Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM [Archive] - Page 7 - Canon Digital Photography Forums

pixel_junkie

10th of October 2008 (Fri), 13:04

Got mine back from Sigma today. Seems fine now.

Question - how would you compare this in focus speed and accuracy to the Canon EF 28 1.8?

Speed is the same but the CANON is more accurate. And also the CANON is less impressive when it comes to colors. It's a give and take. Can't have it all unfortunately. You can actually for $1200 (35L)

Jman13

10th of October 2008 (Fri), 20:56

Speed is the same but the CANON is more accurate. And also the CANON is less impressive when it comes to colors. It's a give and take. Can't have it all unfortunately. You can actually for $1200 (35L)

Agreed. The Canon is a bit more accurate. Optically, the Sigma 30 is superior. The Canon 28 is a very nice lens...I had mine for 2 years. Ultimately, though, the better image quality wide open and the extra 2/3 stop were enough to get the Sigma. Mine's finally back from calibration, and it focuses correctly now. (It still misses from time to time, but I think that's just the way the lens is. Most of the time it's right on.)

Here are a few shots:

My daughter @ f/1.4:
http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/chloe_floor.jpg

Steps at Hocking Hills State Park @ f/2.2:
http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/hocking_stairs_L.jpg

The crazy, the wild, Oak/Maple @ f/2.8
http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/red_yellow_tree_L.jpg

Domino81

11th of October 2008 (Sat), 01:03

Hocking!

luant16

12th of October 2008 (Sun), 06:07

got this lens few days ago, its very sharp wide open & seems dunt have focus issue. Anyone tried this lens on 1.3x camera ? is there any vignetting ?

-spam-

12th of October 2008 (Sun), 06:09

got this lens few days ago, its very sharp wide open & seems dunt have focus issue. Anyone tried this lens on 1.3x camera ? is there any vignetting ?

I think you get a little, but its still usable.

Jman13

12th of October 2008 (Sun), 22:52

Three more of my daughter, taken this morning:

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/chloe_sitting_1.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/chloe_sitting_2.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/chloe_sitting_3.jpg

pixel_junkie

12th of October 2008 (Sun), 23:54

Three more of my daughter, taken this morning:

Fantastic shots, Jordan! Beautiful colors and very 3D ...

Rhinotherunt

13th of October 2008 (Mon), 23:26

Great stuff Jordan!

markya

14th of October 2008 (Tue), 06:56

Shot on London South Bank...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2939734520_4d6806a296_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markya/2939734520/)

runninmann

16th of October 2008 (Thu), 20:31

Similar shot posted in 50-1.4 thread. Tonight's dinner libation.

Jman13

19th of October 2008 (Sun), 22:25

Some from a senior picture shoot today (my first):

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/sd/sarah_shelter.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/sd/sarah_swing.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/sd/sarah_bench.jpg

ahendarman

21st of October 2008 (Tue), 13:24

I just got the Sigma 30mm last night. I could not pass up a very good deal from my local camera shop. They only have one copy so I am a bit nervous about it after reading so many horror stories here. I did a quick test this morning and I think I got myself a good copy.

This lens is sharp wide open. At f2.8 it's the sharpest lens I have.

A quick sample at f1.4, show the sharpness and good bokeh. I promise I'll shoot something more interesting than dices when time permit.

Sigma 30mm at f1.4, 1/200s, iso200, Canon XSi, center focus is on the orange dice
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2961254995_4704c20d9c_o.jpg

I found it odd that the sharpness is noticeably better above the center focus point. In the above example, the focus point is at the orange dice, but the green dice is sharper.
However, I found it acceptable. What do you guys think?

olz

21st of October 2008 (Tue), 13:32

You have nothing to worry about - the lens looks very fine! The DOF on this lens wide open is very narrow so you dice test might not be the best way to test it. Did you use a tripod?

Anyway - the lens looks fine. Go be creative with it! :)

DerekRob

21st of October 2008 (Tue), 16:47

ahendarman, lol didn't know you could stack dice that way "evilgrin"

tin.risky

21st of October 2008 (Tue), 16:52

The lens looks fine. The orange dice has so many faces that only one side can be in focus at once with DOF being so small. It seems like the face with the 8 is most in focus, which is on the same plane as the one face of the green dice. Which is why it looks like the green dice is more in focus than the orange. Hope that makes sense to you. You're lucky that you got a copy that focuses well. Enjoy it! It's one of my favorite lenses.

olz

22nd of October 2008 (Wed), 14:49

I sold the lens but missed it so much that I bought it again. I use it a lot for pictures like this:

http://www.wiolsen.dk/wp-content/2008/10/kso_mille_mad_hanekam-17.jpg

ayman86

23rd of October 2008 (Thu), 16:49

http://www.ayman86.com/ew/concert/IMG_0733.jpg

sethmo

23rd of October 2008 (Thu), 20:19

Dang, so this lens went up to $489. Anybody want to sell me a new one at $399? :P

Mark-B

23rd of October 2008 (Thu), 21:17

Dang, so this lens went up to $489. Anybody want to sell me a new one at $399? :P

I didn't realize the price had gone up. Got mine last year for $100 less.

f/1.8, 1/5000

http://bienvenu.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p292918082-4.jpg

sixty9sublime

24th of October 2008 (Fri), 01:24

First time adding to an achieve :D Couple from a walk around the neighborhood with my brand new 40D...

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/4584/fallcolorswa3.th.jpg (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fallcolorswa3.jpg)http://img112.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6395/leavesck5.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=leavesck5.jpg)http://img296.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6724/oldwoodps0.th.jpg (http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oldwoodps0.jpg)http://img75.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Miyagi-san

26th of October 2008 (Sun), 07:50

Dang, so this lens went up to $489. Anybody want to sell me a new one at $399? :P

sigma4less does! :) (http://sigma4less.com/sigma-wide-angle-30mm-f14-ex-dc-hsm-autofocus-lens-for-canon-digital-eos.html) ...although they don't want that much unless you add shipping then you're right at about 399 probably :) reputable dealer, got a sharp copy that focused perfectly from them and shipping was fast as well.

ahendarman

26th of October 2008 (Sun), 10:51

I got mine from my local camera shop for $399 + tax. I was surprise they have not increased the price yet. Probably it was an old supply. They only had one copy left, so I jumped on it.

I am still learning how to use this lens. I found it difficult to use but has so many creative potentials.

GeneMan88

26th of October 2008 (Sun), 11:53

I am still learning how to use this lens. I found it difficult to use but has so many creative potentials.

I agree that it takes some getting used to shooting with a single focal length lens. No zooming... so have to get used to moving yourself closer or further from the subject. Next, is getting used to the shallow depth of field that can be achieved with this lens... we all want to shoot with it wide open all of the time, but there are instances where we really need to step down to get a deeper depth of field.

Jman13

26th of October 2008 (Sun), 13:58

Yeah, I got mine from Adorama 3 days before they raised their prices from $399 to $480...B&H had already done the price raise, which is why I bought from Adorama. Lucked out. :)

JojoM

27th of October 2008 (Mon), 04:08

I got this lens last Friday, here are a couple of samples.

f/1.4, ISO 100, 1/250sec
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/jmagbitang/POTN/IMG_8857.jpg

f/1.4, ISO 1600, 1/13sec
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/jmagbitang/POTN/IMG_8877.jpg

Mark-B

2nd of November 2008 (Sun), 23:50

Taken as a sunset was fading away
f/1.6, 1/50, ISO 1600

http://bienvenu.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p390541396-5.jpg

markya

3rd of November 2008 (Mon), 09:58

haven't posted for a while - why not? Dunno :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2995526175_00b30dc133_b.jpg (http://%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/markya/2995526175/)

grizzy

7th of November 2008 (Fri), 21:46

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p313595016-4.jpg

syntrix

7th of November 2008 (Fri), 21:53

Grizzy, that's a great picture!!!!

Love it man!

GeneMan88

8th of November 2008 (Sat), 15:04

I was trying to sneak up on my wife and our cat as they napped... as you can see, the cat caught me.

Captured using 10D/Sigma 30 f/1.4 combo, Av=f/1.4, Tv=1/50, ISO=400. Shot in RAW and converted/processed via Aperture.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p467237582-5.jpg

grizzy

8th of November 2008 (Sat), 17:57

Grizzy, that's a great picture!!!!

Love it man!

Thank you :D !

ef2

9th of November 2008 (Sun), 11:36

I use this as a 39mm lens on my 1D, and although it's a rather strange focal length, the IQ still convinces me to keep it.

1downfall

9th of November 2008 (Sun), 18:51

1downfall

9th of November 2008 (Sun), 18:52

http://www.ayman86.com/ew/concert/IMG_0733.jpg
is this hand held?

BobbyT

9th of November 2008 (Sun), 20:36

http://images42.fotki.com/v1377/photos/9/949682/6909315/1160821-vi.jpg

http://images115.fotki.com/v685/photos/9/949682/6909315/1160813-vi.jpg

http://images43.fotki.com/v1385/photos/9/949682/6909315/116089-vi.jpg

1downfall

9th of November 2008 (Sun), 20:51

nice perspective!
If any of you all have some hand held indoor shots I would like to see them. I am looking at this lens for indoor, low light around the holidays etc.

BobbyT

11th of November 2008 (Tue), 17:06

nice perspective!
If any of you all have some hand held indoor shots I would like to see them. I am looking at this lens for indoor, low light around the holidays etc.

http://images43.fotki.com/v1328/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth0822-vi.jpg
f4.5
1/125
iso 1600

http://images42.fotki.com/v1317/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08100-vi.jpg
f1.4
1/125
iso 1250

http://images40.fotki.com/v1337/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08149-vi.jpg
f2
1/100
iso800

1downfall

11th of November 2008 (Tue), 21:41

ty Bobby for your post. any chance Color versions available? thanks again!

BobbyT

11th of November 2008 (Tue), 21:52

From the same event

http://images42.fotki.com/v1311/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08176-vi.jpg
f2
1/160
iso640

http://images43.fotki.com/v1322/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08209-vi.jpg
f1.4
1/100
iso800

http://images42.fotki.com/v1319/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08234-vi.jpg
f1.4
1/320
iso800

http://images40.fotki.com/v1333/photos/9/949682/6753940/Midsouth08271-vi.jpg
f1.4
1/400
iso320

zeva

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 03:43

how do you know if you get a good copy? .>..> i have a fear of a bad copy :(

dandan

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 04:49

how do you know if you get a good copy? .>..> i have a fear of a bad copy :(

Buy it in Japan :p Its been my experience that the QC seems to be better in Japan, esp for second hand goods.

1downfall

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 06:31

stellar results it looks like to me Bobby. ty again.

BobbyT

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 18:39

stellar results it looks like to me Bobby. ty again.
No problem, and thank you.

Coppatop85

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 19:21

Completely off topic, but I love your icon there Bobby.

BobbyT

12th of November 2008 (Wed), 20:10

Thanks, a friend made it for me.

srsuser

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 01:21

Guys I have a Nikon D200, would you recommend this lens over the Nikon 35mm F/2?

This is my first DSLR, so which would be a better learner lens?

John_TX

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 01:59

Guys I have a Nikon D200, would you recommend this lens over the Nikon 35mm F/2?

This is my first DSLR, so which would be a better learner lens?

Maybe a better idea to ask around here: http://www.nikonians.org/
I doubt too many people around here have Nikon's, much less their 35 f/2.

runninmann

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 02:50

Maybe a better idea to ask around here: http://www.nikonians.org/
I doubt too many people around here have Nikon's, much less their 35 f/2.Click the link in his signature :)

John_TX

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 02:55

Click the link in his signature :)

The Fred Miranda Nikon forum seems to be pretty active...there are at least 40 new/active threads within the last ~20hrs.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/7

-spam-

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 04:59

Pretty sure I havnt posted this. The foam was better straight after the pour but fell apart in the time it took to dig out the camera.

link goes to a bigger size.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3018854868_2fc08e7a3a.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3018854868/sizes/l/in/set-72157605168984979/)

Mike

16th of November 2008 (Sun), 12:14

Here's one from yesterday:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3033060360_3fa3ed7bdf_o.jpg

egordon99

17th of November 2008 (Mon), 10:37

Nice shot Mike! That's the exact type of photo my 30mm excels at :)

I've recently been doing shoots with the 30 on one body and my 85 on another body, and it's a great kit to shoot people with :)

JojoM

17th of November 2008 (Mon), 11:27

f/1.6, 1/100s, ISO 800, window light
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/jmagbitang/POTN/IMG_9619.jpg

f/1.6, 1/125s, ISO 800, window light
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/jmagbitang/POTN/IMG_9624.jpg

srsuser

19th of November 2008 (Wed), 03:48

The Fred Miranda Nikon forum seems to be pretty active...there are at least 40 new/active threads within the last ~20hrs.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/7

I can't register because I'm using a free email service such as hotmail, yahoo, gmail, etc. :rolleyes:

ZJChaser

19th of November 2008 (Wed), 18:07

Just got my new 30mm 1.4 from B&H. I think I got a sharp one that focuses well:

30mm, f/1.4, 1/30th, ISO 400, no flash, handheld, focus on the end key

DerekRob

19th of November 2008 (Wed), 18:54

Just got my new 30mm 1.4 from B&H. I think I got a sharp one that focuses well:

30mm, f/1.4, 1/30th, ISO 400, no flash, handheld, focus on the end keyfreaking dirty mate, next time wash it :)

dissembled

19th of November 2008 (Wed), 19:44

I have this lens on an Olympus E330. It rarely focuses accurately. The AF confirmation light lights even thought NOTHING is in focus.

I've read countless posts that says they're having frontal/back focusing issues. Mine? It can't focus, whatsoever.

I know this is a Canon forum but still...It seems QC on this product on ANY mount is pretty poor.

jbkalla

21st of November 2008 (Fri), 00:06

Hey! That's my keyboard!

BobbyT

30th of November 2008 (Sun), 16:23

http://images48.fotki.com/v1406/photos/9/949682/6976634/MelissaandBill93-vi.jpg

http://images45.fotki.com/v1421/photos/9/949682/6976634/MelissaandBill94-vi.jpg

http://images47.fotki.com/v1398/photos/9/949682/6976634/MelissaandBill111-vi.jpg

Li_Photo

1st of December 2008 (Mon), 20:12

Just ordered mine yesterday and will receive this Friday!

Emergenic

1st of December 2008 (Mon), 20:22

I had this lens back in my Olympus days, have missed it much since selling it last summer.

I finally caved in and bought one with canon mount on saturday from B&H (Oh Happy Day!!)...Was debating on getting the 30mm back or going for the 35L.

But finally decided that the 30mm does everything I need it to do and then some!, so why spend 3x as much for the bigger heavier L .

X-Warrior

2nd of December 2008 (Tue), 13:38

Enjoy the lens both of you ;)

S-S

3rd of December 2008 (Wed), 22:11

well... just bought one this afternoon - excellent condition used copy
cant wait to play :) it is now my fastest lens & i LOVE to shoot wide open

even on the notoriously fuzzy 40D screen the shots are looking dead sharp when zoomed in so i can be pretty sure i scored a good copy

when i collected it from the seller today he came out of his house after i started to walk away and called out after me "is a very good lens" almost like he was sad to see it leave lol

X-Warrior

4th of December 2008 (Thu), 13:30

when i collected it from the seller today he came out of his house after i started to walk away and called out after me "is a very good lens" almost like he was sad to see it leave lol

Some people have to sell some of their gear not because they don't need it anymore, but because they need the money for something more important. So indeed it could be a sad parting...

Have fun with the lens :D

Li_Photo

5th of December 2008 (Fri), 21:31

UPS just delivered my first Sigma lens! It's the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. This is a beautiful lens with a beautiful finish! And best of all, it comes with a matching finish hood! Here are 3 pics I took at my house. The lighting was poor so it's a good test for this lens. all three pics were taken with Av f/1.4; ISO 400; hand held; no post processing straight out of the camera.

1. focused on "flower"

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/turbochargedpete/Random/IMG_8114.jpg

2. focused on "EOS" of the remote box

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/turbochargedpete/Random/IMG_8115.jpg

3. focused on "Canon" of the camera box

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/turbochargedpete/Random/IMG_8116.jpg

Here is another one taken at ISO 400 f/2.8 and flash: Very Sharp!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/turbochargedpete/Random/IMG_8127.jpg

ISO 200 f/1.4 and flash:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y297/turbochargedpete/Random/IMG_8130.jpg

Medic85

8th of December 2008 (Mon), 18:41

Anyone ever used this on a 1D? Will it work ok?

-spam-

8th of December 2008 (Mon), 18:47

Anyone ever used this on a 1D? Will it work ok?

Will work fine but for a little black in the corners. But no where near as bad as it is on the 5D (http://shphotography.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/5d-sigma-30mm-14/).

S-S

9th of December 2008 (Tue), 03:56

Some people have to sell some of their gear not because they don't need it anymore, but because they need the money for something more important. So indeed it could be a sad parting...

Have fun with the lens :D

yeh, he said in his auction that he really liked it but hadnt used it much since buying a 70-200 because he preferred to work in the mid telephoto range now... but he also said if the auction didnt sell he would decide to keep it, so i made sure to bid as soon as i saw his comment!

f/1.4 is not as easy to focus as f/2.8 or f/4... but if you are careful you can get pretty consistent results, so im happy :)

borneoeye

9th of December 2008 (Tue), 23:49

Are you looking at me,are you looking at me?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OviFYMPEics/STIZh8cYNDI/AAAAAAAAD1U/yd8cp5WJEdU/s800/Siggy30029.JPG
Taken at f1.4, ISO 1250 w/out flash. Still testing my newly acquired lens, so far so good. More here: http://picasaweb.google.com/borneoeye/Sigma30mmF14#

tupper

10th of December 2008 (Wed), 08:08

egordon99

10th of December 2008 (Wed), 11:40

Awesome combo! (30/85), I'd say ~95% of my "people" shots are with these two lenses.

Also thinking to get the Canon 85mm 1.8 to accompany this lens.

Max F

10th of December 2008 (Wed), 13:02

Going to treat myself for christmas with this lens, hopefully I will get a good copy out of the box. Is it really that bad the amount of copies are bad out of the box? or are the Canon lens fanatics blowing it out of proportion?

I don't think I've blown it out of proportion - had 2 bad focusing lens out of 2. No problems with the canon's that I've bought this past year:

Canon 17-85mm
Canon 70-300mm
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 28mm f/1.8
Canon 10-22mm

That's not to say that I didn't really want it to work out. I have the 28mm now which I like, but the "good" Sigma 30s seem to produce nicer pics. Good luck with you purchase.

just12

10th of December 2008 (Wed), 17:04

f/1.6
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1095/mg2763jy2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

f/1.4
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4585/mg2963iheq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

tupper

11th of December 2008 (Thu), 04:46

I don't think I've blown it out of proportion - had 2 bad focusing lens out of 2. No problems with the canon's that I've bought this past year:

I'm still going to try my luck with this lens, just to make sure what am I looking out for when testing it? Front Focus? Any other troubles?

Max F

11th of December 2008 (Thu), 12:59

I'm still going to try my luck with this lens, just to make sure what am I looking out for when testing it? Front Focus? Any other troubles?

Just start taking pics of stuff around the house using f/2.8 or less. The box the lens comes in is a good subject. It should be pretty obvious whether it missfocuses once you get the pics on the computer. Also go outside and shoot some stuff at longer distances - as some people have problems with moderate to far distance focus on this lens (use around f/4). The two lenses I tested had obvious problems for all distances.

Also, don't be alarmed if you have some out of focus shots using the lens wide open and shooting moving objects - say children, as it can be very difficult to get a sharp shot with a very narrow DOF. So just test with still objects at first.

Good luck!

runninmann

11th of December 2008 (Thu), 16:50

I'm still going to try my luck with this lens, just to make sure what am I looking out for when testing it? Front Focus? Any other troubles?I've owned 2 copies and both have focused to my satisfaction.

I sold the first with the intention of buying a 35L. After I sold it, I had seller's remorse and purchased the copy I currently have.

If memory serves me, as Max F said, many of those unhappy with the lens complained of poor focus of subjects beyond 6 feet or so away.

Coppatop85

11th of December 2008 (Thu), 17:47

Both taken at 1.4, both about 6-8 feet away:

1.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/Local%20H%20and%20Electric%206/_MG_3279.jpg
EDIT: image wont show, here is a link: http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/Local%20H%20and%20Electric%206/_MG_3279.jpg
2.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/Local%20H%20and%20Electric%206/_MG_3223.jpg

ZJChaser

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 00:35

first one shows fine for me. That is exactly what I hope to use this lens for, concerts.

paiintballa182

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 00:41

That's what I bought the lens for in the first place, but in the press pit the lens was too tight

Domino81

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 01:07

Holy crap that's a lot of noise!

S-S

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 05:21

I'm still going to try my luck with this lens, just to make sure what am I looking out for when testing it? Front Focus? Any other troubles?

mine was great up close but after having it a week i discovered it has severe frontfocus AF issues after about 3-5 feet distance. so i have sent it off to be fixed

see attached 100% crops...

runninmann

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 06:43

Holy crap that's a lot of noise!How's the 20D at ISO 3200? :)

X-Warrior

12th of December 2008 (Fri), 08:53

Got to say, I've had my doubts about my copy. So I ran a test chart again last Saturday (after a shoot with lots of apparent backfocused shots). Chart results: perfect. In fact, better than it was last time when I tested with the 400D...
I've yet to test it out at a longer distance in proper lighting. Didn't look too well in my tests, but light was poor. Has to be said though that my subjects weren't quite of the sitting still type, so there are plenty of reasons to think of that may have caused a misfocus...

Maybe I'll just test it out this afternoon, now that I have some light. If there's any backfocus at a few feet distance, I'll resort to my 50D's microadjustment feature ;). Better not forget to turn the adjustment off again when shooting up close of course...

Edit: done the tests. User error confirmed.
Nothing wrong with this little one. Not in daylight anyway :)
Seems a bit soft at longer distance, but it's not front or back focus. Strange... maybe the UV filter is the culprit. Oh well, let's just say it's performance is excellent ;)

Edit 2: did more actual shooting inside, and again focus seemed off a bit. I think I may have found the culprit though - AF assist light on my 430EX. Took a picture up close of my baby nephew, from the side, focusing on the front eye. Back eye was in focus. Then I turned off the AF assist, shot again, and focus was spot on target for several shots. May have to test this out a bit more. Can anyone confirm possible issues with AF assist light ?

Edit 3: Little kids came around again today, and I took the opportunity to test my theory. Let's just say there are too many in-focus shots for it to be a coincidence. AF assist will have to remain off...

Mark-B

14th of December 2008 (Sun), 15:49

Shot at f/1.6 with only light from a TV in the room. You can see the light from the screen on the side of Santa's head. 430EX flash set at -3 in ETTL mode bounced over my right shoulder. Christmas tree is about 25 feet away.

I was in near darkness holding Santa with one hand and holding a 20D with 430EX in the other hand at f/1.6 and 1/30 second. Pretty sharp for those conditions.

http://bienvenu.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p130049461-5.jpg

.

-spam-

19th of December 2008 (Fri), 21:06

Time for some more siggy lovin

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3113541569_7e3cf091e5.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3113541569/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3113547391_c3f1ecd4be.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3113547391/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3120849253_0ec2be9512.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3120849253/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3120850895_bf86cbbd8f.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3120850895/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3121622888_4d5792f4ba.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/-spam-/3121622888/)

Domino81

19th of December 2008 (Fri), 22:45

I rented this lens, I'll post some results... whenever FedEx decides to deliver it. :roll:

S-S

20th of December 2008 (Sat), 00:18

i decided that rather than pay $150 more and wait 6 weeks to get my faulty lens back from australia i would return it to the seller and buy a guaranteed working one from someone else for $150 more - so thats what i did :)

it is NICE to have one that focuses properly... if anyone gets one that doesnt i highly recommend getting it fixed or returning it, cos its a great lens!

Domino81

20th of December 2008 (Sat), 21:31

So I received this lens via rental and my worst fears (It would appear) are confirmed. It has a NASTY problem focusing. I'm extremely disappointed.

S-S

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 01:17

if its rented send it back & get another copy

runninmann

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 08:37

So I received this lens via rental and my worst fears (It would appear) are confirmed. It has a NASTY problem focusing. I'm extremely disappointed.What kind(s) of problem(s)?

Domino81

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 11:43

Where you focus on something, and it focuses about a half inch in front of it.

Dorman

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 14:45

Not surprising given all of the threads on the issue - it is notorious for back/front focusing and needing calibration (often more than one trip to the service center) to get it right. Good thing you rented it. This is lens that holds zero interest for me because I don't have the desire to play the lens lottery and to mess with something that more than likely won't work as it should straight out of the box.

S-S

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 17:05

Dorman

21st of December 2008 (Sun), 18:01

i think the only safe ways to buy this lens are from someone you know/trust, or from a shop where you can get multiple copies on the desk & test each one then look at the shots on a computer before you drive away with it

I have to pretty much agree with you - it's not worth the hassle to me personally, no matter how good a properly working one is. I understand that every now and then a company turns out a product that slips through inspections and isn't what it should be, but the quality control is so low on this lens. It seems like you're more likely to get a lens that doesn't work as advertised straight from the box - I have issue with that. Unfortunately for me my last two Sigma experiences were abysmal, so based on my experience they won't be getting my business. Not saying people shouldn't buy this lens or buy Sigma's, just saying it's not for me.

Coppatop85

22nd of December 2008 (Mon), 14:15

I got this new and it focuses accurately near and far.

S-S

22nd of December 2008 (Mon), 14:25

well... lets see your pics! ;)

Coppatop85

22nd of December 2008 (Mon), 15:02

I posted some concert photography shots earlier. Think they are only 1-2 pages back. Here's another:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh2/Coppatop85/allieflower1.jpg

Domino81

23rd of December 2008 (Tue), 15:45

I sent my bad copy back, a new copy is on the way.

This is an example -

I focused on his eye...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/IMG_7000.jpg

And just because I thought it was too cute to delete, I cleaned it up...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/IMG_7000-1.jpg

:)

But, yeah. I couldn't get ONE good shot from this lens. Let's see if the new copy is any different. I'm pretty upset, because I've heard nothing but good things and I LOVE the shots I've seen.

Mark-B

23rd of December 2008 (Tue), 16:43

She was bored and wanted to play with makeup.

f/2.8, 1/50, ISO 400
580EX fired into a 45" silver umbrella at 1/128 power. White umbrella over her shoulder used as a reflector.

http://bienvenu.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p816644403-4.jpg

RiKaN HaVoK

23rd of December 2008 (Tue), 18:25

I bought this lens and I was worry about the focus issue, but after giving it to a photographer to use for a few minutes .. we have concluded I have a keeper. It sucks with low light but with decent light this lens is sharp .. at least to my eyes because I been doing this for a couple of weeks .. lol

but no focusing issues and the guy proved it to me with 1 point focus 9 point focus auto focus and everytime it hit dead on ..

some of the pictures I took last night - which I knew how to edit these ..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3131238141_f847f98ae0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3132066566_822773759e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/3131238225_df9987a71a.jpg?v=0

100% CROP

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3131238279_613d6ae181.jpg?v=0

runninmann

23rd of December 2008 (Tue), 18:39

RiKaN HaVoK

23rd of December 2008 (Tue), 18:49

I'm going to try ..

I have a newborn due any minute now .. the BM water leaked yesterday but not fully broke and it has her in extreme agony .. lol .. stubborn baby wants to wait till Xmas! LOL

so one of the main reasons I bough this lens. I will make sure I shoot everything RAW so I can take it to a pro to fix cause as you see I don't have no PS/LR/Elements Skills .. These are straight from the Camera ..

HSK

29th of December 2008 (Mon), 06:49

I'm interested in this lens for my crop - is the technology in it better then the canon f/1.8 28 mm? Only thing that worries me is the number of complaints on this lens about focusing...

S-S

29th of December 2008 (Mon), 16:12

just test the one you get before you decide to keep it
it's def. worth it when you get a proper one

Domino81

3rd of January 2009 (Sat), 00:12

The 2 copies I rented never focuses properly. I could continue to rent or buy and return until I get a good copy but I'm ready to move on not knowing if I'll ever be able to trust this lens. Shame, too. It's in a league of it's own.

Tony-S

3rd of January 2009 (Sat), 00:32

So, does that mean that if I ever sell my spot-on 30mm I could get more for it than the cost of a new one? :)

S-S

3rd of January 2009 (Sat), 01:44

heres a few from this arvo...

HSK

3rd of January 2009 (Sat), 05:53

So, does that mean that if I ever sell my spot-on 30mm I could get more for it than the cost of a new one? :)
lol, it sounds like it doesn't it!

I'm just wondering would shop owners be cool with me going through different lens boxes till I'm happy - aren't they sealed?! do they get sent back to the factory if opened and found out to be less then great, or put back on the shelf...(you don't have to answer these question, just thinking aloud).

KarlosDaJackal

3rd of January 2009 (Sat), 15:56

Hand held 40d

Aperture: f/2.2
Shutter: 1/60
ISO: 800

All processing in DPP (landscape profile with sharpness at 3)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1124/3164422570_db5f9d5e1a_b.jpg
(http://flickr.com/photos/karldenby/3164422570/)

KarlosDaJackal

4th of January 2009 (Sun), 15:17

This came from and un-sharpened raw, and ended up with no USM being applied. With the "recommended" amount of sharpening it had too much detail for a portrait.

Probably not the best closeup portrait lens, as you have to get fairly close, but it does work well if you mange to not scare your model. The DOF is a bit all over the place on this shot, the eye closest to the lens is probably a little outside the DOF, but the 2nd eye and the hair-clip are sharp. So don't look just at that one eye, look at the hair, the other eye and especially the skin.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1134/3167897520_ae8f9c3fc3_o.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/karldenby/3167897520/)

drummerhc

6th of January 2009 (Tue), 21:42

I just got this lens today. How fast is the AF speed should be?

Mine is only 50% to 60% fast compare to this video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4TKaxDGnA8

runninmann

6th of January 2009 (Tue), 21:50

I just got this lens today. How fast is the AF speed should be?

Mine is only 50% to 60% fast compare to this video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4TKaxDGnA8Maybe the camera makes a difference.

drummerhc

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 02:58

Maybe the camera makes a difference.

So if not as fast as Canon USM, how "fast" this sigma HSM should be?
Mine focus about the same as the nifty fifty or tiny little faster at most.

KarlosDaJackal

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 02:59

f/2.2 - 1/80 - ASA800 on a 40d

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/3174159533_39328a13e4_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/karldenby/3174159533/)

S-S

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 03:02

mine's pretty quick, dont really notice any difference between it & 17-55 or 24-105 canons

here's one from the park the other day...

X-Warrior

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 05:40

Mine's about as fast as on that video on my 50D.

Domino81

7th of January 2009 (Wed), 13:25

So, does that mean that if I ever sell my spot-on 30mm I could get more for it than the cost of a new one? :)

No... because the ones that don't work as they're supposed to are worth nothing, as far as I'm concerned.

The cool thing about this lens is the color and if you get a good one, it's sharp as hell. I just worry if I wound up buying one how many I'd have to send back before getting a spot-on type copy like you say you have.

jamesbong

11th of January 2009 (Sun), 04:58

shot w/ xti at 1.8

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3187530920_d003edde1e_b.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3187535210_526a700e0f_b.jpg

S-S

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 02:02

shot w/ xti at 1.8

*before PMS* *during PMS*

;)

sharky

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 05:09

I've had this lens now for a few months, and most recently have been on a self-imposed project where I shoot ONLY with it. In doing so I've found it to be a pretty remarkable piece of glass, and have learned a few things:

1) It has a bit of a learning curve, in that the extremely shallow depth of field takes a bit of getting used to. There have been plenty of shots where I've photographed someone and the tip of their nose is super sharp, but everything else is out of focus.
2) You have to stop down a LONG way before the corners start catching up to the centre sharpness. In fact, I'd say the extreme edges never really catch up, and are still a little fuzzy right through f9.
3) I thought I had the erratic focus problem many people have reported, but the more I use the lens the better the focus seems to be. I'm not sure if that's just the lens itself loosening up, or if I'm just getting better at using it.
4) The focal length is magic on a crop body, and I can see why the 50mm became the standard on film bodies. I've been amazed at how versatile the lens is, going from portraits to detail shots to landscapes. In fact, I'm using it more than my 24-105L, which was usual everything lens. A couple of samples:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3182131600_dbf4cb0366_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/3106876214_d656217064_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3181287789_a48725b14d_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/3170080750_01dc31c0fa_o.jpg

jjmucker

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 06:05

Just took this a second ago.

50D + 30mm siggy F1.6 ISO 6400
Was thinking of trading it in though for the 50mm siggy 1.4 for my 5D.
Though this is a gem of a lens :D

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n55/jjmucker/Mia.jpg

lukeap69

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 06:51

Why not get the Siggy 50 1.4 in addition to your 30 1.4. :)

jjmucker

12th of January 2009 (Mon), 07:14

I wouldnt really need both and would be pretty much the same FOV when the 30mm is on my 50D and 50mm is on my 5D. im a wedding shooter and have 2 bodies on me at all times ,i'd probably have the 70-200 2.8 on the crop ( 50D ) and have the 50mm siggy 1.4on my 5D most of the time unless i needed something wider in which case i'd stick the 17-55 or the 10-20 on the 50D :)

srsuser

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 02:45

I want to buy this lens used, how do I make sure I get a good copy? And what are the chances of me getting a bad copy?

jjmucker

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 05:11

cant really say for sure, i guess its a chance you take because if you do happen to get a good copy then you win as its a fantastic lens. Im selling mine however as im now using a 5D too and want the 50mm sigma for that body

S-S

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 07:03

here's something a little bit different for this lens: 30sec @ f/4, ISO 100

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=334103&stc=1&d=1231934338

egordon99

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 07:27

I'd say you made GREAT use of the available light ;)

Nice shot!

here's something a little bit different for this lens: 30sec @ f/4, ISO 100

egordon99

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 07:31

WOW! ISO6400! I'd love to see you compare that with 6400 on your 5D with the 50mm.

Just took this a second ago.

50D + 30mm siggy F1.6 ISO 6400
Was thinking of trading it in though for the 50mm siggy 1.4 for my 5D.
Though this is a gem of a lens :D

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n55/jjmucker/Mia.jpg

dlintz

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 10:00

30 seconds?!! Amazing, I would've expected the clouds in front of the lightning to be blurry. Nice shot.

here's something a little bit different for this lens: 30sec @ f/4, ISO 100

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=334103&stc=1&d=1231934338

jjmucker

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 15:14

WOW! ISO6400! I'd love to see you compare that with 6400 on your 5D with the 50mm.

Yeah i know, even looking at it now i still cant believe its iso 6400, but it is :D

Coppatop85

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 15:43

Wow, that's amazing. 50D does that well? All the reviews I saw seemed like it was barely better than the 40D in terms of ISO performance.

jjmucker

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 15:45

if you expose it correctly then yes, you can get amazing results.
this was exposed to the right slightly then ran through Noiseware.

Im pretty pleased with it :)

S-S

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 18:24

30 seconds?!! Amazing, I would've expected the clouds in front of the lightning to be blurry. Nice shot.

they arent blurry because they were only lit by 2 lightning flashes, the rest of the time they were dark & the frame had already been exposed

S-S

14th of January 2009 (Wed), 21:27

heres my other decent shot from the storm: 10 sec, ISO 400, f/2.8

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=334283&stc=1&d=1231982894

dgoakill

15th of January 2009 (Thu), 11:37

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3198745125_b312461a47_o.jpg

REBEL XTi, f/3.2 @ 30 mm, 1/60, ISO 1600, No Flash
I love this lens!

CanuckBassist

16th of January 2009 (Fri), 00:12

thatkatmat

16th of January 2009 (Fri), 00:44

Where is the sigma service center?

CanuckBassist

16th of January 2009 (Fri), 02:14

The one for Canada is in Markham, half an hour away from Toronto.

dgoakill

16th of January 2009 (Fri), 08:39

Your kid has big beautiful eyes!

In other news, I got my Sigma 30 in the mail yesterday and found that it front focuses. As I live close to the Sigma service center, I dropped it off and was told it'd take about a week to calibrate. :(

thanks, that sucks about the lens, I was convinced the first week I had it that mine was also not focusing right, but after printing a focus sheet and doing some tests it turned out it was my fault. this lens has a very shallow DOF at the wider apertures. I've lost several shots that I did at 1.4 because the nose would be in focus and the eyes blurry....that's pretty shallow. or the eyes would be spot on and the hair would be soft. from what I've read sigma is pretty good to deal with in terms of service.