Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Nikon Fit Lens

[JawD]

Hi All,

Ok, my first comment:

If only I'd read this site before buying my last lens.

So, new to photography and am enjoying my first DSLR, a Nikon D3000. I use the kit lens and also purchased a Nikon telepho which I've really enjoyed. Anyway, wanting to get a little more upclose and personal I was in the market for a macro lens and after some reading (clearly not enough!) I opted for the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Nikon Fit Lens.

I unpacked the lens to check everything was ok and then took it on holiday. Only then I realised that it wasn't suitable. Reading Sigma's own site it clearly states that the lens isnt for use with a D3000.

I attached it and did manage to get some good macro shots my manually focussing. But I dont seem to be able to change the aperture.

I spoke to the supplier and advised that I had used it once, kept the lens case but not box it came in. As I didnt have the box, they wouldn't accept it back. I even offered a £100 restocking charge and I'd buy the correct lens from them but no luck.

So, my questions are i) am I stuck other than selling the lens myself or is there any work-around?

Also, ii) would anyone recommend another Macro lens for the D3000?

Many thanks,

[OsmosisStudios]

There's no reason it shouldnt work. It wont AF (No HSM, which is sigma's version of AF-S) but it should still function normally.

You can try selling it on the used market as "new, no box" but it's no surprise the retailer didn't take it back.

[JawD]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

What actually happens when I attach the lens is that unless I have the aperture ring set to 2.8 I get an error on screen. Excuse my ignorance here, but I read this as meaning I could only operate the lens at A/2.8. The few shots I did take I was more than happy with. I equally don'y mind it being MF. But the depth of field was very shallow and I wanted to extend this somewhat. Should I be able to set up the camera in aperture priority as normal and change it to 5.6 for example to increase the depth while using MF?

Sorry, I know these are likely very basic questions.

[kirbinster]

Typically a lens needs to be set at either max or min aperature to operate automatically - depending on the brand. Thus, if you set it at 2.8 and it works great, if not try setting it to the smallest aperature and it might work.

[JawD]

Had another mess around last night and yes, by setting to the minimum it seemed to work fine. Sure its MF but I can live with that. The aperture then changed in the camera menu as normal. So, in this case I'll keep hold of the lens. Just need practice with it now.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

are you talking about the max aperture (small f/number) changing when you focus into the macro range? thats normal.