Sigma 85/1.4 users' poll: AF accuracy

[sir oliver]

I'm trying to figure out how likely it is to face problems with the Sigma 85/1.4, mostly in AF accuracy at wide apertures.

So can the owners of this lens please fill in the poll above, just to give a rough statistics of good & bad copies of this lens?

Some time ago, Sigma lenses had a bad reputation for their quality controls, but it seems to have improved significantly in recent years, so I'm trying to figure out how it applies to this model.

Thanks!

 

[ariel777]

I have not had any problems, AF or otherwise, with any of the six or so Siggy lenses I have owned.

 

[Patrick]

Mine required -8 at f1.4. But truth be told my 28 1.8G and 50 1.8G also require a bit of fine tuning at wide apertures.

I'm very happy with mine. It's my choice for headshot type of portraits and overall short tele photography.

 

[Bateman]

I first thought it was the lens, but then I did a few test shots with plenty of light and a test chart and it was spot on... with FX and 1.4 you just have to be extra careful...
If I don`t need 1.4 for fast enough shutter speed I always stop down to 2 or 2.2... gives you a tiny little more room...

 

[JanJacob]

I returned one, but I guess that was perfect. My Nikon D90 was misaligned. The second copy needs a -12 or -14. That is not unlike Nikon lenses I own.

 

[sir oliver]

Thank you guys, this is very valuable info - both the poll results, and your comments in this thread.

Please keep sharing your experience with this lens.

 

[Patrick]

Thank you guys, this is very valuable info - both the poll results, and your comments in this thread.

Please keep sharing your experience with this lens.

One thing I forgot to mention:

If you need the faster AF speed of the Sigma (compared to the Nikon 1.4G) and can't or don't like to dish out the extra cash I'd get the Sigma hands-down.


DxoMark has compared them and the Sigma is only behind on resolving power... But truth be told I'm finding it more than sharp enough on a D600 with 24MP.

 

[sir oliver]

Thank you.

Any other experiences with the Sig 85? Feel free to participate in the poll and the thread.

 

[jberry]

Mine was perfect out of the box, required no AF fine tune. BUT! What i did notice, is that it would lock on very fast, but sometimes it would lock on, not in focus. What I mean is, the lens tries to focus very fast, back and forth itll go, then settle on a focus range, and when I press the shutter, it misses the focus. Only happens maybe 10% of the time, but overall it was a very good lens.