Do you actually need the Sigma USB Dock

[hamlet]

I'm wondering if you actually need the little Sigma USB Dock? Anyone who owns it, do you find yourself ever using it?

 

[sm4him]

Well, *I* certainly don't need it, as I don't own any of the compatible lenses.

But after a quick google search, I'd say--No, you don't NEED it. It simply allows for an easy way to upgrade the lens' firmware. But that COULD prove pretty useful, if you end up with a newer camera and need to have updated firmware on the lens to make it work with the camera.

 

[Scatterbrained]

Buy it, calibrate your lens with it, be happy. I bought one when I picked up the 35art. It allows for calibration at four different distances, vs the in camera calibration that is good for one distance. You can also update firmware with it, although I've not checked for any new firmware yet.

 

[hamlet]

Ok, thanks. I'll maybe buy one in the future.

 

[Overread]

Sigma doesn't have official codes for Nikon nor Canon - so every time either of those companies releases a new camera body there is a chance that changes in the lens to camera communication setup can result in some/all Sigma lenses not working on that body. Sigma reverse engineers their control setup so sometimes the big companies change enough that it breaks (you can actually see this because sometimes the camera thinks its got a Canon lens of a specific type attached even when its a sigma lens).

In the past Sigma had to then re-chip lenses; an expensive option for all involved and time-limited because they could only keep stocking and fitting chips for so long.

The dock system means that they can fix ALL their released lenses in a very quick firmwire update. Almost no cost to them and no hassle for the customer. It's a win-win situation.

Not really what I'd call enough to sell and upgrade to; my 120-300mm f2.8 OS works fine so I've no need to get the dock version one (far as I know it and a few others got an upgrade that was mostly just the dock) - but if buying new worth considering going for the dock version.

 

[hamlet]

Recently i purchased a 18-35 1.8, i was so impressed with the real world shots even at wide open. I am already considering replacing my 50mm 1.4g with the sigma art series equivalent. I've always wanted to get sharp picture wide open and now i can. And i just might buy the dock later if i feel like my lens has any problems.

 

[Overread]

From what I recall the Sigma 50mm f1.4 ART is an optical re-working - and yes it gets some really great reviews (the Sigma 50mm f1.4 already got great reviews - and even beat Canons f1.4 50mm so the new ART is even more a step up)

 

[hamlet]

When it arrives, i'll do a side by side test.

 

[dannylightning]

keep in mind that dock looks like its only compatible with some lenses, so you may want to make sure your lenses work with it before you get one.

 

[sm4him]

keep in mind that dock looks like its only compatible with some lenses, so you may want to make sure your lenses work with it before you get one.

^That. Eight lenses, to be exact, according to Sigma's website--check this list out. Plus, with the art lenses, ALL it does is allow easy firmware upgrades and evidently some type of focus-setting adjustment. For the 120-300 f/2.8 Sports series lens, you can also use the hub to adjust the OS settings, AF speed and focus limiter.

Still, it's also only $60. If *I* was gonna spend nearly $1000 on the 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens (which I'm not about to do), then what's another $60 to have this little device that will ensure you get the most updated firmware and can do a few other focus setting adjustments?

 

[Scatterbrained]

keep in mind that dock looks like its only compatible with some lenses, so you may want to make sure your lenses work with it before you get one.

^That. Eight lenses, to be exact, according to Sigma's website--check this list out. Plus, with the art lenses, ALL it does is allow easy firmware upgrades and evidently some type of focus-setting adjustment. For the 120-300 f/2.8 Sports series lens, you can also use the hub to adjust the OS settings, AF speed and focus limiter.

Still, it's also only $60. If *I* was gonna spend nearly $1000 on the 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens (which I'm not about to do), then what's another $60 to have this little device that will ensure you get the most updated firmware and can do a few other focus setting adjustments?

The ability to micro adjust the lens at four different distances is well worth the money. When I got my 35Art it was back focusing bad at close distances but was fine farther away. With the in camera micro adjustment I would have been forced to find a compromise, or send the lens back to Sigma along with my camera. With the dock it was a quick fix. BTW, if you watch Amazon you can often find deals on these lenses. I got mine from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $700 not too long after the lens came out, and the dock was only $50.

 

[hamlet]

keep in mind that dock looks like its only compatible with some lenses, so you may want to make sure your lenses work with it before you get one.

^That. Eight lenses, to be exact, according to Sigma's website--check this list out. Plus, with the art lenses, ALL it does is allow easy firmware upgrades and evidently some type of focus-setting adjustment. For the 120-300 f/2.8 Sports series lens, you can also use the hub to adjust the OS settings, AF speed and focus limiter.

Still, it's also only $60. If *I* was gonna spend nearly $1000 on the 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens (which I'm not about to do), then what's another $60 to have this little device that will ensure you get the most updated firmware and can do a few other focus setting adjustments?

The ability to micro adjust the lens at four different distances is well worth the money. When I got my 35Art it was back focusing bad at close distances but was fine farther away. With the in camera micro adjustment I would have been forced to find a compromise, or send the lens back to Sigma along with my camera. With the dock it was a quick fix. BTW, if you watch Amazon you can often find deals on these lenses. I got mine from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $700 not too long after the lens came out, and the dock was only $50.

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but what does that mean when you say that you can adjust four different distances?

 

[JacaRanda]

Video: Sigma USB Dock Allows For Microadjustments to Lenses | Popular Photography

 

[hamlet]

keep in mind that dock looks like its only compatible with some lenses, so you may want to make sure your lenses work with it before you get one.

^That. Eight lenses, to be exact, according to Sigma's website--check this list out. Plus, with the art lenses, ALL it does is allow easy firmware upgrades and evidently some type of focus-setting adjustment. For the 120-300 f/2.8 Sports series lens, you can also use the hub to adjust the OS settings, AF speed and focus limiter.

Still, it's also only $60. If *I* was gonna spend nearly $1000 on the 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens (which I'm not about to do), then what's another $60 to have this little device that will ensure you get the most updated firmware and can do a few other focus setting adjustments?

I'm always cautious of addons and surprise trinkets. Sometimes for good reasons, other times for no reasons. But you make a good point, i have ordered the Sigma usb dock.