I have a NIKON D3 body and I order the new Sigma 35mm 1.4 "Art". Is it really necessary to buy this device?
1326271
It's not really necessary because the D3 has AF Tune, you can adjust the focusing directly on the body btw you will love the 35mm 1.4 it is one of my favorite lenses
1326272
Yes, it was in my case (same lens on D800E). The fine tune in the body only fixes one distance. So I could make the lens correct either close up or far away, but not both. The lens dock allowed me to get it working well at all distances. You also need the dock to update the lens firmware, but that's probably not required very often.I would test the camera fine focus and test all distances for focus accuracy. If it works, no reason to buy the dock.
1326273
Necessary? No. It does make firmware upgrades really easy, though; as the Sigma is a 3rd Party lens and Sigma has had to reverse-engineer the AF and electronic couplings between lens and camera, being able to apply firmware updates easily is convenient (as opposed to, say, having to ship the lens to Sigma or having to take the lens into your local camera shop). Even more important, the dock allows you to perform AF fine tuning for more than one focus distance; in other words, you can have one +/- AF fine tune value for infiniti focus, one for focus to 5 meters, etc. Neither of these functions is necessary for the lens to work properly, though. Necessary? No. It does make firmware upgrades really easy, though; as the Sigma is a 3rd Party lens and Sigma has had to reverse-engineer the AF and electronic couplings between lens and camera, being able to apply firmware updates easily is convenient (as opposed to, say, having to ship the lens to Sigma or having to take the lens into your local camera shop). Even more important, the dock allows you to perform AF fine tuning for more than one focus distance; in other words, you can have one +/- AF fine tune value for infiniti focus, one for focus to 5 meters, etc. Neither of... » Read More Necessary? No. It does make firmware upgrades really easy, though; as the Sigma is a 3rd Party lens and Sigma has had to reverse-engineer the AF and electronic couplings between lens and camera, being able to apply firmware updates easily is convenient (as opposed to, say, having to ship the lens to Sigma or having to take the lens into your local camera shop). Even more important, the dock allows you to perform AF fine tuning for more than one focus distance; in other words, you can have one +/- AF fine tune value for infiniti focus, one for focus to 5 meters, etc. Neither of these functions is necessary for the lens to work properly, though. « Show Less
1326274
I would say yes... One reason is to fine tune focusing response... the other is that they may add features to make the lenses more useful. My example is, I don't know if they have plans to do this to the 35mm but I know the 50mm will end up having an update to allow manual override of the auto-focus (like the Nikon lenses)... my only issue with the 35mm.
1326275
it depends. I have a D800 and bought a second-hand 35mm/1.4. After I found the lens a little back focused and had to fine-tune it. Afterwards it's okay. Later I got the dock and upgraded the firmware of the lens and then removed the fine tune settings on my camera. Now they work great.So if you want to use your camera body's fine tune, you don't need the dock. But if you are really picky, don't bother to tune, buy the dock (still you might still need to check to see whether you need fine tune or not).My suggestion is don't buy it unless you find your fine tune can't handle it gracefully. it depends. I have a D800 and bought a second-hand 35mm/1.4. After I found the lens a little back focused and had to fine-tune it. Afterwards it's okay. Later I got the dock and upgraded the firmware of the lens and then removed the fine tune settings on my camera. Now they work great.So if you want to use your camera body's fine tune, you don't need the dock. But if you are really picky, don't bother to tune, buy the dock (still you might still need to check to see whether you need fine tune or not).My suggestion is don't buy it unless you find your fine tune can't... » Read More it depends. I have a D800 and bought a second-hand 35mm/1.4. After I found the lens a little back focused and had to fine-tune it. Afterwards it's okay. Later I got the dock and upgraded the firmware of the lens and then removed the fine tune settings on my camera. Now they work great.So if you want to use your camera body's fine tune, you don't need the dock. But if you are really picky, don't bother to tune, buy the dock (still you might still need to check to see whether you need fine tune or not).My suggestion is don't buy it unless you find your fine tune can't handle it gracefully. « Show Less
1326276
If your lens is working out of the box, there isn't any need for this dock in my opinion. I've only used it once and didn't see any difference in my lens on a D800. This item should of been included with the Len when you buy it.
1326277
Well u are having several thousand worth camera, and 900$ worth lens.Dock station simply helps u to get the BEST out of it. For me - i have 35mm art and nikon d7100 (soon to be upgraded for FX) in 1-3m everything was perfect, but at close end in misfocused by about 2mm and at infinity i also got a slightly soft (a bit miss focused) shoots. Dock station simply helped me to adjust lens for diamond sharp photos from closes focusing till infinity. well i do know, my body is not perfect and focusing system miss focuses for several lenses. But by sigma - that i can adjust focus for each focusing section separately - i simply love it :) you fix it once (takes about 15mm for 35mm) and in stays for ever :) Well u are having several thousand worth camera, and 900$ worth lens.Dock station simply helps u to get the BEST out of it. For me - i have 35mm art and nikon d7100 (soon to be upgraded for FX) in 1-3m everything was perfect, but at close end in misfocused by about 2mm and at infinity i also got a slightly soft (a bit miss focused) shoots. Dock station simply helped me to adjust lens for diamond sharp photos from closes focusing till infinity. well i do know, my body is not perfect and focusing system miss focuses for several lenses. But by sigma - that i can adjust focus for each... » Read More Well u are having several thousand worth camera, and 900$ worth lens.Dock station simply helps u to get the BEST out of it. For me - i have 35mm art and nikon d7100 (soon to be upgraded for FX) in 1-3m everything was perfect, but at close end in misfocused by about 2mm and at infinity i also got a slightly soft (a bit miss focused) shoots. Dock station simply helped me to adjust lens for diamond sharp photos from closes focusing till infinity. well i do know, my body is not perfect and focusing system miss focuses for several lenses. But by sigma - that i can adjust focus for each focusing section separately - i simply love it :) you fix it once (takes about 15mm for 35mm) and in stays for ever :) « Show Less
13984
The D4 has replaced the D3S and Nikon is not marketing the D3S any longer. I have this body and love it.
255277
If you're speaking of lens, you have to purchase an adapter ring. Don't get Nikon reasoning for this. Makes no sense at all
1910673
I've got a 18-55 that came with my D40 and I bought the 55-100VR. I don't really miss VR on the shorter lens. I love my D40 bur an itching to step up, so a body only option is welcome. Why is it camera companies assume people are always buying their first camera instead of stepping up? I'd look at the 3200 but it lacks support for the wireless remote, which I have found invaluable for getting into family shots or for long exposures. Cable release just doesn't cut it.
1161574
If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong.... » Read More If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. « Show Less
1161578
The body only means that u will need to get a lens plus a memory card. However befor u go purchasing an SD card these take a specific older type of memory card that u can also purchase on amazon. You can get Nikon or Nikor lenses at used prices for about 50-100 dollars. I would rather recommend u get an 18-55 mm lens or a 35 mm with a 1.8 or 1.4 f stop
1179427
No, that one's not compatible with the USB dock [still a great lens for the price though]. Sigma lenses compatible with the USB dock will be designated with "Contemporary", "Art" or "Sport" in their names.
833164
No. Its a crop sensor lens. Gives me nearly the same aspect on D7100 as Id get on FX body with the 70-200 2.8. Sigma and Tamron make great lenses for your needs, with a better price point over the Nikon glass. You (your clients) would be hard pressed to tell the difference! Good look and happy shooting. 500px.com\wellsjb1
1678255
If you're referring to the Nikon D5300 support, Sigma released a firmware update in Nov/2013 to address that. If you have the Sigma USB Dock it's a simple update. Otherwise, I'm not sure how you'd ensure your copy of the lens has the new firmware.
1228950
Yes, just make sure to buy the Nikon lens mount. You won't regret buying this lens, very versitile, amazing photos and a great price too.
1046019
The link for the comparison at cameralabs.com is not applicable because it tested the Sigma 18-200 DC prior to the release of the OS version. The OS version is much better optically than its predecessor and also includes HSM (High Speed Motor). I have read test reviews and comparisons at other sites such as popphoto that indicate the Sigma is sharper and has less distortion than the Nikon 18-200 VR, but they also state it is slightly louder. I just received my Sigma 18-200 OS today and have done limited testing, but I can tell you the AF and OS noise are not bad (the OS chirps when it turns on and off). The Sigma AF is louder than my Nikon 18-135 (w/SWM), but quieter than the AF on my Nikon 50mm 1.8 prime (wo/SWM). The HSM AF seems just as fast as my Nikon lenses. The build quality feels better than the Nikon 18-135; the zoom is smooth and solid. The first things I tested today were barrel distortion and OS functionality. Barrel distortion is present at the wide end on ALL wide-range zooms, but the Sigma controls it better. The Sigma has noticeably less barrel distortion at 18mm than my Nikon. This benefit of the Sigma is moot really, because barrel distortion of both lenses can easily be corrected with software. The OS functions very well, I can shoot hand-held down to 1/10th of a second with no blur. I will post again after I have time to do more testing.
901100
Nikon will tell you to use the Nikon tc, and that is what I do, the sigma will work but I think focusing is quicker with the nikon.
1362818
No, this one isn't (at least the copy I bought didn't have it). You'd need a Nikon D50, D70, D90, D300, D7000 or similar in order to use autofocus (AF-D mode). There is another model that includes an AF-S motor and includes the feature in the description.
1073948
No, but the price is better than the D4 and D3S. Honestly if you have to crank your ISO beyond 3200 spend the extra $4,000 on the D4.
2160583
Not suer what the issue is. A very good used D3 should cost no more than $2,500. Since that's less than half of the as-new price and it was a working-pro camera back in the day, I found the D3 a great buy. Of course, the D4 is better in many ways but since it's $6,000 and out of reach for me at this time, I am happy with the performance of the D3 for magazine and motorsports coverage. In fact, within one month of making my purchase, I shot a magazine assignment and made more than half of my purchase price.
1543305
Baku: I purchased a D70 s new. I purchased 2 used D 70 s cameras, one through Amazon. 1. I was pleased with the quality/condition of the unit; there was an instruction booklet, charger - the condition was more than I expected. Now let me tell you what a premier repair shop in Cleveland said. "It is everything you need" talking to me. I have a 35-70 2.8, 80 - 200 2.8 and a 85 1.8 among others. Mike's retired principal has a D 60 and he takes great photos. If you can purchase a D 70 s used ( I assume you have Nikon lenses ), it is worth purchasing. I know, I know the latest sounds like it is a great camera & some people like to take streaming video but, I am a bit of a purist. Mike
347890
Unless you buy the one with the electrical contacts for the newer lenses, you must have an older lense with an manual aperture ring on the lense, and run in manual mode. The problem with some of the lower end Nikons is that your exposure will be by trial and error, ie D5100 for example.