Picture won't always take with new lens

[jmwe29]

Hi, I came looking for a photo forum to help us out with a problem. We have a Nikon D60 and have been using zoom lenses with no problems- a 200mm and a 300mm. We just got a 500mm, specifically a Sigma 50-500mm 1:4-6.3 APO DG HSM D and were all excited about getting some eagle pictures before they head back north. The lens is NOT autofocus. More often than not, the camera would tick-tick-tick, but wouldn't actually take a picture. Sun came out so there was plenty of light. He tried every setting on the dial, but couldn't find one that would work. Any ideas what we're doing wrong?

 

[Overread]

According to the sigma website the lens you have should auto focus with the D60
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

So first thing I would do is clean the contacts on the lens and the camera - these are the little copper coloured strips on the base of the lens and on the inside of the camera lens mount. Just clean them with something - the eraser end of a pencil is a good option for this.

If that fails to clear the issue I would consider returning the lens under warrenty and having it looked at as there might be a fault with the lens. Sigma do have some quality control issues with their lens production but normally its a case of soft results rather than what you describe. (I will also add that even canon can't make a superzoom lens without production problems - eg the 100-400mm).