17-70C is the worse ever! The front cap on my Nikon version of the 10-20 lens was junk and I replaced it immediately -- just an outer edge pinch that you couldn't remove if the hood was on. The pentax version came with a much nicer one, comparable to the pentax and nikon brand lens caps. I dunno if I'm the only one who does this or if it's common, but I use a little piece of safety/skateboard tape on each side of the inner pinch part of my lens caps, to make them really easy to remove - no slipping on the plastic, and you don't need a solid grip. ---------- Post added 09-25-14 at 10:17 AM ---------- Originally posted by audiobomber I bought ten of these and sidelined all my inferior third party caps: New Rear Lens Caps Cover Black Plastic Round for Pentax PK 18 55mm 55 300M 40mm \| eBay I doubt they are authorized to put the Pentax brand name on these, but I couldn't for a million dollars say which are original Pentax and which are knock-offs. I think those are the same ones I bought a bunch of to cap all the old lenses I picked up that didn't have caps at all. They work fine.

09-25-2014, 08:08 AM	#9
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Originally posted by Fat Albert yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me? It's not just you! And it's not just their Pentax caps, too. Their Nikon caps are crap too. Purchase a few extra Pentax caps and when you get your Sigma lens, leave the cap in the box for if/when you want to sell the lens. ---------- Post added 09-25-14 at 08:10 AM ---------- Originally posted by narual I don't like my sigma or tamron caps. I really like the op/tech USA caps. They're big enough to cover the contacts, they feel really solid, and they have an O ring to keep the rear element from getting dusty. In addition to the typical single lens mount cap, they make one that lets you cap two lenses back to back -- nice for carrying two limited primes, or carrying a teleconverter on the back of a zoom, or just for switching lenses with minimal exposure time. OP/TECH USA Lens Mount Cap I have the back to back one. Great for two limiteds as you say. Hadn't thought about the teleconverter thing, that's a good idea.

09-25-2014, 08:35 AM	#10
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by ElJamoquio Great for two limiteds as you say. Isn't it? I really want to get a 70 or 77 (still trying to justify the cost when I already have the 3 da* zooms). Then I can have my 15 and 40 in one pocket, the 7? and maybe a teleconverter in the other pocket, and have most focal ranges I'd want to walk around with covered, without having to carry any heavy zooms around, and without anything rattling around in my pockets.

09-25-2014, 08:52 AM	#11
Fat Albert Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 966 Original Poster	Originally posted by narual Then I can have my 15 and 40 in one pocket, the 7? and maybe a teleconverter in the other pocket This would make for one heck of a "or are you just happy to see me" joke

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09-25-2014, 09:07 AM	#12
traderdrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by Fat Albert yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare. Every time I buy a used Pentax lens and get a Sigma rear lens cap with it, I want to scream. Does Sigma just not care? Was it a Friday afternoon design? Is it just me? I have noticed my Pentax rear lens caps don't work well on my Sigma lenses as they fall off easily. I've never been upset about it as I just keep each lens cap with the lens it came with. I think Sigma lenses with the EX designation are excellent lenses to work with. I suspect they usually need more Lens Aligning than other top brands. I just wish the 500mm F/4.5 had a faster autofocus and the same can be said with their 120-300mm F/2.8. I've tried other highly expensive super telephotos and they are a bit faster than the 500mm.

09-25-2014, 10:38 AM	#13
grahame Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,041	Originally posted by Fat Albert yet their rear lens caps are something out of a nightmare I believe the rear caps on the new art lenses are much better now, at least on the 30/1.4 I bought recently. You don't have to line the invisible bot with the mounting mark, and it looks good. For the old caps, I mark the alignment position with a white/sliver maker. It helps a lot.

09-25-2014, 02:49 PM	#14
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Yes, I've heard on this forum before that they've got new caps on their newer lenses, thank god. I keep a supply of extra "normal" contact-covering rear caps anyway for my used lenses...