Best Priced 30-35mm range prime?

[Alexia]

I'm looking for a sharp lens in this range to use in place of my 18-55mm kit lens when I need to. I would love to stay under $500, but I have listed a drool worthy expensive one. :D I'll be loving the f/1.4-f/2!
I just heard about the new Sigma lens, but I really don't know much about Sigma products.

Which do you think is the best price value?

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX-DC HSM - $450
Canon EF 35mm f/2 - $212 (Average price from fredmiranda.com)
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM - $1,102 (Average price from fredmiranda.com)

[LightRules]

Greetings, have a serious, long, good, devout, diligent look at the Sigma 30 f1.4. It's a really good lens.

[jbkalla]

Greetings, have a serious, long, good, devout, diligent look at the Sigma 30 f1.4. It's a really good lens.

That's my next lens! And only like $400 or so.

[jesusdelallata]

I just got my Sigma 30mm f1.4 yesterday and I haven't had too much time to test it out. I took a few shots at f1.4 in my office and it appears to be very good. I don't anticipate shooting much wide open, but it's good to know that I can when it's required. I also took a few shots outdoors and this lens is very sharp. I tested it from f2.8 to f11 and it's sharp, contrasty and the colors seem to be very good.

[LightRules]

BTW, if you do decide to get the Sigma, www.sigma4less.com has it for $375.

[jbkalla]

BTW, if you do decide to get the Sigma, www.sigma4less.com (http://www.sigma4less.com) has it for $375.

Nice! Thanks!

[condyk]

Zeiss 35mm 2.4 ... legendary! $120 US or so should get a nice one and $20 for an EOS adapter.

[bolantej]

Canon 35 f/2 is nice but it buzzes. I paid like $269 USD locally.

[Double Negative]

Sigma 30mm ƒ/1.4 or Canon 35mm ƒ/2.0 would be my choices. The latter is cheaper than the Sigma and can be picked up used for around $150-170 or so. I used that lens as my primary for about four years - it's a peach. If the cost isn't so much a factor, that Sigma is hard to beat.

[incendy]

I would say the 35L.. Nothing else really compares

[KevC]

Zeiss 35mm 2.4 ... legendary! $120 US or so should get a nice one and $20 for an EOS adapter.

There's a ton of M42 inflation, I can't find that for that price anymore! :(

[Alexia]

There's a ton of M42 inflation, I can't find that for that price anymore! :(

Like the one I found for $20. :D It's an auction, so I doubt it will stay there.

Alright, I'm getting the Sigma when I work up the money. I have two months until I head to Japan, which is where I want it for the most!

[kram]

Zeiss 35mm 2.4 ... legendary! $120 US or so should get a nice one and $20 for an EOS adapter.

Condyk, I was about to add to the choice based on your selection and I saw that you had already responded :)

[taramcg]

Would anyone be interested in sharing photos taken with either the canon and/or sigma? Please. :)

[JohnnyBlood]

Here are some shots taken with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC on my Canon 20D:

http://static.flickr.com/45/110935384_e9e4601447_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/47/109537151_6a4220c987_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/36/83463277_60d2d13533_b.jpg

More can be seen here:

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

[condyk]

I like the Sigma 30mm shots, or at least the first and third one Johnny Boy. Seems we have similar taste in subject sir!

http://www.buzzdns.com/popestreetdoor.jpg

Zeiss Flektogon MC 35mm 2.4

[taramcg]

Thank you! This is very helpful. Both of your shots were beautiful and Johnny, that link was very helpful.