New Sigma 35mm f/1.4 HSM DG

Ginga wrote in post #15814317
Were your inconsistency issues based on subject distance, lighting or both? Or were it just generally inconsistent?

If I aim my S35 at a rich texture brick wall, and then take 10 shots (refocusing between each shot), I'm always getting 4 - 5 missed ones. Even though I have my camera on a tripod.. Should not happen. :/

I am traveling right now, but I think I'm gonna send my lens to Sigma when I get back home.

Mine were lighting based, but to be honest it could have also been distance based. I didn't really test like you did though with 10 of the same shots. I will do that with the new lens though.

Well....new copy is..Better. I don't know yet if its spot on though, there were a few inconsistencies indoors again. I haven't setup on a tripod yet and done any formal tests though, just randomly tried some MA settings and took a bunch of hand held shots, then did the same thing outside in the sunlight. Outside again, it didn't seem to need any MA. Inside I am getting more keepers at 0 MA, but then a few seem to front focus. Overall I'm going to put this new one through its paces this weekend, and maybe even call Sigma and just ask if I am getting any inconsistency if this is something they can tweak.

UPDATE:
I shot a bit more with the lens this afternoon, and have settled in on a +7 MA, and the lens appears to be fairly consistent there indoors and outdoors. Happy so far with it!

Mine is going back to BH. Needs +8 indoors and 0 outside. Hopefully the 2nd one is at least consistent.

Anyone know how BH does their exchanges? Do they wait for this one to come back and then they send out the replacement? Or do they do what Amazon does where they send the new one and wait for the return.

JNowakPhoto wrote in post #15817508
Mine is going back to BH. Needs +8 indoors and 0 outside. Hopefully the 2nd one is at least consistent.

Anyone know how BH does their exchanges? Do they wait for this one to come back and then they send out the replacement? Or do they do what Amazon does where they send the new one and wait for the return.

I think they give you an option, but will put a hold on your CC until they receive the old one.

At least this is how they did it for me many years ago.

hi guys,

what are your opinions on using it as a portrait lens as compared to, say the 135L or 70-200 II? i have both - long FLs are darn good for compression but hard to use in different settings. for the S35, can you guys tell there is less compression or that faces are generally less 'pleasing' as compared to using a 135L?

also, in terms of sharpness, 135L @ f2 vs 35 @ f1.4 vs 100L @f2.8, are they equally sharp? (obviously they are different lenses meant for different uses, but i just needed a yardstick as a comparison)

thanks!

I would not use a 35mm lens for portraits if I had say an 85 or 135 available.

JNowakPhoto wrote in post #15817758
I would not use a 35mm lens for portraits if I had say an 85 or 135 available.

actually i love my 135L a lot, but paradoxically it doesn't get used much.. cos there isn't always enough working space to get the composition u need. that's why i'm looking at the s35 (need to consider the trade-off it has against my current setup)

the.forumer wrote in post #15817784
actually i love my 135L a lot, but paradoxically it doesn't get used much.. cos there isn't always enough working space to get the composition u need. that's why i'm looking at the s35 (need to consider the trade-off it has against my current setup)

What about picking up a Canon 85mm f/1.8? I love mine.

Is 35mm the ultimate street focal length?

the.forumer wrote in post #15817683
hi guys,

what are your opinions on using it as a portrait lens as compared to, say the 135L or 70-200 II? i have both - long FLs are darn good for compression but hard to use in different settings. for the S35, can you guys tell there is less compression or that faces are generally less 'pleasing' as compared to using a 135L?

also, in terms of sharpness, 135L @ f2 vs 35 @ f1.4 vs 100L @f2.8, are they equally sharp? (obviously they are different lenses meant for different uses, but i just needed a yardstick as a comparison)

thanks!

The Sigma makes an excellent environmental portrait lens, meaning full body shots. You could shoot headshots with it too, but you'll distort your subject's face, and generally not in a pleasing manner (to them anyway). As for sharpness, I'd say the Sigma is the sharpest wide open lens I've used, but the macro might be the same level. The 135 is just a pinch behind.

JNowakPhoto wrote in post #15817758
I would not use a 35mm lens for portraits if I had say an 85 or 135 available.

It depends. If you're after head and shoulders or half body, then an 85 or 135 would be more suitable, yes. If you're after full body and/or environmental, or group, then 35 is much easier to work with.

JNowakPhoto wrote in post #15817932
What about picking up a Canon 85mm f/1.8? I love mine.

both 85 1.8 and even the well-regarded sigma 85 1.4 are optically weaker than the 135L.

the s35 is a great match, but i'm not sure whether it's worth the high price tag+bulkiness as a short prime..

the.forumer wrote in post #15818333
the s35 is a great match, but i'm not sure whether it's worth the high price tag+bulkiness as a short prime..

It is the cheapest 35/1.4 lens for EF mount cameras on the market today with AF, and the 2nd cheapest overall including MF only lenses...

JNowakPhoto wrote in post #15817932
What about picking up a Canon 85mm f/1.8? I love mine.

one of the best deals on a Canon lens.