Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM

[Elisha]

Not my cat so no idea!

[Elisha]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4327786643_9f745dc563_b.jpg

[KarlosDaJackal]

Had this in the office today and before you ask, no its not a chocolate factory :rolleyes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4333450044_b9a7c3b555_b.jpg

[dank ink]

To much talk about things that don't really matter! :D
f 1.6
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4310793447_d97c9c21d2_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

Wow! Awesome shot!

[Dr.Pete]

I returned this lens because I thought it was too wide. Now I want it back. :)

Does anyone make a fast 40mm prime???

[palaima]

dank ink - thanks!
Of course they do, but it will be manual focus probably :)

[X-Warrior]

The 35L would be as close as it gets I suppose. Bit on the pricey side though.

[Elisha]

If you need corner to corner sharpness and FF coverage then the 35L is the way to go.
But if you want sharp centers and not too bad edge sharpness, then the Siggy is excellent.

I normally don't use center point when taking pics of people and I try shooting wide open as much as I can and so far so good.

[AWGD8]

Taken straight from Xsi on manual mode,no PP except the camera picture style portrait setting.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1138/112eq.jpg (http://img46.imageshack.us/i/112eq.jpg/)

[snowshark13]

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/adasigma01.jpg

[Dr.Pete]

The 35L would be as close as it gets I suppose. Bit on the pricey side though.

Yeah, I think that'll be the one, eventually...

I'm kicking myself for returning the Siggy, though, because I probably won't be upgrading to FF until later in the year. Oh well...

[Seven11]

I returned this lens because I thought it was too wide. Now I want it back. :)

Does anyone make a fast 40mm prime???

There is the new pancake-style Voigtlander SL II 40mm ƒ/2 Ultron Aspherical ($449 at http://www.cameraquest.com). It is manual focus, but is available in the EF mount so you get full auto-aperture and focus confirm.

[pridash]

To much talk about things that don't really matter! :D
f 1.6
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4310793447_d97c9c21d2_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

Never thought I'd say this, but that's an awesome pic of a pigeon's butt! :lol:

Seriously, though, this is probably one of the coolest shots I have ever seen! Absolutely awesome focusing!...And done @ 1.6! :shock:

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/adasigma01.jpg

That t-shirt is just brilliant! :lol:

[palaima]

pridash - thanks :D

[JayStar86]

That t-shirt is just brilliant! :lol:

+1 :D

[bjornli]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4339924794_af96f11e1f.jpg
our dog, again

[Cassie]

Nice!

[palaima]

I love this lens, it is probably the best tool i ever had :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4333299452_09e4c760ef_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[JayStar86]

I love this lens, it is probably the best tool i ever had :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4333299452_09e4c760ef_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

nice shot..... i want this lens now! deciding what i should get first.... tokina 11-16mm or this lens..... i already have a 17-50 F2.8 so i kind of have that range covered for the time being.

[palaima]

Thanks, well just think about what you are shooting. For me 5d+17-40L+50lux (L) would be the perfect combo to go around the world (well 135 is the fov that i really like) but i do mostly street and occasionally landscapes. So you should just think which one is better for you :)

Cheers,
Paulius

[j4k]

Ok, perhpas a stupid question. I have a 85mm 1.8 and I take pictures with that that are super sharp. Not that I need too, but I can zoom in a long way on the eyes of my portraits and they are still wonderful.

I have not been able to do that yet on my Sigma - although it's good, I don't seem to get the same level of sharpness.

Here's the question - should I expect to, or is there a fundamental difference between and 30mm and and 85mm that means the 85 will always be sharper? Hopw you understand!

[j4k]

Anyway, here's one of my son!

[DStanic]

Ok, perhpas a stupid question. I have a 85mm 1.8 and I take pictures with that that are super sharp. Not that I need too, but I can zoom in a long way on the eyes of my portraits and they are still wonderful.

I have not been able to do that yet on my Sigma - although it's good, I don't seem to get the same level of sharpness.

Here's the question - should I expect to, or is there a fundamental difference between and 30mm and and 85mm that means the 85 will always be sharper? Hopw you understand!


How are you using the Sigma? I find with the 85mm it's easier to tell if you've used too little DOF or not. The Sigma sometimes I'll be shooting my cats or whatever, going from f/1.4 to f/2.8 or so and get much better/sharper looking shots at the lower apertures. Not because there is anything wrong with the lens, it's just different to use.

[S-S]

couple of siggy 30mm storyboards from my blog (http://www.availablelight.co.nz), recent 80th birthday party shoot
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-03.jpg
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-07.jpg

and here's the birthday boy (30mm again)
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-16.jpg

[Tortie]

bjornli, love that shot of your Min Pin. Just so sharp.

Beautiful shots, S-S. They're all so bright and cheery with great color. Well done, cheers.

[Cassie]

Good stuff S-S!!!!!!

[Elisha]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4347546492_f9ba1cc6df_b.jpg

[S-S]

Ok, perhpas a stupid question. I have a 85mm 1.8 and I take pictures with that that are super sharp. Not that I need too, but I can zoom in a long way on the eyes of my portraits and they are still wonderful.

I have not been able to do that yet on my Sigma - although it's good, I don't seem to get the same level of sharpness.

Here's the question - should I expect to, or is there a fundamental difference between and 30mm and and 85mm that means the 85 will always be sharper? Hopw you understand!

based on your baby photo, you missed focus on that one. either user error, or lens/body fault. try shooting with a bit more light and shoot subjects at varying distances, and then see if they are all still soft.

here is my lens taking a similar photo to yours last monday. the focus point was her right eyeball (the one on the left), and you can see in the 100% crop detail shot that the DOF at f/1.4 is very shallow; only a few eyebrow hairs and eyelashes were in the same focal plane, so it's pretty easy to miss focus. with the 85mm, you're further away from the subject and shooting at f/1.8, so you've got significantly more DOF even tho it's still shallow
http://www.difference.co.nz/temp/sharpness.jpg

http://www.difference.co.nz/temp/sharpness-detail.jpg

[stickshift]

mmmm satay!

[winmazing]

I love this lens, it is probably the best tool i ever had :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4333299452_09e4c760ef_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

Curious.. what camera/post processing settings did you use? Thanks!

[palaima]

^ Canon 400D, i think it is at f 1.8-2.8 don't remember. It is very slightly PP'ed just down with vibrance a tad more contrast :)
Cheers,
Paulius

[courier]

couple of siggy 30mm storyboards from my blog (http://www.availablelight.co.nz), recent 80th birthday party shoot
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-03.jpg
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-07.jpg

and here's the birthday boy (30mm again)
http://www.availablelight.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/norm-7th-16.jpg
looks very nice. How do you make those collages?

[palaima]

f2 slightly cropped
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4354120462_b10a55a115_o.jpg

[Hamfist]

Birthday dinner

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4352686292_a02fd6f599_b.jpg

[Seven Ocean]

Birthday dinner



Dohl soht bi bim bap! :)

[S-S]

looks very nice. How do you make those collages?

thanks :)
in photoshop, by hand

[pridash]

Having had this lens for good few months, I haven't actually bothered to pick it up and use it - replying more on my Tammy for everyday shooting. But decided to use it again for some shallow dof work...and I gotta say, I'm in love with this lens again! Must, must, must use it more regularly!

P.S. It's got me craving for the Siggy 50 as well now!! :D

Here's one from the weekend (also posted in self-portrait thread).Click the pics (link to Flickr) for the reason behind it. Shot at 1.4 with a SB28 @ 1/64 cam right. No major pp, except for the ink of course!

Week 7 (Never Forget)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4356246651_e730001106_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pridash/4356246651/in/photostream/)

[palaima]

^thats cool!
Mine :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4358590375_93b39c7b49_b.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[courier]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs187.snc3/19441_337630066010_628076010_5131170_2612355_n.jpg

[snowshark13]

Playing with my flash and Sigma 30 at f1.4.

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/hope-1.jpg

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/hope-2.jpg

[Mark-B]

Playing with my flash and Sigma 30 at f1.4.


Funny, I posted a shot using flash at f/1.4 with those same wooden figures in post #490 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4860530&postcount=490).

[S-S]

a friend's baby boy

[rtist2g]

I'll be contributing to this thread very soon! just ordered and it will be here Thursday, along with a step-up ring for my CPL. I've had the sigma 24-70 (non hsm) a looong time ago, and that was a HORROR story with focus accuracy. I went through 2 copies and one calibration, and LITERALLY could not get more than one sharp shot in ten. Tripod'd up, the thing would focus confirm at a different point EVERY TIME lol! so i was/am very leery about sigma focusing. The bad/good thing was that the 24-70 was super sharp, and the bokeh was smooth as butter, so i kept trying to get a good copy. Consequently, i have no reservations that Sigma can make some sharp glass.

I hope 1: I get a decent copy that doesn't shift focus at short compared to long distances so i can MA anything that might be wrong with focusing.

2: that this 30 will be everything i wanted the canon 50mm 1.8 to be.

I loved the feeling of throwing that little thing on my 50D and going shooting, but i often found the focal length to be too long, and at anything under 2.8 is was really pretty soft/ kinda defeats the purpose of a 1.8 lens if i can't deal with it past 2.8. my 17-55 is already a 2.8. I still think ill keep it and use it for some free-lensing once in a while.

uhhh the anticipation....

[S-S]

sounds like your nifty was a bad copy... mine's pin sharp and i only shoot wide open

[SamHunter]

Great photos everyone. I may be joining the club soon if I choose this over the 50 1.4

[S-S]

imo 30 is a more useful length on a crop... i find i often cant fit the whole 'story' in if i use my 50, without backing up a lot

[Dick Emery]

Hey guys remember I got one of these - out of warranty - lenses and found there was a fleck of debris inside the middle of the lens? Well it's shifted someplace else and I can't see it anymore. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet lol. I think good because it hopefully won't affect my photos anymore like it did on strong light sources. But if it's shifted someplace else in the elements it might cause problems still or might come back if it moves again.

Oh well. C'est la vie.

[DStanic]

Great photos everyone. I may be joining the club soon if I choose this over the 50 1.4

I think this and the 85 f/1.8 are a great combo. At this point I have no desire for any other prime lenses.

[punkerz123]

I'm leaning towards the Canon 28mm f/1.8 but every time I come here, I start to lean the other way more and more. The bokeh on this lens is amazing. Now if only I had a camera with micro adjustment, this choice would be a no-brainer!

[bjornli]

i have wery TINY focus problem with my lens, im waiting for a canon 50d , can i use micro adjustment to correct the focus problems?

[palaima]

^yes :)

f1.4
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4354120174_b9f3d030d0_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[Sven-EOS]

/\ /\ /\
Wow!

[DStanic]

^yes :)

f1.4
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4354120174_b9f3d030d0_o.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius


That's great! I'm surprised you were able to get that close considering the MFD of the lens.

[palaima]

Thanks!
The original image had some space on the left side so i cropped it a bit, but the height is the real one. Well it is 40cm - not that bad :)

[pridash]

Paulius - the shots you're getting with this lens are so inspiring! I really need to use it more often!

[courier]

how did you get so close?

[palaima]

Pridash - thank you! Well i have no over lens, so actually i have to learn to use my equipment to the max :)
courier - pigeons are easy - food. Seagulls are the tricky ones :/ never got a picture of one! But trying :)

[rtist2g]

ok, so i received the lens today, and at first i was ready to send it back, but after i took several shots around the office, i noticed it was back focusing consistently. i guessed, and threw the MA to -10 forward and now im extremely happy.

- This thing is super sharp wide open in the center! I'll post some samples later tonight. -

Focusing is slower than i expected, but definitely adequate. Im used to the 17-55 and the 70-200 2.8L IS for a frame of reference for you. Focusing ring is substantial, and stiff, but a good stiff in that it allows you to make fine adjustments without overshooting the mark. I have the EF-S precision matte screen in my 50D and that helps, especially when focusing on a pattern or reflection because it makes what's in focus "shimmer" a little in the viewfinder.

In trying to find out whether your copy is focusing accurately, i suggest using subjects that are about 5 feet away, as the errors, if any, are noticeable. I also recommend shooting faces, because you can easily see details that are in or out of focus, like eye lashes, eyebrows, wrinkles, etc.

samples to come...

[rtist2g]

ok, here goes. Samples as promised: full size followed by 100% crops. all shot at 1.4 unless otherwise noted. Processed in lightroom with default landscape sharpening. most shot as ISO 800 except for the outdoor shots.


1. first, the obligatory keyboard shot from my office neighbor:
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8862.jpg
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8862.jpg

2a. full scene
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8888.jpg

2b. Before the -10 forward MA...
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8888.jpg

2c. and after...
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8892.jpg

3a.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8897.jpg

3b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8897.jpg

[rtist2g]

4a. shot at f2
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8915.jpg

4b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8915.jpg

5a. and at f1.4
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8916.jpg

5b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8916.jpg

6a.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8925.jpg

6b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8925.jpg

7.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8927.jpg

[rtist2g]

8a.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8932.jpg

8b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8932.jpg

9a.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8934.jpg

9b.
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed100percent/_MG_8934.jpg


10. and some creamy bokeh for you
http://www.motopsychozmc.com/_outbox/sigma30/processed/_MG_8943.jpg

[JohnHemlock]

Anyone shoot video with a MkII or 7D? How is pulling focus?

Thanks, lots of great shots in here.

[rtist2g]

Anyone shoot video with a MkII or 7D?

the sigma is a DC lens, so it will HEAVILY vignette on a MkII. didnt know if you were aware of that.

[Simply Ravishing]

F/2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4370351623_b550aaea00.jpg

[courier]

F/2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4370351623_b550aaea00.jpg

:):)

[punkerz123]

anyone find the minimum focus distance to be bothersome? or just fine?

[palaima]

^ Sometimes, but usually no. 40cm are more than enough for portraits and the type of photography that i do, but getting a close up of a flower is tricky :)

[rtist2g]

For what i want it for, the MFD is just fine. i already have a macro, and this lens can fill the frame with a face, so im fine with it.

[palaima]

I would cry if i had to give this lens up for some reason. Paradox - it focused worse in bright/sunny day than in dark/overcast evening :D
All i did is desaturate.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4372353547_269799889b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4372363407_1047e8e3ef_b.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[slm95]

My 30 1.4 is coming in Monday, I hope I get a good focusing copy

[Tortie]

^ I'm loving that pigeon picture. It's just so sharp and the B&W really works. Actually, on closer inspection, I see that the colors are just dialed down so they're ever-so-noticeable. I like it! And I can see his (or her) eye color peaking through.

[BobbyT]

I have another 30 coming to me next week. Regretted selling the last one immediately after it was gone and I'm finally in a position to get another. Can't wait.

[zincozinco]

hi guys, i have never used a crop lens before but know that for ex the 10-22 is the equivalent of the 16-35 on FF for example. now this lens, is it the equivalent of 30mm or is it the equivalent of more or less 50mm on a crop body?

[Tortie]

hi guys, i have never used a crop lens before but know that for ex the 10-22 is the equivalent of the 16-35 on FF for example. now this lens, is it the equivalent of 30mm or is it the equivalent of more or less 50mm on a crop body?
If you multiply 30 by 1.6, you'll find that it is the equivalent of 48mm on a APS-C body.

[zincozinco]

If you multiply 30 by 1.6, you'll find that it is the equivalent of 48mm on a APS-C body.

bummer.... :)

[Tortie]

bummer.... :)

If you were looking for something to give the equivalent of 30mm, you'll need an "18.75"mm lens. Sigma makes a 20 1.8 that's equivalent to 32mm. :)

EDIT: And since we're at the top of the page, I'd like to proudly display my newest acquisition (also posted in the "collecting pics of lenses" thread):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v13/Tortie/9348.jpg

[S-S]

hi guys, i have never used a crop lens before but know that for ex the 10-22 is the equivalent of the 16-35 on FF for example. now this lens, is it the equivalent of 30mm or is it the equivalent of more or less 50mm on a crop body?

crop lenses are only called that because the edges of the field of view when using them on on a full frame sensor or 35mm film camera are often soft, badly vignetted or just black - but this is the area that exceeds the sensor size on a crop sensor, so it doesnt affect the pics

the focal length is the same as the full frame mm equivalent (assuming it exists) - eg 35mm canon is only slightly less wide angle than the 30mm sigma no matter what camera it is attached to

the 30mm f/1.4 on crop gives an equivalent picture area to 50mm f/1.4 on full frame (at the same distance) but being a wider angle, closer objects are distorted more in the 30mm photo

[super65]

I received this lens two days ago, I feel pretty good about it! I'm not sure about all the focusing stuff, I'll need more experience using it.

[Elisha]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4346730549_c6af7e5db4_b.jpg

[SnapsbyPoteat]

I'm looking at snagging me one of these, anyone looking to sell theres, let me know!

[snowshark13]

Someone likes her ice cream a little too much!

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/adacrazy.jpg

[snowshark13]

And one more!

http://www.digitalsnowshark.com/PostPics/adacrazy2.jpg

[DStanic]

VERY heavily cropped image, maybe 80% and resized a touch to meet the guidelines

f/14 ISO1600 that's why it's a little grainy. Converted from RAW, no other PP done.

430950

[S-S]

couple from yesterday

[SamHunter]

Yay!


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/IMG_7259.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/IMG_7258.jpg

[woos]

I really liked what I was able to do with this one :)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1763/bridgea.jpg

[courier]

yup this lens is great at shots like this ^^

[palaima]

Street. Again :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4382406821_9668f5e337_b.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[slm95]

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/897/img7373.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2729/img7375.jpg

[Hotrodguru]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4286107715_9b902e96eb_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4305113589_2bcf6d45c7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4305127495_dab437465f_b.jpg

[slm95]

F 2.2 1/4000. iso 100

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3885/img7424r.jpg

[BobbyT]

Got my new 30. I'll not make the mistake of selling it again.
http://images112.fotki.com/v189/photos/2/949682/8495221/2-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v177/photos/2/949682/8495221/7-vi.jpg

http://images43.fotki.com/v398/photos/2/949682/8495221/15-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v274/photos/2/949682/8495221/18-vi.jpg

http://images47.fotki.com/v1590/photos/2/949682/8495221/20-vi.jpg

[Elisha]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4388319191_4d2039e747_b.jpg

[slm95]

My lens seems a little soft at 1.4 :cry:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1117/img7441b.jpg

Stepped down it is very sharp though

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6958/img7426p.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8/img7445r.jpg

[10megapixel]

Anyone use this lens here on a 1DMK2? I know it vignettes at 5.6 on a 1.3 crop but I was curious if anyone has a pic or two with it wide open on this body.

[richierich1212]

My lens seems a little soft at 1.4 :cry:

Could be a sign of misfocus?

[slm95]

Could be a sign of misfocus?

If it was misfocus would there be a small sliver of the frame that would be sharp?

[Elisha]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4389087502_74127c1c93_b.jpg

[Tortie]

^ Elisha, all of your photos are so sharp! Do you bump up sharpness in PP or are they SOOC? And what a little character he seems to be. :) I really like the one you posted before this last one (although I love the look on his face!). His eyes are beautiful.

[slm95]

Elisha, that last shot is great, what F stop was that at?

[punkerz123]

Elisha, that last shot is great, what F stop was that at?

according to Elisha's flickr page, f/2.0.

What a sharp lens!

[Elisha]

^ Elisha, all of your photos are so sharp! Do you bump up sharpness in PP or are they SOOC? And what a little character he seems to be. :) I really like the one you posted before this last one (although I love the look on his face!). His eyes are beautiful.

I use LR and I use Matt's Presets for portrait sharpening. It can be found here: http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/2007/monday-presets-sharpening/
On LR 2.6 it doesn't look like it does anything much. I use the Portrait Sharpen a Little More. There are 3 levels for Portrait alone.

F/1.4 is sharp on the lens but I won't be able to get both eyes in focus unless he is looking me dead on so I normally shoot at f/2 to increase my chances!

[slm95]

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7923/mathewzummo3.jpg

[ct1co2]

Picked up this lens a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely love it!! Great colors, bokeh, and super sharp! It has taken up full time residence on my XSi since I received it.

ISO 800, 1/125, F/3.2
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/ct1co2/Thumb1.jpg

[richierich1212]

^^^

Nice hair

[Elisha]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4389058398_5c7d72355a_b.jpg

[palaima]

^ thats is just so adorable :D and funny :D

[junipa]

I really want this lens but I've heard/read so many reports of poor quality control from Sigma I can't bring myself to get it. Apparently, it's a better lens than the Canon 28 /1.8 - but only if you get a good copy. :-(

[slm95]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4389058398_5c7d72355a_b.jpg

I love the facial expression, very nice. The shot does look a bit overexposed though.

[richierich1212]

Your kid's eyes just pop!

[DStanic]

I really want this lens but I've heard/read so many reports of poor quality control from Sigma I can't bring myself to get it. Apparently, it's a better lens than the Canon 28 /1.8 - but only if you get a good copy. :-(

You don't hear from the majority of people with good copies cause they don't need to complain. ;)

If you are buying new there is nothing to worry about, plus Sigma has a really good warranty on their EX lenses.

[myjunk]

Man.. the kid's eyes is really popping!!

[Elisha]

Lol it's all about the quality of light on the subject plus babies eyes always seem to absorb lots of light compared to adults eyes!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4388295457_c1510150ca_b.jpg

[rgs-]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4394441848_ff4b49b33b_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4394438162_ab44908351_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4393670107_8fcc782ca6_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4393669531_18ef48639c_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4393669331_be71582b6e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4394435954_a4845945f9_o.jpg

[nighthunter310]

Frickin' awesome, RGS!

[richierich1212]

Yep, fantastic captures rgs

[rgs-]

thanks guys!

[palaima]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4382406821_9668f5e337_b.jpg

[JelleVerherstraeten]

Those are great Elisha!

[junipa]

You don't hear from the majority of people with good copies cause they don't need to complain. ;)

If you are buying new there is nothing to worry about, plus Sigma has a really good warranty on their EX lenses.

You know, you're quite right about that. Thank you for the balance. I might have to dash out tomorrow and buy this lens now!

[ErwinS.]

I use LR and I use Matt's Presets for portrait sharpening. It can be found here: http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/2007/monday-presets-sharpening/
On LR 2.6 it doesn't look like it does anything much. I use the Portrait Sharpen a Little More. There are 3 levels for Portrait alone.

F/1.4 is sharp on the lens but I won't be able to get both eyes in focus unless he is looking me dead on so I normally shoot at f/2 to increase my chances!

I would like to see a 100% Crop. Is ist possible?

Thanks Erwin

[kaigraphy]

should I get this or the 50mm version...I shoot mostly portrait...any ideas...I'm confuse...

[mikejet]

should I get this or the 50mm version...I shoot mostly portrait...any ideas...I'm confuse...

What body do you have? If you have a crop this would be better. I didn't like the 50 on a crop.

[Dick Emery]

The classic portrait lens is a 105mm equivalent. The 50mm on a 1.6x crop gives around 80mm which is far closer to the classic portrait lens. It depends on if you want full body or torso shots or prefer upper torso and head shots. The 30mm is not very good at focusing at close distances (You have to get 'in their face' to get the shots which can make the subject uncomfortable). The 50mm will suit better if your intension is to shoot upper torso and head shots on a crop frame body.

[SamHunter]

See I have no problem stepping back with the 70-200 for those upper torso and head shots so I don't really have a need for the 50mm. Not to mention in my opinion it's a bit of a boring length. The 30mm adds something different for me, and I can't really describe what it is

[corey.b]

I feel that the 30mm is great for portrait photography, because I shoot lots of pictures at school, theres not too much space before bumping into a wall or another student. Theres some distortion with faces when you get up close attributed to this focal range. My victims didnt mind me being right up in their faces too, but I can imagine some would. If space is an issue, I would fully recommend the 30mm. But also, Im new to photography, so...

I cant wait for the 85mm f/1.4, should complete what I need for the most part :)

Example of a picture where I couldnt step back to get:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4398677901_30afaf0b9a_o.jpg
Flickr portrait/candid examples (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreybakocs/sets/72157623277490966/)
Most were taken with the 30mm.

PS. Still love this lens :D

[Simply Ravishing]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4398471313_ae48d3c192_o.jpg

[Morlow]

A couple from yesterday.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4401454589_852f8681ae_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4401455175_b1ca667c67_o.jpg

[darosk]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4403352110_d6e2070a84_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/daroskoding/4403352110/)

[mikejet]

When doing panning shots like that are you using One Shot or AI Servo?

[SamHunter]

Probably AI Servo

[palaima]

Here ya go.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4404998352_7f12ae1cde_b.jpg

Cheers,
Paulius

[sollie]

I got 2 hours with it some days ago..

[darosk]

When doing panning shots like that are you using One Shot or AI Servo?

Probably AI Servo
I actually don't remember for that particular shot - but probably.

[Tortie]

palaima, I really like that pigeon shot as well. Your focus is so on, the blurred wings give off a sense of motion. Great choice for B&W as well.

[palaima]

Thanks!

[Nocturnus]

More shots please.. Another lens I am debating getting real soon.

[palaima]

Just get the lens.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4404994724_18a66a9104_b.jpg

[palaima]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4411177663_c495e65760_b.jpg

[richierich1212]

Paulius I love your work.

[AWGD8]

More shots please.. Another lens I am debating getting real soon.

I have one for sale :-) Pm me if interested. This could be a sign from above. :-)

[palaima]

Paulius I love your work.

I really appreciate that :)

AWGD8: lolz. Why are u selling it? They will take this lens form my cold dead arms and then i will haunt them forever :D

[Karizmatik]

I really appreciate that :)

AWGD8: lolz. Why are u selling it? They will take this lens form my cold dead arms and then i will haunt them forever :D

Just a guess, but it looks like he has gone full frame (5Dc).

[palaima]

Just a guess, but it looks like he has gone full frame (5Dc).

after i wrote my post, i saw that :) Damn! I want a 5d too :D but will probably keep this one attached to my Xti all the time :)

[AWGD8]

I really appreciate that :)

AWGD8: lolz. Why are u selling it? They will take this lens form my cold dead arms and then i will haunt them forever :D

My signature says it all. I still have the Sigma 30 and yet didn`t have a camera body for a month now- That`s how I like this lens. I had been debating between T2i,50D, 7D to compliment my 30mm. (I was actually hoping that 60D shows up this March, but I couldn`t wait any longer)

I realized that I like to shoot 70% Landscape, 20% indoor, 10% sport (Son`s Taekwondo session). So, to save me from all the hassle of upgrading and switching with crop body, I decided to skip them all and just get the FF body that I could afford. It was a hard decision since I`m going backward 2-3 years of technology against the new hightech toys available in the market today. 99% of crop body users will long for a FF body experienced sometime in the near future, just for the heck of it, even if they are sports shooters.
I find the 5Dc simplier to use and makes me want to concentrate more on the subject than the complex camera buttons of the new technology.
You also have to clean the sensor manually, like working on your classic car engine in a garage on the weekend. LOL!

I just picked up a 5Dc today off Craigslist. Damn! I could have gotten a 50D with 85mm prime. :-)
So I have to let the 30mm go... Now, I`m looking at the 50mm "Sigmalux", but will I be lucky again to get a sharp copy from them? I think I`m going for it !
If I get a bad copy, I would sent it to Sigma for calibration and be done with it!

For those who are hesitant to get the 30mm Sigma bec. of the focusing issue. You don`t have any idea what you guys are missing.

[SamHunter]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/Mens%20BBall%20Senior%20Night/IMG_8536.jpg
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/Mens%20BBall%20Senior%20Night/IMG_8438.jpg

[tohara]

here is a couple from the other night.
This is a great lens

[punkerz123]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/Mens%20BBall%20Senior%20Night/IMG_8536.jpg
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/samhunterphoto/Mens%20BBall%20Senior%20Night/IMG_8438.jpg
Jerry Smith! He's from Wisconsin!!

Wisconsin represent!

[SamHunter]

The Wauwatosa wonder

[bjornli]

http://ks35880.kimsufi.com/30mm/focustest08032010/ some test shots, just cant find ANYWHERE where its sharp, f2,2 on all images :S