New vs old Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Sister who is on a Rebel is looking for some lenses. Anybody know what the general consensus is on the new (Art series) vs old Sigma 30mm f/1.4? Does the new one also suffer from some of the focusing issues of the old one?

Thanks

Less issues (although the issues weren't as prevalent on the old one as the internet makes out), and even better IQ. Tell her to go for the Art.

Sfordphoto wrote in post #16174217
Sister who is on a Rebel is looking for some lenses. Anybody know what the general consensus is on the new (Art series) vs old Sigma 30mm f/1.4? Does the new one also suffer from some of the focusing issues of the old one?

Thanks

I've never experienced focusing problems with the original Sigma 30mm 1.4, probably many of the "issues" were narrow DOF.
The older model sells for around $250 -- a very good value


60D
Sigma 30mm 1.4 (non-art)
f2.2

I've had one of the older 30mm with front focus issue (actually had 2, tested by a few people, etc...), I've just learnt about this new Art line, I will consider one, it was a great lens.

I have an old one that is sharp as a tack.. The only benefit I see to the new one is that you can do MFA on it with the USB dock....

Moonshiner wrote in post #16175717
I have an old one that is sharp as a tack.. The only benefit I see to the new one is that you can do MFA on it with the USB dock....

Have a look at this article from Roger Cicala:

http://www.lensrentals​.com …-vs-sigma-30mm-f1-4-ex-dc

frugivore wrote in post #16175756
Have a look at this article from Roger Cicala:

http://www.lensrentals​.com …-vs-sigma-30mm-f1-4-ex-dc

Yeah, I read that already... I have no experience with the Art line, but I am happy as a clam with my EX... Hence my observation...

For some reason, I've had issues with Sigma on crop bodies, like my Sigma 85 and Sigma 50. However, on full-frame it went away.

If you get a good copy, which is probably the case, then the old one is the way to go. My bro has one on his 60D and it's tack sharp. There is always the possibility of it not focusing right, so, you'll have to live on the edge.

I'm sure the new one isn't perfect, but now you have the dock to correct issues.

Keep in mind that the new lens can use the USB dock which allows the user to tweak the focus if it is an issue. The dock is $60 list but if one desires to expand the lens compliment into more Sigma it might be worthwhile.

Thanks for the replies and picture.

I had read the lens rental comparison and a few other reviews, and was set to make the recommendation of the new Sigma 30mm for her.

However, in the end, she decided she doesn't really like the 50mm on her AE-1 Program; she feels it is a bit too restrictive and wanted something wider. I told her a Sig30 on her Rebel would yield something similar and she wasn't interested.

Thanks again for the help. Mods can close the thread if they want.

Sirrith wrote in post #16174603
Less issues (although the issues weren't as prevalent on the old one as the internet makes out), and even better IQ. Tell her to go for the Art.

+1 That's the whole story.

Moonshiner wrote in post #16175717
I have an old one that is sharp as a tack.. The only benefit I see to the new one is that you can do MFA on it with the USB dock....

The new version is sharper across the image, has less focusing issues, has a much smoother manual focus ring, has a better build and will focus much closer than the older model. This is not to say the old version was bad. I love mine. Its just that the new version is noticeably better is several categories.