When using a DX lens on the D700, as pointed out in the manual and various reviews, the camera detects the DX format and creates a rectanglar box in the viewfinder showing the area covered.

But if you attach a non Nikon lens, such as any of the Sigma DC range, this does not occur and you get a vignetted image.

This is a bit disappointing but as long as you are aware of this, I suppose it is not an issue.

Now who wants to buy as those Sigma DC lenses?

GH

See:

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/info_080121.htm

I expect that newly manufactured Sigma lenses will not suffer from this problem.

-- Jon
Wethersfield, CT, USA
Connecticut High School Sports Photos

Just wanted to let all know that my Sigma 10-1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens does not work properly with my new Nikon D700. I went to Sigma's web site and determined that my serial number was lower than the models that would work properly with the D3.

I contacted Sigma and they state that it should work properly and will not replace it, despite their web site's statement "“A limited number of Sigma lenses when used with the new Nikon D3 digital SLR camera will not support the "Auto DX crop" function. To overcome this we will be supplying a free upgrade to our customers. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers.”

When i further questioned their US Tech support about my lens and the fact that it's number was lower than 2160001 here is what i was told: "It should work; the lens has older serial # (so newest production)." Huh???

i sent them JPEGs so they could see the problem. Here is my email correspondence with Sigma US.

Please contact your supervisors and get approval to replace my non functioning lens, as your web site states you will do if my serial number is below 2160001.

The D700 has the same image sensor, processor, etc, as the D3. It also has the same problems with your lens that a D3 would have.

Your web site clearly states that lens that “Serial Numbers lower than 2160001” will not work properly with a Nikon D3.

My lens clearly has a number lower than 2160001. You previously stated “It should work; the lens has older serial # (so newest production).” I have never heard of a manufacturer that uses a descending sequence of numbers when manufacturing a product.

It clearly has a problem. I have emailed you JPEGs that show it does not work properly. I have tried this lens on my dealer’s D3, and it does not work properly with a D3.

Your web site states “A limited number of Sigma lenses when used with the new Nikon D3 digital SLR camera will not support the "Auto DX crop" function. To overcome this we will be supplying a free upgrade to our customers. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers.”

Obviously the problem also exists with the Nikon D700.

I’d like you to get approval from your supervisors to upgrade my improperly functioning lens, just as you would do if I had purchased a D3.


From: Desiree Gaige <mailto:dgaige@sigmaphoto.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:19 AM
Subject: RE: FW: problems with Sigma 10-20 1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens and Nikon D700


I spoke with Japan and they suggested just to send in the lens to our service center so we can take a look at it.

Sigma Corp of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Att: Service Department

Include a note describing the problem and your contact information.

Also include warranty information and proof of purchase.



________________________________________

Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:04 AM
To: Desiree Gaige
Subject: Re: problems with Sigma 10-20 1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens and Nikon D700

It does not work. Your web site says numbers below 2160000. This is well below that number. Look at the attached. Jpegs and tell me it works.

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 18, 2008, at 12:13, "Desiree Gaige" <dgaige@sigmaphoto.com> wrote:
Thank you for your interest in Sigma products.

It should work; the lens has older serial # (so newest production).


Concerning the 10-20mm lens, serial #2160001縲・/span>above needs upgrade more then likely.

Desiree Gaige
縺・/span>繧薙・ 譖ク縺阪∪縺励◆
Customer Service/Technical Support
Sigma Corporation of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631)585-1144
(631)585-1895 (fax)
dgaige@sigmaphoto.com
www.sigmaphoto.com
www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network
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________________________________________
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 4:44 PM
To: info@sigmaphoto.com
Subject: problems with Sigma 10-20 1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens and Nikon D700

I recently received a Nikon D700 and noted that there are black corners when using the camera with my Sigma 10-20 1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens. The D700 has the auto DX function, like the D3. Please provide me with guidance in regards to fixing this problem.

Apparently the issue exists with this camera and lens. See attached JPEGS. Pictures were taken with the Auto DX function enabled.

Serial number of Nikon D700 2040635
Firmware version of D700 1.0

Serial number of Sigma -20 1:4-5.6 DC HSM lens 2087853

Thanks for your help.

The D700 has the ability to adjust the Auto DX crop. You might want to fiddle with this. Try turning on Custom Setting d2 Viewfinder grid display, and the box for the DX crop will be part of the grid. Then, go to Shooting Menu>Image Area and select DX. Presto, problem solved! You will now have a DX crop, and the grid will show where the crop is. I think you can save this as a Shooting Bank.

Here is what happens when a DX lens is attached:

Auto DX crop ON: You will see the full frame with corner vignetting in the viewfinder, but there will be a DX crop box superimposed on the screen, with or without the d2 grid turned on. The FX/DX image area selector is turned off, and the image size is 2784x1848.

Auto DX crop OFF, Image Area DX: Same result as Auto DX crop ON, and that is what should be your work around.

Auto DX crop OFF, Image Area FX, d2 Viewfinder grid display OFF: You will see the full frame, and corner vignetting and edge quality will vary depending on the lens and zoom setting. There will be no crop indicator. The image size is 4256x2832.

Auto DX crop OFF, Image Area FX, d2 Viewfinder grid display ON: Same result as above, except that the grid has a box that shows where the DX effective crop would be.

Regards,
Bob Rose

yes, i'm aware that i could manually switch to the DX view when i used this Sigma lens. For that matter, I could also just crop the picture during PP. But I'd rather be able to install the lens and have it automatically set the DX view settings, rather than requiring me to do it manually. The auto DX view works perfectly with my wife's 18-200 VR lens.

Maybe i'll just sell the lens. It's my only DX lens for the D700.