Sigma HSM sound

**K(s)evin** · 09-21-2010, 12:40 PM

I just received my first Sigma lens equipped with HSM focusing. What concerns me a little is the sound of autofocusing, which is distinctly different than the sound on my Tamron zoom. Am I just hearing the hypersonic waves in action or should I be concerned? It seems to focus just fine.

Thanks!

K-r (the original)

mysticcowboy · 09-21-2010, 01:50 PM

With HSM focusing, you should just barely be able to hear the motor. If it's appreciably louder than your existing lenses, I'd contact Sigma. If it is about the same loudness but just sounds different, you should be okay. Every motor will sound different. Hypersonic is just a marketing term so means nothing.

DogLover · 09-21-2010, 02:17 PM

I had one Sigma HSM that just didn't sound right. It had a bit of a grinding sound to it. I had other Sigma HSM's so I knew it wasn't right so I sent it back for an exchange and the replacement was perfect. It should be "whisper" quiet.

tvfd911 · 09-21-2010, 04:50 PM

My 70-200mm HSM I had was just a quiet hum of the motor. There may have been the tiniest clunk as the motor engaged the clutch at times, but it was very minor.

**K(s)evin** · 09-21-2010, 07:01 PM

The best way to describe what I'm hearing is it's like a quick series of what sound like tiny little puffs of air. Thesound would probably be imperceptible in a semi-loud setting. It is certainly not grinding.

kenyee · 09-21-2010, 07:46 PM

should sound like swish swish or the motor is broken...

tvfd911 · 09-21-2010, 08:12 PM

It sounds like it is actually making the focus adjustments according to your initial post. if the noise breaks are when the camera changes focus direction, I'm guessing your lens is functioning fine. Your description of the noise is different than how I'd view it, but different people hear and especially describe sounds differently.

Without having the lens in hand to determine, it is difficult to tell

Rory · 09-21-2010, 08:45 PM

Do you have a p&s to take a video of it for everyone? They may be able to suggest if there's a problem better if they hear it themselves.

09-21-2010, 12:40 PM	#1
K(s)evin Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 476	Sigma HSM sound I just received my first Sigma lens equipped with HSM focusing. What concerns me a little is the sound of autofocusing, which is distinctly different than the sound on my Tamron zoom. Am I just hearing the hypersonic waves in action or should I be concerned? It seems to focus just fine. Thanks! K-r (the original)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sigma f2.8 24-70 HSM vs none HSM	gromgull	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	01-10-2011 12:47 PM
Anyone used Sigma 70-200 non-HSM AND HSM? which is faster AF?	Arpe	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	03-24-2010 04:28 PM
Sigma 70-200 HSM with Sigma 1.4 TC	timk	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	3	08-09-2009 09:11 AM
Sigma 10-20 mm F/4-5.6 EX DC HSM NOT HSM for Pentax?	Chilichoco	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	05-24-2007 04:57 PM

09-21-2010, 01:50 PM	#2
mysticcowboy Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: port townsend, wa Photos: Albums Posts: 968	With HSM focusing, you should just barely be able to hear the motor. If it's appreciably louder than your existing lenses, I'd contact Sigma. If it is about the same loudness but just sounds different, you should be okay. Every motor will sound different. Hypersonic is just a marketing term so means nothing.

09-21-2010, 02:17 PM	#3
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	I had one Sigma HSM that just didn't sound right. It had a bit of a grinding sound to it. I had other Sigma HSM's so I knew it wasn't right so I sent it back for an exchange and the replacement was perfect. It should be "whisper" quiet.

09-21-2010, 04:50 PM	#4
tvfd911 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 354	My 70-200mm HSM I had was just a quiet hum of the motor. There may have been the tiniest clunk as the motor engaged the clutch at times, but it was very minor.

09-21-2010, 07:01 PM	#5
K(s)evin Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 476 Original Poster	The best way to describe what I'm hearing is it's like a quick series of what sound like tiny little puffs of air. Thesound would probably be imperceptible in a semi-loud setting. It is certainly not grinding.

09-21-2010, 07:46 PM	#6
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	should sound like swish swish or the motor is broken...

09-21-2010, 08:12 PM	#7
tvfd911 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 354	It sounds like it is actually making the focus adjustments according to your initial post. if the noise breaks are when the camera changes focus direction, I'm guessing your lens is functioning fine. Your description of the noise is different than how I'd view it, but different people hear and especially describe sounds differently. Without having the lens in hand to determine, it is difficult to tell

09-21-2010, 08:45 PM	#8
Rory Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chicago Photos: Gallery Posts: 672	Do you have a p&s to take a video of it for everyone? They may be able to suggest if there's a problem better if they hear it themselves.