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I'm thinking of adding this lens to my collection but as with all 3rd party lenses, QC issues are a problem.

I'm thinking of buying from B&H especially now that they offer much cheaper prices (i'd be saving about 200 bucks by going to B&H), but you don't really get to test the particular lens you're about to buy. And i'd much rather not have to deal with sending back copies hoping the next one is a good one.

So does this lens have major QC issues like other lenses, or would it be safe to buy from B&H and get a nice copy? Anyone have experience with multiple copies of this lens?

Buy at your own risk. You never know what you're gonna get from third party lenses.

The 35L doesn't have any problems though. All copies are sharp. =)

Lol. I don't make enough money to buy a $1600 lens

Cheaper used. =)

QC issues are not inherent to 3rd party lenses. In fact Canon is rather notorious for QC problems itself and Zeiss is probably the least likely of all the current brands to show any QC problems despite being a 3rd party lensmaker.

That said, Sigma is somewhat notorious for QC issues. I'd strongly suggest buying locally so you can pick a good example and so you have no warranty issues. Sigma is quite good at resolving any issues that might crop up (typically AF accuracy). You are not that likely to have problems though, while Sigma's notorious for QC trouble it still only occurs in a small frzction of cases. I've owned a half-dozen or so Sigma lenses over the years and never had a problem.

I have that lens...and tried 4 of them in the store. I didn't have any issues with any of them. I ended up choosing one based on examing the photos on my laptop (in store).

I have owned 4....2 used, 2 new, never an issue. However, that sample size means nothing.

As noted above, go with a local store. Moreover, Gentec is in Markham and they are AWESOME at customer support.

damnnnnnn... serious business!

I have experience with 3 copies of this lens. The first one I returned within 1 week because it squeaked when coming into focus. However, it had no focus issues.

The second and third ones performed as well as two other Canon lenses that I have had experience with; i.e. within design specifications.

Having said that, I think asking a forum for opinions like this can be quite unproductive. Many negative opinions would have been written by people who feel extremely disgruntled, so their views will appear amplified in comparison to the larger number of people who have no issues whatsoever and don't bother to say so.

Add to that, many others who have spent more money on a Canon part, and would take every opportunity to rubbish the competition so as to sooth their injured wallets and justify their purchase decisions. (No offense intended to anyone)

In short, it can be hard to separate fact from opinion.

lol!!!! I like this!!!!

lol so true. I'm gonna keep complaining how poor I'm getting as I save up for a 200L. =)

[url=http://www.photoprice.ca/product/01210/Canon-EF-200mm-f2L-IS-USM-price.html]EF 200mm

balleristic!

[quote="mike"][url=http://www.photoprice.ca/product/01210/Canon-EF-200mm-f2L-IS-USM-price.html]EF 200mm

Mmm, thanks for the comments guys. I guess i'll head to the henry's downtown location to try out this lens

Keep in mind that the Canadian warranty on some of the Sigma's (50 1.4) comes to mind - is ten years through Gentec Canada whereas the USA warranty on Sigma glass is far less than ten years.

Here is a thread that relates to the 30 1.4 warranty in Canada and USA.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/arc ... 63109.html

I've owned a few Sigma 30/1.4 lenses and they have all worked fine. The image quality has been good, and for the most part it is not drastically different from more expensive alternatives. I have heard stories of significant copy variability, but have not experienced it myself. However, I do feel it may be blown out of proportion by pixel peepers and 100% crop lovers.

I liked the build quality (though I'm not a big fan of the textured finish). It focuses fairly quick, and the HSM is nice. There are sometimes (though seldom) missed AF moments, but that happens with all my lenses (yes, the L ones included). Usually it's likely more of a user error or limitation of the body.

The bottom line is that it can take great pictures, and there are many examples of that if you search the web. Don't get too worried or picky about your gear - most 'good' pictures are dictated by the photographer's creativity, and not the technical qualities of their gear.

I believe the 30mm 1.4 now comes in the new Sigma Texture. Mine is the old one...there is a new finish on new sigmas.

From the pics, I like it. I have yet to see one in person.

Used to own a copy, one of my fav. lenses of all time. I loved how 'dense' it felt.

Just to weigh in. I have a few Sigma lenses and some Canon lenses. I love my Sigma lenses. They work and work well.

I am very gruntled with sigma lenses

A lot of the knee jerk Canon only stuff really only serves Canon. I'll pit My 24-70 against the Canon L at any time. The differences will be marginal at best.

That said buy the Canadian lens in this case as Gentec will not support the US purchased lens.

They might. I bought a Sigma 20mm 1.8 off of eBay from some camera store in hong kong. It was front focusing, brought it to Gentec, they told me I would have to pay to get it recalibrated. Went to pick it up a week later, no charge.

What was the intended charge for the recalibration had they charged you?

I think it was $50, but i can't remember for sure.