[normhead]

I took a Sigma 120 to 400 back for exactly the same reason.... if it doesn't behave like your other lenses, take it back... you're wasting time here. Hopefully you can do an over the counter exchange if you bought new, or get it repaired. Although buying one second hand might be cheaper than a repair. I've seen them for as low a 90$, unless it's still under warranty. IN that case send it back to Sigma.

[GrimWolf]

I've given up with it, just can't get it to take a photo worth a Damn. Sending it back to amazon. Will have a look on ebay, maybe I can find one that doesn't have a rotating barrel when zooming

[normhead]

I've given up with it, just can't get it to take a photo worth a Damn. Sending it back to amazon. Will have a look on ebay, maybe I can find one that doesn't have a rotating barrel when zooming

Good move. Good luck... glad you made me haul it out, for a cheaper lens, it really is quite good.

[TER-OR]

Look for a used DA 55-300. The L version should be very inexpensive, and even the standard should cost you less than $200 now. The Marketplace here is a great place to start. That lens pops up very frequently.

[SpecialK]

Look for a used DA 55-300. The L version should be very inexpensive, and even the standard should cost you less than $200 now. The Marketplace here is a great place to start. That lens pops up very frequently.

Yes, to all of that.

But the 55-300 does not have close-focusing.

[GrimWolf]

Got my new (second hand) Tamron A17 lens off ebay yesterday, took some experimental goose and duck photos after work and already have better shots than with the sigma I sent back :-)

[royden]

I took a Sigma 120 to 400 back for exactly the same reason.... if it doesn't behave like your other lenses, take it back... you're wasting time here. Hopefully you can do an over the counter exchange if you bought new, or get it repaired. Although buying one second hand might be cheaper than a repair. I've seen them for as low a 90$, unless it's still under warranty. IN that case send it back to Sigma.

Hi Norm, Where did you see one for $90? Thanks. The OP's post scared me initially, as I'm think of getting one. If I get it I will post some shots. There are three models floating around. The one with OS in the name appears to be the best. Any comments would be appreciated.

[normhead]

Hi Norm, Where did you see one for $90? Thanks. The OP's post scared me initially, as I'm think of getting one. If I get it I will post some shots. There are three models floating around. The one with OS in the name appears to be the best. Any comments would be appreciated.

I've seen them for $80 in the local kijiji on sale for $89 min the used section at Henry's. Mine is pretty soft in the long end. But if you're just looking for something to get you started, it's still a good deal. Although if you're planning to use it at 300mm, you're better off to look for a 55-300. As general purpose telephoto it's excellent, especially from 70-180mm.

[royden]

I've seen them for $80 in the local kijiji on sale for $89 min the used section at Henry's. Mine is pretty soft in the long end. But if you're just looking for something to get you started, it's still a good deal. Although if you're planning to use it at 300mm, you're better off to look for a 55-300. As general purpose telephoto it's excellent, especially from 70-180mm.

Thanks Norm, I had a DAL 55-300, got it in a package deal with a K-x in January 2010. Sold it as I saw a way to make a few bucks as it was really cheap in the package deal and was not using it much pass 200mm. Now I may come full circle.

[normhead]

Thanks Norm, I had a DAL 55-300, got it in a package deal with a K-x in January 2010. Sold it as I saw a way to make a few bucks as it was really cheap in the package deal and was not using it much pass 200mm. Now I may come full circle.

If you don't use anything past 200 much, something like the DA 18-135 or DA* 50-135 and DA*200 2.8 might be ideal for you, if you wanted to spend a huge amount of money. But I'd look at a used F 70-210. I'd take that over my 70-300 any day, and for you it sounds ideal given your shooting preference.









67 70-210 images.

[micromacro]

I think i'll give the lens one more go on friday as there are ducks, swans and other birds locally. I'll try out different speeds and tripod etc. If it comes out the same, I'll return the lens and look at another model.

Why do you need to wait if you can test the lens focusing on anything around? Speed was so low, but acceptable in many cases if your hands are steady. Seems more like out of focus image to me. This lens (and similar Sigmas 70-300mm ) tends to hunt especially in not sufficient light (even shade or clouds in bright day). I never use ISO number lower than 400. Usually 400-800 for this lens in any light to catch flying birds as well.
I suggest you practice more with your Sigma. AF is a pain often, but it's manageable if nothing is wrong with the lens of course.

[GrimWolf]

I needed to wait due to my working hours, usually by the time I get home I'm not in the mood to do much of anything lol.

[micromacro]

I needed to wait due to my working hours, usually by the time I get home I'm not in the mood to do much of anything lol.

It's Saturday Perhaps you don't work weekends?

[GrimWolf]

Heh, been out with my new Tamron today, i sent the lens my original post was about back. Had some good results.

[micromacro]

I prefer Sigma over Tamron. Personal preferences, Tamron seems too "flat" than Sigma. DA*300mm is better than Sigma and Tamron