Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM

[Gary W. Graley]

I had a copy of this lens for a day, short I know, but wasn't too impressed with the images, but I think there were some focusing issues. Right now my camera is in the shop for a tune up and I'm willing to give that Sigma another chance but would like to see some images from you folks.

Thanks in advance!
G2

[JohnnyBlood]

It's a great lens...

http://static.flickr.com/36/83463277_60d2d13533.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/39/93897575_557c892672.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/37/74948675_25d4a4b8e7.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/27/67152308_ab77b29b29.jpg?v=1136515362

You can see the rest of my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC shots here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/latitudes/tags/sigma30mmf14dc

[Gary W. Graley]

Johnny, those are very nice, I'm sold, I think that I'll go ahead and order one, I have read of the troubles that may come, but if I keep on trying I can eventually get a proper one!
Thanks so much for posting those images!
G2

[cdifoto]

After the pain of this most recent purchase, I think I'll seek out that lens. It looks good and the HSM would be very nice compared to Canon's 2.0 non-USM version.

[Skippy29]

Ditto.
I love mine, it's a great lens, especially for $400. Gives my friend's $1200 35L a run for it's money.

[JohnnyBlood]

Keep in mind, I suspect all of this talk about a certain % of the lenses being bad has more to do with operator error than it does with the lens. This lens, like most fast lenses, is a bit tricky to focus when wide open. I can't say that mine front focuses like some have said, but you really need to know what you want focused, especially when up-close and personal with the subject matter. It takes a little practice, but when it is all said and done it's a very good (and fun) lens.

[wintoid]

This was the shot I was happiest with during the time I had mine. I sent it back due to focus issues on objects over 6 foot from me.

This was at f/2.2.

[kaitanium]

ack i would get this but thinking towards the future a 28mm canon would be better at roughly the same cost. garuanteed compatibility (no rechipping) and full frame capabilities at the cost of a slightly lower speed. maybe those reasons could sway you =P

[nadtz]

Just a messing around shot (chicago is cold and I dont like it). Only had the lens a week or so, but I do love mine on my 350D so far.

http://www.badtz.org/uk/IMG_1622-01a.jpg

[dave_bass5]

mine are just snaps compared to the ones above but it is my favorite lens at the moment.
This was shot at f/1.4 hand held
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/45787710-L.jpg
This was f/1.6
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/44822632-L.jpg
this at f/3.5
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/44694389-L.jpg
And this was at f/9.0
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/51883972-L.jpg

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks guys, looks good, nice shots!
And I did think about that 28, just something about an f1.4 that draws me though ;) Went ahead and ordered it, if it has problems, I'll send it to Sigma to sort out and get it back, as I've read that once they buggered with it a bit, they seem to work straight away better...I do hope this one is good from the get go though!
G2

[cdifoto]

Looks like a real cracker of a lens...

[dave_bass5]

I dont know how it is in the USA but here in Uk Sigma also want you to send the camera body to them so they can callibrate the lens to it. seems a lot of hassle really especialy if you have more than one body so i never got around to sending mine, i think i have got the hang of using it. mine is fine although i thought i had problems but i think it was just me.
good luck with the lens

[Gary W. Graley]

Dave, when I had the last one, I called Sigma and they said to send it in for a look see, but since I only had it a day at most I sent it back to B&H, and at that time I went ahead and picked up the 24-105L, sold a few other things in order to fund that purchase but for low light I think that I'll give this another swing, B&H just emailed me that it's shipping today, so I should have it maybe Tuesday next week, and Canon said they would be shipping my camera today, so both may arrive at the same time, a good thing!
G2

[dave_bass5]

Thats good news Gary. Good luck and dont forget to post some pics.
Im quite happy with mine now. to be honest i think all the talk of the problems with the lens made me paranoid.

[Gary W. Graley]

Dave I think that probably is true with a lot of things in the camera world,
we hear something and then we make it true with our own stuff, almost like
a hypochondriac in the digital world ;)

Here is a shot I took of my oldest daughter, her husband and baby Ian, due
this coming May, while it didn't look too bad, the faces were a little out of
focus to me, but, as mentioned, the lens may have some learning curve to
watch for, as her shirt seemed sharp, perhaps they moved their heads just
as it was taken, but I'll work with the new lens more and keep working with it
or send it in for calibrating if I feel it's not up to snuff;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/joel_heather_baby.jpg

and this one was a bit better, but then she was in more direct light too;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/tigger.jpg

G2

[dave_bass5]

Nice shots Gary, really like the first one.
did you sharpen them up in PP?
I find i need to do that to all my shots but thats just the way DSLR works from what i have read.

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks Dave, yes they were sharpened up in Adobe Photoshop 2.0, I have little or no
skills when it comes to that!
When I first got the 20D I was quite distressed as the images were so soft, compared to my Fuji S7000, then I found out that the Fuji did some sharpening in camera and the Canon was expected to be post processed, whew! That's being a new guy on the block...
G2

[JohnnyBlood]

I think this photograph, one of the first I took with this lens, can help explain the focusing concerns people have with this lens. Look at the #30 and then look at the rest of the numbers:

Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/1.8
ISO Speed: 200
http://static.flickr.com/29/65173761_d52a92d727_b.jpg

You see, I untintentionally allowed the auto focus to hone in on the closes object to the camera...in this case it was the tag with the # 30 on it. It's about 2 or 3 inches closer to the camera than the rest of the numbers. You can see how focused the 30 is, and how soft the other numbers are. I found that using A-DEP on my Canon 20D helps solve this when using larger aperatures, and being smarter how I focus.

I suspect this is issue true of all very fast lenses. I've read of similar problems with the Leica 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux-M, which has a huge cult following and produces amazing bokeh. Figuring out what DOF you need on a very fast camera when wide open seems to be something important. I've never taken a photography course, but that's how I explain this phenomenon.

This is an example of why many have complained here about front-focusing here. I think they are letting their auto focus hone in something other than what they should be focusing on. Am I all wet?

[PeteNJ]

Would you guys recommend the 35mm 1.4 over the Canon 50mm 1.4 for indoor low light use with a 1.6x crop camera?

[SeanH]

Ditto.
I love mine, it's a great lens, especially for $400. Gives my friend's $1200 35L a run for it's money.

Really.........funny, I don't remeber comparing shots yet ???? :wink:

[Gary W. Graley]

Going on my Second copy of this lens, first one had worse focusing issues
but this one also does, focus on a person's face and it's out of focus
drives me a little bonkers, so I did a soup can test
with the camera on a tripod, MLU and Self Timer

First shot was at f1.4 you can see the can in the foreground on the right
is in more focus than the one centered where focus was said to be
attained. Both images are straight from the camera just cropped
and reduced in order to upload to view.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/cans2.jpg

and here is another at f2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/cans1.jpg

As you can see, stopped down a little and it "looks" like the target is some
what in focus but you can see the can on the right is far more in focus than
the center one.

I moved the outer cans forward in order to see the front focusing problem.


Here is a shot taken, you can just about see that the bill of his hat is really
in focus and not the eyes as I focused on

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/off_focus.jpg

I also double checked that my focus spot in the camera was set for the
center and not the outer ones. I also tried my 17-40 set to about 30mm
and it focused perfectly on the center without any trouble...

I'm sending this in to Sigma today for calibration.

G2

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Would you guys recommend the 35mm 1.4 over the Canon 50mm 1.4 for indoor low light use with a 1.6x crop camera?

If $1,100 isn't a problem? You betcha I would. Sharper, more colorful, more contrasty, better built, and hey...it's got a red ring on the end! :lol:

It's a nicer focal length, too. I find the 50 to be a bit too long for "everything". I can do most everything with the 35L.

Now...I'm gonna assume you meant to say 30 1.4 (since that's the lens we're talking about here). I'd still recommend it over the 50, but of course that depends on you getting a sharp, reliable focusing copy.

[jesusdelallata]

I saw this the 30mm at the pro camera store today and I fell in love. It is well built, focuses fast and just feels right. I'm going to seriously think about this one. This is a great focal length for my digital rebel xt for full length portraits, etc. I've been thinking about the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM, but many say that it's not as sharp as the Canon 50mm 1.4.

For those of you who have this Sigma 30mm and the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM...how does the Sigma compare? Thanks in advance for your response.

[LightRules]

For those of you who have this Sigma 30mm and the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM...how does the Sigma compare? Thanks in advance for your response.

My most used lens, and my 50f1.4 sits in the bag

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/5030

[jesusdelallata]

My most used lens, and my 50f1.4 sits in the bag

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/5030


Oh boy. Coming from someone as experienced as you, I'd have to say it's going to immediately go on the wish list. :)

[JohnnyBlood]

Gary, I think your soup can photos indicate a user error and not a problem with the lens. I could be wrong, and don't get mad, I'm just trying to help (this coming from an amateur).

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC at 1.4, as it is in the first photo, has such a shallow DOF that certain things in the frame may be more out of focus. Look at my post above your post with all of the numbers in it. Because of the shallow DOF the can on the right is more in focus than the can in the middle? Why? It is closer to your lens. Look at the curvature of the can. The further away the sides of the cans are, the less in focus they are. It is obvious that the can on the right is closer to your camera, and thus more in focus. Predictably, in photo # 2, using an aperture setting of 2.0 the cans are clearer. That is to be expected. If I'm all wet on this analysis please tell me.

Like I said above, you really need to know what you want to focus on when using an extremely low aperture setting. Failing to do so will result is some blur, which can be cool in some circumstances and not-so-cool in other cases. But this phenomenon occurs with any lens. It is only accentuated with such a fast lens. With a super, super fast lens like the Leica 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux-M, the DOF is even shallower and even more tricky. Talk to anyone who has used a Noctilux and I think they will tell you it is an incredibly tricky lens to use. But the bokeh on it is incredible. That's a similar trade-off you have with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC. And your assumption that the lens is faulty and your complaint is similar to those other people who have given up on this lens. You need to use it much more before you call it a faulty lens. Use the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC as your primary lens for two months, I am told, and you will learn more about photography than anyone can ever teach you.

[mikez]

Hey Gary, those shots are great. I was just wondering if you use flash on those pictures? (sorry, I'm a noob.)

[mbze430]

I sorta wanted to know how well this lens is. I was at a fashion show this past weekend, and it was a runway/catwalk deal. The photographer next to me had a 20D or 10D, with a Sigma 30MM... At first I was going to ask him to see his shots. But the whole time he was fiddling with everything on his camera. I think he might have only taken like 20pix. So I figure I don't want to bother him, since he's obviously having a bad day.

[Gary W. Graley]

Gary, I think your soup can photos indicate a user error and not a problem with the lens. I could be wrong, and don't get mad, I'm just trying to help (this coming from an amateur).

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC at 1.4, as it is in the first photo, has such a shallow DOF that certain things in the frame may be more out of focus. Look at my post above your post with all of the numbers in it. Because of the shallow DOF the can on the right is more in focus than the can in the middle? Why? It is closer to your lens. Look at the curvature of the can. The further away the sides of the cans are, the less in focus they are. It is obvious that the can on the right is closer to your camera, and thus more in focus. Predictably, in photo # 2, using an aperture setting of 2.0 the cans are clearer. That is to be expected. If I'm all wet on this analysis please tell me.

Like I said above, you really need to know what you want to focus on when using an extremely low aperture setting. Failing to do so will result is some blur, which can be cool in some circumstances and not-so-cool in other cases. But this phenomenon occurs with any lens. It is only accentuated with such a fast lens. With a super, super fast lens like the Leica 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux-M, the DOF is even shallower and even more tricky. Talk to anyone who has used a Noctilux and I think they will tell you it is an incredibly tricky lens to use. But the bokeh on it is incredible. That's a similar trade-off you have with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC. And your assumption that the lens is faulty and your complaint is similar to those other people who have given up on this lens. You need to use it much more before you call it a faulty lens. Use the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC as your primary lens for two months, I am told, and you will learn more about photography than anyone can ever teach you.

Well, won't get mad but in your photo the object you focused on, the middle one is nice and sharp right?
Well I focused on the middle can which is set back from the other two cans, camera said it achieved focus but in reality the focus was more in front of where I had focused, so that's called front focusing, the second shot shows it stopped down a little and now that can in the middle is some what sharp, but not truely sharp, again very carefully setup on the tripod, mirror lockup, self timer to prevent any intervention of me, and when I shot the same setup with my other lens, the 17-40 set at about 30mm the center can is perfectly focused, so, user error, doesn't appear to me that way, I've shot a lot of shots with other cameras/lens and when a lens provides me out of focus images repeatedly I don't think it's user error in that case. I understand the slim bit at f1.4 and would watch for that but, at the point of focus it still should be sharp, not that far in front.
I'll hopefully get a lens back calibrated that works great and will post what happens, again, when I talked with the tech, I could almost hear him nodding his head as he said just send it, no problem, sounded like they have had this issue before and can easily correct it.
I hope!
G2

edited to add, that Johnny you pointed out that the cans on the sides are closer to me, if they were not, you would not see any front focusing as there would be nothing to see, so that is why they were moved toward the camera in order to see the area where the real focusing was taking place.
If the lens was Back focusing, the sides of the middle can would have shown in focus.
hope that explains what the images were trying to represent...
G2

[JohnnyBlood]

That explains things better, and you are probably 100% correct. However, to qualify this matter a little further, were you using the camera's Automatic AF Point Selection...in other words, was the camera set so any and all AF points in the viewfinder would light in red when an item was in focus or did you use Manual AF Point Selection, selecting only the center AF point for focusing?

[Gary W. Graley]

That explains things better, and you are probably 100% correct. However, to qualify this matter a little further, were you using the camera's Automatic AF Point Selection...in other words, was the camera set so any and all AF points in the viewfinder would light in red when an item was in focus or did you use Manual AF Point Selection, selecting only the center AF point for focusing?

Center one only, as I say my other lens, same shot, perfect focus,
so this one has a bit odd about it, but you know, from where I can see
it's sharp, I really think once it gets back I'll not ever let it go! :)
Like the size and focal length of this one a lot.
G2

[mikez]

Hey Gary, those shots are great. I was just wondering if you use flash on those pictures? (sorry, I'm a noob.)

Do you guys use flash on those pictures? Because those are razor sharp. Thanks

[tucked]

Okay, this thread is still leaving me with questions. Why aren't decisions ever easy? Up until a few months ago, I thought I wanted the 50 f/1.4 to go with my 85 f/1.8... then I saw the Sigma 30mm. I think 30mm will be a better length to complement my 85mm. Anybody think to the contrary? I honestly think I would be content (for awhile) with my lens choices if I could add the 30mm f/1.4 to my line-up. That... would then let me looking for a way to get a 20d.

[JohnnyBlood]

No flash on the photographs I posted on Page 1. And yes, it is a fine lens. I guess I have been blessed with a good copy, though. I wouldn't trade it in for the world. My only concern is now finding a suitable replacement for it for my new Canon EOS 5D.

[tessina]

Up until a few months ago, I thought I wanted the 50 f/1.4 to go with my 85 f/1.8... then I saw the Sigma 30mm. I think 30mm will be a better length to complement my 85mm.

Same thoughts and so i ended up with the 30mm just this weekend.couldn't be happier...it really is a sharp piece of glass:)
i just felt the 50 was too close to 85.

[Gary W. Graley]

David, I had the 50 f1.8 and just didn't warm up to that on the 20D but I had the
Canon EOS 35 f2 and liked how that length worked on the 20D, like a knuckle head
I sold that but then I was going for a 16-35L but that didn't pan out, had two copies
of that and neither one would focus right, and I know that the 16-35L can be a good
lens, at the price it certainly should, as I had the chance to borrow a friends and
was impressed at how sharp it was, but after getting two copies and SO much money
I sent the second one back and picked up the 17-40L and the 200L both of those were
VERY sharp! kept the 17-40 but sold the 200L in order to fund the Sigma 150 macro
which is a very nice lens too, excellent macro! I do miss that 200L but having the
150mm and a 200mm in the same bag, I opted to lessen the load and my long lens
use isn't that often anyways, if the 200 had the IS option I might have kept it but
for me hand holding a long lens doesn't work so well so more ;)
G2

and Tess, glad your lens arrived sharp! I hope when I get back from overseas that
my lens will be home waiting on me and also all fixed up!
G2

[jesusdelallata]

OK...I did it. Just ordered the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Should be getting it this week. I'll test it out and will look for ducks.

[PeteNJ]

Man you guys are killing me. I might have to order both the 50mm 1.4 and 30mm

[jamiewexler]

Okay, this thread is still leaving me with questions. Why aren't decisions ever easy? Up until a few months ago, I thought I wanted the 50 f/1.4 to go with my 85 f/1.8... then I saw the Sigma 30mm. I think 30mm will be a better length to complement my 85mm. Anybody think to the contrary? I honestly think I would be content (for awhile) with my lens choices if I could add the 30mm f/1.4 to my line-up. That... would then let me looking for a way to get a 20d.

I reckon I could shoot just about anything with a 30-35 and an 85 on a 1.6CF body. I never really liked the 50mm FL on a 20D either.

The Sigma 30 images are beautiful everyone! How does it focus? My experiences with Sigma ( 18-50 f2.8 ) were that it had amazing optics, but really bad low light focus.

[jesusdelallata]

From my test at the local pro camera store, it focuses fast. Didn't encounter any problems. Once I get mine I'll make my final judgment.

[Skippy29]

I think 30mm will be a better length to complement my 85mm. Anybody think to the contrary? I honestly think I would be content (for awhile) with my lens choices if I could add the 30mm f/1.4 to my line-up. That... would then let me looking for a way to get a 20d.

I really think that the Sigma 30mm on any 1.6 crop body is really what people are hoping the 50mm 1.4 will be, but find that the 50 is a bit too long indoors.
The Sigma 30 ends up being 48mm on APS-C cameras....perfect.

[JohnnyBlood]

Does anyone have any comparisons of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC on a 20D body and a Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM on a Canon 5D? I would like to know whether or not I'm going to be as pleased with the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM on my Canon 5D as I am with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC on my 20D.

[jesusdelallata]

I can't speak for the Sigma yet, since mine is on order and will receive in a few days. However, the 50mm 1.4 is one remarkable lens. I recently used it for a bridal portrait session on a film camera (for comaprison on full frame), and the results were really impressive. I hope my new Sigma 30 is as good on my Rebel XT as my 50mm 1.4 is on my Elan 7n.

[JohnnyBlood]

Please let me know how you would compare the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC to the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM when it comes in if you don't mind.

[jesusdelallata]

Please let me know how you would compare the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC to the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM when it comes in if you don't mind.

No problem. I'll keep you posted on my tests.

One thing I've learned is that it's one thing to see 100% crops on the computer screen, and another to make a nice 11x14 print and see the results. In my experience I've found that I appreciate the quality of a lens much better when a good, professional lab makes my prints and I can put on the wall.

[Gary W. Graley]

Sorry just read where was asked if flash was used, nope just ambient light

Also, called Sigma today, the recieved my lens yesterday and will work on it
this week, said to give them a call next week, I'll be away in Switzerland in a meeting
until Wednesday so I hope it will be back when I get back, would have liked to had
taken it along for the trip.
G2

[tim]

I find the 50mm F1.4 a bit long on a 1.6X crop body, on a 5D I tried out the 50mm was great! If I were buying now i'd probably get the 30mm F1.4 instead of the 50mm lens. I might get the 30mm lens anyway.

[mikeisbeast]

i got a question for you guys i was thinknig about getting a 17-40, but then reading this i started thinking would it be better to get this lens first and hold off on te 17-40 thill i save some more cash. im looking for a everything lens and i dont mind walking get shots so zoom isnt a real factor. what do u guys think

[tim]

What kind of photos do you like to take Mike? Personally I would prefer a sharp F1.4 prime to a 17-40 F4, but it depends what kind of photos you take and where. The 30mm is close to a "standard" lens on a 1.6X crop sensor, people have been using those for many years and making great photos.

[jbkalla]

i got a question for you guys i was thinknig about getting a 17-40, but then reading this i started thinking would it be better to get this lens first and hold off on te 17-40 thill i save some more cash. im looking for a everything lens and i dont mind walking get shots so zoom isnt a real factor. what do u guys think

I agree! This is the next lens on my list! WooHoo! Now if only I could take the pictures y'all take... :cry:

[jbkalla]

I'm excited to get my first prime and first non-canon lens...

[mikeisbeast]

What kind of photos do you like to take Mike? Personally I would prefer a sharp F1.4 prime to a 17-40 F4, but it depends what kind of photos you take and where. The 30mm is close to a "standard" lens on a 1.6X crop sensor, people have been using those for many years and making great photos.

pretty much my everything lens, night photography, walk around, architecture, ppl, pretty much this lens will go on if im not using my 100-400mm. i dont care to much for the zoom, but i like the wide angle of the 17mm on the 17mm but i was reading its kinda soft at 17 and i cant see my self spending that much cash on a 14mm prime right now.

[jesusdelallata]

My Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX just came in. So far, it appears to work well. I'll eventually post some photos. I haven't had a chance to really play with it to test it. I'll look for some ducks.

[Gary W. Graley]

Mine was just returned, had Front Focusing issues, but now it's back focusing ! :(
Calling them up tomorrow, will ask them to send me a shipping label to return it again for calibration. Not giving up as I do like the lens, if it only focused properly! My other lenses, including a Sigma 150macro all focus on the dot, but not this one.
G2

[jesusdelallata]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. Mine seems to be fine so far, but I need to put it through some real tests.

[Gary W. Graley]

Believe me when I say, I'm sorry as well, I try not just focus test charts but real shots as well, as tests don't always show everything and this is just not working up to par.
Makes me sick to my stomach...
G2

[jesusdelallata]

Well, I did some tests this weekend and have concluded that the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is one heck of a lens. Even wide open, it is sharp, sharp, sharp. WOW!!!!!

[Gary W. Graley]

Well, I did some tests this weekend and have concluded that the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is one heck of a lens. Even wide open, it is sharp, sharp, sharp. WOW!!!!!

pics, lets see some pics! :cool:
G2

[jesusdelallata]

I'm at work, so I'll post some tonight or tomorrow morning.

[re1ex]

I'll have to say, if you have to send it in 2 times to fix back/front focusing, i'm not sure if its worth it to buy this lens.

i've seen the pics, and yes its sharp, but the hassle you have to go through to get a great copy is a journey.

[Gary W. Graley]

I would tend to agree with you, I called them today, they reluctantly were willing to pay for it's trip back a second time, but they insisted that they checked it twice before shipping out, while no record of what they did arrived with the lens.
They are asking for a cd to be made and sent along with the lens, last time I sent print outs of the images showing front focusing problems and they adjusted for that, but possibly over adjusted, as it's now back focusing some too.
I don't have the funds to buy the Canon 35L but may need to just work towards that.
When I asked about a shipping label, they said it's not that expensive of a lens, so it's
not that much, well it does start to add up, and to me, $400 is more that I want to just toss around.
Which makes me wonder how long would they spend on checking out the lens if they felt it wasn't that expensive?
If it comes back still not working right, then I'll be in for a time trying to get my money back for the lens.
They did say maybe my camera is at fault, but that was just checked out by Canon and also my other lenses all focus correctly, if they didn't, I'd say they have a case, but for one lens to consistently not attain focus, it really puts a damper on shooting anything.
Just sours me a lot, frustrating and even more so when you get these others that chime in that theirs are spot on and see no problem.
G2

[LightRules]

Send it to Sigma once, it gets adjusted, and it's perfect. Turn around is roughly 7 days in the USA. Easily done and the lens simply rocks.

[Gary W. Graley]

Send it to Sigma once, it gets adjusted, and it's perfect. Turn around is roughly 7 days in the USA. Easily done and the lens simply rocks.

Negative, mine's going back to Sigma, unless you sent it to another repair place?

Sigma Corporation of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

I really hope it comes back done this time...
G2

[jesusdelallata]

I hope you get it fixed. I followed fStopJojo's comments that the lens rocks...I ordered it...and he was correct. It rocks!

[jesusdelallata]

Here is a shot with the Sigma 30mm f1.4 wide open. It will be the photo of my son. Shot wide open at iso 100.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesusdelallata

[tim]

Oooh, that's pretty sharp! Any post processing? It looks better than my 50mm F1.4...

[Gary W. Graley]

Yes, nice and sharp there!

Here is a shot that I'm sending in with the lens tomorrow, the focus now seems to be
more front focusing again, plus the left side is just bland while the right side has an
area of sharpness

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/30mm.jpg

G2

[22littlereasons]

I've had my 30mm since late October. First lens had to be returned, the second copy was good. I use it for sports. Usually around f1.8 or 2.0. The HSM is fast enough. I'm still getting used to it. It seems now for indoors gym sports I'm either using my 30mm or my Canon 85mm f1.8.

The pics below are from a basketball game, shot standing pretty much under the basket.

[re1ex]

I would tend to agree with you, I called them today, they reluctantly were willing to pay for it's trip back a second time, but they insisted that they checked it twice before shipping out, while no record of what they did arrived with the lens.
They are asking for a cd to be made and sent along with the lens, last time I sent print outs of the images showing front focusing problems and they adjusted for that, but possibly over adjusted, as it's now back focusing some too.
I don't have the funds to buy the Canon 35L but may need to just work towards that.
When I asked about a shipping label, they said it's not that expensive of a lens, so it's
not that much, well it does start to add up, and to me, $400 is more that I want to just toss around.
Which makes me wonder how long would they spend on checking out the lens if they felt it wasn't that expensive?
If it comes back still not working right, then I'll be in for a time trying to get my money back for the lens.
They did say maybe my camera is at fault, but that was just checked out by Canon and also my other lenses all focus correctly, if they didn't, I'd say they have a case, but for one lens to consistently not attain focus, it really puts a damper on shooting anything.
Just sours me a lot, frustrating and even more so when you get these others that chime in that theirs are spot on and see no problem.
G2

its tough when you want things right the 1st time around. good luck with the lens, its gonna be a great one

[tim]

Yes, nice and sharp there!

Here is a shot that I'm sending in with the lens tomorrow, the focus now seems to be
more front focusing again, plus the left side is just bland while the right side has an
area of sharpness

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/30mm.jpg

G2

Do the test at least 5 times, in a well lit area, preferably with a speedlite on to give focus assist. In between shots manually focus the lens to infinity. Report back results, if they're not consistent then it's a different issue than if it's consistently front or back focusing.

[Gary W. Graley]

Yep Tim, did it several times, then also did it with my 17-40 set around the 30mm mark
same deal each time, I did use a bright light from my White lightening strobes so it
wasn't just ambient light from the ceiling light. Didn't try it with a speedlite, being
that close not sure how well that would work but could give it a try.

I did find that stopped down to f3 or so the lens is very keen, so for most shots I'm sure
it will be ok, it's a lot better than when it first arrived, so they did so some good, but
that one side shows front focusing where the left side doesn't have a lot in focus just
a mash of sorts, so I want them to take a second look.
G2

[tim]

Were you perfectly square with the focus test chart?

[Gary W. Graley]

That shot there not perfectly square, not easy to get as squared up as I would like to have been.
G2

[tim]

I would suggest not making any conclusions from that image, make sure the left and right scales agree before you make your call.

[Nice Glass]

Your focus test seems to be quite tilted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/ebayjunk/tilted.jpg

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks guys, I was rushed doing this last setup and will take some more time tonight to rig things up a bit more square, I'll tape the chart down on some glass that I can then move easily into position to help keep things in line. Sigma asked to have a cd sent along with the lens this time, last time was the images of the cans, which I may do again.

I did notice that when stopped down the lens worked pretty good, so it may be a case of this one not liking to work wide open, I'll report back later on tonight.
G2

[rdenney]

Well I focused on the middle can which is set back from the other two cans, camera said it achieved focus but in reality the focus was more in front of where I had focused, so that's called front focusing...

I'm not reading in the thread past this point, and maybe someone else has covered it.

But...

You said you used MLU. How did you focus? Did you set the focus point, focus, and then switch the lens to manual focus before raising the mirror? The soup can to the right is directly behind a focus point, and I wonder if you got the focus point you thought you were getting.

I set my focus points manually now. Too many times, the camera would pick the wrong one when left to its own devices.

The baseball cap is perhaps a different issue. The camera's autofocus pattern is not the little rectangle you see in the finder. The center point is actually a horizontal bar and a vertical bar that cross, and that cover a greater area than the visible rectangle by a factor of two or so. It would appear to me that if the focus point was the eyes, the vertical bar would have spilled over onto the hat brim. And the hat brim provides a high-contrast line that grabs the focus algorithm.

Again, this may have been covered in the thread already.

Rick "who can't keep up with the flood of responses to interesting threads" Denney

[Gary W. Graley]

MLU was done as self timer applied, so focus was attained prior to exposure, they fixed the front focusing somewhat and said they did so on the phone.

I also used the same setup with my 17-40 no problems with that, came in on the money.
I also use the center focus spot and don't let the camera find something...
G2

[JohnnyBlood]

What was the aperture setting when you did the same shot on your 17-40? The Sigma is a much faster lens and as such the DOF is smaller. Are we comparing apples to apples here?

[Gary W. Graley]

What was the aperture setting when you did the same shot on your 17-40? The Sigma is a much faster lens and as such the DOF is smaller. Are we comparing apples to apples here?

understood and commented on as well, but the focusing shows to be in the proper area.
where the Sigma shows front focusing, I know that it is not apples to apples, but in order to
check the camera out to see if other lenses shot wide open also have problems with accurate focusing
I checked it with the rest of my lenses on the table chart shots and all the others are spot on
even if a little crooked in my initial setup, which I'll work on again later tonight.
G2

[Gary W. Graley]

Set it back up again, here is another shot all show front focusing and more to the right side.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/GaryWGraley/EOS%2020D/30mm/Trouble/IMG_0482.jpg

Sending the lens in for one more checkup, along with a cd of some images taken.

Those of you that have a sharp copy, could you try the test above and see if yours
shows it sharper? It may well just be I'm asking too much of this lens, if shot stopped
down a little, it works pretty well, so if when in low light at f1.4 the focus doesn't
do as well.

G2

[tim]

You're much closer to sqaure on that shot. I really don't know why the right side is front focusing a lot and the left side maybe a little. Send Sigma the photos and let it be their problem.

[In2Photos]

Set it back up again, here is another shot all show front focusing and more to the right side.

...

Sending the lens in for one more checkup, along with a cd of some images taken.

Those of you that have a sharp copy, could you try the test above and see if yours
shows it sharper? It may well just be I'm asking too much of this lens, if shot stopped
down a little, it works pretty well, so if when in low light at f1.4 the focus doesn't
do as well.

G2

Gary, I think that one looks a lot better than the previous one, but I agree it still looks off.

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks guys, I hope they take a closer look, the call I had with them was like, well it's not that expensive of a lens....so...to me $400 is a lot to put on a lens,

The can shots also show the left side kind of mushy looking, when I took people shots
I was really shocked at how not in focus things were, very depressing!

I'd love to try the Canon 35L while that's about 3 times the cost, I understand when the Sigma is on, it's a challenger of the 35L in some aspects.

I'll report back on the return of the lens.
G2

[alidarbac]

Several weeks ago, klutz that I am, I dropped my 300D in the ocean. This past weekend I finally got a chance to pick up a new 30D along with the Sigma 30/1.4. I haven't bothered to shoot a lens test since, well, there doesn't seem to be any problems. It is such a better lens than the 35/2 in just about every respect (bokeh, color, speed, build.)

A couple of quick shots from the neighborhood.

http://static.flickr.com/47/115742249_f0240fb449_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/54/116195126_7cd1aea811_o.jpg

[Nikolas]

Several weeks ago, klutz that I am, I dropped my 300D in the ocean. This past weekend I finally got a chance to pick up a new 30D along with the Sigma 30/1.4. I haven't bothered to shoot a lens test since, well, there doesn't seem to be any problems. It is such a better lens than the 35/2 in just about every respect (bokeh, color, speed, build.)

A couple of quick shots from the neighborhood.



http://static.flickr.com/54/116195126_7cd1aea811_o.jpg





Whoah I need sunglasses for this pic.
A touch overexposed there.'

edit: looks like it was adjusted since i posted last.

[Canonised]

and for event reporting on my 20D. Just look at this shot taken with ISO1600 and after post production to remove noise. At f2 it was at 1/640sec!

This shot taken in darkened room with my table lamp facing down and light reflecting off the table at about 2 feet away.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/cyberlawprof/_MG_0898A_filtered1.jpg

[nadtz]

Random one while wandering around Chicagos subways

http://www.badtz.org/images/IMG_2041a.jpg

Not quite wide open, and obviously some post work to do the black and white, but aside of resizing for web and using a plugin for the B&W untouched at F/2

http://www.badtz.org/images/IMG_2472.jpg

And a bad crop of a chart wide open with the 30.

[Samiad]

Sometimes the performance at f/1.4 blows me away. This lens like to focus close, and likes to work wide open.

http://www.samiad.co.uk/stuff/sigma30_14_1.jpg

http://www.samiad.co.uk/stuff/sigma30_14_2.jpg

[jbkalla]

Well, I'm certainly no pro, and since I only got the lens a week ago, I'm still learning the DOF, but here are two of my favorites:

[cjm]

Wow so thats what a 50mm lens would look like on a 20D if there was no crop factor. I might have to buy one of these also and sell the 50mm I have. Seems like a great sharp lens. Nice images everyone.

[jbkalla]

Wow so thats what a 50mm lens would look like on a 20D if there was no crop factor. I might have to buy one of these also and sell the 50mm I have. Seems like a great sharp lens. Nice images everyone.

Well, your 50mm should still be a useful portrait lens, right? It's still a great low-light lens, but I'm thinking there needs to be a "thrifty-thirty" for us crop-sensors! :-)

[gregjp48]

all i can say is wow
now I'm mad this is a digital only lense, and wont work on film or a larger sensor (right?)

[tim]

Correct. If you want full frame get the Canon 35mm L.

[stupot]

Sometimes the performance at f/1.4 blows me away. This lens like to focus close, and likes to work wide open.

http://www.samiad.co.uk/stuff/sigma30_14_1.jpg

http://www.samiad.co.uk/stuff/sigma30_14_2.jpg

wahey and now its mine!

[gama]

2 of mine, nothing spectacular like what the others had posted but I still like them. I think the lens does a great job.

[gama]

sorry, here are the picstures...:o

[tim]

The auto white ballance on Canon cameras sucks under tungsten light, apparently.

[gama]

The auto white ballance on Canon cameras sucks under tungsten light, apparently.

well, I am not too sure? the real lighting was really like that...it was only lit by a single light bulb. I thought it shows the real atmosphere...:confused:

[tim]

A little warm is ok, but white ballance should make whites look white. I'd tweak it to make it closer to white, but leave a little warmth in it. Not that it matters for this thread, just in general.

[gama]

A little warm is ok, but white ballance should make whites look white. I'd tweak it to make it closer to white, but leave a little warmth in it. Not that it matters for this thread, just in general.

Thanks for the tips Tim. I will keep an eye of it. I should probably shoot more in RAW, should I?

[tim]

Yeah, or use the tungsten white ballance setting instead of auto.

[dave_bass5]

gama
one thing i used to do when my kid had a dummy was to set the WB off the dummy, assiming its white of course. you can then put a bit of warmth back in to it if you want. it will (may) look a bit sharper as well
you dont need to shoot RAW to do this but it makes it easier if you have a few shots you want to correct so they all look the same.

[gama]

Thanks for your advise Dave_bass5, I know it is off the topic from op but I am a bit lost. The dummy (are you refering to the pacifier?) is white but it is rather small in size and using my 30mm lens I really need to get very close to take the meter reading off it.

Sorry if it sounds silly, how to put the warmth back?

Thanks again.

gama
one thing i used to do when my kid had a dummy was to set the WB off the dummy, assiming its white of course. you can then put a bit of warmth back in to it if you want. it will (may) look a bit sharper as well
you dont need to shoot RAW to do this but it makes it easier if you have a few shots you want to correct so they all look the same.

[dave_bass5]

gamma
what i meant was to adjust the WB after you have taken the shot.
I dont know what you use to adjust the images but i took the liberty of messing about with one of your shots in Adobe Elements 4. ill take it down if you want me to.
I just went in to colour correction and clicked on the dummy. i did it in various places as you get slightly different results. if its looking too cold you can just add some yellow (or what ever it needs) afterwards. I also sharpened it up a bit.
It still has a colour cast but i think it look a bit more natural
Its also a nice photo. i got my 30mm f/1.4 just to shoot my kids around the house and its has done a good job
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/73777679-O.jpg

[dave_bass5]

And sorry Guys for hijacking the thread a little.

[gama]

Thanks for explaining to me and showed me the adjustment dave_bass5, I really appreciate it. Hey, it does look better and more natural! :o Thanks!!:D I will try it on the others and see if I can get the same effect.

Sorry I have another question, how did you sharpen it? What is the setting you use? I never get around with sharpening and most of the time overdo it but the way you did was nice.

I have Adobe CS2, though I never really learned it yet :o

gamma
what i meant was to adjust the WB after you have taken the shot.
I dont know what you use to adjust the images but i took the liberty of messing about with one of your shots in Adobe Elements 4. ill take it down if you want me to.
I just went in to colour correction and clicked on the dummy. i did it in various places as you get slightly different results. if its looking too cold you can just add some yellow (or what ever it needs) afterwards. I also sharpened it up a bit.
It still has a colour cast but i think it look a bit more natural
Its also a nice photo. i got my 30mm f/1.4 just to shoot my kids around the house and its has done a good job

[LightRules]

The first one here is at f1.4, the second shot is at f2.8:

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/61242638/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/61242636/original.jpg

[JohnnyBlood]

fStopJojo, your photographs are exactly the reason I purchased the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM.

[LightRules]

fStopJojo, your photographs are exactly the reason I purchased the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM.

Johnny, that's quite a complement, since I've shaken my head quite a few times (in approval) viewing some of your shots. :cool: Keep up the good work.

[gama]

fStopJojo, your photographs are exactly the reason I purchased the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM.

I had the exact same reason too!!!! also chez wimpy and sal baker...I guess I hang around too much at dpreview :p

Very nice photos btw.

[ibdb]

I keep trying to tell myself I don't need this lens -- but you guys keep posting shots like this. Resisting is becoming much more difficult. :D

[LightRules]

Resisting is becoming much more difficult. :D

I guess you still don't get it: resistance is futile. :lol:

[dave_bass5]

Thanks for explaining to me and showed me the adjustment dave_bass5, I really appreciate it. Hey, it does look better and more natural! :o Thanks!!:D I will try it on the others and see if I can get the same effect.

Sorry I have another question, how did you sharpen it? What is the setting you use? I never get around with sharpening and most of the time overdo it but the way you did was nice.

I have Adobe CS2, though I never really learned it yet :o
Thanks but actualy i cheated a bit.
I use a pluggin called FocalBlade. for me its quicker than making masks etc and although its not perfect its quick. The trick with sharpening is to do it at the last stage after you have resized the pic. Therefore if i had the original i would work on that, then recuce it down if im putting it on the web and then sharpen it. seems to work best for me.
you could do the same in PSCS2 but it takes time. worth learning if you can though.
Heres one of mine (although you might have seen it in another thread). Shot at f/1.4 with bounced flash
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/45787710-L.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

It's a shame this thread starts off with a problem (more or less) with the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM. I just received a copy and this lens plus the 30D produces AMAZING images, SHARP wide open, DEADLY sharp anywhere past that and WITH ZERO FOCUSING ISSUES. I'm at work so I can't post any sample images but I will. I am TRULY impressed by this lens, it may take the 24-70's place as the "workhorse". For the price, this great piece of glass really can't be beat. Toss in FTM, HSM, hood and pouch and it makes it that much better. WOW, really just WOW :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[narlus]

this is fast becoming my favorite lens in my bag. from two nights ago:

http://narlus.zenfolio.com/img/p260610949-3.jpg

[steved110]

Are people still finding hassles with this lens? I'm really keen on getting a copy, but reading through this whole thread, there are many people who have had bad lenses. I really don't want the hassle and expense in time and money of getting a bad lens.

I'm not sure if it wouldn't be better to try for a used 35L

[syntrix]

Are people still finding hassles with this lens? I'm really keen on getting a copy, but reading through this whole thread, there are many people who have had bad lenses. I really don't want the hassle and expense in time and money of getting a bad lens.

I'm not sure if it wouldn't be better to try for a used 35L

None at all here. It's almost always on my body unless I need to zoom in on action.

I think some reports are with focus locking at using 1.4 on stuff like 300/350d's and non contrast / low light subjects. That's going to happen with or without the 30mm f/1.4.

[Mr. Clean]

Are people still finding hassles with this lens? I'm really keen on getting a copy, but reading through this whole thread, there are many people who have had bad lenses. I really don't want the hassle and expense in time and money of getting a bad lens.
I'm not sure if it wouldn't be better to try for a used 35L

See, therein lies the problem with this thread. A new archive for the 30mm 1.4 really should be created. In this whole thread (I just counted) there are not many people with problems, a whopping two people had issues and way more posted EXTREMELY good example pics of what the lens is capable of and mentioned they were very happy with the lens. I've looked at 35L examples and 30mm 1.4 examples, and it's tough to call which one is better. At that point, price rules.

All of my pics so far where taken in my office, one table lamp behind me and one flourescent light under the bookshelf. Quite dark yet focus was accurate and the pics are sharp.

I wonder if this trend against 3rd party plagues other lenses?

[steved110]

Actually you have a strong point - almost all the negative posts were by the 2 peeps as you pointed out. Mea culpa :oops: i guess the unhappy people always have far more to talk about - quite understandably.

There is a definite anti 3rd party brigade, but there is also a militant pro group. but this lens seems to have percolated itself into a great many sigs....

It's still on my list, I am very keen to get the standard field of view thing sorted on my 20D

[Mr. Clean]

Actually you have a strong point - almost all the negative posts were by the 2 peeps as you pointed out. Mea culpa :oops: i guess the unhappy people always have far more to talk about - quite understandably.

There is a definite anti 3rd party brigade, but there is also a militant pro group. but this lens seems to have percolated itself into a great many sigs....

It's still on my list, I am very keen to get the standard field of view thing sorted on my 20D
And that's true unfortunately. :oops: Such sayings as "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and what not. A person who has a negative experience with a product or service is more likely to tell more people about that experience/product than they would be if they were happy with that product/service.

As far as the FOV goes...I've been longing for something wider than my 50mm 1.8 and sharper. Something that I can get good "snapshot/walkaround/potrait" shots with when the 85mm 1.8 is too long. The first look through the viewfinder and I said to myself "Ahhhhh, perfect!"

Another thing I told myself is that I would be happy even if I got a dude copy and had to send it back to Sigma. There's just way too much potential with this lens not to buy it.

[syntrix]

There's just way too much potential with this lens not to buy it.

I agree with that!

[steved110]

I think this lens is really going to have to be my christmas present this year - I've spent far too much on camera gear this year - not a problem till my car started falling apart :evil: so i have had to promise to be good!

[Mr. Clean]

Here's some of my quick shots...RAW to JPEG, no sharpening. ALL SHOT WIDE OPEN!
100% crop of 30mm at 1.4
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/30MM100CROP.JPG
100% crop of 85mm at 1.8
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/85MM100CROP.JPG
100%
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0287.JPG
100%
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0300.JPG
DOF example
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0305.JPG
100% - Focus was on the A at left...I was standing at an angle, the other letters going towards the right will be slightly OOF
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0307.JPG
DOF again
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0310.JPG
100%
http://home.comcast.net/~mdmortenson/IMG_0314.JPG

This is by far my sharpest lens now without a doubt. The focus is ultra quick and accurate, the FTM is nice...The hood works very well and is very deep. All my other Sigma's, it's easy to get the lens cap on, this one is a tad tricky. OVERALL - It should be a must have for anyone!

[Mr. Clean]

Ok last one I swear! Wide open again...
Starting him early!

[gama]

Another thing I told myself is that I would be happy even if I got a dude copy and had to send it back to Sigma. There's just way too much potential with this lens not to buy it.

I agree. That's exactly what I did recently. As I probably have mentioned here I had front focuses problem with my Sigma 30/1.4. I managed to bring the lens to Sigma centre last week and they ran some test and indeed confirmed that it front focuses. After adjustment (just 1 hour), I have to say that I am very happy. Now I have the piece of mind of not thinking about 35L anymore...but the 50L keeps coming back to my mind (not to replace the 30/1.4 of course).

[dave_bass5]

Im one of the people who has had a problem with the Sigma and got rid of it (there are many outside this thread).
my problem was it wouldnt focus properly, even at f/8 outside on distant objects. Thats the only problem i had.
Now three things i would like to point out (and im not knocking the lens as such. its been my fav lens during the winter).
1. Most of the shots posted here have been close up, mid range but generaly indoor type shots. I had no problem them either.

2. when i got in touch with Sigma (uk) to get mine set up they insisted i send the camera in as well and although they wouldnt adjust the camera they wanted to set the lens up to it. they sent an artical explaining the short commings of the 350D sensor and fast lens's. they didnt say they wouldnt work, just that it may not be the best combo.

3. Now canon have improved the focus system a bit on the new 400D i guess this means that there were short commings in the focus system as Sigma had repeoted so its not really fair to say its user error (not that anyone here has but on other threads its generaly the frst answer that gets posted)
just wanted to air my feelings
thanks

[grego]

If only this lens would work on the 1.3 crop(which was a suprise buy for me), I'd probably own it now.

[Mr. Clean]

Im one of the people who has had a problem with the Sigma and got rid of it (there are many outside this thread).
my problem was it wouldnt focus properly, even at f/8 outside on distant objects. Thats the only problem i had.
Now three things i would like to point out (and im not knocking the lens as such. its been my fav lens during the winter).
1. Most of the shots posted here have been close up, mid range but generaly indoor type shots. I had no problem them either.

2. when i got in touch with Sigma (uk) to get mine set up they insisted i send the camera in as well and although they wouldnt adjust the camera they wanted to set the lens up to it. they sent an artical explaining the short commings of the 350D sensor and fast lens's. they didnt say they wouldnt work, just that it may not be the best combo.

3. Now canon have improved the focus system a bit on the new 400D i guess this means that there were short commings in the focus system as Sigma had repeoted so its not really fair to say its user error (not that anyone here has but on other threads its generaly the frst answer that gets posted)
just wanted to air my feelings
thanks
Dave, no where in this thread did you say you were unhappy with it. Unless I missed it which is COMPLETELY possible. And about half the pics here are closeups/potraits, the other half are beyond 6 feet. Same with my sample pics. I'm not saying that perhaps you didn't have a problem with it... Also, I notice a huge difference in AF ability between my Rebel XT and my 30D
In my opinion, there are FAR more good pictures in this thread than bad. I've actually yet to see a picture that leads me to believe this lens was ever a dud.
Food for thought.

[dave_bass5]

Mr Clean
what i meant was (and i should have made it clear) that im "one of the people who had a dud" but not one of the ones in this thread. Im sure our paths have crossed before over this lens though.
At the time i posted my shots i had been very happy with the lens but once the brighter days got here and i started to take it out i noticed a lot of miss focusing at even smaller apatures like f/8. some of it could of course be user error but it was a lot, lot higher than any of my other lens's, even on a tripod. I got rid of it and got a Canon 35mm f/2.0 and ran the same tests and this lens is much better on the same camera.
I would like to get a Sigma 30m f/1.4 again but will wait untill i get a different camera, maybe the new 400D or, like you a 30D
I for one would not post a bad picture from any lens. that opens you up to all sorts. If you look around there are people with problems. maybe not even a high % but there are problmes. thats also why i posted about canon updating the focus system for faster lens's. if there wasnt a problem they wouldnt do it.
I must say i had forgoten how old this thread was when i posted today.
glad you are still enjoying your lens.

[mikez]

I just got this lens yesterday and I'm quite happy. Let me know what you guys think of these two pictures. http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/457/ericaxm8.jpg
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7201/thaoye4.jpg

[tim]

Nice photos Mikez, but the DOF is too narrow for my taste in portraits.

[wocka]

Here's One of my favourite 30mm F1.4 shots.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/wockaf/Wedding/1.jpg

[Luckie8]

Here is one of my contributions..

Sigma 30mm 1/50 iso200 f/1.4 handheld no flash no pp

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/subie2/leaves.jpg

[mikez]

are the two above shots f1.4? flash?

[Luckie8]

are the two above shots f1.4? flash?
f/1.4 = yes ; flash = no, only natural indoor lightning

[Greg_C]

Here's one of mine. I'm a very happy owner.

http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image14734.jpg

[jesusdelallata]

This lens simply rocks!

[dave_bass5]

Guys
just got a 30D so now im looking to get the Sigma again. but its complicated by the fact that the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is now cheaper. this is one of the lens's i have been reading about since i got my 350D last year. now i have spent over £1000 on lens's and have a better idea of what i want the 50mm doesnt seem out of my reach now.
Im just thinking out loud. after being a bit let down with my last copy im a bit weary of getting another even though i know what to look for this time and have a better AF system.

[LightRules]

Guys
just got a 30D so now im looking to get the Sigma again. but its complicated by the fact that the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is now cheaper. this is one of the lens's i have been reading about since i got my 350D last year. now i have spent over £1000 on lens's and have a better idea of what i want the 50mm doesnt seem out of my reach now.
Im just thinking out loud. after being a bit let down with my last copy im a bit weary of getting another even though i know what to look for this time and have a better AF system.

Dave, did you send your first copy in for focus adjustment? I sent mine in and within 5 days I had it back and haven't looked back. This was Sigma USA/NY.

[dave_bass5]

Dave, did you send your first copy in for focus adjustment? I sent mine in and within 5 days I had it back and haven't looked back. This was Sigma USA/NY.

No. i think i have posted elsewhere that Sigma UK wanted the camera as well so i didnt bother.
It was on outdoor, distance shots i had trouble with (you might remember. we have crossed paths before over this) and at smaller apatures as well as bigger.
I dont know why i had the problem but i felt Sigma didnt want to fix it iwthout me loosing my camera for a couple of weeks (at best)

[syntrix]

No. i think i have posted elsewhere that Sigma UK wanted the camera as well so i didnt bother.
It was on outdoor, distance shots i had trouble with (you might remember. we have crossed paths before over this) and at smaller apatures as well as bigger.
I dont know why i had the problem but i felt Sigma didnt want to fix it iwthout me loosing my camera for a couple of weeks (at best)

I think I've seen Sigma and Canon request the camera come in with the lens.

I also know that there were early reports of this lens not focusing properly, but I know a lot of people that have ordered one in the last few months, and they have outstanding results with this lens. I also know that some of the focus issues were very low light/contrast, and using something like a 300d that won't focus in very low light.

I don't understand why a manu wouldn't take the lens in for tests without the body, especially if you have no other problems with other lenses.


If I were to go through my process again, I would see if I would need the f/1.4 and the 30mm, and if so, I'd jump on this lens! If adjustment is a concern, call them again, explain the potential purchase situation, and don't forget to write their name down.

[Mr. Clean]

Dave, I'm still of the opinion that the 50 is a bit long. True I want one, but it really would be wasted money. My 50 1.8 spends very little time on my camera since I've got my 24-70 and the 30mm. Not to say I don't love it when I use it, it's just not the first or second, or even third lens I reach for anymore.

[dave_bass5]

I think I've seen Sigma and Canon request the camera come in with the lens.

I also know that there were early reports of this lens not focusing properly, but I know a lot of people that have ordered one in the last few months, and they have outstanding results with this lens. I also know that some of the focus issues were very low light/contrast, and using something like a 300d that won't focus in very low light.

I don't understand why a manu wouldn't take the lens in for tests without the body, especially if you have no other problems with other lenses.


If I were to go through my process again, I would see if I would need the f/1.4 and the 30mm, and if so, I'd jump on this lens! If adjustment is a concern, call them again, explain the potential purchase situation, and don't forget to write their name down.

Again, i dont know where i posted it (might be here somewhere) but Sigma said they knew the 350D focus system wouldnt handle the large apature lens's as well as the 20D/30D etc. they offered to calibrate the lens (wouldnt touch the camera) to the camera for me but i would have to send them in. I spoke to three different people and had various emails from them about this. they even supplied a review of the lens where it was stated that the 300D/350D had problems focusing with fast lens's. I guess this is why the 400D has the 30D focusing system now. Canon realised it was thier fault.
I have 100's of good shots with the lens but indoors. it wasnt untill the brighter days arrived that i found something was wrong.
In the end i just didnt think it was worth the hassle as i was using it less and less anyway as i got other lens's.
But now i have a 30D i have more confidence in it working as it should. but now i also can get the 50mm f/1.4. just cant decide.
I have lens's that cover both lengths. i also have a Canon 35mm f/2.0 so thats close to the Sigma and i love this lens. What i do need is a faster lens. im thinking 30mm will be more useful though.

[dave_bass5]

Dave, I'm still of the opinion that the 50 is a bit long. True I want one, but it really would be wasted money. My 50 1.8 spends very little time on my camera since I've got my 24-70 and the 30mm. Not to say I don't love it when I use it, it's just not the first or second, or even third lens I reach for anymore.
Yeah, 50mm is a bit long indoors. that why i got my Sigma in the first place. but now i have 35mm f/2.0 and 17-50 f/2.8 im covered for range but i need a fast lens for the kids parties etc and i cant see me shooting outside much now.
I guess bottom line is i have had a Sigma so its not a "new toy" for me. plus im a bit cautious now about geting a Sigma. i also had a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 and while it was a great lens i took it back as it felt too big. so not had a good experience with Sigma.

[JimAskew]

Hi,

I got my Sigma 30MM to use for indoors wedding and group shots. I have had it for three weeks now and I am delighted with it. It has great IQ, color, and contrast. It also has great bokah. THe focus is fast and silent. The build is excellent. I would recommend this lens to anyone who is seeking a WA prime to supplement their zoom photography :)

Here is a sample at f/4, 1/60th, ISO 400 w/external (580 Speedlite). I have included the original snap and then a 100% crop...careful do't cut yourself on the edges :lol:

[wocka]

are the two above shots f1.4? flash?
My wedding image was without flash. The couple was standing under a street light ( nice yellow cast ) and the shot was taken hand held.

Cheers

[JimAskew]

My wedding image was without flash. The couple was standing under a street light ( nice yellow cast ) and the shot was taken hand held.

Cheers
Wocka,

This shot was f/4 with my external 580 Speedlite Flash unit. The 2nd shot is a 100% crop of the first to show how sharp the lens really is :-)

[L.Morey]

Here's my contributionhttp://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TruTurn/Zoie.jpg