My sigma 70-300 DL Macro super died again, need advice

Hey all,

I noticed that this lens had been not focusing properly for the past few weeks on my 300D. While at the zoo yesterday, it refused to auto focus. It would make a sound, but nothing would focus. It also would not respond on my Elan IIe.

I have had this lens since Dec of 98 when I bought my Elan IIe. I had to send it to Sigma Japan in January of 1999 as I was shooting outside (Wisconsin) in temps near 5 degrees F and it froze up. Got it back 2 months later. I had it rechiped in Feb. of 2003 to work beter with my 300D.

I had been looking to save up for a Bigma, but I'm no where near having enough ($198/week for daycare sucks up a ton of $ fast!). I am now without a longer lens (Just the Kit Lens and a canon 35-80 HSM). I am looking for advice on what to do! Thanks!

I can still use it as a manual focus, but my wildlife results are not good.

No suggestions? Thanks again for any insights!

Some vital questions.

How much do you got saved up?
How much longer would you have to save to get a Bigma?
Have you considered a tc go go with the kit lens for now?
Are you willing to get a cheap lens you would be only somewhat satisfied with?

Child care costs are high everywhere and those dang child labor laws are too strict if you ask me ;-) Sorry, can't help you there.

--
Alex

An American in Japan, DSLR Newbie

It refused to focus, so I locked the zoom down and held it face down and gave it a few hard whacks with the heal of my hand. That taught it to straighten up and behave. Now it focuses great! Sometimes, you gotta do Kids like that. LOL!
Rocky
--
http://rockyc.smugmug.com/
http://www.pbase.com/rockyc2

I have about $350 - $400 put away right now. How much I can save up will depend on if I find a different job that pays a lot better.

I saw an old ef 70-210 f4 at http://www.keh.com and it has been there for days. I believe it only costs U$109 or so. It's not 300mm, but buy a used U$60 or so tamron 1.4x TC and you now have a 98-280mm f5.6. Just tape the pins if it won't AF. This will be below your stated current budget. Not only that, you won't have to slowly pay sigma to constantly fix your lens. If you ask me, strike 3 is enough to stop fixing the lens.

The lens is also good. Not fast AF, but IQ-wise, it's ok. It's also well built. I've tested a used copy of this with fungus, scratches on the rear glass, and all, it was still OK. I almost bought that one.

Hope this helps.

---------------------

• Caterpillar

'Always in the process of changing, growing, and transforming.'

For about $350 you can pick up a used Canon 100-300 L f5.6. This lens would be way sharper, has better color and contrast than the Sigma DL.

I see no point in spending your money on a cheap zoom. When you are ready to move up you will have trouble selling it. Canon L lenses hold their value well. If you take good care of the 100-300L you could very well sell it for what you paid for it.

So, have you made up your mind yet?? Curoius minds want to know?

If you are still trying to save get a 50mm lens in the mean time. Fantastic for the pirce and not bad at all.
--
Alex

An American in Japan, DSLR Newbie