For Sale - Sold: Sigma 100-300 F4 - Great Price - As is - Read Description Carefully

Edgar_in_Indy · 11-02-2015, 06:48 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Class A

Sounds like regular AF woes for which the camera (not the lens) is to blame.

Your lens copy may still have BF issues, if your respective description is accurate, but if the camera fails to lock on the proper target, there is nothing the lens can do about it.

Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable.

Class A · 11-02-2015, 06:56 PM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable.

+1

.

nomadkng · 11-03-2015, 09:29 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable.

Maybe it really is just a case of this lens did not play well with my K5iis but plays slightly better with my K3. Maybe it will play well with someone else's K3. If that's the case, then someone is getting a steal on a great lens.

Originally I was so fed up with my K5iis AF when paired with this lens that I was on the verge of switching systems. I started reading reviews about the improvement of the K3 AF so I gave Pentax one last opportunity. I still am not thrilled with the AF performance, but it is tolerable, mainly because I don't have enough cash reserve at the moment where switching systems could become an option.

Once I acquired a K3, I spent an entire Saturday aiming at test targets in my back yard and across the house, because I needed some closure on the whole "is it the lens or does the Pentax AF really suck that badly?" That's where I figured out the goofy adjustments needed that I relayed in my referenced post. Then it was revealed that some of the earlier version so this lens do suffer from inherent BF issues and it made sense. It still doesn't completely absolve Pentax of sub-par AF, but it's enough for now to keep me.

It's probably a case of a little bit of lens and a little bit of my camera makes for a bad pairing, but I'm not about to go out and purchase several bodies to test that theory. And I know it's not a technique issue because I used to shoot a Bigma and get very good results from it, but it weighed 2x what the 100-300 weighs and literally would take 2-3 miles off doable hikes because of the weight.

Given my shooting partner is a wildlife shooter, I spend a lot of time chasing critters, and need a lens for the task.

I really hope whoever purchases this lens has no issues, but I couldn't not relay the reservations I have about it since I don't have the ability to send the lens in for servicing to find out for certain. I really have no desire to ship a lens of this type and then have it returned, it's just not healthy for the lens no matter how well you pack it.

What surprises me is that I've had not even a single nibble, maybe I'll end up after all this with a Sigma paperweight.

**Pepe Guitarra** · 11-03-2015, 10:07 AM

What about Micro adjusting focus? This is the first time I hear something bad about this lens. I would buy it if I did not have one already.

---------- Post added 11-03-15 at 11:11 AM ----------

Also, this is the second time someone wants to sell a lens using wording that is negative. It may sell, who knows, it is reverse psychology too. I did that with one lens that I sold immediately way below market. Later, I got the same lens and the same problem, until I put the question on this forum and found out that it was user's error, not the lens or camera. The Sigma 100-300/3 lens is excellent, however, it is not the fastest lens, and if there is not the right light, it may fail from time to time, as any other lens would (ask the Pentax DA 300/4).

Last edited by Pepe Guitarra; 11-03-2015 at 10:12 AM.

Edgar_in_Indy · 11-03-2015, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by nomadkng

Maybe it really is just a case of this lens did not play well with my K5iis but plays slightly better with my K3. Maybe it will play well with someone else's K3. If that's the case, then someone is getting a steal on a great lens.

I sold a 100-300mm like this one last year, and the first person who bought it used it on a K5IIs, and he said he was not able to get the AF dialed in right. After I got it back and confirmed it still worked fine on my K-30, I sold it a second time at a much lower price to someone with a K-3. The K-3 owner was very happy with the lens and left enthusiastic feedback. So maybe there's something to the K-5 vs K-3 thing.

Originally posted by nomadkng

Originally I was so fed up with my K5iis AF when paired with this lens that I was on the verge of switching systems.

I've had it happen twice recently where I sold a lens that always worked fine for me but my first buyer claimed calibration problems, and after taking the lens back and reselling it, the second buyer was thrilled with the lens. I love my K-30, but I'm kind over dealing with the calibration problems inherent in DSLR's, so I'm slowly transitioning to a mirrorless system.

With all of my hobbies, I always like to buy and sell things frequently as I have different wants, needs, and whims (and as I have chances to make a profit to help fund my hobby), and it bugs me that with lenses I always have to keep my fingers crossed when re-selling them that everything will work out in regards to AF on the new owner's camera.

VoiceOfReason · 11-03-2015, 08:33 PM

If I didn't already have the DA* 60-250 and the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 this would be tempting. Heck, it is still tempting, but not needed.

**Digitalis** · 11-03-2015, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens.

The Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX in question is an older version, older sigma lenses are notorious for having electronic gremlins that hinder their performance on newer cameras.

The pair of Sigma 100-300mm f/4 lenses I bought was pretty much a year before they were discontinued. It is one of the few zoom lenses I have only had to minimally adjust the AF on either my Pentax ( K10D, K7,K5IIs,K3) or my canon DSLRs (20D,1DIIN,5D,1DsII,1DsIII,1DX). The AF on both my copies is fast and accurate, the serial numbers on both of my sigma 100-300mm lenses begin with a 5.

Pentax K5IIS - Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG 1/250th f/5.6 @ ISO 6400

Last edited by Digitalis; 11-03-2015 at 09:34 PM.

nomadkng · 11-06-2015, 07:42 AM

bump.....

from june of 2015

nomadkng · 11-09-2015, 10:51 AM

bump.....

If there are any interested buyers outside the US, this lens is now available on e-bay and I will ship via the ebay global shipping program.

the price on ebay has been adjusted to account for international paypal fees and ebay FV fees.

nomadkng · 11-16-2015, 08:07 AM

bump....

nomadkng · 11-23-2015, 07:29 AM

bump....

11-03-2015, 02:24 PM	#20
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 2,685 Feedback Score: 16 (100%)	Originally posted by nomadkng Maybe it really is just a case of this lens did not play well with my K5iis but plays slightly better with my K3. Maybe it will play well with someone else's K3. If that's the case, then someone is getting a steal on a great lens. I sold a 100-300mm like this one last year, and the first person who bought it used it on a K5IIs, and he said he was not able to get the AF dialed in right. After I got it back and confirmed it still worked fine on my K-30, I sold it a second time at a much lower price to someone with a K-3. The K-3 owner was very happy with the lens and left enthusiastic feedback. So maybe there's something to the K-5 vs K-3 thing. Originally posted by nomadkng Originally I was so fed up with my K5iis AF when paired with this lens that I was on the verge of switching systems. I've had it happen twice recently where I sold a lens that always worked fine for me but my first buyer claimed calibration problems, and after taking the lens back and reselling it, the second buyer was thrilled with the lens. I love my K-30, but I'm kind over dealing with the calibration problems inherent in DSLR's, so I'm slowly transitioning to a mirrorless system. With all of my hobbies, I always like to buy and sell things frequently as I have different wants, needs, and whims (and as I have chances to make a profit to help fund my hobby), and it bugs me that with lenses I always have to keep my fingers crossed when re-selling them that everything will work out in regards to AF on the new owner's camera. Last edited by Edgar_in_Indy; 11-03-2015 at 02:40 PM.

11-06-2015, 07:42 AM	#23
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448 Feedback Score: 40 (100%) Original Poster	bump..... from june of 2015 Last edited by nomadkng; 11-24-2015 at 09:23 AM.

11-09-2015, 10:51 AM	#24
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448 Feedback Score: 40 (100%) Original Poster	bump..... If there are any interested buyers outside the US, this lens is now available on e-bay and I will ship via the ebay global shipping program. the price on ebay has been adjusted to account for international paypal fees and ebay FV fees. Last edited by nomadkng; 11-11-2015 at 11:00 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pantax-FA 100-300 F4.7-5.8 Autofocus Zoom Lens 100-300mm $55 PRICE DROP	Archimedes the Dog	Sold Items	2	09-29-2015 06:45 AM
Sigma 100 - 300 f4	gordon_l34	Accessory and Memory Articles	7	02-27-2015 04:49 PM
Wanted - Acquired: Sigma 100-300 f4	jkglogau	Sold Items	9	03-24-2014 09:14 AM
FA* 300 mm f4,5 or Sigma 100-300 f4	mgbirder	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	02-12-2011 07:42 PM
Can someone confirm that there is a sigma 100-300 hsm F4	Torphoto	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	05-06-2008 08:13 AM

11-02-2015, 06:48 PM - 1 Like	#16
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 2,685 Feedback Score: 16 (100%)	Originally posted by Class A Sounds like regular AF woes for which the camera (not the lens) is to blame. Your lens copy may still have BF issues, if your respective description is accurate, but if the camera fails to lock on the proper target, there is nothing the lens can do about it. Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable.

11-02-2015, 06:56 PM	#17
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Feedback Score: 7 (100%)	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable. +1 .

11-03-2015, 09:29 AM - 1 Like	#18
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448 Feedback Score: 40 (100%) Original Poster	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy Those were kind of my thoughts too, but it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. Whether the problem is with the lens or not, the full disclosure is commendable. Maybe it really is just a case of this lens did not play well with my K5iis but plays slightly better with my K3. Maybe it will play well with someone else's K3. If that's the case, then someone is getting a steal on a great lens. Originally I was so fed up with my K5iis AF when paired with this lens that I was on the verge of switching systems. I started reading reviews about the improvement of the K3 AF so I gave Pentax one last opportunity. I still am not thrilled with the AF performance, but it is tolerable, mainly because I don't have enough cash reserve at the moment where switching systems could become an option. Once I acquired a K3, I spent an entire Saturday aiming at test targets in my back yard and across the house, because I needed some closure on the whole "is it the lens or does the Pentax AF really suck that badly?" That's where I figured out the goofy adjustments needed that I relayed in my referenced post. Then it was revealed that some of the earlier version so this lens do suffer from inherent BF issues and it made sense. It still doesn't completely absolve Pentax of sub-par AF, but it's enough for now to keep me. It's probably a case of a little bit of lens and a little bit of my camera makes for a bad pairing, but I'm not about to go out and purchase several bodies to test that theory. And I know it's not a technique issue because I used to shoot a Bigma and get very good results from it, but it weighed 2x what the 100-300 weighs and literally would take 2-3 miles off doable hikes because of the weight. Given my shooting partner is a wildlife shooter, I spend a lot of time chasing critters, and need a lens for the task. I really hope whoever purchases this lens has no issues, but I couldn't not relay the reservations I have about it since I don't have the ability to send the lens in for servicing to find out for certain. I really have no desire to ship a lens of this type and then have it returned, it's just not healthy for the lens no matter how well you pack it. What surprises me is that I've had not even a single nibble, maybe I'll end up after all this with a Sigma paperweight.

11-03-2015, 10:07 AM	#19
Pepe Guitarra Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: California Posts: 2,223 Feedback Score: 26 (100%)	What about Micro adjusting focus? This is the first time I hear something bad about this lens. I would buy it if I did not have one already. ---------- Post added 11-03-15 at 11:11 AM ---------- Also, this is the second time someone wants to sell a lens using wording that is negative. It may sell, who knows, it is reverse psychology too. I did that with one lens that I sold immediately way below market. Later, I got the same lens and the same problem, until I put the question on this forum and found out that it was user's error, not the lens or camera. The Sigma 100-300/3 lens is excellent, however, it is not the fastest lens, and if there is not the right light, it may fail from time to time, as any other lens would (ask the Pentax DA 300/4). Last edited by Pepe Guitarra; 11-03-2015 at 10:12 AM.

11-03-2015, 08:33 PM	#21
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Posts: 6,124 Feedback Score: 27 (100%)	If I didn't already have the DA* 60-250 and the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 this would be tempting. Heck, it is still tempting, but not needed.

11-03-2015, 09:26 PM	#22
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 11,694 Feedback Score: 0 (0%)	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy it seems like the OP is convinced it's the lens. The Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX in question is an older version, older sigma lenses are notorious for having electronic gremlins that hinder their performance on newer cameras. The pair of Sigma 100-300mm f/4 lenses I bought was pretty much a year before they were discontinued. It is one of the few zoom lenses I have only had to minimally adjust the AF on either my Pentax ( K10D, K7,K5IIs,K3) or my canon DSLRs (20D,1DIIN,5D,1DsII,1DsIII,1DX). The AF on both my copies is fast and accurate, the serial numbers on both of my sigma 100-300mm lenses begin with a 5. Pentax K5IIS - Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG 1/250th f/5.6 @ ISO 6400 Last edited by Digitalis; 11-03-2015 at 09:34 PM.

11-16-2015, 08:07 AM	#25
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448 Feedback Score: 40 (100%) Original Poster	bump....

11-23-2015, 07:29 AM	#26
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448 Feedback Score: 40 (100%) Original Poster	bump....