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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Don't EVER buy a SIGMA LENS!!!!!!
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10/26/2008 07:06:52 PM · #1
I am SOOOOOOOOOOO angry right now. A few weeks ago I bought two Sigma lenses - only because I couldn't afford the Nikon versions. The 70-200 is unusable, doesn't focus more than 1 in 10 shots, and was packed up and sent back to the supplier last week. A few minutes ago I pulled out the 105 macro to try to inspire myself, and the whole bloody thing has broken, the focusing ring simply spins around aimlessly, refusing to focus. I can't get my money back, I'm stuck with the stupid things, and I have completely wasted my money. I am trying to be a professional, but that was a very unprofessional move to do this, and now I am 2 lenses down, poorer than when I started, and can't shoot a wedding until Sigma have deemed it ok to send me a decent lens. Which will take weeks or longer, as I'm 6 hours drive from the place I bought it from and have to do the whole thing by mail.
REALLY FRUSTRATING. I don't know whether to laugh at my own stupidity, or cry.
10/26/2008 07:09:24 PM · #2
Why cant you get your money back-- where did you purchase from?
10/26/2008 07:12:47 PM · #3
An online store in Sydney - there are no returns or exchanges, they simply tell you to send the lenses back to the supplier, who will repair or replace, but not refund.
10/26/2008 07:14:25 PM · #4
Originally posted by jettyimages:

An online store in Sydney - there are no returns or exchanges, they simply tell you to send the lenses back to the supplier, who will repair or replace, but not refund.


Why would you do business with them in the first place?
10/26/2008 07:14:52 PM · #5
I believe the 105 macro has a push/pull mechanism for changing between AF and MF. In AF the ring will just spin. Pull the ring toward you to get it in MF mode and voila, it now allows you to focus manually.

Are you sure you had it set to MF? (just a question)
10/26/2008 07:16:13 PM · #6
ddoes the 105 have a push pull system to ingage the manual focus ?
have you checked that you haven;t acidentally left the d300 in manual focus ?
10/26/2008 07:18:10 PM · #7
I have the Sigma 105mm Macro as well as the 10-20mm and the 15mm fisheye and i've been really pleased with all of them.

I think there are a few issues with "bad copies" though.

Do the online store not HAVE to give you a refund or exchange on faulty lens's?

I was going to say the same thing as cpanaioti about the focus ring
10/26/2008 07:19:29 PM · #8
this sounds like a nightmare i had once...hope it works out for you. hugs
10/26/2008 07:21:40 PM · #9
Insert very red face and cheesy grin :-)

I hadn't noticed that push pull system.........complete embarrassment.........thanks guys. I had everything in manual focus (intentionally) except that particular bit, which I hadn't bothered to read about - totally different to Nikon lenses!

Unfortunately the 70-200 really is stuffed, I'm actually hoping that Australia Post have lost it so I can claim the insurance and get the Nikon ;-)

But re the macro, I think I'll go and wash my mouth out, apologise to it profusely, and thank you all for your instant help.

I still prefer Nikon lenses though ;-)
10/26/2008 07:25:37 PM · #10
Originally posted by jettyimages:

Insert very red face and cheesy grin :-)

I hadn't noticed that push pull system.........complete embarrassment.........thanks guys. I had everything in manual focus (intentionally) except that particular bit, which I hadn't bothered to read about - totally different to Nikon lenses!

Unfortunately the 70-200 really is stuffed, I'm actually hoping that Australia Post have lost it so I can claim the insurance and get the Nikon ;-)

But re the macro, I think I'll go and wash my mouth out, apologise to it profusely, and thank you all for your instant help.

I still prefer Nikon lenses though ;-)


... and watch out for the limit switch. ;oP
10/26/2008 07:27:39 PM · #11
Sorry you're having such miserable experience Trish :( I hope this sorts out for you better than expected. In the meantime perhaps you can take your frustration out on Shostakovich ;)

ETA: Oh good! Yea! :D

Message edited by author 2008-10-26 19:29:02.
10/26/2008 08:30:55 PM · #12
Surely Australian law is similar to British law, that is, your contract when you bought the lenses was with the store, not the manufacturer, thus they are the ones who agreed to sell you the lenses, lenses that should of been fit for the purpose they were sold for, and are the ones obliged to replace or refund you.. I have had several run ins with unscrupulous suppliers (not camera gear) who tried to pull that one one me, but generally when you point out the above fact they generally decide to play ball..

Also, did you pay by credit card? if so get on the phone to them and they should be able to help you out.

EDIT

just read the other bit about the push/pull. duh! but above should still apply to the other lens.

Message edited by author 2008-10-26 20:32:03.
10/26/2008 08:38:50 PM · #13
I need to look into it a little further, but as far as I know, the situation in Australia is that if they state they don't do refunds, we are stuck with replacements only. I asked them if they will exchange it for the Nikon model, but they refuse to. I'll try to make some calls today to work out how to get around this, although unfortunately I don't have the funds to buy the Nikon version (another $1400) anyway, so the argument doesn't really exist as a reality for me. I just hope they manage to send me a decent copy, then I'll try to sell it when I know I can afford the Nikon.
Its not easy buying gear here, the local shops charge at least 100% more than the online suppliers, but the online guys are really stingy, and many of the warranties are void as a result of their import processes. If only we were all millionaires and could just buy what we want, when we want!
10/26/2008 08:41:10 PM · #14
Originally posted by jettyimages:

I need to look into it a little further, but as far as I know, the situation in Australia is that if they state they don't do refunds, we are stuck with replacements only. I asked them if they will exchange it for the Nikon model, but they refuse to. I'll try to make some calls today to work out how to get around this, although unfortunately I don't have the funds to buy the Nikon version (another $1400) anyway, so the argument doesn't really exist as a reality for me. I just hope they manage to send me a decent copy, then I'll try to sell it when I know I can afford the Nikon.
Its not easy buying gear here, the local shops charge at least 100% more than the online suppliers, but the online guys are really stingy, and many of the warranties are void as a result of their import processes. If only we were all millionaires and could just buy what we want, when we want!


Wow, what a bunch of crooks!! But then one realises that's why we sent them over there in the first place :P
10/26/2008 08:53:56 PM · #15
hahahaha, yeah, we've only just managed to remove the shackles from our grandfathers ankles lol
But luckily I can say that the people who run these shops generally came here on smaller boats, much later on than our ancestors, and not from so far... (she says, desperately trying not to be shot down in flames...)'''
10/27/2008 12:36:59 PM · #16
Originally posted by jettyimages:

I need to look into it a little further, but as far as I know, the situation in Australia is that if they state they don't do refunds, we are stuck with replacements only. I asked them if they will exchange it for the Nikon model, but they refuse to. I'll try to make some calls today to work out how to get around this, although unfortunately I don't have the funds to buy the Nikon version (another $1400) anyway, so the argument doesn't really exist as a reality for me. I just hope they manage to send me a decent copy, then I'll try to sell it when I know I can afford the Nikon.
Its not easy buying gear here, the local shops charge at least 100% more than the online suppliers, but the online guys are really stingy, and many of the warranties are void as a result of their import processes. If only we were all millionaires and could just buy what we want, when we want!

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Sounds like you got a bad copy of the 70-200. It happens with all manufacturers, but with some more than others. Try exchanging the lens for another Sigma and see if its any better.
10/27/2008 01:15:54 PM · #17
In researching lenses on FredMiranda.com, I've read a lot of reviews for Sigmas that state the photog went through several copies of the lens, sometimes as many as 5, before getting a really good one. In each case, it appears that Sigma cooperates - they must be aware that their production line has this issue, and the only way to keep customers happy is to exchange faulty products.

My own experience with Sigma (I have a 70-200mm) is very good, although I am hesitant to buy from them again, for the very reason we're all talking about here.

Call Sigma and be firm but polite. Work your way up the chain of supervisors if you have to. And if all else fails, gently remind them that this is an online world now, and that if you're not satisfied, you're going to let everyone know just how bad your experience with them was :-)
10/27/2008 01:45:23 PM · #18
Originally posted by jettyimages:

I am SOOOOOOOOOOO angry right now. A few weeks ago I bought two Sigma lenses - only because I couldn't afford the Nikon versions. The 70-200 is unusable, doesn't focus more than 1 in 10 shots, and was packed up and sent back to the supplier last week. A few minutes ago I pulled out the 105 macro to try to inspire myself, and the whole bloody thing has broken, the focusing ring simply spins around aimlessly, refusing to focus. I can't get my money back, I'm stuck with the stupid things, and I have completely wasted my money. I am trying to be a professional, but that was a very unprofessional move to do this, and now I am 2 lenses down, poorer than when I started, and can't shoot a wedding until Sigma have deemed it ok to send me a decent lens. Which will take weeks or longer, as I'm 6 hours drive from the place I bought it from and have to do the whole thing by mail.
REALLY FRUSTRATING. I don't know whether to laugh at my own stupidity, or cry.


I am certainly not surprised about the issues with Sigma lenses. I once considered buying one Sigma lens one day (I think it was the AF 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG), but was completely reluctant as soon as I had mounted it on the camera. The zoom ring was so rough that I was afraid to break it. There are tons of stories about Sigma lenses, and many of them do not have a good ending. If you want my pieces of advice, go Nikon (or Tokina if you like the few recent lenses they offer).

I hope you will resolve your problems soon.

Cheers,

Max

Message edited by author 2008-10-27 13:46:01.
10/27/2008 01:57:38 PM · #19
Originally posted by msieglerfr:

I am certainly not surprised about the issues with Sigma lenses. ...

Well, they must be doing something right.

Plenty of Sigma lenses in the DPChallenge equipment listing: 355

Decent representation for receiving highest avg vote rec'd at DPChallenge as well.
10/27/2008 02:23:14 PM · #20
it's the same old thing. the bad press out numbers the good by 10 fold. no one here has ever had issue with a canon L lens, or a nikkor ?

people don't complain about how good things are. only when things are bad.

i haven't had any issues with the sigma lenses i've owned over the years, but don't generally like their focus set up. ie: the dual switch/barrel adjustment. should be a one click deal, or auto over-ride like the higher end canons. but that's not a fault of the lens, it's a design decision.

Message edited by author 2008-10-27 14:23:30.
10/27/2008 03:30:19 PM · #21
I've never really had a 'problem' with a Sigma lens, it just wasnt a very good lens overall in every department. It worked, just not fantastically. I got it because I couldnt afford the Canon counterpart for the same focal length.
10/27/2008 03:34:28 PM · #22
Originally posted by jettyimages:

Insert very red face and cheesy grin :-)

I hadn't noticed that push pull system.........complete embarrassment.........thanks guys. I had everything in manual focus (intentionally) except that particular bit, which I hadn't bothered to read about - totally different to Nikon lenses!

Unfortunately the 70-200 really is stuffed, I'm actually hoping that Australia Post have lost it so I can claim the insurance and get the Nikon ;-)

But re the macro, I think I'll go and wash my mouth out, apologise to it profusely, and thank you all for your instant help.

I still prefer Nikon lenses though ;-)


lol, i was about to insert that fact, but i was beaten to it, lol, not sure what the deal is with the 70-200mm, i had a fabulous experience with mine, i liked it almost as much as my L.
10/27/2008 03:39:22 PM · #23
I would be interested to know what online shop in Sydney did you buy from as I buy from Sydney sometimes

Lisa
10/27/2008 04:32:11 PM · #24
Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by jettyimages:

I need to look into it a little further, but as far as I know, the situation in Australia is that if they state they don't do refunds, we are stuck with replacements only. I asked them if they will exchange it for the Nikon model, but they refuse to. I'll try to make some calls today to work out how to get around this, although unfortunately I don't have the funds to buy the Nikon version (another $1400) anyway, so the argument doesn't really exist as a reality for me. I just hope they manage to send me a decent copy, then I'll try to sell it when I know I can afford the Nikon.
Its not easy buying gear here, the local shops charge at least 100% more than the online suppliers, but the online guys are really stingy, and many of the warranties are void as a result of their import processes. If only we were all millionaires and could just buy what we want, when we want!


Wow, what a bunch of crooks!! But then one realises that's why we sent them over there in the first place :P


In NSW it is illegal to post a sign saying 'no refunds' or 'We will exchange or repair or give credit notes but we do not refund'

Consumers may ask for a refund if the goods purchased;
- have a basic, serious fault that was not known by the consumer at the time of purchase
- do not do the job that the consumer was led to believe they would do
- do not match the sample the consumer was shown, or
- do not fit their description.

NSW Dept of Fair Trading
Can a customer insist on a refund

Message edited by author 2008-10-27 16:41:04.
10/27/2008 06:34:15 PM · #25
Originally posted by lentil:

I would be interested to know what online shop in Sydney did you buy from as I buy from Sydney sometimes

Lisa


I bought it from Digital Camera Warehouse in Sydney.

Thanks everyone for your comments, I appreciate the support and info. [user]dzone 1[/user], I have heard this, however how is it possible that so many stores DO post their no refund/credit note only sign, and seem to get away with it? From what I can tell, they still have the right to replace the item first, and if you disagree you have to go to the Fair Trading tribunal, which is a lengthy and messy procedure. All I want is a good lens, and I need it very quickly, so don't think I'm in a position to wait that long. I could be wrong, if you've had experiences otherwise I'm very eager to hear about them. I have even considered going to the local crook shops and getting a Nikon 70-200 on their 12 month interest free terms, but they charge so much more for their lenses that it really urks me to do it. This is already an extremely expensive business to be in, let alone knowing you're being ripped off in the process.
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