Sigma reached out this morning to let us know that they have put out a free firmware upgrade for photographers using Nikon mount Sigma lenses on their Nikon D5300 cameras. Sigma had discovered that, when paired with the D5300 camera, its Nikon mount lenses containing internal motors do not properly operate the optical stabilization (OS) and Live View AF functionality. This issue is specific to lenses used with this particular camera.
The free firmware update will be available starting Nov. 20. For discontinued products, users should contact their nearest authorized Sigma distributor. For lenses that are compatible with the Sigma USB Dock, users may update their lenses via the Sigma Optimization Pro software. All new products will be dispatched from the factory will have the latest firmware.
Phenomenon
Without the latest firmware, the OS and Live View Auto Focus functions do not work properly when it is used with the Nikon D5300.
Concerned Products
Nikon fitting interchangeable lenses that incorporate an internal motor
* Firmware upgrade cannot be applied to the lenses that do not have an internal motor.
* For some discontinued products, we may not be able to offer the firmware update due to the discontinuation of related repair parts. Please contact your nearest authorized Sigma distributor for the further details.
Maybe I'm too cynical, but this strikes as a case of "DOS isn't done until Lotus won't run" on the part of Nikon...
A company admitting to a problem and issuing a free fix? This is something new...