Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM

+1 for testing it out on-camera. Test at f/1.4, f/2, f/4, f/8 for focus issues like front/back focus, decentering, etc.
due to the shallow DoF when @ f/1.4, it's best to always test from a tripod, or use a very fast shutter speed if handheld, to minimize camera shake affecting your results.

You can use the focus chart from pg 18 of this PDF to check focus issues -- It's best to do this test from a tripod.


Since you mentioned indoors shots, you might also consider the new canon 24mm pancake lens too - excellent IQ, decently wide aperture, and decent autofocus in a tiny, affordable package and on the 70D that effective FL (~38mm, vs, the sigma @ 48mm) might be wide enough.

Thanks for the replies. The nifty fifty I feel will be too long for my crop frame and I've already got a 17-55 f2.8 so I was looking for something faster than the pancake.

I've got a 70D which has had some complaints of focus issues but I haven't thoroughly tested mine, it could stack with potential focus issues with the lens.

I don't know if you saw, but there was one of these lenses for sale in the For Sale section... Not my post nor do I have any affiliation to the seller....

Moonshiner wrote in post #17514205
Non-Art versions are great, but they can be hit or miss with focus issues. I suggest that you test it as much as you can or buy from a reputable person/dealer..

I have never experienced any focus issues at all with this lens. Nor is it known for being particularly prone to this. The Non-Art 50mm Sigma lens though.. Talk about focus issues

Other than that, I totally agree with this suggestion.

This lens and the Canon 24mm pancake are more or less my default lens kit these days.

Count me as a+1 for the 30 1.4 non-art. I sold a 50 1.8 to help fund it.

It was a workhorse lens for me for a few years, missed it when I went full frame. Replacing it with the 40 2.8 pancake was adequate, but I missed shooting at f1.4.

I bought mine on eBay from a pawn shop and got a really good copy for $300 before the Art model came out.

My boy taking in the world...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/thry​b2

Tickled

A forest of fungus... Fungi... Whatever...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/uouU​7m

Moonshiner wrote in post #17597939
A forest of fungus... Fungi... Whatever...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/uouU​7m IMG_2668 by Chris, on Flickr

A town of fungus... Fungi.. Fungi town

Nice shot. Good use of this lens.

Cheers...

Mums...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/uEWU​Nz

Taken with canon 50D

I like this lens. Had it about a year. Sent it in to calibrate and it seems to do well now.

A few recent pics of my boy Charlie

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/yaBR​69

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/yQ8K​rk