Sigma 100-300 f/4 AF problems

[MrFotoFool]

I bought the Sigma 100-300 f/4 HSM a few months ago used (good price). On a trip last month, the autofocus stopped working. It still works fine in manual focus. Has anyone else had this problem, with this lens specifically or with Sigma lenses in general?

Annoyingly, I contacted one of their official service centers (CRIS Camera Repair) and they said they cannot repair it because it is no longer made and parts are no longer available. I mean, they were not even willing to let me send it in just to have them look at it. A local camera shop in my city does some repair work and they are looking at it now. I love this lens and would possibly replace it with the same thing if this is just a fluke. But if Sigmas are notorious for the autofocus failing, I will just have to get a 70-200 2.8 and use it with a 1.4X converter.

 

[BruinBear]

No experience with that lens specifically, but my 17-50 f/2.8 OS died after about 6 months of ownership. AF just hunts continuously and never achieves focus, but fixed under warranty so i guess i cant complain too much, although 30$ in shipping and 3 weeks without the lens is pretty annoying.

 

[wickidwombat]

not all sigmas have weak AF however I have heard on this particular model it was particularly fragile, these lenses sell dirt cheap second hand, I've seen them sell for 200 to 300 bucks which on paper is pretty good
if the AF didnt break