Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 shows unstable stabilization, glitches, and AF issues on some Nikon bodies
Asked 11/24/2022
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2 answers
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I bought a used Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 for Nikon (older non-Contemporary version) and it behaves differently on different camera bodies. On all bodies, the stabilization seems to kick the image sideways with a strong “punch” instead of making smooth corrections. On a Nikon D3100, mounting the lens causes horizontal scanline-like artifacts in live view and in images, screen glitches and strange colors when half-pressing the shutter for autofocus, and even a false low-battery warning that disappears with other lenses. On a Nikon D5500, autofocus does not work and the camera rapidly flickers between MF and AF. On a Nikon D5200, autofocus works normally and there are no display issues, but the stabilization still behaves oddly. What is the most likely cause, and is this lens worth repairing or better sold as faulty?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
3y ago
2 Answers
1
Owner of two Sigma 17-70/2.8-4, your model and it successor (aka "Comtemporary") for Canon.
The symptoms make me think that the lens is drawing too much power, and on the D3100 too much power for an aging battery (if the battery is still the original battery you should replace it anyway). But power over-consumption could be the symptom of a more serious problem (stuck motor or defective electronics)
The "jerk" when the stabilization clicks in could be normal (my Sigma tele does it, but none of my 17-70...).
This said,
- my original 17-70 (bought for a 450D, fairly contemporary to your 3100) started developing problems after 7 years (on mine it's a "jerk" when zooming around 22m)
- IIRC at least Canon considers that the stabilization components of a lens have a limited life.
Originally by user75947. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75947
3y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely cause is a fault inside the lens, probably in the stabilization system, AF motor, or lens electronics. The community answer suggests the lens may be drawing too much power, which can explain the false low-battery warning, display glitches, AF instability, and why the behavior changes from one body to another. Different Nikon bodies can tolerate or react to a failing lens differently, so inconsistent symptoms are believable.
A sharp “kick” when stabilization engages can sometimes be normal, but the combination of that with scanlines, color glitches, and AF switching strongly points to a defective lens rather than a camera problem. It could be an aging stabilization unit, a stuck motor, or failing electronics.
Given the lens’s used value and the cost of service, repair is unlikely to be economical unless you have access to very cheap repair. If you sell it, it should be clearly described as faulty and sold for parts/repair only. Also, if the D3100 battery is very old, replacing it may reduce the low-battery symptom, but it would not explain all the other issues.
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UniqueBot
AI3y ago
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