SIGMA F4 SPORTS LENS - PROBLEMS WITH AUTOFOCUS, BUILD QUALITY & PERFORMANCE WITH TELECONVERTER

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Geoff Dicker

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Hi all

I am now on my second version of this lens. The first purchaed in 2017 went back to Sigma twice as the tripod mount locking nut kept seizing & was eventually replaced by WEX (UK retailer). The second copy was new from August 2018 & performed well until a month ago when I had all sorts of problems with the autofocus not working. This culminated in the lens literally coming apart - see attached - when I was using it a week ago. Sigma now want to charge me over £500 ($700) to repair the lens saying that it is not covered by guarantee. They have stated that the defect is not a manufacturing one which suggests that I have damaged or misused the lens which I categorically have not. Additionally the performance with the bespoke teleconverter is sub-standard in terms of sharpness although I have tried fine tuning it with the camera's (Nikon D500) AF fine tuning (great tutorial Steve by the way) and using the Sigma USB Dock. I intend to challenge SIGMA until I can either get an adequate repair or a third example. My question is have any other Members had any similar issues with thsi lens. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Geoff Dicker (UK)
Sigma 500 - 1.jpg
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Holy smoke!!
Looks like you had some serious bad luck.
Hope you get it sorted out with Sigma.
I never heard of such issue with this (or any other lens) before.

BTW does remind me of the AU focussing units we used back in the days.
 
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I have the same lens, which I have to say, has been fantastic. However the tripod locking nut has always been seized (open, luckily) since I got it from the previous owner. Seems like it is a bit of a trend unfortunately and it won't budge at all. I am wanting to sell the lens at some point as I recently acquired a 600 FL, but I would like to get the collar problem sorted. Unfortunately here in Oz, it will have to go to Melbourne and maybe Japan....Its a shame because I have really love this lens these last two years! Good luck with your fight and keep us informed please.
 
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Commiserations. Looks like extreme bad luck! I have had this lens since 2017 and have used it a lot with and without the TC 1.4. It has always met my best expectations optically and mechanically. I have probably used it equally hand-held and on a tripod using a Lensmaster RH1 (great alternative to a gimbal). The latter involves supporting the lens on an Arca plate horizontally so I use the foot rotation routinely without any problems. I have looked out for other people's comments on the lens in various forums and have never seen anything like this - only positive comments.
I would say I had taken reasonably good care of mine but it has been carried by the tripod foot on quite long walks with a tripod attached to it. Other times it has been safely stowed and carried in the very practical ruc-sac provided by Sigma. I use it a bit less now that I have the 500PF but the Sigma is the better lens (just bigger and heavier!)
 
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