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mole · 11-19-2009, 05:25 AM

Recently purchased this very inexpensive ($14.00) lens - a Sigma manual focus, auto aperture 35-70mm, F2.8-4. It takes fine photos, colors and contrast not great, but certainly great for the price!

Two questions about this lens:

1. Although it does indicate F2.8 on the aperture ring, when the lens is set to auto, my K-m will only allow it to go as far as F 4 (no matter what focal length). How do I use F 2.8 and auto?

2. Anyone else ever used this lens, have any tips or suggestions?

Thanks!

Stratman · 11-19-2009, 05:33 AM

I'm leaving for work now, but will check mine when I get home...

mole · 11-23-2009, 04:37 AM

Stratman - did you find it?

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Stratman · 11-24-2009, 06:38 PM

Ok, I tested it on both of my cameras, on the K10D, it will go down to F2.8, on my K110D, it will only go down to F4. What is strange, is that on my K10D, even at 70mm, it will still SAY it is on F2.8, but at that focal length, F4 is the widest stop. So, it is apparently screwed up on both cameras, lol....I am guessing it is because it is an "old" style push pull zoom, with just one contact. Actually, it isn't a bad lens, fairly sharp, and well built.

Here are a few shots I took with it with some extension tubes that were thrown in with the lens when I bought it. Not brilliant photography, but will give you an idea of the IQ of the lens.

Last edited by Stratman; 11-24-2009 at 06:43 PM.

mole · 11-25-2009, 05:36 AM

Stratman -

Thanks for taking the time to check this out - I do appreciate it! Thanks also for posting the photos. Here are a few recent test shots.

Not bad for a $14 lens!

Stratman · 11-25-2009, 05:03 PM

Did yours come with the screw on lens hood? It took me forever to figure out how to get it off, you have to GENTLY grip it, and turn... I think this lens was my first ebay purchase, and I believe I paid about $35 for it, but it came with a like new set of Vivitar extension rubes, with case and caps, so I think I made out ok.

Jodokast96 · 11-25-2009, 06:42 PM

I often forget that I have this lens, though mine is fully manual, no contacts at all. The IQ is quite good for what it is. Got mine for $29 (maybe less) with a 2x TC included.

11-19-2009, 05:25 AM	#1
mole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tennessee Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,432	Sigma 35-70 Recently purchased this very inexpensive ($14.00) lens - a Sigma manual focus, auto aperture 35-70mm, F2.8-4. It takes fine photos, colors and contrast not great, but certainly great for the price! Two questions about this lens: 1. Although it does indicate F2.8 on the aperture ring, when the lens is set to auto, my K-m will only allow it to go as far as F 4 (no matter what focal length). How do I use F 2.8 and auto? 2. Anyone else ever used this lens, have any tips or suggestions? Thanks!

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11-19-2009, 05:33 AM	#2
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	I'm leaving for work now, but will check mine when I get home...

11-23-2009, 04:37 AM	#3
mole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tennessee Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,432 Original Poster	Stratman - did you find it? Anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!

11-24-2009, 06:38 PM	#4
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	Ok, I tested it on both of my cameras, on the K10D, it will go down to F2.8, on my K110D, it will only go down to F4. What is strange, is that on my K10D, even at 70mm, it will still SAY it is on F2.8, but at that focal length, F4 is the widest stop. So, it is apparently screwed up on both cameras, lol....I am guessing it is because it is an "old" style push pull zoom, with just one contact. Actually, it isn't a bad lens, fairly sharp, and well built. Here are a few shots I took with it with some extension tubes that were thrown in with the lens when I bought it. Not brilliant photography, but will give you an idea of the IQ of the lens. Last edited by Stratman; 11-24-2009 at 06:43 PM.

11-25-2009, 05:36 AM	#5
mole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tennessee Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,432 Original Poster	Stratman - Thanks for taking the time to check this out - I do appreciate it! Thanks also for posting the photos. Here are a few recent test shots. Not bad for a $14 lens!

11-25-2009, 05:03 PM	#6
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	Did yours come with the screw on lens hood? It took me forever to figure out how to get it off, you have to GENTLY grip it, and turn... I think this lens was my first ebay purchase, and I believe I paid about $35 for it, but it came with a like new set of Vivitar extension rubes, with case and caps, so I think I made out ok.

11-25-2009, 06:42 PM	#7
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	I often forget that I have this lens, though mine is fully manual, no contacts at all. The IQ is quite good for what it is. Got mine for $29 (maybe less) with a 2x TC included.

Sigma 35-70

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