Is the sigma 30mm 1.4 too heavy for the XSI

After buying my XSI, I am now looking for my first prime. I used to shoot with the a Nikon N80 (film) and loved my 50mm. However, after deciding to switch to a DSLR, I did not like the bulky size of the Nikon D80 but thought the XSI was perfect. Unfortunately, I am left with no lenses except for the the kit lens (I gave my nikon lenses to my dad). The kit lens isn't bad but I would really like to get back to a 50mm equivalent. This leads me to the Canon 28mm 1.8 and the Sigma 30mm 1.4. It seems that people like that Sigma better but it is significantly heavier than the 28mm. Has anyone had any experience with the 30mm with the XSI?? Is the size issue really a problem?? Is it really that much better than the 28mm for a nonprofesional (keep in mind that I would like to experiment with bokeh)??

Thanks in advance!

it will be fine. those wider primes are smaller and lighter.

It's really not that heavy in handling. It's more or less the same size as the 28 1.8 too.

As for comparisons, it depends. The sigma is 2/3 of a stop faster, which is a huge plus. Optically it's very good in the center, better than the 28 1.8, but poor in the corners. The 28 1.8 is not great in the corners either, but since it's a full frame lens, its corners look better on a cropped body like the XSi than the Sigma does.

The biggest difference, other than speed and FF compatibility is minimum focusing distance. The 28 1.8 will focus MUCH closer than the Sigma. Bokeh quality is decent on both, but you can obviously get narrower DOF with the Sigma.

Is [Front] heavy to me, but not unbearable.
Often wonder why the hell this can weight so much (metal lens barrel or the glass?)

the 30mm F/1.4 is apparently 430gms.
I use the Sigma 20mm f/1.8 with my Rebel xt and the lens is 500gms, so you'll be fine. I don't think it's really that heavy, heavier that the kit lens and nifty but not really that heavy.

The 30 F/1.4 works fine on the Canon XSi. Was playing around with one today. It felt fine in my hands. Although I still prefer the feel of it on my 40D better.

--Evan

Holding the combo right now. Not heavy at all. If it is, hit they gym.

For comparison:
Canon 18-55 IS is 200g, 30mm is 430g. canon 28mm f1.8 is 310g. Canon 35mm f2 is 210g

None are prohibitively large, but if weight is a concern, might look at the 35mm f2 (it is a 56mm equivalent vs the 48mm for the 30mm Sigma)

tkbslc wrote in post #6900322
For comparison:
Canon 18-55 IS is 200g, 30mm is 430g. canon 28mm f1.8 is 310g. Canon 35mm f2 is 210g

None are prohibitively large, but if weight is a concern, might look at the 35mm f2 (it is a 56mm equivalent vs the 48mm for the 30mm Sigma)

If size and weight are important, I would consider the 35mm f/2. That's the route I'm hoping to take and probably going to sell my 35L.

The Sigma is quite a fat lens and is still heavy'ish IMO, especially on a featherweight 450d. It's not that far off the weight of the body.

OT - Lucky you guys don't shoot sports or birds. Heavy lenses mean 400mm f2.8 or the 500/600mm f4.

bobbyz wrote in post #6902006
OT - Lucky you guys don't shoot sports or birds. Heavy lenses mean 400mm f2.8 or the 500/600mm f4.

I laughed the first time I came across the concept of taking the camera off the lens rather than the lens off the camera.

I find the 30mm 1.4 to be quite light...but then I don't consider the 70-200 2.8 L IS to be that heavy either

Was at the store today and picked it up, its reasonably light, not as light as 50mm 1.8 etc but still not heavy.
Go to the store and pick it up, would give you an idea.

Yes it's all relative..... The XSi is a very light D-SLR which to some is part of the attraction that you don't get weighted down too much to put you off carrying your equipment with you.

I do agree that if you have some of the big white L lenses, then the size and weight of this type of lens fades into insignificance!

I've used a 70-200 f/2.8 IS on a Rebel XT before and it felt...just fine. Surely the Sigma 30 won't be bad.