Camera Labs

Hi guys,

I'm relatively new the SLR game. I recently bought a Canon 550D with the kit 18-55. I soon found that this wasnt good enough, so I got myself a Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 OS HSM lens. However, I am having trouble with the auto focus. It seems to take the camera a while to autofocus when I am zoomed at 70mm.

The object is a good half a metre away, and I've set the focus point to the centre, but most of the time it just twitches and cant seem to focus. Although the problem is much reduced when at 17mm

At first I thought it was my lens filter, but I took that off and it still had the same problem

Can anyone tell me what the problem is? Is it the camera lens setting in because it's new? is that how it's meant to be? Is the lens faulty? I'm really hoping it's not faulty because I leave for Europe in 2 weeks and I doubt Sigma will have it fixed/replaced by then

Thanks for your time
jz

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Canon 550D

Hi jetz427,

and welcome to the forum!!

Without trying it hands-on, it's difficult to be certain. But if I'm going with what you say, and "most of the time it just twitches and can't seem to focus", then chances are that the lens is faulty.

Auto-focus is a collaboration between the camera and the lens. Everyone has occasional trouble with AF under certain circumstances - for example in low light and in low-contrast settings. Under such circumstances it's not uncommon to have to try a few times to get it right. But it is usually possible to resolve.

Your lens has a minimum focus distance of 22cm - if you go below that, don't expect it to be able to auto-focus. But you are saying that AF works well at shorter ranges, so that is probably not your challenge.

Sigma produce excellent lenses at very competitive prices. But one of the reasons why they haven't taken over the market is their occasionally faulty quality assurance. Many members here have ha to send back Sigma lenses for adjustments more than once! But when they work as intended, they offer great performance at a really good price.

If you have purchased this lens at a reputable dealer, they should be willing to replace it with another sample instantly, while they send your sample back to Sigma.

Good luck - I hope you get it resolved before your trip!

Cheers

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Nikon stuff and other stuff, but not nearly as much stuff as I really want!

Maybe the electronics are dirty?

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies

What are you focusing on? The AF system needs something contrasty, and well-lit to work properly.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

i agree, you may be focusing on something with not enough contrast or in a too dark environment.. if it's a person, always focus on the eyes.

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Always aim higher- Beyond the limit

Journey of light - my blog!
www.anelfoto.blogspot.com