topic Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

JRichards2012 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:17:37 GMT

I recently purchased a R7 with the purpose of pairing it with my Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 Sports. However it will not recognize the lens. That lens works perfectly with my adapted R6. And the R7 works just fine with other adapted Sigma lenses. Yet refuses to recognize that Sigma lens that i purchased it for. I have cleaned the lens terminals, taken the battery out of the camera, and replaced. It still will not work. I updated the firmware to 1.6.0 as well. Nothing works. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:15:54 GMT

Hi JRichards2012,

Canon has officially stated that they do not support third-party lenses for their R platform, which means compatibility with non-RF/Canon lenses may vary. In light of this, I recommend researching user experiences thoroughly before purchasing any lens that isn't part of the RF lineup. This advice extends to EF lenses, which—while often usable with an adapter—might not provide the same performance or full compatibility as native RF lenses. Checking user reviews and forums can provide insight into the functionality and reliability of third-party or adapted lenses on the R platform, helping you make a more informed decision.

Now, there is something that you did not mention in your original post, what adapter are you using, is it the Canon EF to RF adapter or a 3rd party adapter? If it's a 3rd party adapter you are adding another unknown variable to your compatibility equation. The R7 is very peaky regarding compatibility with any lens that it's not an RF-S lens. There are people online that keep track of those lenses that do work with this camera. I would recommend you to look for those lists.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

Tronhard — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:09:13 GMT

Eloquently expressed Frank! 👋👏👋

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:10:34 GMT

Thanks!

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:02:25 GMT

I couple thoughts on this topic. Canon has not stated they will not support Sigma products and recently entered into a strategic relationship approving Sigma to manufacturer and distribute R series glass. Please post the language Canon has released on 3rd party support because I have not been able to find it.

Additionally, I have personally received support from Canon support on my 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S, 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | S and 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C when I had focusing issues. The Canon representitive was kind enough to trouble shoot the challenges and make a suggestion to resolve the issue. It was a firmware challenge and Canon was the group that assisted in resolution. I am unclear as to why people continue to make this inaccurate statement. They will work with Canon owners to the best of their ability and knowledge but do not support repairs.

JRichards2012, as to your question, there is a compatibility chart on the Sigma site for the R7, your Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 Sport is not on the compatibility list. Currently they only display two.

10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary

Re: EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

shadowsports — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:03:44 GMT

Frank is correct. From Sigma's site:

I'm sure its a nice lens, but not on the R7 according to Sigma. A firmware update could help?

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:41:30 GMT

Well, they will troubleshoot your camera settings, etc. But they will not help you with any thing relative to your 3rd party lens. That's common sense. You will not find in Canon's site or compatibility lists any mention to any other lenses other than the RF lenses. It's just not viable for them to create a compatibility list with all possible 3rd party lenses available in the market. About the relation with Sigma, Sigma has not released yet any RF lens. As far as I recall, there is some RF-S lenses about to be released.

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/contents/sigma_rfmount_lenses/

Note: Sigma compatibility list for the RF mount mention only two lenses no matter what camera from Canon R you select, the two lenses mentioned are APS-C format.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:19:35 GMT

They will trouble shoot the entire system to assist you both body and lens, I have done it with Canon representatives. Additionally, if you care to search my site name you will find other instances where I suggested someone contact Canon directly to resolve challenges with third party (Sigma) lenses and they also had positive experiences.

Speaking to Sigma directly, it was part of the agreement to display the Native APS-C RF glass/lenses in their compatibility chart. The EF compatibility chart was removed when they began making native Canon RF lenses. That information, EF compatibility prior to the agreement was always available!

And attempting to use semantics is a poor attempt to cover mis-information. Much like Canon the two lenses I noted above were announced as released, like Canon with a projected ship date. If you go to the Sigma website you will see that you can "Buy Now". APS-C or full frame they are both RF mount so RF has been released by a third party.

If your desire is to purchase strictly Canon lenses that is your choice. But by forwarding mis-information you are not helping people in our field. Being able to make that same choice if they desire to reduce their expense, purchase used, prefer Sigma, any mis-information may stop them from utilizing that option.

Saying that Canon will not assist is simply not true. If it was true Canon would publish statement and would not have assisted me resolve challenges with three lenses when I moved to MILC. Canon is in a strategic relationship with Sigma now, starting with APS-C and with EF lenses. I believe that most businesses support stratigic partners.

Again, please show me where you obtained the documented information that Canon will not offer tech support for Sigma lenses. I may have missed it.

Re: EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:42:49 GMT

Hey Rick, good suggestion on the firmware update. The 120-300mm was discontinued and dated, the ability to update the firmware is no longer possible. I have an 18-300mm macro that I love, it is in the same category and firmware is not available for R bodies. It will for some odd reason work on my R50.

(edited to correct name)

Re: EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

shadowsports — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:35:12 GMT

🤣 I think you mean Rick and firmware for the 120-300 is available if you have a USB Dock for EF, but there is nothing for the R series if that's what you meant. I'm going to let my dock go with my last Sigma lens, a 150-600c. Waiting for it to go to a good home.

Re: EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:25:48 GMT

LOL....Sorry you are correct, I did mean Rick. I am not even sure where Steve came from when responding.

The dock has been a bonus for me also, the plan is to hold onto it until (or if) my Sigma glass is replaced. Like you (posted screenshot) I didn't see anything in the firmware release to assist with compatibility with R bodies but it may be worth a shot if the OP has a dock.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

Tronhard — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:03:32 GMT

Hi Marc:
Without wishing to get into a big debate over this, I will submit two things I discovered on this:
The first one is from the Sigma site and refers to the lenses they have officially listed for the Canon RF mount, and are covered by a license agreement.
SIGMA Introduces Lenses for Canon RF Mount: What You Need to Know | SIGMA Blog
I note that these offerings have no OS, nor are they designed for the full-frame sensors.
They do not support digital lens optimization (which corrects some information I got from elsewhere)

As regards Canon's approach to third-party lenses on Canon R-series bodies.

I thought the best thing to do was to contact Canon directly, which I did here in NZ - I asked if their response was going to be different from any other region and they confirmed this is Canon world-wide policy. I posed four questions to the tech support rep. I would encourage you to contact a local Canon support provider if you think that is contrary to the policy in your region.

Q1: Does Canon have a policy with regards to supporting 3rd-party lenses on Canon R-series bodies:
A1: Officially, Canon does not commit to supporting lenses or other attachments from 3rd-party sources especially if they do not have an approved licensing agreement with Canon. This is because Canon has no control over the parameters under which such equipment is designed and manufactured, and is in line with standard business practice with other camera makers.

Q2: What support is provided for Sigma specifically, considering it has signed a license agreement with Canon?
A2: The license agreement currently is confined to a series of lenses natively compatible with the RF-S mount, although they can be used in crop mode with RF cameras in a way similar to Canon RF-S lenses. There is, at present, no other announced agreement. Sigma are responsible for support for their lenses.

Q3: Will Canon provide support under any conditions for other lenses attached to Canon R-series cameras
A3: We will always seek to be supportive of our customers, and our staff may, on an ad-hoc, purely case-by-case basis, and at their discretion, offer advice. It should be noted that Canon International does not officially endorse or provide warranty to such advice that may be offered, and any advice given does not reflect the official position of Canon as regards such advice. Thus, Canon accepts no warranty, expressed or implied for such measures.

Q4: Sigma published a compatibility table of lenses it says work with the Canon RF mount, does Canon support that?
A4: Such a list is compiled by Sigma and they are responsible for that. Canon makes no commitment or warranty as to the compatibility, reliability or performance of 3rd-party lenses being adapted from their EF mounts to the Canon RF mount. That is the right and responsibility of that party. Canon will be responsible and provided official support for Canon EF and EF-S lenses adapted, via Canon EF-RF adapters to R-series bodies.

Without prejudice this is what I understand is the status.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:58:17 GMT

I respect your opinion, my comments are based on the information and experience that I have at the moment. I do not have any affiliation with Canon and I do own 3rd party lenses, adapters, batteries, etc.

I have not seen an Official statement of Canon saying that they are not supporting 3rd party lenses but I have seen at least one company retiring their RF lenses from the market and I have read other pages saying that this move was per Canon request. The RF mount was implemented years ago and we still do not have any 3rd party lens in the market.

May be I’m jumping into conclusions here. I just don’t want to create false expectations to somebody that came here hoping that Canon will help with his issue with a Sigma EF lens.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:25:12 GMT

Hey Trevor:

It is not a debate but a conversation which is to some regard necessary as mis-information regarding support is frequent. It would have been better if you would have read my response prior to posting so I did not have to retype but it is OK if the message is clear.

Talking directly to Sigma I was told that the EF compatibility information was removed when approval was given to Sigma to manufacture and distribute RF lenses. I attempted to use the compatibility chart for EF glass and found it was amended when I wanted to check on a lens, hence I spoke to Sigma marketing.

Q1: Does Canon have a policy with regards to supporting 3rd-party lenses on Canon R-series bodies:
A1: Officially, Canon does not commit to supporting lenses or other attachments from 3rd-party sources unless they have been approved via a licensing agreement with Canon. This is because Canon has no control over the parameters under which such equipment is designed and manufactured and is in line with standard business practice with other camera makers.

Canon has approved via a licensing agreement with Sigma the production and distribution of both the EF and current RF APS-C Sigma lenses.

Q2: What support is provided for Sigma specifically, considering it has signed a license agreement with Canon?
A2: The license agreement currently is confined to a series of lenses natively compatible with the RF-S mount, although they can be used in crop mode with RF cameras in a way similar to Canon RF-S lenses. There is, at present, no other announced agreement.

Did you specifically inquire about the Sigma EF line as that is/was under agreement. The OP was discussing an EF mount lens when he was told there was no support for that lens. How this devolved into a debate about RF glass is not at all in line with the initial conversation. Canon will give customers technical support for lenses under the license agreement within their knowledge base and skill set. So the information you have supplied while informative is not germane to the conversation with the exception of the newly released RF Sigma glass.

Q3: Will Canon provide support under any conditions for other lenses attached to Canon R-series cameras
A3: We will always seek to be supportive of our customers, and our staff may, on an ad-hoc basis, and purely on a case-by-case bases, and at their discretion, offer advice. It should be noted that Canon does not officially endorse or provide warranty to such advice that may be offered and any advice given does not reflect the official position of Canon as regards such advice. Thus, Canon accepts no warranty, expressed or implied for such measures.

I know, that is exactly my point and my personal experience! Canon will always seek to be supportive of our customers, and our staff may, on an ad-hoc basis, and purely on a case-by-case bases, and at their discretion, offer advice. Hence stating they will not offer support is inaccurate and should stop.

Q4: Sigma published a compatibility table of lenses it say work with the Canon RF mount, does Canon support that?
A4: Such a list is compiled by Sigma and they are responsible for that. Canon makes no commitment or warranty as to the compatibility, reliability or performance of 3rd-party lenses being adapted from their EF mounts to the Canon RF mount. That is the right and responsibility of that party. Canon will be responsible and provided official support for Canon EF and EF-S lenses adapted, via Canon EF-RF adapters to R-series bodies.

I never stated that Canon guaranteed compatibility. I also conveyed that the EF compatibility list was removed when the RF agreement was established.

We can talk about this all we want but this single statement from Canon says it all! Canon will always seek to be supportive of our customers, and our staff may, on an ad-hoc basis, and purely on a case-by-case bases, and at their discretion, offer advice.

So back to my first statement that changed the direction of this thread. Stating Canon will not offer support for a Sigma lens is mis-information.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

March411 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:37:51 GMT

Appreciated Frank. And it is kind of you to use the word retiring when you mention one company has been: retiring their RF lenses from the market and I have read other pages saying that this move was per Canon request.

Canon expects anyone producing and distributing their lenses/peripheral items to be in a licensing agreement. It is speculation on my part but it appears Canon is taking a more aggressive approach to businesses releasing "Canon" hardware outside of license. I think they are sending a clear message by ensuring that items such as batteries are protected and difficult to clone.

My involvement on forums is to help whenever possible. I always attempt to do the research to convey accurate information and will call it out when I am confident information is not truly accurate.

No hard feeling, just conversation.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:21:51 GMT

We can debate all we want here but the bottom line is that there is little to nothing that can be done to help with the original question. Canon will not release a firmware to address an issue found in a 3rd party lens that was not designed to be used with a R system. Sigma most likely will not release a firmware update for an EF lens to fix an issue with a R camera. On top of that, Canon is not making any more EF cameras so there is not any insensitive for Sigma to fix anything, in the way I see this whole matter.
The only thing he can do is to use the lens in any other camera that works with that lens and forget about using it in the R7. Cruel but the reality.

Re: EOS R7 won't recognize Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

JRichards2012 — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:50:12 GMT

Both the R7 and Sigma lens have the most current firmware updates.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

JRichards2012 — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:52:46 GMT

I used both the canon EF/RF control ring adapter and a third party adapter.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

JRichards2012 — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:55:02 GMT

In addition. The R7 has zero problems working with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art lens. It isn't on the Sigma to R7 compatibility list.

Re: EOS R7 and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8

ctitanic — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:12:41 GMT

Correct. Sigma's list will not mention any EF lenses. I think that If you have read the other posts in this long thread you may have gathered that there is nothing that can be done in your case. No all lenses regardless of the maker work well in the R7. It's a very peaky camera.