Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens

Jeff Harper · June 5th, 2011, 01:21 AM

Whoa, that is so weird Steve. It does appear you found the problem! Software glitch!.

Bill Bruner · January 12th, 2012, 05:05 AM

I just bought one of these lenses on eBay and look forward to getting it.

According to Panasonic's GH2 lens compatibility chart here, the lack of the MF assist function is not a software glitch. Note #3 says:

"When the camera is in MF mode, the image will be magnified automatically by rotating the focus ring. These lenses do not support this function.
It is possible to magnify the image on GH2,
(When operating the touch panel)
- Touch the panel to enlarge
(When operating buttons)
- Press and hold Q.MENU button until MF assist position setting screen is displayed.
- Press 4-way controller to change the position of the MF assist screen, and press MENU/SET button."

That said, I will definitely try Steve's workaround with my Canon FD lens when the Sigma arrives!

Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Jeff Harper · January 12th, 2012, 06:08 AM

It's a decent lens for the money. I tried to sell mine repeatedly here and couldn't find a buyer. After I got the Olympus 12mm-60mm, it was hard to enjoy the Sigma any longer. Mine just sits in a case unused now. The Sigma 1850mm F/2.8 was the first lens I bought for my GH2, I believe, in a long string of lenses I've purchased.

How much did you pay for yours Bill?

I use the focus assist fully manually on screen, just move the area around with my index finger and resize it as needed, works great and is the fastest, easiest way when working under pressure during a wedding shoot. Wish that worked during recording, but it doesn't.

Bill Bruner · January 13th, 2012, 12:48 AM

Sorry I missed your "for sale" posting, Jeff. I got mine for $201. Here are a couple more currently up for auction at eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sigma-18-50-...R-/22092681040

SIGMA LENS 18-50mm 1:2.8 EX Macro ( used ) For Olympus | eBay

Best,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Jeff Harper · January 13th, 2012, 06:17 AM

Hi Bill, the first one is not listed, and the second one is beat up all to heck, it looks terrible. You got lucky, the lens is very hard to find in good condition. The ones I've seen for sale have been pretty beat up.

At F/2.8 there's nothing else with that zoom range that is as compatible with the camera. Auto focus is noisy and slow, but it works. I've gotten some very nice images with the lens. I know you'll enjoy it.

I'm still astonished that there aren't more people looking for it. I'm holding onto mine now as it's my only M4/3 zoom, but I likely won't use it again till summer.

June 5th, 2011, 01:21 AM	#16
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens Whoa, that is so weird Steve. It does appear you found the problem! Software glitch!. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

January 12th, 2012, 05:05 AM	#17
Bill Bruner Major Player Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sunny California Posts: 513	Re: Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens I just bought one of these lenses on eBay and look forward to getting it. According to Panasonic's GH2 lens compatibility chart here, the lack of the MF assist function is not a software glitch. Note #3 says: "When the camera is in MF mode, the image will be magnified automatically by rotating the focus ring. These lenses do not support this function. It is possible to magnify the image on GH2, (When operating the touch panel) - Touch the panel to enlarge (When operating buttons) - Press and hold Q.MENU button until MF assist position setting screen is displayed. - Press 4-way controller to change the position of the MF assist screen, and press MENU/SET button." That said, I will definitely try Steve's workaround with my Canon FD lens when the Sigma arrives! Cheers, Bill Hybrid Camera Revolution

January 12th, 2012, 06:08 AM	#18
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens It's a decent lens for the money. I tried to sell mine repeatedly here and couldn't find a buyer. After I got the Olympus 12mm-60mm, it was hard to enjoy the Sigma any longer. Mine just sits in a case unused now. The Sigma 1850mm F/2.8 was the first lens I bought for my GH2, I believe, in a long string of lenses I've purchased. How much did you pay for yours Bill? I use the focus assist fully manually on screen, just move the area around with my index finger and resize it as needed, works great and is the fastest, easiest way when working under pressure during a wedding shoot. Wish that worked during recording, but it doesn't.

January 13th, 2012, 12:48 AM	#19
Bill Bruner Major Player Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sunny California Posts: 513	Re: Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens Sorry I missed your "for sale" posting, Jeff. I got mine for $201. Here are a couple more currently up for auction at eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sigma-18-50-...R-/22092681040 SIGMA LENS 18-50mm 1:2.8 EX Macro ( used ) For Olympus \| eBay Best, Bill Hybrid Camera Revolution

January 13th, 2012, 06:17 AM	#20
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Ok just picked up a Sigma 2.8 18-50 4/3 lens Hi Bill, the first one is not listed, and the second one is beat up all to heck, it looks terrible. You got lucky, the lens is very hard to find in good condition. The ones I've seen for sale have been pretty beat up. At F/2.8 there's nothing else with that zoom range that is as compatible with the camera. Auto focus is noisy and slow, but it works. I've gotten some very nice images with the lens. I know you'll enjoy it. I'm still astonished that there aren't more people looking for it. I'm holding onto mine now as it's my only M4/3 zoom, but I likely won't use it again till summer.