New lens a bit stiff
 

I have just purchased a new Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro lens for my Pentax K100D Super. I am pleased with it so far but a bit concerned that it is a little bit stiff when I first start turning the barrel. Will this ease with use or should I return it?

Many thanks
Amelia

Welcome Amelia,

I have no experience with your lens so cannot help, I just thought to welcome you to our community.

Focusing rings can loosen with time (not always a desirable thing). However, you don't want to leave it too long if you have to take the lens back. If you bought locally, try asking the retailer if you can compare your lens with similar models.

I still have an old Sigma 170-500 which is still a bit stiff and I noticed a comment in a photo mag on the new 150-500 that their sample was stiff so maybe Sigmas have a tendency that way. How stiff is stiff? Reckon birdsnapper has a good suggestion.

Welcome aboard Amelia

There seems to be a greater variance in build quality with Sigma lens. When I was looking for a 10-20 wide angle I could not make my mind up whether to go for the canon or the cheaper sigma. As a consequence I visited many different camera shops to compare the lens. I noticed a marked difference in the focus ring stiffness with the same model of sigma in the different shops. In the end I found a Sigma with a smooth focus action.

I would be inclined to follow Mikes advice and see if you can get a better one.

Hi folks

Thanks for the replies. I'm sorry but I didn't make it clear. It isn't the focus ring that's stiff, it's the zoom action. It's not very stiff, just not smooth - like it needs a bit of WD40! If it will loosen in time I wont worry but as birdsnapper says I mustn't leave it too long. I bought it online at W/Exp.

Thanks again
Amelia

Same difference, but whatever you do never be tempted to squirt WD40 at it.

Have you got the lens set for macro, if so it is only free between 200mm and 300mm

Alan

Hi Amelia,
That you posted the problem on here shows you are concerned enough to go back to the shop and ask them for help. ;)
A good shop will have a look at it for you. Some zoom lenses actions are quite stiff at particular points due to the mechanism, and that modern optics quite often rely on 'floating' optics ie bits of the internal glass that move at different speeds/rates when the zoom control is used.
Ask the shop if it is common with this lens, and more importantly ask them to show you theirs in the shop (ideally not the demo one)
I'm sure they'll be happy to help.....don't be suprised if they want to sell you a protective filter for it if they dont see one of there too.
good luck ;)


P.S sorry didn't spot you bought from warehouse express. Still worth trying a high street retailer if you can spot they have the same lens for sale.

:eek:



Thanks guys!

Not sure how W/Ex customer service is, as I've never had to return anything before. Might end up with one that's worse.............
The joys of shopping online!

Amelia

W/Ex not bad for returns. Tell them what you think is wrong and they'll check it out. I've returned two lens; one they agreed was faulty and I got a full refund (including return postage); the other, I just returned because it was too soft and got a credit note (I had to pay for the return postage).

Thanks for that Mike. Have 'phoned them this morning and they seemed quite happy to replace. Hope I don't end up with one that's worse! Watch this space...........

Just noticed when packaging the lens for return, that it arrived protected only by one sheet of bubblewrap, loose inside a large plastic delivery bag! Not an ideal way for a lens to travel me thinks!!

Amelia

I have same lens Nikon fit. the zoom is quite stiff compared to others, but i felt it as good thing, as a tamron lens i have zooms in/out if i tilt it up/down.
J

If it was an all round, stiff/tight feeling but smooth I probably wouldn't worry too much, but it's as though it is 'catching' as it rotates. I really, really hope that the replacement is not worse!

Are you pleased with your Sigma lens overall Jamie?

Have had my replacement lens back from WE. They needed a bit of a gee-up to get it sent out after receiving the original back - said they hadn't received it etc until I supplied tracking number .........

Anyway, the new lens zoom is quite stiff, but all around - not catching in just one place. I guess it will loosen up in time and I will just have to get used to it. Mustn't compare it to Pentax lenses! Very pleased with the Sigma overall and looking forward to using it.

Amelia

Good news!
Glad you got the right result for you Amelia

Enjoy the lens, look forward to seeing some results.

I think those 70-300 sigmas suffer from this i noticed my one i had was stiff sometimes ended up selling and getting the canon 55-250