sigma 30mm f/1.4 ex dc hsm

[Tiamat]

This a safe lens to buy for canon 30D? I'll get buying this as a gift for someone who casually takes pictures while traveling. I just want to make sure there are no real issues with this lens. It isn't reviewed as much as the plastic fantastic, but i think 50mm is too long for the crop body for a "General use fast lens"

Thanks!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Photozone isn't a fan of the optical quality.
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/298-sigma-af-30mm-f14-ex-hsm-dc-test-report--review?start=2

Consider the Canon 35mm EF f/2 instead.
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/157-canon_35_2_50d?start=1

...cheaper too I think. Not as bright, but f/2 is still adequate for pretty low light, imo. Backordered at some places. Others say it's in stock though.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=VYLVTYemOobW0QHP7JGUBw&ved=0CH4QgggwAA#

 

[Maximus96]

its a good lens on a crop sensor, if you get a good copy. Sigma's quality control on autofocus is hit or miss. but typically a trip back to the service centers will fix it up if you get a bad copy...

i would pick this over the 35mm f/2 any day, even with the autofocus issues...

 

[Tiamat]

Thanks for the link, I didnt know about that site. Man they don't seem to like any of the 30mm lenses that cost less than $600! Last year, i bought him the 100 mm f/2.8 macro which turns out to be quite well reviewed at that site. I need to find a comparably well reviewed 30mm...

 

[ElFenix]

just noticed the samyang 85 mm review on photozone. i wonder why they didn't include a lever to stop it down just before you take the picture rather than having to shift the ring?

 

[angry hampster]

Photozone isn't a fan of the optical quality.
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/298-sigma-af-30mm-f14-ex-hsm-dc-test-report--review?start=2

Consider the Canon 35mm EF f/2 instead.
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/157-canon_35_2_50d?start=1

...cheaper too I think. Not as bright, but f/2 is still adequate for pretty low light, imo. Backordered at some places. Others say it's in stock though.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=VYLVTYemOobW0QHP7JGUBw&ved=0CH4QgggwAA#

The 35mm f/2 is a poorly built lens with unsmooth bokeh.

I had a great experience with my Sigma 30. Look into buying a used one from the POTN boards. This way you know you'll get one that focuses properly.

 

[996GT2]

The sigma is awesome if you get one that focuses properly.

But, that's a pretty big "if".

If you get a bad one, you can send it to Sigma for recalibration. They usually do a decent job in my experience.

 

[Tiamat]

Are the sigma and canon the only choices for 28-35mm prime lenses (to be used on crop body) currently on the market for <600$?

I just don't understand how a supposed "standard go-to range" lens could be of such low quality when a lesser used range 100mm f/2.8 could be of such reasonable quality.

I'd hate to buy a lens as a gift only to hear back from the recipient that they can't use it because it needs to be shipped back - on their dime to get recalibrated and not be able to use it for a while. It seems wrong to me, almost like buying someone a pet with diseases and then the recipient of the pet having to spend out of pocket immediately to hopefully cure the new pet. Perhaps a terrible analogy...

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

This lens of the Canon 28. I decided between the two and found a nice deal on the 28mm.

I actually used the 28mm a lot, so you would like this too. There was a recent wave, in the past 6 months, of interest for this lens on POTN I noticed. I think it has to do with the fact the 50mm Sigma's been so good and the 85 was another hit. Now the 30 makes it the Sigma Trinity. Haha.

 

[randomlinh]

I loved my sigma 30. I was seriously sad to sell it. But that's because I got my hands on a Sig 50 and 5D. I'd buy the sig 30 again in a heartbeat if I go back to crop sensors.

 

[Tiamat]

Hmm, I might just get him a completely different lens, the canon 85mm f/1.8 which has gotten good reviews. He can decide for himself if he wants to pay roulette with the ~30mm primes.

 

[ajemm]

I love my 30mm. It's a good focal length on a crop sensor body. Focus has been perfect but, like everyone has said, they're a lot of people out there that haven't been as lucky.

 

[AkumaX]

Hmm, I might just get him a completely different lens, the canon 85mm f/1.8 which has gotten good reviews. He can decide for himself if he wants to pay roulette with the ~30mm primes.

i want to get this lens, too - but how effective would it be for this since it'll translate to ~135mm on a crop?

 

[Maximus96]

135mm is perfect from tight head/shoulder portraits

 

[kowalabearhugs]

I'm happy with my Sigma 30mm 1.4. It's the primarily lens on my Pentax K20D and seems to be well built/solid/etc. I can notice a bit more sharpness from my Pentax DA* 50-135mm, but considering the price I think the 30mm Sigma very solid purchase.