Issues with my Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon

9 years 4 months ago #413578 by woodcycl
My experience with the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon ...I purchased the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon about a year ago hoping that it would become my go-to lens for walk-around and especially for indoor family photos for holidays, events, etc. given the 2.8 aperture option. However, since day one, I have not been happy with the resulting photos in any environment, but especially indoors. I typically shoot at 2.8 indoors for more light of course. My photos seem soft and a bit out of focus / lack sharpness. For the longest time, I just assumed I was doing something wrong or it was just me. All the reviews on B&H Photo are very good given the lens quality/price level (a definite step above kit lens). However, now that I've had some time with the lens, and using the same/similar settings as with my 50mm Prime (typically shoot using AF-S) I'm starting to wonder if I have a lemon lens. Any thoughts, insight, or tips are appreciated. Oh, I'm shooting with a D7100 body.


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9 years 4 months ago #413579 by garyrhook
Not with that lens. But I can say that I considered the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and was able to use one for a few hours. The images at the far end were unacceptable soft for me, even with post processing. The Nikon VRII blows it away.

It's possible it's just the lens, although you could check its focusing to be sure it's calibrated. I believe your body allows for microfocus adjustments.  Past that, it may be that your bar is higher than theirs.


Photo Comments
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9 years 4 months ago #413665 by Joves
:agree:
Yeah you need to see if it is back/front focusing. To do the down a dirty method I use my speed square, and mount a printed scale on the 45° edge with a glue stick. Then I set the camera on a tripod, level the camera with the zero mark in the center, and look at the photos. If the zero mark is fuzzy, but one of the other numbers are crisp then it is not focusing correctly.


The following user(s) said Thank You: woodcycl
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