My sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is dead 😥

Heelers · 08-08-2013, 06:30 PM

Got the word from C.R.I.S. today my Sigma OS HSM 70-200 f/2.8 is toast. It fell from my camera on a sidewalk. Send it in for an estimate and the costs is $663 to repair. It looked ok but would not focus.

I'm not sure what happened, I had been using it for a couple hours and the camera and lens were hanging from my neck and thud the lens came off. I must have unknowingly bumped the lens detach button and it released. From this estimate it was a lot worse than it looked

Here is what the estimate says;

"Repair will require complete disassembly of your lens, replacement of the optical stabilizer lens group unit, rera barrel, second group zoom cam, thrust ring, H2 and rail zoom cam unit, main zoom barrel two, connection ring, and motor base ring. During reassembly we will clean and lubricate your lens internally as necessary. Upon reassembly we will perform adjustments as required and clean the lens exterior.
The charges for this repair are $400.00 parts and $245.00 labor for a total of $663.00 including $18.00 return shipping and handling (UPS Ground).
The parts required are not currently available in the United States, upon your approval of this repair, they will be ordered from the Sigma factory in Japan. You should expect the repair to be completed in 15 to 20 business days.

Additional Info:
High parts cost advisory: This lens is available from on-line retailers for around $1200.00"

I don't have the funds to replace this right now. I'm crushed and will be lost without it. I'll be saving for a nice used copy or might give the Tamron a shot, how do you feel the Tamron compares to the new Sigma?

Had to vent and kick myself for allowing this to happen.

Docrwm · 08-08-2013, 07:02 PM

Very sorry about your lens. I enjoy my old Tamron 70-200 screw driven lens and find it a very solid performer.

alamo5000 · 08-08-2013, 07:03 PM

I can't tell you a comparison because I've never used the Sigma, but the Tamron isn't bad at all as it relates to IQ. The AF is not the best ever... but if that's not your main thing then you won't be disappointed.

lytrytyr · 08-08-2013, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by Heelers

I don't have the funds to replace this right now. I'm crushed and will be lost without it.

Sorry to hear what happened.

It may be too late to help you in this case,
but with the price of good equipment being what it is,
an annual photographic gear insurance cost of 50 - 100 dollars
can end up making a lot of sense.

If you have a general home-owner's or renter's policy,
it may not hurt to contact your agent anyway.

JinDesu · 08-08-2013, 07:23 PM

It might not have locked when you put the lens on. Sad misfortune.

What camera do you have? The Tamron 70-200 is slower to focus and can be finicky at times on my k-x. It's sharpness however, is astounding.

Heelers · 08-08-2013, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Sorry to hear what happened.

It may be too late to help you in this case,
but with the price of good equipment being what it is,
an annual photographic gear insurance cost of 50 - 100 dollars
can end up making a lot of sense.

If you have a general home-owner's or renter's policy,
it may not hurt to contact your agent anyway.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. Do you just get that insurance through your homeowners?

Heelers · 08-08-2013, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

It might not have locked when you put the lens on. Sad misfortune.

What camera do you have? The Tamron 70-200 is slower to focus and can be finicky at times on my k-x. It's sharpness however, is astounding.

I have a K-30. I shoot indoors at horse shows quite a bit, would be a little slower that sports but definitely action motion shooting in challenging lighting. I typically have to push my ISO into 1600 and at time 3200 because of the light even with the 2.8
Do you feel the Tamron would be weaker in low light like that? To bad Tamron's new lens isn't available in the Pentax mount.

Thanks All!

JinDesu · 08-08-2013, 07:46 PM

It shouldn't be any worse in performance than the Sigma. In low-light, as long as you don't mind prefocusing sometimes, it should still work well. Once you get used to the AF, it'll feel a lot better. It's just that teething period where you have to handle the random hesitations it has in focusing.

On the other hand, that is on my k-x, which has older and less sophisticated AF than the k-30.

DSims · 08-08-2013, 10:54 PM

I haven't heard anyone on the Sports Photography thread say the Tamron 70-200 can match the latest Sigma in AF performance (though I haven't read the entire thread). But that would be where to ask (or at least, how you who to ask):

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/115277-k-5-sports-photography-97.html

I'm pretty sure the answer is the Tamron will hold you back, although it's a good lens otherwise.

I use an F*300 and an FA135 for action - both of which have relatively fast AF. The otherwise excellent DA*50-135 focuses far too slowly. I'm afraid the Tamron might cause similar problems.

As far as I know, your realistic options are:

Latest Sigma 70-200/2.8 OS HSM
F/FA/DA*300
Probably FA*200 (but unfortunately NOT DA*200 - I tried it!)
F/FA135

beachboy2 · 08-09-2013, 02:01 AM

I have the Sigma 70-200 macro HSM II. Its very sharp and near favourite lens. It cost about the same as your repair quote. Not sure if these are still available.
bb2

lytrytyr · 08-11-2013, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by Heelers

Do you just get that insurance through your homeowners?

If you have a lot of photographic stuff,
you usually have to get a separate policy.

clockwork247 · 08-11-2013, 09:39 PM

most of the older tamron/sigma 70-200 2.8 is around 500 used. i would go for that, is there any 70-200 f4 on pentax?

Heelers · 08-12-2013, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the replies!
I'll be looking for a nice used lens to replace mysig 70-200! This was my favorite lens and it was sad to get this news. With this much damage I doubt it would ever be the same again.

So I'm in the market for a nice used 70-200 f/2.8 in the $500 price range. Saving my pennies as I type this.

**nater** · 08-12-2013, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by clockwork247

most of the older tamron/sigma 70-200 2.8 is around 500 used. i would go for that, is there any 70-200 f4 on pentax?

I will be parting with my Tokina 70-210mm f/4.5 AF lens soon. Mint condition, with the very hard to find reversible Tokina hood (hard to find because it's the same one as the legendary Tokina 90mm Macro uses). I like the Tokina a lot, but I have the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and need to reduce the size of my collection.

08-08-2013, 06:30 PM	#1
Heelers Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 57	My sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is dead 😥 Got the word from C.R.I.S. today my Sigma OS HSM 70-200 f/2.8 is toast. It fell from my camera on a sidewalk. Send it in for an estimate and the costs is $663 to repair. It looked ok but would not focus. I'm not sure what happened, I had been using it for a couple hours and the camera and lens were hanging from my neck and thud the lens came off. I must have unknowingly bumped the lens detach button and it released. From this estimate it was a lot worse than it looked Here is what the estimate says; "Repair will require complete disassembly of your lens, replacement of the optical stabilizer lens group unit, rera barrel, second group zoom cam, thrust ring, H2 and rail zoom cam unit, main zoom barrel two, connection ring, and motor base ring. During reassembly we will clean and lubricate your lens internally as necessary. Upon reassembly we will perform adjustments as required and clean the lens exterior. The charges for this repair are $400.00 parts and $245.00 labor for a total of $663.00 including $18.00 return shipping and handling (UPS Ground). The parts required are not currently available in the United States, upon your approval of this repair, they will be ordered from the Sigma factory in Japan. You should expect the repair to be completed in 15 to 20 business days. Additional Info: High parts cost advisory: This lens is available from on-line retailers for around $1200.00" I don't have the funds to replace this right now. I'm crushed and will be lost without it. I'll be saving for a nice used copy or might give the Tamron a shot, how do you feel the Tamron compares to the new Sigma? Had to vent and kick myself for allowing this to happen.

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08-08-2013, 07:02 PM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Very sorry about your lens. I enjoy my old Tamron 70-200 screw driven lens and find it a very solid performer.

08-08-2013, 07:03 PM	#3
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	I can't tell you a comparison because I've never used the Sigma, but the Tamron isn't bad at all as it relates to IQ. The AF is not the best ever... but if that's not your main thing then you won't be disappointed.

08-08-2013, 07:12 PM	#4
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Heelers I don't have the funds to replace this right now. I'm crushed and will be lost without it. Sorry to hear what happened. It may be too late to help you in this case, but with the price of good equipment being what it is, an annual photographic gear insurance cost of 50 - 100 dollars can end up making a lot of sense. If you have a general home-owner's or renter's policy, it may not hurt to contact your agent anyway.

08-08-2013, 07:23 PM	#5
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	It might not have locked when you put the lens on. Sad misfortune. What camera do you have? The Tamron 70-200 is slower to focus and can be finicky at times on my k-x. It's sharpness however, is astounding.

08-08-2013, 07:33 PM	#6
Heelers Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 57 Original Poster	Originally posted by lytrytyr Sorry to hear what happened. It may be too late to help you in this case, but with the price of good equipment being what it is, an annual photographic gear insurance cost of 50 - 100 dollars can end up making a lot of sense. If you have a general home-owner's or renter's policy, it may not hurt to contact your agent anyway. Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. Do you just get that insurance through your homeowners?

08-08-2013, 07:38 PM	#7
Heelers Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 57 Original Poster	Originally posted by JinDesu It might not have locked when you put the lens on. Sad misfortune. What camera do you have? The Tamron 70-200 is slower to focus and can be finicky at times on my k-x. It's sharpness however, is astounding. I have a K-30. I shoot indoors at horse shows quite a bit, would be a little slower that sports but definitely action motion shooting in challenging lighting. I typically have to push my ISO into 1600 and at time 3200 because of the light even with the 2.8 Do you feel the Tamron would be weaker in low light like that? To bad Tamron's new lens isn't available in the Pentax mount. Thanks All!

08-08-2013, 07:46 PM	#8
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	It shouldn't be any worse in performance than the Sigma. In low-light, as long as you don't mind prefocusing sometimes, it should still work well. Once you get used to the AF, it'll feel a lot better. It's just that teething period where you have to handle the random hesitations it has in focusing. On the other hand, that is on my k-x, which has older and less sophisticated AF than the k-30.

08-08-2013, 10:54 PM	#9
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	I haven't heard anyone on the Sports Photography thread say the Tamron 70-200 can match the latest Sigma in AF performance (though I haven't read the entire thread). But that would be where to ask (or at least, how you who to ask): https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/115277-k-5-sports-photography-97.html I'm pretty sure the answer is the Tamron will hold you back, although it's a good lens otherwise. I use an F300 and an FA135 for action - both of which have relatively fast AF. The otherwise excellent DA50-135 focuses far too slowly. I'm afraid the Tamron might cause similar problems. As far as I know, your realistic options are: Latest Sigma 70-200/2.8 OS HSM F/FA/DA300 Probably FA200 (but unfortunately NOT DA*200 - I tried it!) F/FA135

08-09-2013, 02:01 AM	#10
beachboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 222	I have the Sigma 70-200 macro HSM II. Its very sharp and near favourite lens. It cost about the same as your repair quote. Not sure if these are still available. bb2

08-11-2013, 07:11 PM	#11
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Heelers Do you just get that insurance through your homeowners? If you have a lot of photographic stuff, you usually have to get a separate policy.

08-11-2013, 09:39 PM	#12
clockwork247 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 360	most of the older tamron/sigma 70-200 2.8 is around 500 used. i would go for that, is there any 70-200 f4 on pentax?

08-12-2013, 06:08 PM	#13
Heelers Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 57 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies! I'll be looking for a nice used lens to replace mysig 70-200! This was my favorite lens and it was sad to get this news. With this much damage I doubt it would ever be the same again. So I'm in the market for a nice used 70-200 f/2.8 in the $500 price range. Saving my pennies as I type this.

08-12-2013, 07:44 PM	#14
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by clockwork247 most of the older tamron/sigma 70-200 2.8 is around 500 used. i would go for that, is there any 70-200 f4 on pentax? I will be parting with my Tokina 70-210mm f/4.5 AF lens soon. Mint condition, with the very hard to find reversible Tokina hood (hard to find because it's the same one as the legendary Tokina 90mm Macro uses). I like the Tokina a lot, but I have the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and need to reduce the size of my collection.