Info on 400mm Sigma APO telephoto lens

SOldBear · 02-26-2009, 02:09 PM

I have a chance to buy this lens.

Besides "400mm Sigma APO" and that the lens has a case and that it is currently attached to a Ricoh XR7, I can't get more details out of the seller. I did a quick search but details are sketchy.

I'm trying to decide whether I should drive 30 miles one way to see it.

Is it worth $80?

Thanks.

Quicksand · 02-26-2009, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

I have a chance to buy this lens.

Besides "400mm Sigma APO" and that the lens has a case and that it is currently attached to a Ricoh XR7, I can't get more details out of the seller. I did a quick search but details are sketchy.

I'm trying to decide whether I should drive 30 miles one way to see it.

Is it worth $80?

Thanks.

I have a vague recollection that this particular lens -- Sigma 400mm APO -- has a reputation for getting fogged elements over the course of time, which can't be easily repaired. Something like degraded lens cement.

Maybe someone else remembers better, but my memory is, uh, foggy.

7.62lew · 02-27-2009, 08:05 AM

I have a Sigma 400MM F5.6 APO. It has the 72MM filter threads, gold APO on the tripod mount, manual focus and has the "A" setting on the aperture ring. It has a built in lens hood. The lettering around the lens hood " Sigma Telephoto 400mm 1:5.6 multi-coated Lens made in Japan" The one I got looked like it was brand new. I am very happy with the one that I got. It seems to me to almost give the same "colors" as Pentax lenses. I would say if you look at it and it is not damaged, take a chance. You're really no going to get a 400mm prime any cheaper.

Here are some pictures with my copy. All of these were handheldFlickr: 7.62lew's stuff tagged with 400mm

reeftool · 02-27-2009, 11:21 AM

I saw one on Ebay recently and the bidding was $275 with several bidders and a few days left so I think 80 bucks is a good price. If you don't like it, sell it.

SOldBear · 02-27-2009, 03:38 PM

I bought the lens.

Originally posted by 7.62lew

I have a Sigma 400MM F5.6 APO. It has the 72MM filter threads, gold APO on the tripod mount, manual focus and has the "A" setting on the aperture ring. It has a built in lens hood. The lettering around the lens hood " Sigma Telephoto 400mm 1:5.6 multi-coated Lens made in Japan"

It is exactly this, including the PKa mount. Not brand new, but from the look and feel, I'd give it an 9/10 (10 being new).

The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way.

As bonuses, the deal came with an SMC Pentax-M 40-80mm f/2.8-4.0 (PK mount) and a Promaster 28mm f/2.8 (PKa mount).

I'm at work so can't try the lenses out. But they all look good.

Thanks, folks.

7.62lew · 02-27-2009, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

I bought the lens.

The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way.

Thanks, folks.

Yes, mine feels the same way, undamped. When I am shooting airplanes, I get it focused at infinity, then I can fine tune it as I am shooting with one finger.

Try the lens out and post some photo's when you get a chance,

Have a good one.
7.62lew

**barondla** · 03-02-2009, 06:29 AM

Be very careful with this lens. They have about a 50% defect rate. Mine has seperated elements as does my friends. Just google it and see all the horror stories. This and two other lenses (both expensive) are why I will never own another Sigma lens.

thanks
barondla

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST # 16 WINNERS in P&S forum. Enter #17. Any brand camera. Any subject. Enter now!

Jewelltrail · 04-06-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

spld Bear:It is exactly this, including the PKa mount. Not brand new, but from the look and feel, I'd give it an 9/10 (10 being new).

The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way.

As bonuses, the deal came with an SMC Pentax-M 40-80mm f/2.8-4.0 (PK mount) and a Promaster 28mm f/2.8 (PKa mount).

I'm at work so can't try the lenses out. But they all look good.

Thanks, folks.

Do you have any shots you can post with the Sigma 400? Thanks.

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02-26-2009, 02:09 PM	#1
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Info on 400mm Sigma APO telephoto lens I have a chance to buy this lens. Besides "400mm Sigma APO" and that the lens has a case and that it is currently attached to a Ricoh XR7, I can't get more details out of the seller. I did a quick search but details are sketchy. I'm trying to decide whether I should drive 30 miles one way to see it. Is it worth $80? Thanks.

02-26-2009, 02:28 PM	#2
Quicksand Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Ohio (formerly SF Bay Area) Posts: 1,519	Originally posted by SOldBear I have a chance to buy this lens. Besides "400mm Sigma APO" and that the lens has a case and that it is currently attached to a Ricoh XR7, I can't get more details out of the seller. I did a quick search but details are sketchy. I'm trying to decide whether I should drive 30 miles one way to see it. Is it worth $80? Thanks. I have a vague recollection that this particular lens -- Sigma 400mm APO -- has a reputation for getting fogged elements over the course of time, which can't be easily repaired. Something like degraded lens cement. Maybe someone else remembers better, but my memory is, uh, foggy.

02-27-2009, 08:05 AM	#3
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	I have a Sigma 400MM F5.6 APO. It has the 72MM filter threads, gold APO on the tripod mount, manual focus and has the "A" setting on the aperture ring. It has a built in lens hood. The lettering around the lens hood " Sigma Telephoto 400mm 1:5.6 multi-coated Lens made in Japan" The one I got looked like it was brand new. I am very happy with the one that I got. It seems to me to almost give the same "colors" as Pentax lenses. I would say if you look at it and it is not damaged, take a chance. You're really no going to get a 400mm prime any cheaper. Here are some pictures with my copy. All of these were handheldFlickr: 7.62lew's stuff tagged with 400mm

02-27-2009, 11:21 AM	#4
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	I saw one on Ebay recently and the bidding was $275 with several bidders and a few days left so I think 80 bucks is a good price. If you don't like it, sell it.

02-27-2009, 03:38 PM	#5
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206 Original Poster	I bought the lens. Originally posted by 7.62lew I have a Sigma 400MM F5.6 APO. It has the 72MM filter threads, gold APO on the tripod mount, manual focus and has the "A" setting on the aperture ring. It has a built in lens hood. The lettering around the lens hood " Sigma Telephoto 400mm 1:5.6 multi-coated Lens made in Japan" It is exactly this, including the PKa mount. Not brand new, but from the look and feel, I'd give it an 9/10 (10 being new). The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way. As bonuses, the deal came with an SMC Pentax-M 40-80mm f/2.8-4.0 (PK mount) and a Promaster 28mm f/2.8 (PKa mount). I'm at work so can't try the lenses out. But they all look good. Thanks, folks.

02-27-2009, 10:35 PM	#6
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	Originally posted by SOldBear I bought the lens. The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way. Thanks, folks. Yes, mine feels the same way, undamped. When I am shooting airplanes, I get it focused at infinity, then I can fine tune it as I am shooting with one finger. Try the lens out and post some photo's when you get a chance, Have a good one. 7.62lew

03-02-2009, 06:29 AM	#7
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,716	Be very careful with this lens. They have about a 50% defect rate. Mine has seperated elements as does my friends. Just google it and see all the horror stories. This and two other lenses (both expensive) are why I will never own another Sigma lens. thanks barondla Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST # 16 WINNERS in P&S forum. Enter #17. Any brand camera. Any subject. Enter now!

04-06-2009, 09:56 PM	#8
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: spld Bear:It is exactly this, including the PKa mount. Not brand new, but from the look and feel, I'd give it an 9/10 (10 being new). The focus ring feels undamped, however, not as bad as on most autofocus lenses, but not as "good" as on most manual focus lenses. Please tell me if your lens feels the same way. As bonuses, the deal came with an SMC Pentax-M 40-80mm f/2.8-4.0 (PK mount) and a Promaster 28mm f/2.8 (PKa mount). I'm at work so can't try the lenses out. But they all look good. Thanks, folks. Do you have any shots you can post with the Sigma 400? Thanks.