Best Priced 30-35mm range prime?

I'm looking for a sharp lens in this range to use in place of my 18-55mm kit lens when I need to. I would love to stay under $500, but I have listed a drool worthy expensive one. I'll be loving the f/1.4-f/2!
I just heard about the new Sigma lens, but I really don't know much about Sigma products.

Which do you think is the best price value?

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX-DC HSM - $450
Canon EF 35mm f/2 - $212 (Average price from fredmiranda.com)
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM - $1,102 (Average price from fredmiranda.com)

Greetings, have a serious, long, good, devout, diligent look at the Sigma 30 f1.4. It's a really good lens.

That's my next lens! And only like $400 or so.

I just got my Sigma 30mm f1.4 yesterday and I haven't had too much time to test it out. I took a few shots at f1.4 in my office and it appears to be very good. I don't anticipate shooting much wide open, but it's good to know that I can when it's required. I also took a few shots outdoors and this lens is very sharp. I tested it from f2.8 to f11 and it's sharp, contrasty and the colors seem to be very good.

BTW, if you do decide to get the Sigma, www.sigma4less.com has it for $375.

fStopJojo wrote:
BTW, if you do decide to get the Sigma, www.sigma4less.com has it for $375.

Nice! Thanks!

Zeiss 35mm 2.4 ... legendary! $120 US or so should get a nice one and $20 for an EOS adapter.

Canon 35 f/2 is nice but it buzzes. I paid like $269 USD locally.

Sigma 30mm ƒ/1.4 or Canon 35mm ƒ/2.0 would be my choices. The latter is cheaper than the Sigma and can be picked up used for around $150-170 or so. I used that lens as my primary for about four years - it's a peach. If the cost isn't so much a factor, that Sigma is hard to beat.

I would say the 35L.. Nothing else really compares

There's a ton of M42 inflation, I can't find that for that price anymore!

KevC wrote:
There's a ton of M42 inflation, I can't find that for that price anymore!

Like the one I found for $20. It's an auction, so I doubt it will stay there.

Alright, I'm getting the Sigma when I work up the money. I have two months until I head to Japan, which is where I want it for the most!

Condyk, I was about to add to the choice based on your selection and I saw that you had already responded

Would anyone be interested in sharing photos taken with either the canon and/or sigma? Please.

Here are some shots taken with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC on my Canon 20D:

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