Sigma 17-70 "Contemporary": compatibility problems with Shake Reduction

Racerdew · 02-04-2015, 12:38 AM

I have only had my lens for 4 days although I have used it a lot already. I Can't say much about being soft on the edges. I think you will find that will all zoom lenses at some point. It is very sharp through the center and the center on this is pretty wide. I am real happy with it. I took about 250 shots with it Sunday in low indoor lighting at ISO 2500 and 3200. It did a nice job. I think having the lens dock changes everything. Now you can tweak you lens yourself. That to me is very new and really nice. When I updated the firmware using my dock, it changed the lens for the better.

cbope · 02-04-2015, 06:20 AM

Good to hear Sigma was able to fix this quickly. I wonder why they haven't fixed the inconsistent AF performance on the much more expensive 18-35/1.8? I would like to get this lens, but not until they sort out the AF issues.

DanGleabols · 02-04-2015, 01:22 PM

Is the dock worth getting? Even though it's probably cheaper to buy the dock than send the lens off to be calibrated, I just have a resistance to buy it. Possibly because I have no interest in the other currently compatible lenses, the one I'd be realistically interested in (30mm) isn't in k-mount.

Doundounba · 02-04-2015, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by DanGleabols

... I have no interest in the other currently compatible lenses, the one I'd be realistically interested in (30mm) isn't in k-mount.

Huh, you mean this one?

DanGleabols · 02-04-2015, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by Doundounba

Huh, you mean this one?

Lol... Yeah just like that! Man, teaches me to do more research than just trust the manufacturers website!

Racerdew · 02-04-2015, 04:31 PM - **1 Like**

I think the dock is worth the 50 bucks. You don't have to send it in and you save a ton of time. I did the update in a couple of minutes. You can learn to tweak it if you wish. This is way better than sending it out and not having it for 2 weeks.

**rayallen** · 02-04-2015, 10:37 PM

Originally posted by Racerdew

I think the dock is worth the 50 bucks. You don't have to send it in and you save a ton of time. I did the update in a couple of minutes. You can learn to tweak it if you wish. This is way better than sending it out and not having it for 2 weeks.

+1 to that.

zman · 02-13-2015, 02:24 PM - **1 Like**

Neither of my two area Sigma dealers could update my firmware for me at their stores because they didn't have a Pentax specific dock. So I sent my lens out to the Sigma service facility in Ronkonkoma, NY where UPS tracking showed delivery on 2-10-15. Today, only 3 days later, my lens was back in my hands. I realize a firmware upgrade is a quick job, but i never expected such an exceptional turn around time. Kudos to Sigma from a very appreciative customer.

Racerdew · 02-26-2015, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by Manituwa

Just finished updating the firmware for the 17-70 (v1.01), and calibrating the focus. It's not that hard.

This is how I did the auto-focus adjustment. You don't have to take a single picture during this process. Using a tripod, aim your camera perpendicular to a flat surface with contrasty edges for each of the 4 distances. Use live view to focus at 17mm. Switch to contrast and watch where the lens moves to focus. If it doesn't - yippie! If it's short (near) then you'll have to add a positive number for calibration. If the lens goes long you'll have to put in a negative number for that zone. Write it down. Do this for all sixteen combinations of zoom and distance, then dock up your lens and put in the offsets. It won't take you long to figure out if a 2 is too much or too little, and you'll get a sense of how to adjust them all.

If you're only using one camera, it would make sense to me to put the AF Fine Adjust to zero before you start.

Thank you very much for explaining this procedure. I will test my lens and see if it is adjusted correctly. I did use the dock and I have the firmware update. I posted my results in another post and the results was excellent for the SR.

So we should trust the live view as the absolute focus?
Thank you,

richandfleur · 03-22-2018, 05:32 PM

What was the final outcome on these please?

If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc?

Thanks.

stevebrot · 03-22-2018, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by richandfleur

If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc?

There were two issues addressed in the firmware update. One was a problem with AF and the other with the lens not reporting the proper focal length to the body. One can easily check to see if the second issue is a problem by monitoring the ~~displayed~~ FL in the EXIF or detailed review screen as compared to the position on the lens barrel. The value used by the SR system is not particularly sensitive as long as the FL is reasonably close.

FWIW, I have been shooting with the "C" version on the K-3 since Spring of 2014 with its original firmware and have not had any problem with SR at the wide end. I would expect that current production "C" version lenses will have the proper firmware version flashed, though that is difficult to assess without a dock. Perhaps a note to Sigma might provide the answer?

Steve

**rayallen** · 03-22-2018, 10:51 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by richandfleur

What was the final outcome on these please?

If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc?

Thanks.

If you are considering purchasing this lens (I have it and it is one of the best lenses I own!) then I suggest that you hurry and get one that is in stock somewhere because Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro | Sigma Corporation of America

I have no idea why they would do such a thing. And it is not just Pentax mount, it is all mounts. Very sad. I'm glad that I have mine.

Doundounba · 03-23-2018, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by rayallen

...Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro | Sigma Corporation of America

This is incorrect and the link you provide is to a much older version of the lens. The current "Contemporary" lens is right here and is not discontinued, AFAICT.

When buying a used one, it might be difficult to make sure the lens you're buying is running the latest firmware without the dock. On the other hand, it might be possible to find a nearby Pentaxian with a dock that would be willing to check and help you upgrade if necessary...

stevebrot · 03-23-2018, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by rayallen

If you are considering purchasing this lens (I have it and it is one of the best lenses I own!) then I suggest that you hurry and get one that is in stock somewhere because Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro | Sigma Corporation of America

I have no idea why they would do such a thing. And it is not just Pentax mount, it is all mounts. Very sad. I'm glad that I have mine.

FWIW, the discontinued lens is an earlier version from some years back, not the current "Contemporary" 17-70/2.8-4.

Steve

richandfleur · 03-23-2018, 01:10 PM

Yeah there seem to be 3 or so similar lenses. The 17-50 2.8 throughout, 17-70 2.8 - 4.5 ish and 17-70 contemporary.

Feedback seems really good on all of them, with perhaps the original 17-50 being slightly sharper?

Hoping to find a deal on one for an upcoming holiday. Not WR but seems a solid upgrade from the kit lens, and much cheaper than the 16-85 pentax.

02-13-2015, 02:24 PM - 1 Like	#143
zman Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western NY Photos: Albums Posts: 515	now that's service ! Neither of my two area Sigma dealers could update my firmware for me at their stores because they didn't have a Pentax specific dock. So I sent my lens out to the Sigma service facility in Ronkonkoma, NY where UPS tracking showed delivery on 2-10-15. Today, only 3 days later, my lens was back in my hands. I realize a firmware upgrade is a quick job, but i never expected such an exceptional turn around time. Kudos to Sigma from a very appreciative customer.

03-22-2018, 07:56 PM	#146
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by richandfleur If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc? There were two issues addressed in the firmware update. One was a problem with AF and the other with the lens not reporting the proper focal length to the body. One can easily check to see if the second issue is a problem by monitoring the ~~displayed~~ FL in the EXIF or detailed review screen as compared to the position on the lens barrel. The value used by the SR system is not particularly sensitive as long as the FL is reasonably close. FWIW, I have been shooting with the "C" version on the K-3 since Spring of 2014 with its original firmware and have not had any problem with SR at the wide end. I would expect that current production "C" version lenses will have the proper firmware version flashed, though that is difficult to assess without a dock. Perhaps a note to Sigma might provide the answer? Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 03-22-2018 at 08:11 PM.

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02-04-2015, 12:38 AM	#136
Racerdew Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	I have only had my lens for 4 days although I have used it a lot already. I Can't say much about being soft on the edges. I think you will find that will all zoom lenses at some point. It is very sharp through the center and the center on this is pretty wide. I am real happy with it. I took about 250 shots with it Sunday in low indoor lighting at ISO 2500 and 3200. It did a nice job. I think having the lens dock changes everything. Now you can tweak you lens yourself. That to me is very new and really nice. When I updated the firmware using my dock, it changed the lens for the better.

02-04-2015, 06:20 AM	#137
cbope Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Helsinki Posts: 664	Good to hear Sigma was able to fix this quickly. I wonder why they haven't fixed the inconsistent AF performance on the much more expensive 18-35/1.8? I would like to get this lens, but not until they sort out the AF issues.

02-04-2015, 01:22 PM	#138
DanGleabols Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Halifax, UK Posts: 120	Is the dock worth getting? Even though it's probably cheaper to buy the dock than send the lens off to be calibrated, I just have a resistance to buy it. Possibly because I have no interest in the other currently compatible lenses, the one I'd be realistically interested in (30mm) isn't in k-mount.

02-04-2015, 02:11 PM	#139
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Originally posted by DanGleabols ... I have no interest in the other currently compatible lenses, the one I'd be realistically interested in (30mm) isn't in k-mount. Huh, you mean this one?

02-04-2015, 03:45 PM	#140
DanGleabols Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Halifax, UK Posts: 120	Originally posted by Doundounba Huh, you mean this one? Lol... Yeah just like that! Man, teaches me to do more research than just trust the manufacturers website!

02-04-2015, 04:31 PM - 1 Like	#141
Racerdew Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	I think the dock is worth the 50 bucks. You don't have to send it in and you save a ton of time. I did the update in a couple of minutes. You can learn to tweak it if you wish. This is way better than sending it out and not having it for 2 weeks.

02-04-2015, 10:37 PM	#142
rayallen Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Forresters Beach, NSW, Australia. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,014	Originally posted by Racerdew I think the dock is worth the 50 bucks. You don't have to send it in and you save a ton of time. I did the update in a couple of minutes. You can learn to tweak it if you wish. This is way better than sending it out and not having it for 2 weeks. +1 to that.

02-26-2015, 10:04 PM	#144
Racerdew Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	Originally posted by Manituwa Just finished updating the firmware for the 17-70 (v1.01), and calibrating the focus. It's not that hard. This is how I did the auto-focus adjustment. You don't have to take a single picture during this process. Using a tripod, aim your camera perpendicular to a flat surface with contrasty edges for each of the 4 distances. Use live view to focus at 17mm. Switch to contrast and watch where the lens moves to focus. If it doesn't - yippie! If it's short (near) then you'll have to add a positive number for calibration. If the lens goes long you'll have to put in a negative number for that zone. Write it down. Do this for all sixteen combinations of zoom and distance, then dock up your lens and put in the offsets. It won't take you long to figure out if a 2 is too much or too little, and you'll get a sense of how to adjust them all. If you're only using one camera, it would make sense to me to put the AF Fine Adjust to zero before you start. Thank you very much for explaining this procedure. I will test my lens and see if it is adjusted correctly. I did use the dock and I have the firmware update. I posted my results in another post and the results was excellent for the SR. So we should trust the live view as the absolute focus? Thank you,

03-22-2018, 05:32 PM	#145
richandfleur Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Photos: Albums Posts: 1,788	What was the final outcome on these please? If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc? Thanks.

03-22-2018, 10:51 PM - 1 Like	#147
rayallen Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Forresters Beach, NSW, Australia. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,014	Originally posted by richandfleur What was the final outcome on these please? If one purchases a Contemporary version of this lens for Pentax, will it work with a K-3 SR or does it require a dock fix etc? Thanks. If you are considering purchasing this lens (I have it and it is one of the best lenses I own!) then I suggest that you hurry and get one that is in stock somewhere because Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro \| Sigma Corporation of America I have no idea why they would do such a thing. And it is not just Pentax mount, it is all mounts. Very sad. I'm glad that I have mine.

03-23-2018, 08:51 AM	#148
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Originally posted by rayallen ...Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro \| Sigma Corporation of America This is incorrect and the link you provide is to a much older version of the lens. The current "Contemporary" lens is right here and is not discontinued, AFAICT. When buying a used one, it might be difficult to make sure the lens you're buying is running the latest firmware without the dock. On the other hand, it might be possible to find a nearby Pentaxian with a dock that would be willing to check and help you upgrade if necessary...

03-23-2018, 09:39 AM	#149
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by rayallen If you are considering purchasing this lens (I have it and it is one of the best lenses I own!) then I suggest that you hurry and get one that is in stock somewhere because Sigma have discontinued the lens. See here: 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro \| Sigma Corporation of America I have no idea why they would do such a thing. And it is not just Pentax mount, it is all mounts. Very sad. I'm glad that I have mine. FWIW, the discontinued lens is an earlier version from some years back, not the current "Contemporary" 17-70/2.8-4. Steve

03-23-2018, 01:10 PM	#150
richandfleur Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Photos: Albums Posts: 1,788	Yeah there seem to be 3 or so similar lenses. The 17-50 2.8 throughout, 17-70 2.8 - 4.5 ish and 17-70 contemporary. Feedback seems really good on all of them, with perhaps the original 17-50 being slightly sharper? Hoping to find a deal on one for an upcoming holiday. Not WR but seems a solid upgrade from the kit lens, and much cheaper than the 16-85 pentax.