Quality issues on new lenses

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Gray21

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Graeme
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Hi - As relative newcomer, could someone help explain why there seems to be so much discussion around 'hope I get a good one' when it comes to talking about new lenses?

I see lots of talk here around Sigma issues and various other brands - I just would have thought in this day and age, manufacturers would be able to provide a consistency of product?

Suspect this has something to do with my lack of understanding re optical issues, rather than the manufacturers, but would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks - Gray.
 
Substitute "'hope I get a good one' for "I'm an idiot, I have no idea how to take a decent photo, so I'll blame the lens", and thats my feeling on the matter.

Yes, like any mass produce item you do get the odd lemon, but frankly reports of bad samples are highly exagerrated. I also imagine that the few bad lenses get re-circulated, ie being re-sold by dis-honest sellers, or being put back onto store shelves.

manufacturers would be able to provide a consistency of product?

I think generally they do. They are multi-billion dollar (or rather yen) corporations and they wouldn't stay in business churning out crap. And retailers - who take a hit everytime something is returned - woudn't stock them either.

Its mostly user error IMHO, and probably 2% QC problems max would be my guess.
 
I guess with anything in life there is always going to be a certain element of imperfection, hence statutory and extended guarantees. If consistent perfection could be met then I suppose there would be no need for warranties! I must admit in that I agree there does appear to be a much higher degree of non-perfect lenses either floating about or being talked about but then from watching a few vids online about the process in making lenses I can see why this is the case - although the actual complex nature in making a lens really shouldn't have any impact on the consumer as quality control should be available to prevent bad lenses reaching us - probably a case of balancing quality control against the cost of doing such and what level can be reasonably accepted by the public?
 
puddleduck said:
Substitute "'hope I get a good one' for "I'm an idiot, I have no idea how to take a decent photo, so I'll blame the lens", and thats my feeling on the matter.

Yes, like any mass produce item you do get the odd lemon, but frankly reports of bad samples are highly exagerrated. I also imagine that the few bad lenses get re-circulated, ie being re-sold by dis-honest sellers, or being put back onto store shelves.

Its mostly user error IMHO, and probably 2% QC problems max would be my guess.
Click to expand...

Thanks PuddleDuck - my faith in the manufacturers is restored - and my one and only excuse for my c**p photos has gone out the window.

Thanks for the response - G
 
Gray21 said:
Thanks PuddleDuck - my faith in the manufacturers is restored - and my one and only excuse for my c**p photos has gone out the window.

Thanks for the response - G
Click to expand...

Oh... I also suspect that many "QC" problems are actually due to bad packaging. The only bad lens I've ever had (a Sigma 150mm macro) came in a polythene CityLink bag with no padding....:eek::cuckoo:

It was incredible soft, and clearly had a loose element. Bad QC or bad handling post-factory? I've no idea. Sigma UK replaced the lens with a brand new one in under a week (and packaged it very well getting it back to me)

We've no idea how things are handled once they leave Japan, but it strikes me there is plenty of potential for drops / knocks etc in transit.
 
Ironically, the only lens that I've had which had focusing issues (was front forcusing) is the Nikon 24-70/2.8 .. this is meant to be an outstanding lens, and by all accounts it is. It's now in service to this issue resolved.

Also, keep in mind what we read on forums of IQ problems is mainly from unsatisfied customers, while the majority who are satisfied are too busy taking pictures and posting their shotos!
 
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 gets a bad press for front focussing/back focussing, so I was expecting mine to be faulty, so when I didn't get the super-sharp pics I was expecting straight out the box I immediately assumed the worse.

A bit more testing (and some common sense) made me realise a) the lens is much sharper when stopped down a wee bit and b) the dof at f/1.4 is absolutely tiny.

Like Puddleduck says, I'm an idiot :lol:
 
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