Sigma HSM Lens Problem with Nikon D200

Sigma have announced an auto-focus problem when their HSM equipped lenses are used with the new Nikon D200.

Sigma Service Notice

Notice to end-users using Sigma’s HSM equipped lens with Nikon D200 camera

To our valued customers,

AF function of our HSM equipped lenses do not operate when “AF operation button” on the back of the body of Nikon “D200” digital SLR camera (recently introduced to the market by Nikon) is used. This problem is caused due to a firmware “bug” of our HSM equipped lenses.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers who own D200 camera and we are committed to making this situation right. In this respect, we will start updating firmware of these lenses free of charge today.

Please also note that if “shutter button” is used for AF operation of HSM equipped lenses, camera and lens combination works without any problem.

This problem occurs with HSM equipped lenses only. Non-HSM models of Sigma lenses function properly with D200 camera.

List of HSM equipped lenses require update for D200 camera

Fixed Focal Length Lenses
14mm F2.8 EX ASPHERICAL HSM
30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM
APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX HSM / APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM
APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM / APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM / APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM
APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM / APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM

Zoom Lenses
10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM
17-35mm F2.8-4 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM
APO 50-500mm F 4-6.3 EX HSM / APO 50-500mm F 4-6.3 EX DG HSM
APO 70-200mm F 2.8 EX HSM / APO 70-200mm F 2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 100-300mm F4 EX HSM / APO 100-300mm F 4 EX DG HSM
APO 120-300mm F 2.8 EX HSM / APO 120-300mm F 2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 300-800mm F 5.6 EX HSM / APO 300-800mm F 5.6 EX DG HSM

For further information, please contact to nearest authorized Sigma Service Station.
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.htm

Notice
Our head office will be closed between December 29th, 2005 and January 4th, 2006.  Since year-end and New Year holiday period is very close, updating the firmware by Sigma Service Center would take a little longer time than usual.

Published: Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Reader Comments

1. I know I should address this question to Sigma directly, and I will, but I thought I had better raise the question here:
   
   "Once the firmware update has been completed to work with the D200 - will the HDM equipped lenses still function properly with the other older cameras that do not need to have the lens be updated?"
   
   And I ask, because you know, sometimes updates make the older machines not work properly, as would be the case sometimes in computers such as Apple Macs or even Windows......
   
   May be it's not so much of an update but a slight bug fix that it'll make it work on all cameras...... but who knows...... I had to ask........

   AA at 05:33pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2005

2. If all is right, the Sigma 100-300 mated to the Nikon D200 works wonders when tacking speeding MotoGP bikes, see http://nikond200.dpnotes.com/17/tracking-2006-motogp-superbikes-at-shanghai-with-the-sigma-100-300-f4 for AF settings and images courtesy of Larry Zhou

   David Chin at 03:22am on Friday, May 19, 2006

3. I have had my Nikon D200 for a little more than a week and all I can say is that it is the best camera I have ever used, and that includes the Nikon D2x which I found to be way too heavy for longterm use.
   
   The D200 takes amazingly clear pictures and is great at shooting action. I use it mainly to shoot sports, but landscapes and portraits are where this camera really shines! The saturation and color accuracy are amazing. This camera is quick focusing and tracks your subject well.
   
   The only downside to this camera is that it is 10.2MP. In that I mean that if you are going to do any serious shooting you really need a minimum 4GB microdrive with a fast write speed. Other than that, if you really want to see what this camera can do make sure you have nice lenses to use with it. Don't waste your time trying to use cheap lenses because they will not do this camera justice! Go with the good stuff...
   Mike Wilson
   
   My reviews:
   
   http://www.redopinion.com/digital-camera/category/nikon/d200/
   _

   Mike Wilson at 02:54pm on Friday, June 09, 2006

4. I have a SIGMA 50-500mm APO RF HSM Lens. I got some good shots with combine NIKON F80 SLR Film Camera. But I am not happy about the results with NIKON D200 Digital SLR camera. I got some several shots 1/30s, 1/200s, 1/400s. and ISO 100, 400, 800. I didn't get any sharp photograph. I am in very disappointed with this. Where is the issue? With NIKON D200 or SIGMA 50-500? or Combination's compatibility?
   
   Please help me to solve this problem.
   
   Thank you..!
   Chinthaka

   Chinthaka at 11:54am on Friday, April 20, 2007

5. I have a similar issue with Sigma 100-300 F4.
   Have been using it on my d70 with fantastic results, since buying a d200 nothing but disappointment. pictures are just not sharp.
   Will be addressing the issue with Sigma first but I am sceptical as to whether I will get any results?

   Fanmeister at 04:45pm on Thursday, June 14, 2007

6. I've had the same problem going from my D70 to D200. Great results even with the Old Kit Lens on the D70 but same can't be said about the 100-300. Looks like the best option is to return to Sigma and they wil sort out.
   
   Kind Regards
   
   Robert

   Robert Thomas at 11:49am on Tuesday, June 19, 2007

7. Am I glad to hear others have problems with their Sigma equipment. I have the 50-500 and loved it with my Nikon F100 and then D70s. When I mated the lens with my D80 I just wasn't happy with the focusing and all of a sudden I was getting many more soft focus images. I was also getting error readings from the camera. I put the 50-500 back with the D70s and put my D80 with the 18-200 lens and all seems ok. Strange.....

   Richard Carlan at 01:23am on Friday, June 29, 2007

8. i have d 200 camera with lenses upto 300mm i wants iwants to do wild life photography. for that ineed zoom lens. pl. suggest me which lens should i used

   pradipjanwade at 05:36am on Friday, August 31, 2007

9. Hi pradipjanwade,
   
   Nikon D200 is a great camera. You have mentioned about the 300mm lens. I would like to know the aperture range of your lens. If it is a 300mm F2.8 Telephoto lens, then you are very lucky. It is a fantastic lens.
   
   For Wildlife Photography, you must first be a Nature Lover. Otherwise you need some research knowledge about the wild animals, their behaviours, environment and the Nature, at least unto a certain extent. Wildlife photography is capturing the wildlife you see through the camera & lens. To be a good wildlife photographer, you needed some techniques, creativity, and proper equipments etc.
   
   As a wildlife photographer you can do Landscapes, Portraits, Macros, Actions etc. There are two types of lenses; fixed focal length and zoom focal length (Wide angle, Normal, Telephoto) lenses. E.g.: (Fixed focal length - 300mm F2.8, 500mm F4.5, 600mm F4 Etc.) (Zoom focal length 18-35mm F2.8-4.5, 50-500mm F4-6.3, 200-400mm F4 Etc.)
   
   Important things to consider are the picture angle and the subject you are trying to frame. I think you can do some good photographs with your 300mm lens. It depends on the distance and the size of the subject. Framing is very important. If the subject is near, you can get some close-ups. If the subject far away, then you can take some wide angle shots.
   
   To get a better idea of this, you can compare the size difference between an Elephant, Leopard and a Bird. If both are in a same distance and if you want to take some close-ups of them, can you do that with using the same lens? I suggest 300mm lens for Elephant and 800mm lens for the bird. If you want to take a group of flying birds, then 300mm lens can be useful.
   
   Remember, if you want to take some very sharp photographs then you have to be very steady. So you should have to use tripod, monopod or a beanbag to reduce the shakes.
   
   And also pay special attention about the aperture and the light conditions. It is very important when you are shooting actions of wild animals. To see the wild animals in a park, Morning and Evening time is the best. But the problem is in such times the light conditions are very low. So you should have to use a large aperture lenses or the camera in a higher ISO settings (ISO 400,800). Better if you can use large aperture lenses (F2.8, F4) Because, then you can go for higher shutter speeds (1/90s, 1/125s, 1/250s)
   
   I hope my explanations suffice and looking forward to see some nice Wildlife photographs from you.
   
   Thanks,
   Chinthaka - SRI LANKA)
   ()

   Chinthaka at 08:02am on Monday, September 03, 2007

10. thanks lots for giving such a details information .

    pradipjanwade at 01:58am on Saturday, September 15, 2007