Canon and Nikon and other cameras these days are aware of their lenses and can store settings in the cameras to help get the most of out of the lens. Typical data stored in the camera about the lens includes Micro AF adjustments (to combat back/front focusing errors), vignetting compensation, and more. The problem with this technology is that it only works with the camera makers lenses, so SIGMA came up with a brilliant solution to combat this limitation – the USB Dock!
The way the USB dock works is that you screw your lens on to it the same way you’d mount your lens to a camera. With the dock attached and plugged into your computer you can use the free SIGMA Optimization Pro software to program custom features for your lens that will still work when attached to your camera.
This is a brilliant idea and I’m happy to see SIGMA push the limits on what can be done with lens programming as well!
Video
Here’s a video that demonstrates how it is used:
Click on the CC button to turn on the subtitles. Keep in mind that lenses are referred to as objectives in Europe.
SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
The following screen shots were taken from version 1.1 while attached to the new SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S lens (review coming soon). It also works with the Sigma 35mm Art Series I already tested on this blog.
SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
Focus Setting shown with 4 zones for 4 focal lengths on the 120-300mm lens
Canon calls these Micro AF adjustments
Optical Stabilization Settings
Focus Limiter Setting – helps with focus hunting when you know you’ll be in a limited range
USB Dock FAQ
To learn more about this dock, visit http://www.sigma-global.com/download/en/faq.html.
Conclusion
Canon cameras have some of this functionality built in for their own lenses, but what SIGMA has done is gone above and beyond by offering more control. What’s more the ability to do it from the PC on a per lens basis with multiple focal lengths and zones within each range is very powerful – but also very dangerous. In the wrong hands this gadget could really mess up a lens performance so I’d call this a power user/tech geek tool only.
It’s a nice piece of hardware for a reasonable price, so if you own a SIGMA lens – especially a sports lens like the new 120-300mm then I suggest picking it up!
Where to order
Click here to learn more or order the SIGMA USB Dock (for Nikon, Canon and SIGMA) on the B&H web site. My friends at Amazon have it available here.
Other articles you may enjoy
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:
- 120-300mm review coming soon! Check the right column for the latest reviews!
- Lens / Camera Gear Rental Series
- Sigma 35mm Art Series (My favorite Sigma!)
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG
- Things You Need AFTER You Buy Your New Camera - Must Have Photography Accessories
- Noise Reduction Software Roundup Conclusion (DISCOUNTS)
- Photographers Gift Guide / Recommendations
Disclosure
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.
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