New lens a bit stiff

[amelia1730]

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

[Canis Vulpes]

Welcome Amelia,

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

[Birdsnapper]

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.

[miketoll]

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.

[robski]

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.

[amelia1730]

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

[robski]

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

[blackmarlin]

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

Alan

[Joe]

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.

[amelia1730]

Originally Posted by robski

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

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