Autofocus issues on Leica SL with Sigma 24mm 1.4

[lemalk]

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Does anyone else have the Sigma 24mm 1.4? I can't complain at all about the quality of pictures - they're stunning. The issue I am having is that the autofocus hunts like crazy - even with static subjects and in perfectly good light. 

I have tried the different AF modes, and am really surprised at what a challenge it has been to lock focus. I am used to using manual lenses on the SL, and to be honest, it seems like that is actually quicker. 

Any hints or suggestions? Is this just one of the weaknesses of the SL? Of the lens? 

[lykaman]

Have you tried a Leica Lens? Some Sigma lenses can have their Firmware Updated!.. Do a Reset on your camera and try that..  L

[tritentrue]

I use a Lumix S Pro lens on my SL, and autofocus, even when using a 2X teleconverter, is near-instant and accurate.  Even in moderately low light and with low-contrast subject matter, the SL acquires focus quickly and accurately.  Never tried a Sigma, though...

[lemalk]

6 hours ago, lykaman said:

Have you tried a Leica Lens? Some Sigma lenses can have their Firmware Updated!.. Do a Reset on your camera and try that..  L

I do not have a Leica Lens, unfortunately. I don’t believe the Sigma has had any firmware yet since I couldn’t find anything online. The SL is on latest firmware and was reset - didn’t help, unfortunately

Edited June 10, 2020 by lemalk
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[lykaman]

30 minutes ago, lemalk said:

I do not have a Leica Lens, unfortunately. I don’t believe the Sigma has had any firmware yet since I couldn’t find anything online. The SL is on latest firmware and was reset - didn’t help, unfortunately

You could always Rent an SL Lens, that will tell you if the Sigma or the Camera has an issue.. Alternatively you could call Sigma and talk to one of their Tech's.. Father's Day is coming, treat yourself to a Leica Lens.. If I may say so, whilst I agree other than Leica lenses will mostly work and perform well on Leica cameras, surely the point of Leica is to have both the camera and lens from Leica to maximize the IQ etc.. No Disrespect Meant..  L

Edited June 10, 2020 by lykaman

[sillbeers15]

Leica uses Panasonic developed contrast detect Auto Focus Algorithm with DFD proprietary AF logic that depends on Lens specific data stored in camera through firmware updates. Therefore lenses not found in L mount alliance list will encounter slow/focus hunt as camera continues to search for correct focus point  without data aid.

[lemalk]

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7 hours ago, sillbeers15 said:

Leica uses Panasonic developed contrast detect Auto Focus Algorithm with DFD proprietary AF logic that depends on Lens specific data stored in camera through firmware updates. Therefore lenses not found in L mount alliance list will encounter slow/focus hunt as camera continues to search for correct focus point  without data aid.

Sigma is the 3rd primary partner in the L-mount alliance, but I am not sure if the tech for autofocus is also shared between the lens makers

[Speeding]

21 hours ago, lemalk said:

The issue I am having is that the autofocus hunts like crazy - even with static subjects and in perfectly good light. 

Any hints or suggestions? Is this just one of the weaknesses of the SL? Of the lens? 

While the "bang-for-the-buck" is stellar for the Sigma Art lenses, they are in my experience the least reliable in autofocus.  It is the same with my FE and EF versions on native camera bodies.  Sometimes excessive hunting, sometimes just plain misses.  Both are frustrating but for the money I can live with it.  Generally speaking I have found the native Leica L-mount and native Panasonic lenses to be very reliable.  But of course, they cost more.

[michali]

On 6/10/2020 at 3:10 AM, lemalk said:

Does anyone else have the Sigma 24mm 1.4? I can't complain at all about the quality of pictures - they're stunning. The issue I am having is that the autofocus hunts like crazy - even with static subjects and in perfectly good light. 

I have tried the different AF modes, and am really surprised at what a challenge it has been to lock focus. I am used to using manual lenses on the SL, and to be honest, it seems like that is actually quicker. 

Any hints or suggestions? Is this just one of the weaknesses of the SL? Of the lens? 

Besides my Leica L lenses, I have the Sigma 14-24mm,  45mm & 135mm L lenses. I've encountered no focusing issues whatsoever with any of these lenses on the SL or SL2. Focus speed & accuracy are equal to results I get with the Leica L lenses.

Have you considered the possibility that the lens may have an issue, maybe one of the electrical contacts?  

[hillavoider]

Sigma 45 is super fast 

[Ivar B]

I don`t own the 1.4/24, but I have the 1.2/35 and the 1.4/85. There were no autofocus issues when I used those on the SL. I have since sold the SL and bought a Panasonic S1R and the autofocus works fine there as well. 

[Ertos]

I had the same issue. I think it is because these Sigma lenses (contra the 45mm) are not truly native L mount. I ended up returning it to the store. Bought the Voigtlander 21mm F1.4 instead. By the way, I had the Summicron 75mm SL and the AF was blazing fast and accurate.

Edited June 17, 2020 by Ertos

[sillbeers15]

On 6/11/2020 at 1:53 AM, lemalk said:

Sigma is the 3rd primary partner in the L-mount alliance, but I am not sure if the tech for autofocus is also shared between the lens makers

Check with Leica on the list of interchangeable compatible lenses. It changes over time with firmware updates on the camera.

[Daniel Venter]

On 6/20/2020 at 5:16 AM, sillbeers15 said:

Check with Leica on the list of interchangeable compatible lenses. It changes over time with firmware updates on the camera.

Do you have a link to the capatible lens list?

 

[Tailwagger]

Can't speak to 24mm. I've had no issues with the Sigma 45mm, however the 135mm, while not bad, has a tendency on occasion both to hunt and miss the target. Neither's performance is fully up to the native Leica optics I own, nor the 16-35mm Pano.

[sillbeers15]

On 7/17/2020 at 5:42 AM, Tailwagger said:

Can't speak to 24mm. I've had no issues with the Sigma 45mm, however the 135mm, while not bad, has a tendency on occasion both to hunt and miss the target. Neither's performance is fully up to the native Leica optics I own, nor the 16-35mm Pano.

A comparing fact is there is no focus hunting complains from users of Native Leica SL lenses except on low light situation (which happens to all AF systems). In my 5 years of usage since the first SL, I cannot remember having focus hunting situation (I only use native SL lenses).

[Tailwagger]

11 minutes ago, sillbeers15 said:

A comparing fact is there is no focus hunting complains from users of Native Leica SL lenses except on low light situation (which happens to all AF systems). In my 5 years of usage since the first SL, I cannot remember having focus hunting situation (I only use native SL lenses).

I don't doubt for a second that the SL2 native lenses perform better. Certainly mine do. I will say however that despite my occasional focusing frustrations with the 135 ART, even in reasonably good light, it is a magnificent optic that despite rivaling the tonnage of a small battleship, I wouldn't dream of parting with. 

[sillbeers15]

On 6/11/2020 at 1:53 AM, lemalk said:

Sigma is the 3rd primary partner in the L-mount alliance, but I am not sure if the tech for autofocus is also shared between the lens makers

My understanding is only L mount Sigma lenses with updated firmware to SL/2 will be fully compatible.