Sigma updates firmware for 35mm F1.4 and 17-70mm F2.8-4 lenses

Sigma has announced firmware updates for two of its most recent lenses, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 (Canon mount) and 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C013 (Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts). The lenses must be updated using Sigma's USB Dock, and owners should download the latest Version 1.1 of Sigma Optimization Pro software first, which allows any user-defined AF microadjust settings to be retained after updating the lens.

According to Sigma, the updates offer the following improvements:

17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 - Version 1.01 for Canon, Nikon and Sigma improves the stability of the Optical Stabilizer's operation, and (for Canon mount only) refines the AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise.

35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012  - Version 1.02 for Canon refines the AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise, and improves the smoothness of AF as it starts up and stops.

• Click here for our review of the Sigma USB Dock and Optimization Pro software (v1.0)
• Click here for our review of the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C013
• Click here for our review of the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DC HSM A012

Press release: 

The latest version of SIGMA Optimization Pro, Ver1.1 is available for download.

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

Today we’d like to announce that we start the download service of “SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Windows” and “SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Macintosh”, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK which allows customers to update the lens firmware of new product lines, as well as to customize settings such as AF and focusing position.

This download service is for SIGMA USB DOCK Users who are using our interchangeable lenses from 3 product lines (Contemporary, Art, Sports). As SIGMA USB DOCK Users, please be sure to update to SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1, before operating any lens firmware updates.

Benefits of the SIGMA Optimization Pro software update:

SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Windows

•  Even after the update of lens firmware, this updated version of software will allow customers to secure all the settings and adjustment values of AF and OS that are customized via the USB DOCK.
* Please update to Ver1.1 before operating firmware update of 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012
•  When the latest version of SIGMA Optimization Pro is released, users of the previous version will be notified with a pop-up window when the software starts up with an internet connection.

SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Macintosh

•  Even after the update of lens firmware, this updated version of software will allow customers to secure all the settings and adjustment values of AF and OS that are customized via the USB DOCK.
* Please update to Ver1.1 before operating firmware update of 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012
•  When the latest version of SIGMA Optimization Pro is released, users of the previous version will be notified with a pop-up window when the software starts up with an internet connection.

“SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Windows” and “SIGMA Optimization Pro 1.1 for Macintosh” can be downloaded at the following site.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page

http://www.sigma-global.com/download/en/index.html

We appreciate your continuing support for our company and products.

Dear SIGMA USB DOCK Users.
 
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We'd like to announce that we are going to introduce the download service of SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver. 1.1, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK, in the end of September.

Even after the update of lens firmware, this updated version of software will allow customers to secure all the settings and adjustment values of AF and OS that are customized via the USB DOCK.

As SIGMA USB DOCK Users, please be sure to update to SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.1 from the following page, before operating any lens firmware updates.

http://www.sigma-global.com/download/

Moreover, at the same time the new version of SIGMA Optimization Pro becomes available, we are planning to update lens firmware for 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 Canon mount as well as 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.

We appreciate your continuing support for our company and products.

Click here for the 'Latest News' section on Sigma's website

You may also like

Ditch the 'kit': Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM 'C' review Aug 5, 2013	What's up, dock? Sigma USB Dock review Aug 12, 2013	Sigma announces availability of 35mm F1.4 DG HSM for Sony and Pentax May 24, 2013	Sony RX1 wins Camera Grand Prix 2013, Sigma 35mm F1.4 lens of the year May 15, 2013

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Add to: Login to add this item to your gear lists.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Add to: Login to add this item to your gear lists.

GearShop

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Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C (Canon EF Mount)●	$499.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C (Nikon DX Mount)●	$499.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4 DC Macro HSM C (Pentax K Mount)●	$499.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C (Sigma SA Mount)●	$499.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4 DC Macro HSM C (Sony A Mount)●	$499.00	Buy on GearShop

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Support this site, buy from dpreview GearShop.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Lens (Canon EF Mount)●	$899.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Lens (Nikon FX Mount)●	$899.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens (Pentax K Mount)●	$899.00	Buy on GearShop
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens (Sony A Mount)●	$899.00	Buy on GearShop

Comments

Total comments: 36

By Bigwind (2 weeks ago)

This is a very good piece of optic from sigma,
It was really pitty that it has seriuos back focus issues, i got mine nikon copy ,tested and returned.The dealer tested several units from stock and found out that all having same problem,so he has to return them to Sigma.
Hope Sigma can quickly look into this problem and fixed it, their branding will be no.1.

0 upvotes

By zorgon (2 weeks ago)

I find that my sigma 35mm on my canon 5diii front focuses quite badly when using 61 point AF mode yet focuses perfectly when using single point AF. Maybe I'll see if this update fixes things.

0 upvotes

By rj photo studios (2 weeks ago)

I am also hoping for the same thing. Hope all gets fixed. www.rjphotostudios.com

Comment edited 17 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

By Photoman (2 weeks ago)

Um, I don't mean to be rude, but it is like giving 61 monkeys the steering wheel and hoping that they drive you to your destination The camera can't read your mind...yet)...it will end in disaster! Single point, with maybe the nearest surrounding points will always be best.

0 upvotes

By zorgon (2 weeks ago)

@photoman
I know it's front focusing as I can go into dpp to view the active focus point(s) in the final images and none of them are in focus.
Do you actually own this lens and camera combination yourself?

0 upvotes

By zorgon (1 week ago)

UPDATE: I've just installed the new firmware (1.02) on the 35 1.4 and no improvement on the issue mentioned above. It's probably a camera specific issue as it also happens with my canon 85mm 1.8. I guess I'll just stick with single pt AF.

0 upvotes

By Greg VdB (2 weeks ago)

if I owned a camera store I'd make sure to have one usb dock and offer a free firmware upgrade service to my customers. Might earn me an extra sale or two... (an AF adjustment service could be offered as well, but since this takes time it would have to cost something)

5 upvotes

By vwsjr (2 weeks ago)

This just makes me trust Sigma even less. I've never had to update firmware on any Nikon lens, or any brand lens for that matter. Now Sigma comes out with this cheap piece of hardware you have to buy to update firmware, and all of the sudden multiple lenses need updating? It's just a gimmick and it simply allows them to release lenses with poorly tested firmware.

0 upvotes

By AFishEye (2 weeks ago)

This just makes me trust Nikon/Canon/Sony/Pentax/Ricoh/Samsung/Panasonic/Olympus even less. I've never had to update firmware on any of my film camera bodies. Now they come out with this cheap piece of hardware you have to buy to update firmware (and connect to this thing called the internet as well), and all of the sudden multiple cameras need updating? It's just a gimmick and it simply allows them to release bodies with poorly tested firmware. Enough of that; time for me to go back to my dark room, I always change the emulsion on Friday

7 upvotes

By abortabort (2 weeks ago)

Great, one less numpty to push back delivery dates on new lenses ;) Keep buying your overpriced Nikkors and enjoy. Oh and that is because there is no facility in the mount design of your precious Nikon to update firmware - they have to be recalibrated by Nikon... Enjoy.

Modern mounts actually have this facility (as they were born in a digital age) including m43's, Fuji X, E-Mount, NX mount, Nikon 1 (there's your precious Nikon again - wonder why their 1 system has this facility?).

1 upvote

By thomearl (2 weeks ago)

My 35mm was just delivered new last week. I doubt it, but wondering if mine might already have the new firmware. Anyone know how to check without having the dock?

0 upvotes

By sharkcookie (2 weeks ago)

I have to admit, Sigma's firmware update system for lenses is pretty cool and builds trust.

4 upvotes

By InTheMist (2 weeks ago)

I love my 35/1.4 Art second only to Sigma's commitment to excellence.

3 upvotes

By tinzi1 (2 weeks ago)

Sigma is the ONLY company which generous enough to offer its user a device to adjust ALL of its future lens' WITHOUT have the user paying for shipping, probable damage during transporting, lens update, and time waiting. If you got 2 lemons from Nikon and 3 lemons from Canon, U got 5 lens' to ship out; if you got 5 lemons from Sigma, it's this one usb dock...just think a bit ahead man, it doesn't requires Algebra to figure this out.

5 upvotes

By balios (2 weeks ago)

The two that I know:

Post 2012 Canon cameras (1DX, 5Diii, 650D+) can update the lens firmware. This was applicable to the Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM firmware update of last year.

Fuji XF lenses can be updated via the camera as well.

Comment edited 36 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

By abortabort (2 weeks ago)

As can m43's, E-Mount, X Mount, NX mount, CX mount.

0 upvotes

By tinzi1 (2 weeks ago)

hum, my bad for not getting research through. To make sure i'm not missing the point, isn't sigma dock is the only device that let you micro-adjust? The other updates you guys talk about is not customizable, correct?

0 upvotes

By PedroK (2 weeks ago)

Firmware Update | SIGMA Optimization Pro
[ Art | 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | 012 | For CANON EF Mount ]

Firmware Version 1.02
It has refined the AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise.
It has improved the smoothness of AF as it starts up and stops.

1 upvote

By Paul Storm (2 weeks ago)

dammit sigma, now i have to spend $60 just to update my lens firmware!

1 upvote

By ageha (2 weeks ago)

Better than to send in the lens like in the old days.

4 upvotes

By Der Steppenwolf (2 weeks ago)

And you also get a device that will let you adjust focus and/or firmware for all of your future Sigmas without having to wait or resend lens and then wait, and wait :)
It is a rather good deal if you think about it that way.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

6 upvotes

By rambarra (2 weeks ago)

except for the fact that I never ever had the need to send my canon lenses back to canon for "firmware update".
And also can do MA directly in camera w/o the need of whatsoever usb dock

0 upvotes

By cordellwillis (2 weeks ago)

You every firmware updated a Canon camera? What's the difference?

1 upvote

By abortabort (2 weeks ago)

@ rambarra - Oh good so you can adjust the MA at different focus distances? Yeah I thought so.

Oh and Canon not offering firmware updates is a bad thing, not a good thing. These lens don't 'need' an update, but it will improve the already excellent performance. How many Canon lenses is this the case for?

0 upvotes

By The Photo Ninja (2 weeks ago)

I sold my sigma 35 mm and got canons. If sigma is going to issue firmware updates, that's cool. Still, they need to give the usb dock away for free!

0 upvotes

By sambomax (2 weeks ago)

Why u sold the sigma?

2 upvotes

By Nukunukoo (2 weeks ago)

Seriously? You sold the 35mm? Why? I have nothing to complain with mine and we migrated from the Canon.

2 upvotes

By Thorbard (2 weeks ago)

Would you rather pay $60 extra for each lens and get an extra USB dock with each lens, or would you rather buy one once as a separate item and have it for all the sigma lenses that you own?

Besides, some retailers offer it as a free bundle item anyway...

3 upvotes

By balios (2 weeks ago)

Considering the price savings on the Sigmas, the $60 dock is kind of trivial. Even with the dock you're looking at $1500 vs $960 for a 35/1.4. You may have a preference for Canon for other reasons, but complaining about a $60 dock is kind of silly at this price point.

2 upvotes

By AmerK (2 weeks ago)

I own 35 1.4 on Nikon D800 and while most of the images are focused correctly the AF speed is kinda slow and sometimes really hard to focus in low light (all when open at 1.4). Anyone experienced this? I absolutely love this lens anyway ;)

0 upvotes

By Nukunukoo (2 weeks ago)

I have no problem with my Nikon mount. Under low light, it's not unusual to have difficulty in focusing at 1.4 (D600) but is quite impressive with the D7100 under the same conditions. With a stop higher, it's no longer an issue for me.

0 upvotes

By LWS2013 (2 weeks ago)

I use the Sigma 35 f/1.4 on my D800E, focus speed is very good, and low light focus is fine, I did buy the dock to correct the focusing, took an hour but now its perfect

1 upvote

By sambomax (2 weeks ago)

it's unclear exactly what benefits the updates are expected to bring?

Very clear 2 me:Focus errors compansation issues

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 59 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

By marleni (2 weeks ago)

The lenses are so new and the ratings for them were so high on dpreview that these firmware updates really come as a surprise.
Please find out soon about the benefits, if there are any serious
- or is it to promote the USB dock ?

1 upvote

By PedroK (2 weeks ago)

Firmware Update | SIGMA Optimization Pro
[ Art | 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | 012 | For CANON EF Mount ]

Firmware Version 1.02
It has refined the AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise.
It has improved the smoothness of AF as it starts up and stops.

0 upvotes

By Stacey_K (2 weeks ago)

yeah I just got the 17-70 lens, before I shell out $60 to be able to update the firmware, I wanna know what it does. ALso shouldn't I be able to mail the lens back to them for the update under warranty? $5 is a lot less than $60 for something I may not use often.

0 upvotes

Total comments: 36