Sigma Bigma Problem. Any Suggestions?

Mike WernerMike Werner Registered Users Posts: 90 Big grins
edited March 4, 2012 in Technique
Hi
I've got a Simga Bigma 50-500 on a Nikon D3 (and 700). Since this trip, I've been seeing a big ring in the middle, a bit like super vignettes, covering 3/4 of the photo. The slower the speed, the lower the ISO, the bigger the rings. When it's a sunny, clear day, shooting at high speeds, there is little or no ring, but at lower speeds, the ring is very pronounced.

My take is that the lens is dead. Any ideas????

No filters are used, and the ring becomes visible when running Nikon Capture NX2 Auto-levels.

Please tell me the lens is fine...
Mike Werner
Paris, France

http://news.motorbiker.org/

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,765 moderator
    edited March 3, 2012
    My guess is that the original is a bit underexposed and also low contrast. I suspect that when you processed the image you probably added considerable contrast.

    Do you have any image samples without processing?
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Mike WernerMike Werner Registered Users Posts: 90 Big grins
    edited March 3, 2012
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    My guess is that the original is a bit underexposed and also low contrast. I suspect that when you processed the image you probably added considerable contrast.

    Do you have any image samples without processing?

    No, the only post processing I did was auto-level. It was misty, hence the underexposed and contrast, but even in the raw you see the ring.
    Mike Werner
    Paris, France

    http://news.motorbiker.org/
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,765 moderator
    edited March 3, 2012
    Test the lens in another body, just to rule out a camera settings issue.

    Also, take the lens off the camera and shine a small, single LED flashlight through the lens to see if there is internal fogging.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited March 3, 2012
    That would be my guess, Ziggy.

    Was this lens exposed to a very high humidity for some time recently?
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Moving PicturesMoving Pictures Registered Users Posts: 384 Major grins
    edited March 3, 2012
    I had my Sigma rebuilt, and it cost very little to have the whole thing cleaned, lubed, and whatever. I suspect your lens needs the same treatment.
    Newspaper photogs specialize in drive-by shootings.
    Forum for Canadian shooters: www.canphoto.net
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited March 3, 2012
    That is good to hear.

    I had my Tamron 200-500 ( EOS format ) lock up in some strange electrical way, and cease operating, but it was also repaired by Tamron service and continues to work great.

    I am happy to hear good things about Sigma repair as well.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Mike WernerMike Werner Registered Users Posts: 90 Big grins
    edited March 4, 2012
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    Test the lens in another body, just to rule out a camera settings issue.

    Also, take the lens off the camera and shine a small, single LED flashlight through the lens to see if there is internal fogging.

    Yeah, you're right, it looks foggy.

    Pathfinder: Yes, you are right, I was in heavy fog for 3 days, waiting outside for clearings.

    I used it on a D3 and D700, so I know it's not the body.

    Looks like I'll need to ship it to Sigma. Problem is I'm on assignment for a magazine at this moment and the weather has just cleared.... guess I'll have to do with a 300mm. (or head quickly into a ton to find a 2x converter).

    Thanks for your help
    Mike Werner
    Paris, France

    http://news.motorbiker.org/
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited March 4, 2012
    If you can keep it in a warm, dry spot, you might get lucky and have it improve some, but if it really has condensation on the inner elements, I think when the moisture evaporates, you may still have some stuff left on the optical surfaces of the lens elements.

    I had a pair of binoculars that got condensation on the inside elements and looking through them kind of looked like your picture.

    I love shooting in fog too. Like snow it really dresses up a landscape, but it can make havoc on un-sealed lenses, which I believe the Bigma is.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Mike WernerMike Werner Registered Users Posts: 90 Big grins
    edited March 4, 2012
    Thanks, I'll try to keep it warm for a few days, but have already sent an email to Sigma.
    Mike Werner
    Paris, France

    http://news.motorbiker.org/
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited March 4, 2012
    It might help also to put it in a bag with a few silica desiccant packs to help pull the moisture out ...
    I have never had anything like this happen to any of my lenses including my BIGMA... WOW...
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited March 4, 2012
    Good suggestion, Art.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
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