Using the Sigma Dock correctly. How to program the Sigma 150-600 lens to make it sharper and better!

Learn how to use the Sigma dock to get your lens working better. In this video I show you the settings that you can program using the Sigma dock and compatible Sigma lenses. It can make your lenses work better!!
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[@moneeb343]

Hi Mike; this video was a pleasure to watch. Thanks for taking the time to prep, record, edit and share this helpful tutorial.

[@clayblake1336]

Thank you! Just purchased this lens and docking station. Thank God for KZbin videos! Your videos have taught me so much!

[@stevegoodfellow3423]

A great video Mike, which confirmed that what I had done with mine (using a Nikon D780) was correct. One thing that wasn't covered in the video though is that if your camera has an AF adjustment function then you turn it off for this lens - on the Nikon you just remove the lens from the list of lenses to be corrected but other camera makes may have other methods. As the AF adjustments you have programmed with the dock are stored in the 150-600 if you also have an adjustment set in the camera then they will both be applied - firstly the lens will make its own adjustment and then the camera will add its adjustment too - resulting in poor focus performance. I have had this confirmed by Sigma UK.

[@firstchoicephoto]

I use the Micro Focus Adjustment (Canon) set for each lens not set for for all lenses. I have programmed using the dock on the 150-600 and then tweaked it with the camera MFFA with no issues. BUT I can see having an issue if you adjust the MFFA after tweaking the lens with the dock. Good point!!

[@bladechucker]

Thank you! I love having a faster autofocus option, can't wait to take it out again.

[@alanwolfe3636]

I had had this lens for some time, thanks to your excellent explanation I feel confident to move to the next level and improve my photography.

[@mallacai]

I have the lens and usb dock and found that it took 3 or 4 days to program the lens AF fine tuning due to bad weather, heat haze and rain being the biggest culprits for longer distances so definately write things down on paper, well worth buying the dock and calibrating the lens, it made a good lens into a great lens, just a hint but the lens seems to be sharpest at f6.7 on my d500

[@blackbird3456]

This information is very useful. I'm planning on getting this lens for bird photography. And I also shoot birds on manual focus as it is quieter than AF and a bit faster than the AF. I did some great shot of swallows on manual focus mode with my 250mm canon lens. I did ONE good shot of a double crested cormorant with my 250mm lens. My plan is to get a 150-600mm lens for my Canon Rebel T7. I'm thinking this one is awesome. I can't wait to have this lens and birding!

[@vellocx]

I just bought this lens and I have to warn you.. The focus ring is not smooth at all (at least on my unit). I did all my photography in manual focus sofar, but this lens makes me want to use autofocus :(

[@vellocx]

quick update: it gets better over time

[@p5eudo883]

I've been using it with a Rebel SL3, and I'm very happy with it. Even at 600mm, images are crisp. The shots I got of the moon are much better than those I got through my telescope.

[@Matilda8567]

I also use a T7 and got this lens as my first upgrade. I also mainly shoot birds (and other wildlife) and it has worked really well. I usually shoot manual with auto ISO and auto focus. I use the single center focus point if the subject is rather still but if I suspect birds in flight I might use all the focus points depending on background clutter.

[@patrickg2410]

Excellent idea to write down the settings you use and any changes you make. However, I just make a screen shot and be done with it.

[@firstchoicephoto]

I am old school, or maybe I am just old!

[@ryanlaughy1272]

Hi, Mike. Thanks for the informative presentation. I know no one who owns this lens, so perhaps you can provide some insight. When I use it on either my EOS R or EOS T5i, it "sings" as it tries to focus. From my experience, it's not a normal focusing sound. It does this in both AF and MF. Also, there is a constant, low grade mechanical sound that runs inside the lens whenever it is mounted. I just need to know if this is normal for this lens. If not, back to the seller it will go. Thanks again for the presentation and for your time.

[@firstchoicephoto]

My lens, and all that I have used or adjusted, have never been noisy. I pulled mine out today to try and come up with a word that describes the sound. It is very quiet the only thing I can say is a slight wind noise when it is focusing, a hushed moving sound, a rustling sound. That sound stops as soon as I stop focusing. There is a slight click right after you focus and let your finger off the focus button and this is normal. MYSELF I would take it back ASAP. I would return it and not get it fixed if it is really new. If the store has another lens in stock take one of your cameras to try on a different lens - even if it is a demo one to see.

[@ryanlaughy1272]

@@firstchoicephoto Thanks, Mike. That's just what I needed to hear. Mine sounds like a distant train whistle. Not an unpleasant sound, but not very appropriate for a camera lens. Thank you for going to the trouble listening and assessing your own lens. I'll pack mine up today for an exchange.

[@popsbmw]

Can you save different values for lens focus calibration in the c1 and 2 so if your trying to clibrate the lens focus you could set a different value on c1 and c2 and then go out in the field and see which one seems sharper etc

[@firstchoicephoto]

That would be great but no. C1 & C2 only adjust the way the lens focuses NOT the calibration. Shoot from a window at home and adjust it the best you can then go out and try in the field.

[@carlossouthward8578]

Great information sir.

[@jadefinchscene5644]

ok, i now understand the how a lot better. now my question comes to the why. my camera doesnt really have auto focus, (BMPCC6kpro has a one touch focus but then is manual from there) so where i am mostly manually focusing anyway is there any reason to go through this process? is it actually changing the internal spacing of the elements inside the lens, or just how the lens talks to the camera for auto focus features? thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@firstchoicephoto]

For focus it does not adjust the actual elements but changes the firmware only. I have not used the Blackmagic but if you are using the manual focus then adjusting the firmware for focus would not be required. The only thing that may help is any updates on the lens firmware for a better OS program.

[@jadefinchscene5644]

@@firstchoicephoto excellent. i try to keep the firmware updated, but don't check all that often to see if there is an update. I am using the EF version of the 150-600 contemporary, not the sport.

[@carey5976]

Greetings and thanks for an excellent explanation about using the docking station. I just ordered a used copy of this lens. Do you have a video explaining how to set micro adjustments on the camera? I am using a Canon 7DMark 2. Thanks again!!!

[@firstchoicephoto]

Here is the video on the camera micro focus. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_CmKqmpbObfM0

[@carey5976]

@@firstchoicephoto Great and thanks for your quick response! Answering questions for us is a great service and really appreciate it! I just subscribed!!!

[@brianhawk1854]

Great review and information. I don't think im going to buy this. I appreciate ute time and effort

[@YTS85]

Mike, I just started working on my SIGMA 70-200mm (Nikon) calibration. The only thing I don't understand is the ∞ (Infinity) calibration. You used real world examples when shooting wildlife, but there must be some way to do this in the studio? I only was able to do the 70mm settings last night, because I kept on going back and forth to check the focus on the computer. Help me with my terminology: (If on your test chart, the lens continues to focus (further away from you), is that a "Front Focusing" problem?)

[@firstchoicephoto]

As long as you can shoot something that is at Infinity which means the maximum distance that lens focuses at. So if you have a large enough room you technically should be able to do that inside. On the 150 to 600 I think Infinity is past 100 ft or 20 m (don't quote me as I am doing this without the lens). So you would need quite a large room for that lens, if your lens has the same distance for infinity you are going to need a large room as well. What I do to check my lens focus at infinity is I do the test at my studio. There are some buildings across the road, some more down the street, and some signs across a highway that I use as my Infinity targets. (SUGGESTION - use a target on a slight angle for the same reason the printed target is on an angle so you can see if it is front or rear focusing). They never move so I know if I focus on them then go in and check, adjust and come back they're at the same distance. Or if I've already checked and adjusted the focus and I just want to double check I will come home, open a window, remove the screen and do some test shots out of a window for some birds. That way I know its a subject that I usually shoot anyways so I know if the focus is working for me. Yes going back and forth to a computer is a pain (I consider it exercise to make myself feel better about it) and it can take a lot of time. If the lens is focused on the target and it's sharper behind the target that is - rear or back focusing. If it's focused on the target and what's in front is in focus that is front focusing.

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

I use the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary for birds/wildlife, but I don't own the dock. Fortunately, the AF seems to work flawlessly right out of the box. I'm told that I don't need to calibrate focus for mirrorless cameras, since the imaging sensor and focus sensor are one the same, removing the possibility of miscommunication. If this is true, then I would only need the dock for customization. Does this make sense?

[@firstchoicephoto]

You are correct!

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

@@firstchoicephoto Thanks for the prompt reply. I really appreciate your step-by-step guide. I want the dock to set customization modes, but I'm happy to avoid the focus calibration, which sounds painful :)

[@telkirton]

What if you have one lens and 2 cameras? does it (lens) hold the setting for each camera model body? Once the lens has been set does this use the same setting for every camera body you have or does the lens hold the info of each camera body, Thanks.

[@firstchoicephoto]

Great question!!! If you use the dock to program the lens the programing (Custom functions, focus adjustments, etc) will stay with the lens to the different bodies! For focus adjustment I would suggest zeroing out the lens and using the camera bodies microfocus adjustments to get the lens close. If that works then leave it. You could play with adjusting the lens after to see if it tweaks it anymore on both bodies. Would be a lot of work to do but could be a fun off day project.

[@paulwells6976]

@@firstchoicephoto Hi I sort of have the same question, I have just recently purchased the Sigma 150 -600 con lens with no dock, the lens is second hand, I am really struggling to get my Sigma / Canon 90D combination to focus and take sharp images, could it be that the Lens hasn't been reset back to default settings prior to me purchasing it and now I am struggling with someone else's custom settings???🤔

[@firstchoicephoto]

@@paulwells6976 It could well have a setting in it. Call a local camera store and see if they will reset the lens just to be sure. If they won't / cannot try your local camera club to see if anyone there has a Sigma dock.

[@paulwells6976]

@@firstchoicephoto Hi Thanks for responding so quickly, you may have just stopped me from going mad , I will purchase my own dock and reset from there.. Thanks again

[@willparsons32]

Adjusting the lens with the doc is definitely the ONLY way to readjust the focusing range of the lens. No ' if and's or about's it! But although the video explains how to adjust the lens itself, it doesn't explain the micro- focusing of the DSLR. This important to also execute as it may just as well be the only adjusting you'll have to do. Adjust the camera to the lens and then if that doesn't help, refer back to the lens (only) adjustment using the doc.

[@firstchoicephoto]

I have had great success both ways. This video goes into the camera micro focus including a free focus chart download.

[@jacobkrueger1920]

I am using the dot tune method to calibrate this lens. I have heard that you need to multiply the nikon values you get 2x to convert those numbers into Sigma's software. Is this only if you use auto AF fine tune in the nikon body itself?

[@firstchoicephoto]

Sorry not a Nikon person. Cannot comment on any method for Nikon. Myself I just shoot a test chart and make manual adjustments from that till it is sharp.

[@MrLito1977]

How can I find out what Lens uses the DOCk., is there a website to see the list?

[@firstchoicephoto]

Go to the Sigma website.

[@smoke362]

Is there a dock for the sigma lenses for sony emount

[@firstchoicephoto]

From what I could find from Sigma, no. But I could be wrong as I do not use the Sony so very little experience with it.

[@Giantcappuccino]

This is only necessary for DSLR (not mirrorless), correct?

[@firstchoicephoto]

That is correct. I have been hearing about focus problems on mirrorless but I have a feeling it is a camera issue and not the same thing as we have with DSLR.

[@popsbmw]

Hi can it be used with an android device

[@firstchoicephoto]

Not that I know of. Check with Sigma.

[@popsbmw]

@@firstchoicephoto cheers

[@pepperonihead]

It is a bummer that we spend $900 on a lens and then have to spend hours trying to collimate it to my camera. I cannot reach focus with this lens on my Canon 70D. I would love to know the focus settings other use on a 70D so I can use this lens or just frealing pay some one to do it for me. I go out and take photos of surfers at Jaws (Peahi) in Maui and I cannot use this lens because it won't reach focus. I use my Canon 100-300 lens and it is perfect but I wanted to get even closer and that is why I got this lens. I have not found any one in Maui that will let me pay them to do the collimation on it. Very disappointing.

[@firstchoicephoto]

Try the adjustments that I recommend using the 70 D microfocus fine adjustment. EVERY camera is different so one setting would not work on another camera. You can download the focus chart in the link up above. That's about all I can suggest to you. I absolutely love this lens now. And honestly if I only had the microfocus fine adjustment that's in the 70D that would probably be enough to get it 99.99% accurate.

[@pepperonihead]

@@firstchoicephoto So does that mean I don't have to go through the entire crazy collimation process of taking a bunch of photos? What part of your video is the instructions for the adjustments to the fine focus on the Canon 70D. Sorry if I am not quite understanding what your telling me but I have so many hobbies, plus three jobs, and really don't want to spend the time to do this several hours of lens collimation.

[@firstchoicephoto]

@@pepperonihead Try this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ndcn9mnqZqm7Msi=5ktwwR7OeyatYS2t

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@thimoschreiber4275]

Whats the differenc between the ud-01 and the ud-01E0 dock?

[@firstchoicephoto]

From what I understand they are the same item. Best to check with a retailer to verify.

[@kevywilliams3304]

I’m portent to plus your dock in to computer and go to sigma opt pro. And check there isn’t a dock update too.

[@firstchoicephoto]

I mention that in the video with the firmware update after you plug in the dock. Thanks.

[@noneyabusiness4564]

Why don't they give it to you with the lens?

[@firstchoicephoto]

Many people would never use it.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Dock is worthless if you use the lens on several bodies, since each body may need different amounts of calibration.

[@firstchoicephoto]

What I suggest is that you try the lens on various bodies. Make any adjustments that are universal using the dock. Then use the microfocus adjustment on the individual camera bodies to tweak it for each body. Works great for me and multiple bodies.

[@kevywilliams3304]

You’re always at 600mm maybe you should get an 800mm

[@firstchoicephoto]

Believe me I have thought of it. The Sigma 150 - 600 just works so well for carrying that I don't want to move up as I would not be able to use it as much because of the extra weight.

[@kevywilliams3304]

It really doesn’t make the 150-600 any clearer after 500 mm….

[@firstchoicephoto]

I find it does. Have adjusted a number of lenses and the difference is huge at 600.

[@duckhanhpham4753]

Too complicated for a upgrade firmware from Sigma USB dock. During Tamron tap in console just a few second is done. Very regrettable to buy Sigma shit.

[@firstchoicephoto]

I am sure that you can sell your Sigma and get a Tamron. The update of the firmware depends which Tamron you have. I think the Tameron 150-600 uses the tap in console. If it does use the Tamron TAP-in Console it is the same as upgrading the Sigma.

[@duckhanhpham4753]

@@firstchoicephoto I will not sell of Sigma I have but keep them all for Nikon DSLR bodies and NOT for Nikon Z as the way Sigma USB dock for upgrading too complicated and not available for mine either. I do not have Sigma 150-600 as you had. Those Sigma lenses I have: Sigma DG 50-500mm 4.5-6.3 OS APO HSM Sigma DG 70-200mm 2.8 OS APO HSM Sigma Converter APO 2X EX DG Sigma 24-70 1:2.8 EX DG Sigma 105mm1:2.8 Sigma DG OS MACRO Sigma 70-300 DG OS ( It is one of worst Sigma lenses ). Sigma 28-300mm !:3.5-63( It is one of worst Sigma lenses ). Sigma DC 18-250mm 1:3.5-6.3. All of them in my current possession. I meant to you that I were Sigma fan BUT NO MORE. I hope you understand what I had experiences with Sigma that I am not Sigma newbies. I understood your comment back but I told you the truth that I stop to shop Sigma a longtime ago. I meant I was Sigma garbage collector but no more.

[@kevywilliams3304]

Sigma has a completely diff set of instructions . Do not follow this advice .

[@firstchoicephoto]

Would love to see that advice, please post a link to it. Thanks.