Sigma 30/1.4 available in a few days

[pcasciola]

I just happened to notice that Sigma's home page had an announcement yesterday that the 30mm f/1.4 DC lens will be available in Canon mount only this coming Tuesday. It's not listed on B&H's site yet, but Unique is showing it at $449.

Is anyone planning on buying this one? I've been thinking about it since it was announced, but I already have two EF-S lenses and I'm not sure I want any more 1.6x specific lenses in case I decide to upgrade to a 1 series body. It is a lot cheaper than the 35/1.4L though, and more of a normal focal length for a 1.6x body than the 50/1.4L.

[LightRules]

Phil, it's a tempting lens and I'm sure the demand for it is extremely high, but I'm going to hang on to my 35 f2 for a while. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this new Sigma prime becomes their most popular lens available.

[Joe R]

You might also check sigma4less.com after they're available - they usually have the best prices on Sigma gear. Great reseller rating, too.
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller9336.html

[blinking8s]

it was for presale at amazon ffor $389 just a few days ago and now shows up as $449

im stoked about this lens, if it lives up to the hype, its a must have

[blinking8s]

http://www.whichlens.com/index.php?blog=5&title=sigma_30mm_ex_dc_f1_4_vs_canon_ef_35mm_f&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

[TheObiJuan]

Thanks for the link! I'm gonna get rid of the sigma 20 now and get this.

[blinking8s]

ugh...i want one...or a 35 L...either...but i have Z E R O in the bank now

[uumode]

I've ordered mine today after seeing these samples
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcwild/sets/512072/

sharp, sharp in the centre even at f1.4!!

[CornMonkey]

those samples look veeeerrrrrrry nice..

[ron chappel]

One would have to be VERY dedicated to the 'normal lens' look to want to spend that much.
Personally i find normal lenses to be sooo boring .
I would much rather spend money on a thrifty fifty (seriously usefull!) or on the other side,a 20mm lens wich gives a very usable modest wide angle on digital.

[blinking8s]

i dont concider the 20 wide at all, just an odd angle, useful though....and the 50 is only so useful...overall it really only provides sharpness, but lacks in AF speed, MF ability, build quality, and still doesnt give the 1:1 through the viewfinder when on the 1.6

in class, we always were started out with the 50 on the 35mm body, to train the eye, to move instead of zoom, and to really see what we were creating beforehand...

the sigma proves this, and for $446 with the sharpness its providing...not bad at all

[uumode]

One would have to be VERY dedicated to the 'normal lens' look to want to spend that much.
Personally i find normal lenses to be sooo boring .
I would much rather spend money on a thrifty fifty (seriously usefull!) or on the other side,a 20mm lens wich gives a very usable modest wide angle on digital.

My own decision was based on:

24mm f1.4 L too expensive
35mm f1.4 L too expensive

35mm f2.0 lacking in aperture blades, USM, slower aperture and soft at f2
(samples I've seen) and = 56mm on 1.6X body

28mm f1.8 very hard to get a sharp copy at f1.8, and generally softer than the standard 28mm

50mm f1.4 too long for a standard / walkabout lens
and soft at f1.4

A 'normal' lens make up the bulk of my shots, the 'exciting' extreme focal lengths like 300mm or 12mm feature less, and my expenditure to use ratio would be very low for me, which is why the 30mm although relatively expensive for some folks is good value for me as most of my photography is at this 'general purpose' focal length. Additionally compared with the 24mm and 35mm L's it's a bargain :)

Though I do understand if you are an architectural type ultra wide angles would be the main weapon of choice, and for bird photographers a tele zoom. Horses for courses.

[blinking8s]

anyone know when they are actually shipping?

[uumode]

anyone know when they are actually shipping?

one UK site said 27th June to first part of July.
The UK website I pre-ordered at said sometime in July. So fairly vague, unless anyone else knows differently.

Jessops UK's largest photographic retailer hasn't even listed it on it's site yet, so perhaps it's looking to be in the latter part of July.

[blinking8s]

*sigh* well even though i cant afford it...i cant wait to see a slew of results

[DocFrankenstein]

I see chromatic aberrations.

I'll have my 50/1.4 in FD mount thank you!

[uumode]

http://eos-d.axisz.jp/joyful_exif/joyful.cgi
full size samples, you can make out the 30mm and the 35mm to sex the photos from each respective lens.

[wintoid]

According to Warehouse Express, my 30mm f/1.4 has been despatched. I might even have it for the weekend if I'm lucky!

[Drillbit]

Sigma4less.com has it for $399.

[uumode]

According to Warehouse Express, my 30mm f/1.4 has been despatched. I might even have it for the weekend if I'm lucky!

And I thought you were put off the 30mm f1.4 from your experience of the 28mm f1.8 ;)

I was initally after that sharp copy of the 28mm f1.8 you had, but was overwhelmed by the sharpness of the 30mm f1.4 samples, and it's also half a stop faster with high tech glass.

[uumode]

Sigma4less.com has it for $399.

= 222 GBP + VAT 17.5% = £260

gee at last, the UK price I got it for is more or less the same :-)
(if UK VAT is added)

A fairly typical UK online price is £289 delivered, presumably Sigma4less excludes delivery. Ahh for once I feel we have been treated equal.

[wintoid]

And I thought you were put off the 30mm f1.4 from your experience of the 28mm f1.8

Yes, I did say that.

TBH the 28mm lens just confused me. I often end up at 28mm with the Tamron 28-75. I can't explain why I didn't get on with the 28mm f/1.8 but I didn't. I don't *think* it was the focal length that was the issue. Sometimes there's more to this than just stats and specs. It just didn't feel right to me. I can admire RichardTheSane and Drisley's photos with that lens, but I was unable to get shots that good. I *can* get shots that good with the Tamron 28-75, but it's too big for my liking. If the Sigma prime works out, I will probably be selling my Tamron. Not going to rush it though!

[Henry Low]

One would have to be VERY dedicated to the 'normal lens' look to want to spend that much.
Personally i find normal lenses to be sooo boring .
I would much rather spend money on a thrifty fifty (seriously usefull!) or on the other side,a 20mm lens wich gives a very usable modest wide angle on digital.

50mm F1.8 is as nice lens "for the price", but I find the 50mm way too narrow on a DSLR. I think the sigma 30mm F1.4 is a good range for most shots, at least for me! :)

I can't wait to get mine :) I work at a camera store and i got a deal on it :)

[uumode]

Some more full resolution samples on a Japanese site- but bear in mind that this is tested on a FULL FRAME camera so ignore the heavier vignetting and fuzzier edges which you wouldn't see on an APS-C camera.
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/review/2005/06/30/1833.html

f1.4 looks well nice, and f2 is very good, but judge for yourselves.
(you need a sharp monitor though ;) )

[uumode]

:) I should be getting mine on Wednesday so say the website I ordered from... bit slower off the mark than some other places, but still.. I paid the lowest UK price I could find, so what do I expect :cool:

[Henry Low]

Some more full resolution samples on a Japanese site- but bear in mind that this is tested on a FULL FRAME camera so ignore the heavier vignetting and fuzzier edges which you wouldn't see on an APS-C camera.
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/review/2005/06/30/1833.html

f1.4 looks well nice, and f2 is very good, but judge for yourselves.
(you need a sharp monitor though ;) )

I am getting mine too very soon. I got a very good price on it.... i mean VERY good :D

[blinking8s]

ugh...i want one so bad it makes me sick

[wintoid]

Mine arrived this morning. I've not taken many pictures yet, but I'll make a few observations. Bear in mind it's early days, and some opinions change once you've had time to really use a lens.

I tried a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 a few weeks back and found there was a definite Sigma-ness about the results. The 30mm gives the same "look". It's kind of like Canon L pop but a bit warmer and less glassy (struggling to express how it looks).

Build quality is fantastic. The lens feels great on the camera, and looks good too. Compared to Canon hoods, the Sigma hood is really loose, which makes it pretty easy to put on and take off, although I'm sometimes not sure if it's on properly. I'm sure that's just a question of getting used to it. The package also includes a rectangular lens pouch that I will never use.

Focus speed is very fast, but I'm not convinced the accuracy is as good as USM yet. Checking the edges of eyes for sharpness, I find that either it's not 100% as well focused, or perhaps there's a slight softness going on. The 100% crop attached shows what I mean and is from an ETTL flash shot at 1/250 f/4.0. With my Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime, I would have expected razor sharp edges under these circumstances.

I need to get out and take some real shots asap, but the overriding feeling is that the pop is lovely, and the handling is great. Hope the next few days yield a few sharper shots.

[xuxu1]

Another (new) nice Sigma lens. I´m sure lots of you will enjoy it. Nothing for me though. I prefer zoom lenses for the kind of shooting i do. But that´s just me.

ED

[I Simonius]

According to Warehouse Express, my 30mm f/1.4 has been despatched. I might even have it for the weekend if I'm lucky!


PLEASE post some xamples ASAP???
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[wintoid]

I haven't taken any particularly good photos with it yet, but perhaps this will give a flavour of what the lens is capable of.

My daughter woke up with a somewhat sweaty head (eurgh) and I caught a couple of quick shots in natural light ISO 1600 f/2.2. Apologies for the unkempt appearance, I wouldn't normally post these. My lens seems to like f/2.2 a lot, by the way.

Focus seems to be more accurate without flash assist beam on. Again, that might just be a fluke of the few shots I've taken.

[I Simonius]

I haven't taken any particularly good photos with it yet, but perhaps this will give a flavour of what the lens is capable of.

My daughter woke up with a somewhat sweaty head (eurgh) and I caught a couple of quick shots in natural light ISO 1600 f/2.2. Apologies for the unkempt appearance, I wouldn't normally post these. My lens seems to like f/2.2 a lot, by the way.

Focus seems to be more accurate without flash assist beam on. Again, that might just be a fluke of the few shots I've taken.

very nice pics, lens looks good.-

and she's so sweet just woken up, reminds me of when mine were little :D

[uumode]

Mine arrived this morning.

Argghh I'm Jealous :P
Suppose it's a mixed blessing, I've a lot of work to do this weekend, and if my lens had arrived, I know I would be out and about taking photos ;-)

Roll on Wednesday

Would you say the 30mm f1.4 is sharper than the good copy of the 28mm f1.8 you had and returned?

[wintoid]

Would you say the 30mm f1.4 is sharper than the good copy of the 28mm f1.8 you had and returned?

I think the 28 focused faster and more accurately, and was probably sharper. That doesn't mean it was better. I seem to be getting on better with the 30mm overall, especially the way the photos pop.

I'm a bit shaken by the fact my flash photos haven't been very sharp with the 30mm. I'm wondering if the flash assist lamp is messing up the focus somehow. I'll be trying again later tonight. Overall I still think the 50mm f/1.4 is in a different class to this lens.

[buze]

I'm also watching closely the returns on that 30! I agree that the 50 that I like so much is a bit narrow at x1.6... but I also feel that it feels subjectively more wide the more I use it, I must be getting better at judging my angle of view...

[wintoid]

Having had a day with the lens now, I can say I'm very happy with it apart from the focus issues. It's definitely an excellent piece of glass. I'll revise my earlier statement that the 28 is sharper. The 30 can be just as sharp IF it's in focus.

I guess I'm just spoilt. With the 50 and 85, I just point the camera at things and the pictures come out exactly how I want them to.

[uumode]

I'll revise my earlier statement that the 28 is sharper. The 30 can be just as sharp IF it's in focus.


Could it be a dreaded front focusing issue.
From samples I have seen, there appear to be possibly indications that it might be?

e.g. the focus point appears to be on the cat's tail (rear end), I would have thought the photographer would have focused on the cat's head or middle body
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/parts/image_for_link/25895-1833-18-2.html

and the park benches, - if you look at the bench which is in focus THEN look at the ground, the part of the ground which is clearest in focus is actually slightly infront of the bench, it would seem strange why the photographer focused in 'mid air' between the benches and not at a particular bench
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/parts/image_for_link/25903-1833-19-3.html

[wintoid]

Could it be a dreaded front focusing issue.

Don't think so. It's focusing fine in good light. Once the light gets worse, it isn't focusing so accurately, which I had attributed to the flash assist beam, but in fact I just think it's how the lens behaves in low light. It's also not so bad that I'll be sending the lens back.

[blinking8s]

ugh, i NEED solid AF in med range light...thats a must, the pirce vs results has me drooling for this lens though

[uumode]

Well, mine finally arrived in the post today :)

Out of the limited shots so far I have had the opportunity to take, mine completely misses focus at f1.4 sometimes; - I shot 6 shots of my son in succession and none of them were in focus. (I thought whaaaaaat)

Then I decided to photograph a ruler at 12cm (hand held) to double check if there was anything wrong in the lens, but it appears OK out of about 8 shots, however the focus drifts a little to 13cm on a couple of shots, but that's OK and the variances from each shot probably boil down to focus accuracy, as the majority are focused at 12cm or close enough to it. (at different height and angles).

Photographing the Sigma box appears OK at f1.4 too.
http://wan.st/public/sigma30mm1-4.jpg (I focused on the text '30mm')
as you can see the depth of field is just a slither as the text at the top and bottom of the box is out of focus, so put down the misfocused shots of my son and other shots to picking the wrong focus points maybe (but need to shoot some more to see if there is any pattern).

[wintoid]

What was the lighting like under the circumstances of your test?

[uumode]

normal office lighting.

Ekk something else has reared it's head,
My lens doesn't like to autofocus to infinity on say a building across the road.
Everything is blurry! Not until about f5.6-f8 does it become sharp.

will post later.

[uumode]

Focus problems at infinity using f1.4, to about f5.6 -
everything is blurry especially at f1.4 and the shutter speed is higher at f1.4 than f8 so camera shake is not an issue.

Is this the characteristic of a fast wide angle lens that it really doesn't like focusing at infinity with autofocus? Manual focus helps a bit.

I do notice with autofocus the distance scale doesn't go to the end of it's stop (using FTM allows a bit more rotation of the focus ring) though the graphic reading indicates infinity.

Anyone else tried focusing on a house or something at f1.4 at infinity?
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27366729/Large
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27366736/Large

at close distances it's fine and hits the mark - focus is top of tap
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27366748/Large
also
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27366720/Large


and middle distances too is fine - focus is middle brickwork
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27366739/Large

Just at infinity the lens screws up big time with f1.4 to f, f5.6 is not sharp either, but at close distances they are??

[wintoid]

To be honest, everything I've taken with this lens has been at close range so far, so I can't yet confirm whether I have the same issue. When I have time I'll try this with my lens.

Does your camera report focus lock on distant objects when at f/1.4, or does it completely fail to focus?

[uumode]

Yes, it confirms focus lock with a beep.

I stuck it in manual mode and put it into infinity position, and that helps, shots come in focused, but some still don't...very weird.

Here is an f4 shot
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/641121/1/27419530/Large

it just doesn't like to autofocus at infinity :evil:

[wintoid]

Hey uumode I found this:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/248332/2

Sounds like Ranger099 confirms your problem. I've yet to test it myself...

[uumode]

Thanks for that link,
I also posted on DPreview and somebody else has the same infinity focus problem, middle and near distance like me, no problem.

I fired off a round this morning before work and some are in focus, some not, very much a lottery. But the f1.4 ones that are in focus are very sharp.

It almost appears the lens can't find infinity

[wintoid]

Well I had a quick go at taking a picture of the block of flats opposite me at different apertures, albeit through the glass of my windows. I couldn't really see much difference between f/1.4 and f/8, although obviously there was some. In general I wasn't particularly impressed with the image produced. Hard to know what that means I suppose.

[wintoid]

As I live in London, I was instructed not to go to work today, so I've been to my local cemetary to take some pictures (I know it sounds weird, but it's a beautiful place). Some photos taken there at medium range with apertures like f/3.2 have come out a blurry mess, and I'm very disappointed. Actually, worse than that, I've had enough of trying to find something that works for me in this focal length. So I'm sending the lens back :(

[uumode]

Yeah like this
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/642788/1/27456464/Large
(focused on the Volvo warehouse in the distance)

btw do you have a 350D like me?

[Poco]

Yeah like this
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/642788/1/27456464/Large
(focused on the Volvo warehouse in the distance)

btw do you have a 350D like me?

Those bushes in the bottom left, while not in focus, seem to be much more in focus than the Volvo warehouse. Are you using center focus or full auto?

This sounds like an interesting lens except for the problems you are experiencing. Ouch. Maybe it is just front focusing :lol:

[LightRules]

For those interested...just posted:

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/30extest

[uumode]

For those interested...just posted:

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/30extest

I used centre point focus (multipoint focus is a bit erratic for me)

I think your 100ft shots at f1.4 aperture is out of focus slightly?

Mine is quite sharp at f1.4 (WHEN it is in focus) - focused on GoldenWest sign
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/photos/27456473-O.jpg

When it's not in focus
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/photos/27456471-O.jpg

Should be pretty much tack sharp at f1.4 - except edges of course which are quite woolly at this aperture
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/photos/27554607-O.jpg

I've seen some direct sample comparisons with a 35mm L and the 30mm Sigma is sharper at f1.4 centrally
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=14172163

I'm not sure if I should keep the 30mm as it does perform superbly and is a very sharp lens when it is in focus. Before this lens I was considering using manual focus Carl Zeiss lenses, so in that light having to put up with manual focus on infinity distance shots at large apertures is perhaps not so bad - at least I have autofocus for all other shots. This way I get 'Carl Zeiss' or L glass quality for not much money. Sigma 30mm f1.4 the poor man's L :lol:

[wintoid]

If you were manually focusing, I would say the 30mm is awesome. Focus is my only complaint.

[uumode]

If you were manually focusing, I would say the 30mm is awesome. Focus is my only complaint.

Having thought long and hard, about the 30mm, I think I will keep it.
I don't think the good copy of the 28mm at f1.8 could have produced results as sharp as the 30mm at f1.4?
All shots at f1.4
http://kwen-elaine.smugmug.com/gallery/649948/

when it's in focus, it's sharp.

One niggly complaint with lens mounting, Sigma their white tab on the lens DOES NOT mate with the white mark on the Canon body.. how odd?

[wintoid]

I don't think the good copy of the 28mm at f1.8 could have produced results as sharp as the 30mm at f1.4?

Like I said, the 28 was plenty sharp, but I did not get on with it. That's not a measurement, just a vibe (man!). If I'd had to keep one, it would definitely have been the Sigma. It's entirely possible that Sigma will address the focus issues with a rechip or something. Meanwhile, I have a second hand 20-35mm f/2.8L on its way to me for less than the Sigma, and I hope that's the end of this chapter for me.

[Andy_T]

Also received my 30/1.4 last week.

I'm not too impressed with it so far, as my preliminary testing suggests that it is front focusing 5-10 cm when used at a distance of 1 meter :shock:

Don't have to add that this does not really help using it below f/2.8 :mad:

I'll also have a SH 28/1.8 coming next week, so I'll be able to do some kind of comparison.

Best regards,
Andy

[uumode]

Having said I would keep it, the lens began to rattle off too many out of focus shots and I had to reluctantly return the lens.

[wintoid]

Whilst I'm sorry that you guys are having problems, I'm glad it wasn't just me. I'm getting on very well with the 17-40L I bought instead :D