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Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Sony/Minolta

Topic started on Apr 6, 2012 6:39 PM , last reply on Apr 30, 2012 4:54 PM

in Cameras and Photo Frames > Alpha & NEX
Skighpilot
15 posts since
Dec 3, 2010

Hi all,

 

I have bought this lens online for my A700 DSLR. On receipt I found it said on the box "compatible with A65 and A77" but this was not stated on the seller's web page. The lens fits my camera but will not focus either automatically or manually. I believe this is a compatibility issue, rather than a faulty lens.

 

I have previously bought other lenses eg Tamron without problems and thought the only question was whether it was suitable for a Sony Alpha mount. Indeed I have lenses that work without problem on my old Minolta 35mm camera.

 

Any advice gratefully received, thanks.


Tags: a700, sigma, compatibility
  • blaireau_photo
    blaireau_photo
    1,269 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Apr 7, 2012 12:55 AM

    Hello Skighpilot

     

    I have heard of some Sigma lens owners who have had issues when using them with Alpha cameras. If possible, first of all I would try and visit a camera store to try an identical lens to elimate the possibility of a lens fault. If the same issue occurs with another Sigma lens, then you may need to contact Sigma for further assistance relating to compatibility / the chip used within the lens.

     

    The last publically available firmware update for the A700 was some years ago now:

     

    http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/DSLR-A700/downloads/A700_V4_WIN

     

    So I am assuming that your A700 is up to date (it is always worth a look).

     

    Hopefully, if there are any other Sigma lens users who have experienced the same issue, they may have some insight here. At the end of the day, if you feel that the original web site has mis-informed you regarding the compatibility of the product, I would strongly advise you to take it up with them. Do you have the original link to the product / site where it was purchased from so I can take a look?

     

    Thanks,

     

    Simon


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 7, 2012 9:33 PM

    Hello Simon,

     

    Thanks very much for your response. I've already taken the matter up with the supplier and asked them to confirm whether the lens should be compatible with the A700. I've also asked the same question at Sigma's Support Department. This being the Easter weekend, I won't get an answer until Tuesday. I do have a link to the seller's website but would prefer to wait for their response before passing it on to you.

     

    I will check to make sure that all the software and firmware is up to date, thanks for suggesting it.

     

    Have a great weekend, I'll let you know what happens.

     

    Skighpilot

     

    PS I've now checked and I'm still on Version 2!! I've tried to install V4 but the confirmation window does not appear. I have Win 7 Home premium 64bit and I note 64bit is not supported. Presumably I'll have to get access to a 32bit OS to update?

     

    Message was edited by: Skighpilot

    Message was edited by: Skighpilot


    • Reply
  • blaireau_photo
    blaireau_photo
    1,269 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Apr 7, 2012 11:18 PM

    Hello again

     

    Yes I would definitely try and perform the update on a 32 bit machine. If you right click on the file to run it in Win 7 you may be able to run it in compatibility mode for previous versions of Windows but that can be a bit 'hit and miss'.

     

    If you don't get any joy with Sigma then feel free to post the link.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Simon


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 8, 2012 6:47 PM

    Hi Simon,

     

    I have now successfully updated the firmware to version 4. It has made no difference to the lens. What I don't understand is that, when I change the lens setting to manual and turn the focussing ring, the image in the viewfinder does not change, but remains out of focus. Next step is to reset the camera to default settings.

     

    Skighpilot.


    • Reply
  • blaireau_photo
    blaireau_photo
    1,269 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Apr 9, 2012 12:42 AM

    Hello again

     

    Hopefully it won't take Sigma too long to get back to you after the Easter break with any further suggestions for your lens and camera. Did resetting to the default settings help at all?

     

    Simon


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 9, 2012 1:01 PM

    Hi Simon,

     

    No, unfortunately resetting to default made no difference. I hope to hear from both the seller and Sigma tomorrow.

     

    Skighpilot


    • Reply
  • gimp69
    gimp69
    80 posts since
    May 16, 2011
    Written on Apr 9, 2012 7:22 PM

    It's a faulty lens I reckon.  The A65/77 sticker suggests that you have a newly manufactured lens too.

     

    There are no issues on the A700 with any Sigma lens I have, even an ancient 24mm f2.8 works.


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 10, 2012 9:20 AM

    Hi gimp69,

     

    Thanks for your input.

     

    Skighpilot


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 10, 2012 9:08 PM

    I have now had a reply from Onestop Digital and I quote:

     

    "We contacted Sigma Japan, and they said you would need to upgrade the  firmware of your Sony A700 to the latest version and this will  definitely solve the problem you are having."

     

    I have replied saying that I have updated the firmware and reset to default and it has made no difference. This seems to suggest that compatibility is not the problem. I have said I now believe the lens to be faulty and asked that they arrange for it to be collected for refund or replacement. Will let you know the outcome.

     

    Skighpilot

     

    Message was edited by: Skighpilot

    Message was edited by: Skighpilot


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 11, 2012 1:47 PM

    I have now had a reply from Sigma UK as follows:

     

    "The lens should fully function on the A700.  There are no compatibility issues.  I suggest you return this to the retailer."

     

    Onestop Digital have also sent me instructions for returning the lens at their expense. I have to say their sevice and response to the problem so far have been exemplary. My only dilemma now is whether to ask for a refund or replacement. I do really like the lens and have not seen it cheaper elsewhere. Just a little bit wary in case I get another duff one.

     

    Skighpilot


    • Reply
  • gimp69
    gimp69
    80 posts since
    May 16, 2011
    Written on Apr 13, 2012 2:17 PM

    I'd replace it.  OSD are pretty good.


    • Reply
  • cmosse
    cmosse
    312 posts since
    Feb 24, 2012
    Written on Apr 13, 2012 3:21 PM

    Have you tried the Sigma 85mm lens on another camera? Do you own other SSM/HSM/SAM lenses which work on the A700.

    I am asking because there is also the possibility that something is not OK with the camera. The HSM lens is powered by the camera and sometimes there is a defect in the power supply from the camera


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 13, 2012 11:55 PM

    I understand that, but would that prevent the lens from focussing manually? I do plan to take the lens to the Sony Centre of Excellence on Monday to check it on other cameras. Whether they'll have an A700 is debateable, but it should prove whether the lens does function correctly.


    • Reply
  • Skighpilot
    15 posts since
    Dec 3, 2010
    Written on Apr 14, 2012 12:01 AM

    To answer the first part of your question, I have a number of other autofocus and zoom lenses powered by the camera that work perfectly. Even an old Minolta AF lens is fine.


    • Reply
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