Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM
Discussion
Has anyone got one, used one, got an opinion on? I'm looking for a 50mm-equivalent prime for my D200 and the guy in Jacobs reckoned this was a "cracking lens". It's that or the Nikon 35mm f2 D. Or any other recommendations?
(I found a couple of mentions of it in old threads, but mostly in comparison with Canon gear, so sorry if this is a repost/re-request)
(I found a couple of mentions of it in old threads, but mostly in comparison with Canon gear, so sorry if this is a repost/re-request)
Edited by Major Bloodnok on Sunday 21st December 13:08
It does well here: www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?produc...
This person had problems with it:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That's not to say that's representative of a typical example. I think Nikon used to make a 28mm 1:1.4 but it was discontinued and they are now very expensive second hand.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That's not to say that's representative of a typical example. I think Nikon used to make a 28mm 1:1.4 but it was discontinued and they are now very expensive second hand.
Major Bloodnok said:
Cheers. Looking at some of the comments, it seems that you have to beware of focusing problems and look forward to sending it back for calibration...
Some 'focusing problems' are simply the user not appreciating how shallow DOF is at f1.4! It also means that the AF system/lens combo has to be more accurate because any error is more noticeable. However if you have a D300, D700 or D3 you can fine-tune the AF to the lens. I did this a little with my 50mm f1.4, and the camera is so damn clever it knows when you fit that lens and only applies the correction when you use it 
Simpo Two said:
Major Bloodnok said:
Cheers. Looking at some of the comments, it seems that you have to beware of focusing problems and look forward to sending it back for calibration...
Some 'focusing problems' are simply the user not appreciating how shallow DOF is at f1.4! It also means that the AF system/lens combo has to be more accurate because any error is more noticeable. However if you have a D300, D700 or D3 you can fine-tune the AF to the lens. I did this a little with my 50mm f1.4, and the camera is so damn clever it knows when you fit that lens and only applies the correction when you use it 
) It is crazy shallow at F1.4 (where AF fine tune rocks). For what it's worth mine is pretty much spot on on my D300 (i'd check the exact AF calibration but it's all packed ready to go away in the morning). It's a odd lens, had mine about 6mths and only used it a handful of times. I just don't really "get it". Unlike the 50mm F1.8 that I love, I just find the 30mm too general a lens. It just doens't suit my style - should be great indoors, but then I find myself going to 50mm for headshots, or a wide angle for environment type shots. Odd. The other night I took it with me when I went out for a Christmas meal with some friends. Also took the 50mm and swaped to that after a couple of shots and it stayed on all evening. It's also quite big and heavy.
I took 6 lenses to Papua on holiday - the 30mm wasn't one of them.
Would love to give you more info on its performance, but haven't really used it enough. I'm trying to bond with it, but will probably get rid in the new year.
All of which leaves me in a bit of a quandry. I had been thinking of getting the Sigma 10-20 for a bit more at the wide end. Then I started to wonder how much I'd use it. I've got the 50mm f1.8, but I just felt I'd like something a bit faster at the wider/"standard" end. Or perhaps go with a slightly wider prime (20mm f1.8?). But then, the D200 has somewhat better high ISO performance than my old D70, so should I really be concerning myself with getting a faster prime?
Maybe I should just do what usually happens in these cases, which is to end up with the thing that you first thought of (i.e. the 10-20), since the 18-200 covers most bases.
Maybe I should just do what usually happens in these cases, which is to end up with the thing that you first thought of (i.e. the 10-20), since the 18-200 covers most bases.
Review of Sigma 30mm f1.4 here: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/298-sigma-af-30m...
I'd certainly give the Sigma 10-20mm lens a thumbs up. I love it. Although it remains at 10mm more or less permanently.
I'd certainly give the Sigma 10-20mm lens a thumbs up. I love it. Although it remains at 10mm more or less permanently.
Well if it were me I'd be ditching the 18-200 and 70-300 and replacing with a sigma 18-50 F2.8 and 70-200 F2.8... The world of F2.8 glass will make an amasing difference to your shots. Whilst the 30mm 1.4 is nice, you have the 50mm for really fast / shallow dof images, and in most situations F2.8 is more appropriate than F1.4 IMO (ie nose to ear in focus at 2m rather than eyeball to end of eyelash!). Just my thoughts.
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