Question on Sigma USB Dock for new Sigma Contemporary Lenses

DHA · 12-13-2015, 08:42 AM

Perhaps this has been dealt with before, but I just bought a Sigma Contemporary Zoom lens and should have it in a couple of days. Question: Will I need to purchase the Sigma USB Dock to make any minor AF adjustments to this lens if required, or can I use my K3 to make adjustments and if so, how??? I've been using Sigma lenses over the years and must be a fortunate fellow because none of my lenses have required an AF adjustment. Thanks for any comments on this. Don

osv · 12-13-2015, 09:27 AM

my understanding is that you can typically trim the af with a camera, but it would apply to all focal lengths.

the dock lets you make four(?) af trim adjustments, at any combination of focal lengths you choose.

stevebrot has used one, maybe he'll weigh in with some comments.

Adam · 12-13-2015, 10:38 AM

You can read more about the dock here:
Sigma USB Dock Tutorial and Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Like osv said, the dock allows you to make more targeted adjustments. Whether or not it's necessary will depend on your copy of the lens, but if you plan on getting more Sigma lenses in the future, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have the dock just in case.

**clackers** · 12-13-2015, 08:01 PM

I got one to go with my 50mm Art and 17-70mm Contemporary lenses, but haven't had to use it. It's still in its box.

**Digitalis** · 12-14-2015, 04:46 AM

I have one of these expensive K mount lens caps.

As mentioned in the posts above, the Sigma lens dock allows for AF adjustments based upon focal length - but you can only adjust AF at fixed points along the distance scale relevant to the lens.

Also another thing to be wary of, the light (on the lens dock) only comes on when the sigma software detects the dock, after you close the software the green light will remain on - it will only blink when data is being written to the lens memory, it is best to attach the lens before plugging in the lens dock. It is also best to only unplug the lens dock after you close down the software - there is no disconnect option in the sigma software or through windows.

stevebrot · 12-14-2015, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by osv

the dock lets you make four(?) af trim adjustments, at any combination of focal lengths you choose.

stevebrot has used one, maybe he'll weigh in with some comments.

Nah...stevebrot only watched the demo video. I would love to have the dock since my 17-70 (C) needs the firmware upgrade, but no money at present...it can wait. I am happy to see that Digitalis weighed in. He has hands-on experience and is very tech oriented.

Steve

stevebrot · 12-14-2015, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

As mentioned in the posts above, the Sigma lens dock allows for AF adjustments based upon focal length - but you can only adjust AF at fixed points along the distance scale relevant to the lens.

16 adjustments total

Steve

**Digitalis** · 12-14-2015, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

16 adjustments total

Don't get too excited, I hate to think of how many adjustments owners of the Sigma 18-300mm DC macro* OS HSM lenses get, which is probably somewhere between too many and not enough.

* this isn't the first time I have seen such optimism from sigma.

**clackers** · 12-14-2015, 08:06 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

Don't get too excited, I hate to think of how many adjustments owners of the Sigma 18-300mm DC macro* OS HSM lenses get.

Let superzoom owners suffer.

Did I say that out loud? {Embarrassed cough}

12-13-2015, 08:42 AM	#1
DHA Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: The Tarheel State, North Carolina Posts: 91	Question on Sigma USB Dock for new Sigma Contemporary Lenses Perhaps this has been dealt with before, but I just bought a Sigma Contemporary Zoom lens and should have it in a couple of days. Question: Will I need to purchase the Sigma USB Dock to make any minor AF adjustments to this lens if required, or can I use my K3 to make adjustments and if so, how??? I've been using Sigma lenses over the years and must be a fortunate fellow because none of my lenses have required an AF adjustment. Thanks for any comments on this. Don

12-13-2015, 10:38 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	You can read more about the dock here: Sigma USB Dock Tutorial and Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Like osv said, the dock allows you to make more targeted adjustments. Whether or not it's necessary will depend on your copy of the lens, but if you plan on getting more Sigma lenses in the future, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have the dock just in case. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-14-2015, 04:46 AM	#5
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	I have one of these expensive K mount lens caps. As mentioned in the posts above, the Sigma lens dock allows for AF adjustments based upon focal length - *but* you can only adjust AF at fixed points along the distance scale relevant to the lens. Also another thing to be wary of, the light (on the lens dock) only comes on when the sigma software detects the dock, after you close the software the green light will remain on - it will only blink when data is being written to the lens memory, it is best to attach the lens before plugging in the lens dock. It is also best to only unplug the lens dock after you close down the software - there is no disconnect option in the sigma software or through windows. Last edited by Digitalis; 12-14-2015 at 07:52 PM.

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12-13-2015, 09:27 AM	#2
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	my understanding is that you can typically trim the af with a camera, but it would apply to all focal lengths. the dock lets you make four(?) af trim adjustments, at any combination of focal lengths you choose. stevebrot has used one, maybe he'll weigh in with some comments.

12-13-2015, 08:01 PM	#4
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I got one to go with my 50mm Art and 17-70mm Contemporary lenses, but haven't had to use it. It's still in its box.

12-14-2015, 03:54 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by osv the dock lets you make four(?) af trim adjustments, at any combination of focal lengths you choose. stevebrot has used one, maybe he'll weigh in with some comments. Nah...stevebrot only watched the demo video. I would love to have the dock since my 17-70 (C) needs the firmware upgrade, but no money at present...it can wait. I am happy to see that Digitalis weighed in. He has hands-on experience and is very tech oriented. Steve

12-14-2015, 03:55 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Digitalis As mentioned in the posts above, the Sigma lens dock allows for AF adjustments based upon focal length - but you can only adjust AF at fixed points along the distance scale relevant to the lens. 16 adjustments total Steve

12-14-2015, 08:01 PM	#8
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by stevebrot 16 adjustments total Don't get too excited, I hate to think of how many adjustments owners of the Sigma 18-300mm DC macro* OS HSM lenses get, which is probably somewhere between too many and not enough. * this isn't the first time I have seen such optimism from sigma.

12-14-2015, 08:06 PM	#9
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Digitalis Don't get too excited, I hate to think of how many adjustments owners of the Sigma 18-300mm DC macro* OS HSM lenses get. Let superzoom owners suffer. Did I say that out loud? {Embarrassed cough}