Sigma 70-300 macro mode hack?

[RayDream]

The famous cheap sigma 70-300 macro is suppose to only enable macro mode at 200-300mm range. However I realised it can actually use macro mode as any other range including 70mm, with AF, metering enable.

Anybody tried that too? Is it good for the mechanism inside? Will I break it one day?

[calebk]

Originally Posted by RayDream The famous cheap sigma 70-300 macro is suppose to only enable macro mode at 200-300mm range. However I realised it can actually use macro mode as any other range including 70mm, with AF, metering enable. Anybody tried that too? Is it good for the mechanism inside? Will I break it one day?

You probably will, because you're mechanically forcing it into the macro area of focus on the mechanism.

[shooter21]

sounds interesting, have you tried it. i got also 70-300, want to exceed limitation also..

[RayDream]

Yes of course! Used it whenever needed to. I did a small search and apparently another person had posted about it too.

According to him it won't spoil the mechanism, however I wanted to perfect the hack by modifying it.

To use the hack, simply turn to 200-300mm range, enable macro mode, and slowly twist it to go 70-200mm range. Yes it can do AF in macro within 70-200.

[RayDream]

Originally Posted by calebk You probably will, because you're mechanically forcing it into the macro area of focus on the mechanism.

Hey, as a matter of fact, IT WON"T SPOIL ANYTHING! Out of curiosity and attempt to learn lens maintainence, I opened it up and found that it's just an extra metal piece that block a block of plastic to prevent the macro mode.

Out of playfullness, I cut that metal off. Now I have a fully function modified Sigma 70-300 Macro

[Jediyam]

Wow! Thanks! It really does work. And you don't really have to dissect the lens and cut something off either. It's quite easy to slowly overcome the mechanical block by twisting the lens barrel. It gets easier after the first time too. I thought the 70-300 was a bargain to begin with, now it's just tripled in value!

I must say this has been the most useful tip I've learned from this forum so far!

[blackdrakes]

now, why did sigma jam the macro function in the frist place??

[Jediyam]

Who knows what goes through the minds of the marketing people. Just like some gadgets have 2 models containing the same hardware, just that some have the functions firmware locked and sold as a cheaper version but can be hacked to get the full function. Just be happy for the bargain. They could have easily sold this thing for a lot more.

I now just leave the macro switch on all the time. It doesn't compromise longer distance shooting. At around $300 for a 70-300mm with 0.95m - infinity focusing throughout the full range, this just became the best value for money lens out there!

[cichlid]

Hi RayDream

I am curious to know what are the differences when shooting at 70mm with and without the macro mode.

Could you post 2 pics to show the differences?

Thanks.

[RayDream]

Hi cichlid,

Sigma's macro mode is simply extend the front lens to achieve shorter MFD.

Think of it like the original 70mm at MFD 1.5m, then you add a extension tube to make MFD become 0.95m.

Hope that answer you question.

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by blackdrakes now, why did sigma jam the macro function in the frist place??

becos even with a MFD of 0.95m on the 70mm, it ain't anywhere near even close-up range... even at 300mm, magnification of 1:2 ain't exactly considered as macro, most refer macro to 1:1 or more

[Jediyam]

Originally Posted by ExplorerZ becos even with a MFD of 0.95m on the 70mm, it ain't anywhere near even close-up range... even at 300mm, magnification of 1:2 ain't exactly considered as macro, most refer macro to 1:1 or more

Still doesn't really explain why they jammed it instead of marketing it as a more versatile lens than the competition. At that price, 1:2 is pretty good value for money really.

[cichlid]

Originally Posted by RayDream Hi cichlid, Sigma's macro mode is simply extend the front lens to achieve shorter MFD. Think of it like the original 70mm at MFD 1.5m, then you add a extension tube to make MFD become 0.95m. Hope that answer you question.

Oic, thanks for the explanation !

[andylausk]

Quote: Still doesn't really explain why they jammed it instead of marketing it as a more versatile lens than the competition. At that price, 1:2 is pretty good value for money really.

To cut short the focusing time when shooting far objects.

[calebk]

Originally Posted by andylausk To cut short the focusing time when shooting far objects.

Nope, not true. There's this invention called a focus limiter and it's present on quite a few mid-level, and high-end telephoto lenses. There's a distinct difference between a focus limiter and product crippling.

[tqviet0327]

Hi

I tried this, but when I twisted the lens after enabling macro mode, it got stucked at 200mm and couldnt go down further. Did you have to apply force to force it going down? thanks

[RayDream]

Originally Posted by tqviet0327 Hi I tried this, but when I twisted the lens after enabling macro mode, it got stucked at 200mm and couldnt go down further. Did you have to apply force to force it going down? thanks

What mount is that? Is it the gold ring version or the red ring version? I am now providing this service to remove the 'limiter' for S$50 under the service category. It will enable you to switch on the macro button at all range.

cichlid: Picture explains everything http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351027

[blurblur]

Can Sony mount done that??

[RayDream]

You meant a Sigma 70-300 sony-mount? Most likely can No charge if didn't work. If you decided to leave the lens with me to work it out, you can take down my IC number for verification.

For now I had worked on a gold-ringed nikon mount and a red-ringed canon mount, mechanism is slightly different but concepts are the same.

What I believe is that Sigma wanted to release a few different versions of 70-300 macro. However in order to save costs on manufacturing, they leave out this mechanism so that they can release 2 different versions of the 70-300 macro at different price.

A classic example that I discover is that the older gold-ring version only allow macro at 300mm. Then they called the red-ring version II as 'macro super', able to turn on macro at 200-300mm. For some reason they havn't or never will release a version III full macro from 70-300mm. If you can trust me I will make your Sigma 70-300 a version III

Sample picture, note on the 1st pic, you can see both versions lens switched to 0.95m at range 70mm. http://sg.auctions.yahoo.com/sg/i::257737322

[hawkeyes]

Hi

I'm using Tamrom 70-300mm lens. It already have macro switch.