[fstop18]

I noticed that Sigma lens can have some sort of update (to a dock(?); how is this done? Do you have to buy the dock or can it be done thru the camera? thanks.

[stevebrot]

Do you have to buy the dock or can it be done thru the camera?

The feature is limited to so-called Global Vision lenses and yes, you do need to buy the dock and have a computer to run the software on. The tutorials on the Sigma product page for the dock are helpful in understanding how it all works.

https://www.sigmaphoto.com/accessories/lens-customization/sigma-usb-dock


Steve

[Adam]

Sigma service centers can also update the firmware in older lenses (if they happen to be problematic and there is a known fix).

[Paul the Sunman]

I have the first (I think) of the Global Vision lenses, the 35mm f/1.4 Art. It is one of the very few available in K-mount. Although it can be used with the dock and the firmware updated, that is a moot point, as the latest available firmware is V1.00! That is either comforting (they got it absolutely right the first time), or faintly disturbing (they are ignoring K-mount). There have been firmware updates available for this lens in other mounts.

The dock does allow you to fiddle with the focus as well as update firmware, if that is an issue.

[stevebrot]

That is either comforting (they got it absolutely right the first time), or faintly disturbing (they are ignoring K-mount). There have been firmware updates available for this lens in other mounts.

I would assume that they got it right. Issues requiring firmware fixes tend to follow mount types and lack of updates is usually a positive sign.

The dock does allow you to fiddle with the focus as well as update firmware, if that is an issue.

This is the major benefit of owning the dock, IMHO. In-body AF fine adjustment is a dull tool to apply if the lens has floating elements, internal focus, or is a zoom. Depending on the lens, the dock allows focus tuning to your camera at multiple focus distances and/or focal lengths and is equivalent to sending body and lens to Sigma to have a lens calibrated to your camera.

I have almost bought one several times to use with my Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 (C) to take advantage of both an available firmware update and to do the AF tuning. What has stopped me is the lack of additional Global Vision lenses on my shelf.


Steve