Sigma EX 30mm f/1.4 HSM DC Lens

this seems to be the lens i will be getting for my sons kickboxing tournament ( a follow on from my other thread ). anyone used one for low level light sports events and what is your opinion?

cheers

I've used this lens on the baseline for basketball and it was just okay. The AF wasn't as good as my USM lenses but was better than my old 50 1.8ii. It is acceptable at 1.4 but gets very good by f2. If you play it safe and use center point/AI Servo with f2 you should get good results.

It isn't the most contrasty lens out there, but that is fixable in post. At its price point, it is a solid investment. I have to think for a few hundred USD more the 35 f2 IS would give you quite a few more keepers? Just a guess.

Optically the Sigma 18-35 is better. Go with the 30mm only if you value small size and weight over IQ and you cannot live with just f/1.8.

Abu Mahendra wrote in post #16771297
Optically the Sigma 18-35 is better. Go with the 30mm only if you value small size and weight over IQ and you cannot live with just f/1.8.

he's also looking on a budget of £200 so the 18-35mm is out

Heya,

I would take a 85mm F1.8 instead. Much faster autofocus.

Very best,

I like my Sigma 30, it's a fun lens to leave on the camera and take everywhere to deal with all kinds of
light. But then again, I have a good copy which I read is the trick. Good by 1.8, fantastic by 2.2.

MalVeauX wrote in post #16771668
Heya,

I would take a 85mm F1.8 instead. Much faster autofocus.

Very best,

I tend to agree. With the Sigma you'd have to be very close to the action.

i would be standing ringside . i have a 50mm which i used at a previous tourny and i had to a certain distance away from some of the lads when they wanted there pics taken. i'm presuming i would have to be further away with the 85?

tjs42 wrote in post #16772867
i would be standing ringside . i have a 50mm which i used at a previous tourny and i had to a certain distance away from some of the lads when they wanted there pics taken. i'm presuming i would have to be further away with the 85?

That's the thing. You will be ok with the 30 1.4 if you stay in center-point AI Servo, IMO, and stop it down to F2.

tjs42 wrote in post #16772867
i would be standing ringside . i have a 50mm which i used at a previous tourny and i had to a certain distance away from some of the lads when they wanted there pics taken. i'm presuming i would have to be further away with the 85?

Probably. I'm guessing 30mm will get you both boxers head to toe, while 85 would either be a close up of the upper bodies and/or you standing further back. I can't really tell you what focal lenght works best because I wasn't there and it's also part personal preference. Did you feel like you want something longer or shorter than the 50?

jefzor wrote in post #16773185
Probably. I'm guessing 30mm will get you both boxers head to toe, while 85 would either be a close up of the upper bodies and/or you standing further back. I can't really tell you what focal lenght works best because I wasn't there and it's also part personal preference. Did you feel like you want something longer or shorter than the 50?

for this tourny shorter than the 50. if it was just ordinary boxing i wouldn't be that bothered but, its kickboxing and i think some mma so the action will be fierce and fast. 30mm seems to be the way forward according to most of the advice i have been given

mickeyb105 wrote in post #16773099
That's the thing. You will be ok with the 30 1.4 if you stay in center-point AI Servo, IMO, and stop it down to F2.

thanks

Quick question I'm looking for a 1.4 lens. I had the Sigma 30mm 1.4($220 used), but it got ruined in the storm. Do you know how cheap they run used now? It will be used for low light concert use. Don't want to spend no more than $220 or less. I have a 50mm 1.8, but think a 1.4 will be better. Thoughts? Thank you.

actorlife wrote in post #16832292
Quick question I'm looking for a 1.4 lens. I had the Sigma 30mm 1.4($220 used), but it got ruined in the storm. Do you know how cheap they run used now? It will be used for low light concert use. Don't want to spend no more than $220 or less. I have a 50mm 1.8, but think a 1.4 will be better. Thoughts? Thank you.

Hi! You can find it $250+. I bought one here for $280, pristine condition.