Sigma 30 1.4 ex dc hsm or the 30 1.4 ART?

I'm thinking I'm close to grabbing the Sigma 30 but not sure which one would be the better option.

Looking for advice. Thank you.

The Art version is the "new and improved" version and is a bit sharper with better MFD and focus.

The art, no question. It is better optically (a bit), build-wise, and is compatible with the USB dock.

Art

Thanks everyone!

For a while the old EX version was being blown out at about half the normal selling price, making this a more interesting question. The old version was still pretty good in the center, not so much in the corners.

But yes, disregarding price definitely go for the Art version.

jrbdmb wrote in post #16083223
For a while the old EX version was being blown out at about half the normal selling price, making this a more interesting question. The old version was still pretty good in the center, not so much in the corners.

yes, the "old" Sigma 30 1.4 version is still pretty good, just look thru the lens archive section. A downright steal at $250 - $300

I'm in a dilemma. I don't know if I should buy the old one used for 295 or the new one on eBay for 376 from Hong Kong. Would there be any import duties? Is the new Sigma 30mm worth it? I'm leaning towards the newer version just because of the dock, but it wouldn't leave me money for another lens I wanted.

memo90061 wrote in post #16265103
I'm in a dilemma. I don't know if I should buy the old one used for 295 or the new one on eBay for 376 from Hong Kong. Would there be any import duties? Is the new Sigma 30mm worth it? I'm leaning towards the newer version just because of the dock, but it wouldn't leave me money for another lens I wanted.

I have the old one, and it's sharp as I would never need!

Think of it this way, you would be saving 80 bucks (AUS has import taxes on items over $1000 only, but not sure where you are buying from), and if you got the dock on top of that, it would be another 100 bucks on top again.

BUT, they made a new one for a reason...

Get the new one!! Better resale and better lens IMHO.

Hmmm. Thanks. It's from an eBay seller in Hong Kong. It wouldn't have the US warranty. That's why I'm thinknig about it.

I'd buy the old one quick if I found one used around 250 dollars.

Another lens I'd like to buy is the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8. It looks good, but heavy and expensive for my SL1. haha

sonofjesse wrote in post #16265365
Get the new one!! Better resale and better lens IMHO.

Seeing that you would have too buy the EX used, the resale value as a percentage is much higher that route.

If you can properly test out the lens on your body before buying, I would not hesitate buying the EX. Otherwise go with the new Art in case you run into calibration issues and need to change it out for another copy.

I probably won't have a chance to test the lens if I buy it used online. Grrr!

I had the original and now I have the Art. The latter's focus seems more consistently accurate (at thin depths of field). I often had to retake shots with the original to get accurate focus. The Art seems more consistently accurate to me.

Thank you. I've been wanting to read more comments from those who have had both lenses.