Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM [Archive] - Page 11 - Canon Digital Photography Forums

dgoakill

20th of July 2009 (Mon), 14:16

how close were you? at 2 feet away you're DOF is less than 2 inches @ those settings. The brim of the hat is 2-3 inches deep, so it could be that you either miss focused or the lens is front focusing.

My lens was ok when I got it new but after a year of use I had to get calibrated. it doesn't take much to knock them out of alignment. and at wide apertures at close distances it can be really noticable.

roszell

20th of July 2009 (Mon), 16:35

Great shots everyone... think this will be replacing my 50mm 1.8!

amytug

20th of July 2009 (Mon), 16:58

I was proabably about 4-5 feet from him and on all of the other shots, he'd have like one eye in focus and the other not even though his eyes are almost on the same focal plane. that doesn't look like oof from shallow dof to me, it looks like iso-ish grain... so how do I go about finding out if it's the sensor or the lens?

and by "not front focusing too bad" how does that translate into good portraits? I can't get a good shot to save my life anymore :(

would anyone like more examples? I'm quite new to this and don't have another lens to slap on the camera to see if it's def the sigma.

Oh I figured it out guys.. user error!

tkbslc

20th of July 2009 (Mon), 17:00

Amazing shot! You must be warming up to your Sigma a little more. Mind sharing how you lit this photo?

My neice...
http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/Sierra_Shoot9_sm.jpg

jdlloyd67

20th of July 2009 (Mon), 20:32

Amazing shot! You must be warming up to your Sigma a little more. Mind sharing how you lit this photo?
Thanks! I'm liking it more and more. Still has a ways to go to catch up to my 85mm. :)

For this shot I was standing about 6 inches past the other end of the pool table. I had an Alien Bee B800 set to 1/4 power with a 42" umbrella pointed at my neice to the right of me. On the left side of the pool table about half way down was a Canon 430EX Speedlight with a small 32" umbrella. Both were triggered with Cybersyncs. BTW...this was my first time using this setup so there was a lot of trial and error to get this shot. My neice was very patient, thankfully.

DStanic

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 00:24

This thread is full of awsome photos, from closeups to portraits to landscape!

I've BARELY used my 85mm.. it's just so long but i hate to sell it because it's my only low light telephoto lens. I've had the nifty before but it never really clicked with me. I think this may be a really useful prime lens for me!

ALaS

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 13:16

Thanks! I'm liking it more and more. Still has a ways to go to catch up to my 85mm. :)

For this shot I was standing about 6 inches past the other end of the pool table. I had an Alien Bee B800 set to 1/4 power with a 42" umbrella pointed at my neice to the right of me. On the left side of the pool table about half way down was a Canon 430EX Speedlight with a small 32" umbrella. Both were triggered with Cybersyncs. BTW...this was my first time using this setup so there was a lot of trial and error to get this shot. My neice was very patient, thankfully.

Did you use a ND filter? What aperture was this shot at? I cannot see exif. Awesome shot btw, it's nice when you can mix off camera lighting with wide apertures!!

JamesH

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 13:20

My Sigma arrived today!! The focus was slightly off but microadjust fixed that! That's the least of my worries at the moment because the shutter button is becoming unresponsive so it may have to head to a repair center.

Anyway, here are a couple pictures from it:
1/250 F2.0 ISO100 One is the full pic and the other is a 100% crop

smacafee

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 14:02

...that's the least of my worries at the moment because the shutter button is becoming unresponsive so it may have to head to a repair center.

There's a pretty easy fix for that. Here's my post (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=625866)regarding the problem, and the video tutorial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAWGScQeC5g).

jdlloyd67

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 14:46

Tony-S

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 14:53

Is that a Brown Recluse (Fiddleback) spider? If so, watch out, those things are mean and their bites are really bad. :eek:

I don't think so. Webs in the open is not one of their behaviors, and the patterning is not typical.

jdlloyd67

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 14:54

Did you use a ND filter? What aperture was this shot at? I cannot see exif. Awesome shot btw, it's nice when you can mix off camera lighting with wide apertures!!
The EXIF data is missing because I use a frame template in Photoshop so this isn't the original image so to speak. It's a smart object on a layer inside the frame template. No, I didn't use an ND filter. I do need to get one though. I think this was shot at around f/5.6 or maybe f/8.0. I actually cheated and added lens blur in photoshop to the background to give the image a more shallow depth of field then was actually shot. Hindsight is 20-20 and instead I should've just lowered the strobe power until I got the desire DOF through the camera. What impresses me is that the Sigma 30mm lens delivered a nice and sharp image with good color. I'm very happy with it. :D

X-Warrior

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 16:58

Is that a Brown Recluse (Fiddleback) spider? If so, watch out, those things are mean and their bites are really bad. :eek:

Looks like a common garden spider (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_garden_spider) to me.

Here, this one's closer. (http://www.dvdpimages.com/images/macro/081104_0005.jpg) (other lens).

nik.hisham

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 19:05

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3742087145_fde67a1c33_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3743093872_f30c530e7f_b.jpg

JamesH

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 19:20

@smacafee: Thanks for the tips! I saw that video while looking around to see if others had that problem. But being that I've only had it for 5 months I'll get it looked over by canon under warranty if the contact cleaner doesn't work.

@jdlloyd67: Nah, those are just the regular guys we got crawling around.

deletedpenguin

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 22:05

My new bag, the 6MDH

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3744130295_aaf111581e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deletedpenguin/3744130295/)

DStanic

21st of July 2009 (Tue), 22:47

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3742087145_fde67a1c33_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3743093872_f30c530e7f_b.jpg

I like the colors and how you you edited those. Very nice!

scottoliver

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 00:02

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3744416407_ed8e739f89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3744416407/)

egordon99

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 07:30

GREAT shot! (saw it in the Xsi thread as well...)

You liking the lens? I haven't used mine since I got the 24-70L, but I'm starting to miss it already....Think it will come out this weekend ;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3744416407_ed8e739f89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3744416407/)

deletedpenguin

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 07:40

^ Agreed, this is a stunning shot.

scottoliver

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 09:24

GREAT shot! (saw it in the Xsi thread as well...)

You liking the lens? I haven't used mine since I got the 24-70L, but I'm starting to miss it already....Think it will come out this weekend ;)

I only have this and the kit lens (18-55mm IS), and this lens stays on my XSi most of the time. I definitely need a longer lens eventually, but this is my favorite right now.

egordon99

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 09:30

I only have this and the kit lens (18-55mm IS), and this lens stays on my XSi most of the time. I definitely need a longer lens eventually, but this is my favorite right now.

Buy the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and toss your kit lens out the window :)

My 30/85 combo absolutely kills! I only bought the 24-70L for the
convenience of not having to juggle two bodies at events/paid jobs.

tkbslc

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 12:19

Buy the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and toss your kit lens out the window :)

My 30/85 combo absolutely kills! I only bought the 24-70L for the
convenience of not having to juggle two bodies at events/paid jobs.

I am sure the 30/85 combo is great, and I plan to add the 85mm to my kit, but not having anything at all wider than 30 would be rough for a lot of people. I pretty much keep my 18-55 IS around to use as an 18-28mm lens. And you won't find anything better for what you would get selling it.

nik.hisham

22nd of July 2009 (Wed), 19:07

I like the colors and how you you edited those. Very nice!

Thanks!

hiddengamer7

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 01:12

Mine is, sadly, for sale. This is the one lens that I wish wasnt a crop only lens.

Let this go to a good home (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=725448)

DStanic

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 07:27

What is the typical selling price for these (used with shipping)? Are they worth more or less (or the same) as 85mm f/1.8?

Terjay

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 08:41

What is the typical selling price for these (used with shipping)? Are they worth more or less (or the same) as 85mm f/1.8?

A little less.

scottoliver

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:05

Mine is, sadly, for sale. This is the one lens that I wish wasnt a crop only lens.

Let this go to a good home (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=725448)

From what I've seen, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4's quality is very similar to this one. You might want to look into it.

ThomasOwenM

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:22

Mine is, sadly, for sale. This is the one lens that I wish wasnt a crop only lens.

Let this go to a good home (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=725448)

I don't believe the Siggy 30 1.4 is crop only. It's mount works on full frame (and 1.3 crop also), doesn't it? It's just wider than on a crop, right?

just12

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:29

I don't believe the Siggy 30 1.4 is crop only. It's mount works on full frame (and 1.3 crop also), doesn't it? It's just wider than on a crop, right?

Then better believe... On full frame you will see darkness in corners
On 1.3 crop Siggy is slightly dark in corners but pretty useful (few pages earlier I've postet few pics taken with 1D)

hiddengamer7

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:36

You should see some of the pictures from my 5D, trust me, it was the first lens I tried. It looks like a fisheye because its a complete ring around the image with distortion at the edges.

ThomasOwenM

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:37

Then better believe... On full frame you will see darkness in corners
On 1.3 crop Siggy is slightly dark in corners but pretty useful (few pages earlier I've postet few pics taken with 1D)

This is good to know since I plan to get a 1D m3 (after I sell a kidney or two). I tend to photoshop in vignettes for the photography I do, so some vignetting would be all right.

just12

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 09:48

This is good to know since I plan to get a 1D m3 (after I sell a kidney or two). I tend to photoshop in vignettes for the photography I do, so some vignetting would be all right.

This is Siggy on 1D at f/2.8 (the faster aperture the less(soft) vignette, at 1.4 or 2.0 is even less visible)

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4108/vings.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/vings.jpg/)

Misiek

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 17:32

DId some of you consider buying instead of the Sigma the Canon 28 1.8? I'm in front of this choice. Sig costs 600 bucks and Canon 700. Help me guys :)

tkbslc

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 18:46

DId some of you consider buying instead of the Sigma the Canon 28 1.8? I'm in front of this choice. Sig costs 600 bucks and Canon 700. Help me guys :)

Pretty common comparison. The Sigma seems a bit more prone to sample variation and focus issues, but it is quite a bit sharper wide open, and it's 2/3 a stop faster. The 28mm is also full frame compatible. Obviously most in this thread have picked the Sigma.

ALaS

23rd of July 2009 (Thu), 19:48

I bought the canon 28 f/1.8

hiddengamer7

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 00:51

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3749655663_fee43c78cd.jpg?v=0
Wide open on the 5D

tkbslc

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 01:02

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3749655663_fee43c78cd.jpg?v=0
Wide open on the 5D

Not bad, I guess you crop out the 1.6x image from that we are all getting on our APS-C cams! :)

ThomasOwenM

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 01:39

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3749655663_fee43c78cd.jpg?v=0
Wide open on the 5D

Wow, that does vignette. However, vignetting is not always a bad thing. I've been photoshopping vignettes in.

Misiek

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 02:46

I bought the canon 28 f/1.8
Because? :)

KingoftheHill

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 05:13

Does anybody use this lens for street photography? If so, how is it?

nik.hisham

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 10:02

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3752409934_be3a28abb1_b.jpg

hiddengamer7

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 11:35

Does anybody use this lens for street photography? If so, how is it?
I loved mine for street photography, it was an excellent focal length for "walking around" plus the speed of the HSM focusing system was a huge asset.

tkbslc

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 12:22

Does anybody use this lens for street photography? If so, how is it?

I have not, but it is a pretty short lens. I would think unless you are looking for whole street scenes instead of individuals, it would be kinda short. I would probably favor an 85mm-100mm for street shooting, but that is just me.

dgoakill

24th of July 2009 (Fri), 12:45

Does anybody use this lens for street photography? If so, how is it?

It's great for street for the most part. I used it about 70% of the time. sometimes it's a little too long on the crop body because it's more of 50mm after factoring that in. but as was mentioned the HSM and wide aperature can come in handy sometimes on the street.

don't try focusing by distance or "tab" focusing because the measurements on the lens are way off. this is the only downside of this lens for street.

ALaS

25th of July 2009 (Sat), 12:30

Because? :)

Full-frameability :p
No focus issues
Bleh, It's a canon.

Oh, and cause I scored a killer deal used.

digger58

26th of July 2009 (Sun), 20:00

Mine arrived yesterday here is the first shot right out of the box. I did not even make it through the front door

DStanic

26th of July 2009 (Sun), 22:48

I've been thinking alot about this lens lately. It's frustrating because I would like to buy a 17-55 IS and buying this will push that dream further away (but I do have my 24-60 f/2.8 which is a pretty good lens). I've thought about getting rid of the 85mm but it's my only low light telephoto, it's capable of some spectular things and i'm afraid I'd regret selling it.

Mark-B

26th of July 2009 (Sun), 23:47

I've been thinking alot about this lens lately. It's frustrating because I would like to buy a 17-55 IS and buying this will push that dream further away

I have owned both lenses for about 1 1/2 years. I like the 17-55 better and find it to be more useful. The only reason the 30mm comes out is if I need f/1.4 - 2.8. If I had to sell one, I would easily sell the 30mm first.

hennie

27th of July 2009 (Mon), 07:04

Also quite usefull in theatre.

jdlloyd67

27th of July 2009 (Mon), 09:26

Not a bad portrait lens...
http://www.dldigitalimages.com/images/deepa3/Deepa3_6sm.jpg

JamesH

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 14:49

Ok, I tried this lens in low light to see what it could do. This picture was from an old Chinese jail cell on the Pendelton underground tour.

F/1.4 1/50sec ISO3200
Sharpening and noise reduction to 0
Canon 50d

Simply Ravishing

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 15:06

A few from the Seattle Mariners' game last weekend

Safeco Field HDR
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3764724478_cb87ea6d8d.jpg

My brand new kicks @ f/1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3761784861_ec8591e1cd.jpg

jbkalla

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 15:29

A few from the Seattle Mariners' game last weekend

Safeco Field HDR
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3764724478_cb87ea6d8d.jpg

LOVE this shot!

Simply Ravishing

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 15:52

LOVE this shot!

Thanks me too! It would have been cool to have brought a wider angle and/or shot a pano to get more of the stadium!

pixel_junkie

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 17:52

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3764724478_cb87ea6d8d.jpg

Wow, this really is a great shot, so vibrant and crisp. Do you mind sharing your settings?

Simply Ravishing

30th of July 2009 (Thu), 17:57

F/4.5, ISO 100, +/- 2

It's tough to say what the shutter was, but I know it was bracketed at +/-2 then combined in photomatix and minimal tweaking in photoshop afterwards. Some sharpening and color adjustment

pixel_junkie

1st of August 2009 (Sat), 18:30

http://www.emilkara.com/PB.jpg

-spam-

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 02:07

A little self portrait from a few weeks back. These things happen when you are stuck at home alone haha.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3712083557_6657137a94.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3712083557/)

Cassie

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 13:29

first try at light trails :confused:
http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/603517206_GPYZo-L.jpg

old restaraunt
http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/603517171_sN6RK-L.jpg

bridge
http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/603527747_c3esG-L.jpg

tangy1

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 19:43

Just picked up mine yesterday. Will test out on the weekend. YAY.

tangy1

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 19:44

pixel_junkie. Lovely shot.

pixel_junkie

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 20:31

Thanks. Congrats to you & post some of your own ASAP :)

T-Bolt

3rd of August 2009 (Mon), 22:16

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3786541667_246147c45f_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3787351844_5d03902871_o.jpg

pixel_junkie

6th of August 2009 (Thu), 01:01

One from this evening ... my girl, Kalina.

http://www.emilkara.com/PB_Kali.jpg

.mark.

6th of August 2009 (Thu), 02:56

One from this evening ... my girl, Kalina.

http://www.emilkara.com/PB_Kali.jpg

nice shot. Was it just natural light or did you use a flash on/off camera? what aperture were you shooting at? love it...

Pauly_G

6th of August 2009 (Thu), 08:08

Lovely shot Pixel Junkie.

I had a play with my 30mm last night and have to say I had some real difficulty getting it to focus and had to resort to liveview and manual focus on a couple of occasions - I wonder if it was the subject matter - thin strands of barley - not providing sufficient contrast for the camera and lens to lock on to....hmmmm.

Here's one of the better ones, shot at f1.8.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3792455005_ca358dac00_b.jpg

pixel_junkie

6th of August 2009 (Thu), 10:55

Thanks. I flashed her. If you're asking about it, then I guess I did okay for my very fist time using flash :) Not so obvious. This is at f/1.8

GregSteer

6th of August 2009 (Thu), 18:37

Thanks. I flashed her.

Someone grab the title fairy!

Depth

7th of August 2009 (Fri), 01:23

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3796658643_c7e9f268a5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/3796658643/)

scottoliver

7th of August 2009 (Fri), 11:34

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3794167172_b4e207500d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3794167172/)

jbkalla

9th of August 2009 (Sun), 15:41

I don't know why Leica cameras look so good to me... Maybe it's because I know they're several thousand dollars apiece? Maybe because they remind me of rangefinders from the 60s? Or maybe because the lenses are always so sweet. In any case, nice shot, Depth!

The closest I've ever been to owning one is my Panasonic DMC-LX3 with Leica 24-60mm f/2-2.8 lens. I really like that lens!

jbergdoll

14th of August 2009 (Fri), 19:32

Love this thing. Using it on a 1D.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3821149439_bfd32d6e6b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3821149487_6fa911c7b5_o.jpg

Depth

15th of August 2009 (Sat), 21:20

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3824796590_e36a3cfa02_b.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/3824796590/)

tkbslc

16th of August 2009 (Sun), 20:18

Umm, f1.6 :shock:

Does it get any better?

dgoakill

16th of August 2009 (Sun), 23:16

http://dgoakill.com/img/v2/p622092066-4.jpg

Depth

17th of August 2009 (Mon), 03:07

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3828759485_7a463cd578_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/3828759485/)

deletedpenguin

17th of August 2009 (Mon), 19:57

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3767234069_7df8a113f8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deletedpenguin/3767234069/)

DaveSt

20th of August 2009 (Thu), 12:56

^

That dog shot is fantastic!

jon_ridley

25th of August 2009 (Tue), 09:49

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3855916530_e991d2ab70.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3855919960_010974993a.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3855138161_1991dea6db.jpg

KayakPhotos

25th of August 2009 (Tue), 09:54

Nice shots!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3855916530_e991d2ab70.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3855919960_010974993a.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3855138161_1991dea6db.jpg

Depth

26th of August 2009 (Wed), 10:12

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3858720704_8fffc4845e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/3858720704/in/photostream/)

HinkelJm

26th of August 2009 (Wed), 15:29

Just got mine today. First shot with it. Seems to be a pretty good copy :) Focus was on the middle bottle.

ISO200 f1.4 1/250
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/hinkeljim/camera%20pics/IMG_6062.jpg

crop
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/hinkeljim/camera%20pics/IMG_6062crop-1.jpg

DStanic

26th of August 2009 (Wed), 22:21

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3858720704_8fffc4845e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504877@N00/3858720704/in/photostream/)

That's beautiful!

Shots like that are making me lean towards this lens before saving for the 17-55 IS.

Cassie

27th of August 2009 (Thu), 21:01

Playing with OCF

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/632230692_QZo9A-M.jpg

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/632230765_8XX8r-M.jpg

nice tissue holder :p

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/632230839_NDZoq-M.jpg

algee

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 02:52

I friggin love this lens!!

Picked it up off of Craigslist from somebody who just had it calibrated (June) for $325.

Pics from a wedding I was in last Saturday....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3864366344_59984478af_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3863565739_b38b5e40da_b.jpg
(our wolfpack..hehe)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3864352694_4d166a545f_b.jpg
(1.4 flexing its muscle a little)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3863572333_4576deeffa_b.jpg
(1.4 flexing to the max : ) )

egordon99

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 07:09

DStanic

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 07:34

egordon99

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 07:59

Is the 30mm comparable to the 85mm for general sharpness? I just got a 50mm 1.8 "nifty" and it's nowhere near as sharp as the 85mm. My friend's nifty also doesn't appear to be as great as people rave these things to be. :rolleyes:

I haven't done any controlled tests, but for awhile, my 30 and 85/1.8 were my two primary lenses. I'd say they were pretty close in performance, fairly sharp wide open and amazingly sharp from f/2.8 and up (f/5.6 scared the pants off of me it was so sharp!)

I now shoot with my 24-70L quite a bit because it's easier than carrying around two bodies for casual shooting but I did take out my 30 again earlier in the week and it once again performed like a champ.

egordon99

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 08:00

My friend's nifty also doesn't appear to be as great as people rave these things to be. :rolleyes:

People who rave about the nifty fifty have never used the 85/1.8 :lol:

tkbslc

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 11:49

Is the 30mm comparable to the 85mm for general sharpness? I just got a 50mm 1.8 "nifty" and it's nowhere near as sharp as the 85mm. My friend's nifty also doesn't appear to be as great as people rave these things to be. :rolleyes:

I think the rave on the 50 is only in relation to price. Where else you gonna get a fast/resonably sharp prime for $100? And actually, the pure sharpness for the 50 1.8 is equal or better to the 85. But the AF and bokeh is not as good. That translates into better shots from the 85 in most situations. Same with the Sigma 30 - it makes smoother bokeh and focuses faster and more accurately.

Try shooting your 50 at f2.5, keep your shutter speed over 1/125 and don't go for moving subjects and you will see it does pretty darn good for 1/4 the price of the 85 or 30mm

algee

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 12:27

Nice shots! You now have the "Crop Powerhouse Prime Duo" with the 30 and 85!

Thank you!!

Yes I do! I dunno though. The 85 might start collecting dust now...hehe

algee

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 12:35

People who rave about the nifty fifty have never used the 85/1.8 :lol:

Word!!

When you talk about "best bang for your buck", the 85 (and now my 30 1.4) are at the top...both are sub $500 and can produce L type looking shots. I ain't gonna hate on the nifty fifty (sold mine after a few years in the bag), but it's less than $100 for a reason (ie...slow AF, bokeh is avg)

tkbslc

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 13:07

Word!!

When you talk about "best bang for your buck", the 85 (and now my 30 1.4) are at the top...both are sub $500 and can produce L type looking shots. I ain't gonna hate on the nifty fifty (sold mine after a few years in the bag), but it's less than $100 for a reason (ie...slow AF, bokeh is avg)

when did this turn into a nifty fifty sucks thread?

I sold my 50 1.8 when I bought the Sigma, because it is definitely a better lens. But then I found myself in situations where I wanted to take closer more intimate portraits. You have to get REALLY close to take headshots with a 30mm. So I re-bought the fifty. Point it that the lenses are not exactly interchangeable. 50mm is nearly 70% longer than a 30, and 85 is 70% longer than a 50. You can't exactly just pick one based on pure sharpness. I probably will get a 100mm f2 or 85, but then there will be times where those are too long and the nifty would shine. Different lenses for different jobs, really.

That said, I would definitely pick the Sigma over the 50 if I could only have one. But at $100 it seems pretty silly not to own a 50 for more traditional portraits.

Now back to the great Sigma 30 tribute!!

algee

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 17:30

Agree! I wasn't trying to bash the fifty, just making my point for the 85.

In any case, I love my 30 and highly recommend making it a part of your lens arsenal!!

You're right about having to get real close to get full frame portraits. But that's where my 85 comes in handy.

The 30 is great for group shots and low light shots...as well as some portraits. I find it can be short sometimes, but unless your subject is unapproachable, then just doing the manual zoom (feet) works fine for me : )

DStanic

28th of August 2009 (Fri), 22:40

I think the rave on the 50 is only in relation to price. Where else you gonna get a fast/resonably sharp prime for $100? And actually, the pure sharpness for the 50 1.8 is equal or better to the 85. But the AF and bokeh is not as good. That translates into better shots from the 85 in most situations. Same with the Sigma 30 - it makes smoother bokeh and focuses faster and more accurately.

Try shooting your 50 at f2.5, keep your shutter speed over 1/125 and don't go for moving subjects and you will see it does pretty darn good for 1/4 the price of the 85 or 30mm

I will have to play with the nifty more... I almost think it needs a minor micro-adjustment, maybe on my next body. ;) But I will keep it because I have read mixed reviews on the 50 1.4 and the Sigma version is too expensive for me, so for the times when the 85mm is too long I have it available.

I think the 30mm is definatly next on my list though!

mahanee

29th of August 2009 (Sat), 01:02

here`s a copy of mine

auto focus on 2nd battery at 1.4
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8688/img0060m.jpg

auto focus on N
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3323/img0061q.jpg

tkbslc

30th of August 2009 (Sun), 16:07

Six weeks old and she just starting cracking some half smiles:

f2.0, 1/80
http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p945149411-4.jpg

nik.hisham

31st of August 2009 (Mon), 05:33

A mall in Timaru, New Zealand
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3874113390_1c4428e985_b.jpg

oreca

31st of August 2009 (Mon), 19:31

Great lighting Nik.

Did you plan in advance to be there at that time of day?

nik.hisham

31st of August 2009 (Mon), 20:13

Thanks Oreca!

No, it was not planned. We were actually just walking around and chanced upon this place. The right place at the right time I guess. :)

Coppatop85

31st of August 2009 (Mon), 21:47

@ 1.4

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/sigma%20photos/samadams.jpg

algee

1st of September 2009 (Tue), 13:24

@ 1.4

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/sigma%20photos/samadams.jpg

Very nice!

RFluhver

1st of September 2009 (Tue), 17:42

Not bad, I guess you crop out the 1.6x image from that we are all getting on our APS-C cams! :)

OK...so this lens doesn't work well on FF bodies?

This Siggy was actually the first off-brand lens I considered buying before I found the new 24-70/2.8 HSM.

Coppatop85

1st of September 2009 (Tue), 18:25

OK...so this lens doesn't work well on FF bodies?

This Siggy was actually the first off-brand lens I considered buying before I found the new 24-70/2.8 HSM.

This lens won't fit FF bodies. I bought mine from someone who moved to FF and sold it.

tkbslc

1st of September 2009 (Tue), 18:27

This lens won't fit FF bodies. I bought mine from someone who moved to FF and sold it.

Not exactly true. It fits FF bodies just fine, but it won't fill the whole sensor. The lens circle is not much bigger than a 1.5x sensor.

Coppatop85

1st of September 2009 (Tue), 22:07

Not exactly true. It fits FF bodies just fine, but it won't fill the whole sensor. The lens circle is not much bigger than a 1.5x sensor.

Ahh, my mistake. I know some lenses wont even fit on -- the back of the lens hits the mirror/sensor. Other times you will just get black on the edges.

hiddengamer7

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 00:57

This is what it looks like mounted on a 5D.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3749655663_fee43c78cd_b.jpg

jbkalla

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 13:10

Thanks, Will! I was wondering about that myself.

nik.hisham

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 19:55

This is what it looks like mounted on a 5D.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3749655663_fee43c78cd_b.jpg

This was the reason I gave up my Sigma 30 when I got my 5D2 - in its place, I got a 35L (yay!). The other downside about this Sigma lens is that it sometimes produces this yellowish cast in the picture - probably about every 1 in four photos, I get this - especially indoors where there are florescent lights. But, overall, its still a good lens.

hiddengamer7

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 21:51

Yea, I really want to get the 35L but I dont have the money right now.

tkbslc

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 21:56

Yea, I really want to get the 35L but I dont have the money right now.

I would recommend the 35/2 or 28 1.8 then. The Sigma 30 is not really worth using on FF.

DStanic

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 22:28

With the announcement of the 7D (and it appearing to be a GOOD camera) this puts FF out of the future for me (for now) and I gotta get this lens. :)

nphsbuckeye

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 23:24

With the announcement of the 7D (and it appearing to be a GOOD camera) this puts FF out of the future for me (for now) and I gotta get this lens. :)
Co-sign.

hiddengamer7

2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 23:52

I would recommend the 35/2 or 28 1.8 then. The Sigma 30 is not really worth using on FF.
Yea, thats why I sold mine. I am just gonna stick with zooms for now, but I want to get back into primes eventually.

tpatana

3rd of September 2009 (Thu), 13:53

Had a 2 week trip, this lens was on 90% of the time. Just got the lens before the trip, and I was worried how it focuses as the focus chart test gave somewhat bad results, but seems it works just fine in real life.

Here's on of my favorites. Not spectacular, but I like how the way it looks. @F1.4, 1/4000
http://www.patana.fi/temp/Japan2/_MG_0001.jpg

Another one, this one @F3.5, 1/80, and quite heavily cropped.
http://www.patana.fi/temp/Japan2/_MG_0361.jpg

nomkcalb

3rd of September 2009 (Thu), 17:35

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs44/f/2009/155/3/1/Abandoned_by_nomkcalb.jpg

http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs43/f/2009/155/a/d/Ghost_hands_by_nomkcalb.jpg

http://fc09.deviantart.com/fs36/f/2008/251/3/4/Hanging_on_by_nomkcalb.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/1793594769_ad08833ac5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76442934@N00/1793594769/)

DStanic

3rd of September 2009 (Thu), 22:16

http://fc09.deviantart.com/fs36/f/2008/251/3/4/Hanging_on_by_nomkcalb.jpg

]

That is freakin cool! Obviously you did PP work to it, is it far off looking from the original?

SMP_Homer

5th of September 2009 (Sat), 11:45

30 second exposure

joove

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 01:47

nik.hisham

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 06:12

Phew.. Finished all 109 pages worth of stuff in two sittings :-).

Sold my 5D2 and have the 7D on pre-order. Love the Sigma 50/1.4 and so ordered the 30/1.4 for the 7D and doing some pre-delivery viewing. Lovely lens. Will prolly have to send it in for calibration like I did the 50 but so worth it after that.

Wow. I have a 5D2 and I could never give it up - especially not for a crop body. But my 50D - now that's something I'm thinking about.

Dick Emery

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 15:32

Two rather sexy shots if I do say so myself. I love neon :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3885294283_9ceb00561e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3885282411_92cefc1298_o.jpg

joove

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 15:34

Wow. I have a 5D2 and I could never give it up - especially not for a crop body. But my 50D - now that's something I'm thinking about.

Oh, I loved the 5DII. I still love full frame cameras for the shallow DOF and how all my lenses suddenly make sense. Most of all, they make the 70-200 a useful lens once again indoors. However, I use my 5D2 only for indoor stuff (not much outdoor stuff these days for personal reasons) and that too not much. Every time I have trouble AFing etc, it only underscored how much money I had sunk into a superb sensor housed in a body that is not worth the money.

I figured I could get movies (which I love BTW) and a fantastic body that I'll not have the need to update till the 5DIII/3D comes out and put some 1k back into my wallet. The 18MP gives plenty of croppability, I'll get to use the 17-55 again which I love, I'll be able to be take the 7D out kayaking with me without worrying about the spray killing it, the VF should be great as will the AF and I won't need to remember to carry the ST-E2 for OCF. Best of all, I could get in on the 15% bing cashback :-).

It's not so much that the 5DII is bad. It's just that I feel it compromises tactile feel/usability/response for IQ. I am not a professional. I pay god mponey for my toys and want them to do whatever they do to the best ability of it's maker. Canon crippled it (cost considerations aside) and I don't like being reminded that I paid good money for a mediocre effort from the manufacturer. I love the IQ and the video mind you. Just not the whole package.

I'll gladly pay more for a D700 equiv as it'll keep me happy for several years. So.. Will just wait for the 5DIII/3D and enjoy crops once again in the meantime (I just have to relearn to use my lenses to get as shallow a DOF as I need)

Seven11

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 22:15

I just picked up a 6 month old copy of this lens from a user on FM. I was a little worried about the focus when I first got it because I could not get any conclusive pictures around the house, but the next day I took about 100 pictures of my wife's kindergarteners on the playground. I've got to say, I am SO impressed with this lens. I used it the entire time from f/1.8-2.2 (I figured I should master that before dealling with the tiny DOF of f/1.4) and had only about 10 shots end up OOF. Another surprise came when I was about to use ISO 100 indoors without flash, something I've never been able to do with my f/2.8 zoom.

Yamaha451

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 22:50

Oh, I loved the 5DII. I still love full frame cameras for the shallow DOF and how all my lenses suddenly make sense. Most of all, they make the 70-200 a useful lens once again indoors. However, I use my 5D2 only for indoor stuff (not much outdoor stuff these days for personal reasons) and that too not much. Every time I have trouble AFing etc, it only underscored how much money I had sunk into a superb sensor housed in a body that is not worth the money.

I figured I could get movies (which I love BTW) and a fantastic body that I'll not have the need to update till the 5DIII/3D comes out and put some 1k back into my wallet. The 18MP gives plenty of croppability, I'll get to use the 17-55 again which I love, I'll be able to be take the 7D out kayaking with me without worrying about the spray killing it, the VF should be great as will the AF and I won't need to remember to carry the ST-E2 for OCF. Best of all, I could get in on the 15% bing cashback :-).

It's not so much that the 5DII is bad. It's just that I feel it compromises tactile feel/usability/response for IQ. I am not a professional. I pay god mponey for my toys and want them to do whatever they do to the best ability of it's maker. Canon crippled it (cost considerations aside) and I don't like being reminded that I paid good money for a mediocre effort from the manufacturer. I love the IQ and the video mind you. Just not the whole package.

I'll gladly pay more for a D700 equiv as it'll keep me happy for several years. So.. Will just wait for the 5DIII/3D and enjoy crops once again in the meantime (I just have to relearn to use my lenses to get as shallow a DOF as I need)

I agree 100%, sold my 5DI and now have the 7d on preorder. The AF was my main gripe about the 5d. My old 20d had better AF ability and quicker response. But the IQ and shallow DOF is wonderful. Just not wonderful enough...

I am debating whether to sell off my 50 1.4 and get this 30 1.4 instead.

darosk

6th of September 2009 (Sun), 23:08

Some frickin fabulous stuff here, just wanted to say.
I just unloaded some glass, so I put and order in for one of these babies recently. Should be in sometime wednesday - can't wait.

smacafee

7th of September 2009 (Mon), 00:33

Some photos from my recent trip to Europe:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3894818411_c23d432411_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3895570894_b87e453c66_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3895570938_546b8d8219_o.jpg

Cassie

7th of September 2009 (Mon), 14:16

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/642177500_CURnd-L.jpg

ISO 400 2.0 1/50

runninmann

7th of September 2009 (Mon), 19:11

Danny Glover's grandson ;):)?http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/642177500_CURnd-L.jpg

ISO 400 2.0 1/50

Cassie

8th of September 2009 (Tue), 11:24

LOL, nope!! My grandson with bar b que sauce on his face.

runninmann

8th of September 2009 (Tue), 19:57

LOL, nope!! My grandson with bar b que sauce on his face.
You're married to Danny Glover?!! ;):)

Cassie

8th of September 2009 (Tue), 20:27

You're married to Danny Glover?!! ;):)

If I was married to Danny Glover I would have a Mark III and some red L's :p

smacafee

8th of September 2009 (Tue), 20:40

Another from Switzerland:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3901594437_cd68c98d69_o.jpg

runninmann

8th of September 2009 (Tue), 20:46

If I was married to Danny Glover I would have a Mark III and some red L's :pTouche`

tkbslc

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 00:38

If I was married to Danny Glover I would have a Mark III and some red L's :p

It's been a while since Lethal Weapon, so maybe a 50D with a 50 1.4 would be more realistic.... :)

SMP_Homer

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 08:44

It's been a while since Lethal Weapon, so maybe a 50D with a 50 1.4 would be more realistic.... :)

Ya but it hasn't been that long since Be Kind Rewind ;)

Eric

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 10:17

Here are a few interesting subjects, both shot at f/1.4

Eric

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 10:25

And one more of my dog...also at f/1.4

dengar

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 20:39

Just got mine today. Loving it so far. Here is a quick one @1.4 ISO 1600. This was taken at night with the only light being the light bulb overhead.

http://danielnegron.smugmug.com/photos/644597219_wGyGx-M.jpg

Coppatop85

9th of September 2009 (Wed), 21:06

1. @ 1.4
http://www.coppatopphotos.com/img/v1/p919641007-4.jpg

2. @ 1.6
http://www.coppatopphotos.com/img/v4/p595133548-4.jpg

3. 1.6
http://www.coppatopphotos.com/img/v3/p568750449-5.jpg

Overall, a great lens. #3 is a little soft, but I think that was my fault in moving too much / recomposing at such a wide open aperture. I was also VERY close to the subject.