Sigma 30 f/1.4 versus Canon 35mm f/1.4L

I'm looking for something wide (on a 1.6x) that focuses quickly and has at least an aperture of f/2.8 (preferably faster). It needs to be wider than a 50mm, but not an UWA.

Pretty much my choices are the Canon 24 f/1.4L, 28 f/1.8, 35 f/1.4L, and the Sigma 30 f/1.4.

The 28 f/1.8 is out for CA, vignetting, etc.. eh not so appealing.

I'd take the 35L over the 24L for a more usable focal length and less distortion. Plus, I will eventually get an UWA like a 10-22 which would cover my 24mm or wider needs. I don't want a lens overlap.

So 35L versus 30 f/1.4 from Sigma. Thoughts?
Reviews show the 30 f/1.4 to be better/close in IQ. And it's 1/3 price. The only thing holding me back is the Sigma build quality. I hate the Sigma finish :/

Thoughts? Is my heart blocking my brain from being sensible and going with the Sigma?

There will be a lot of people tell you to get the 35L just because it is a L lens. Personally I say get the Sigma. It is a fantastic lens. And as you have pointed out, 1/3 the price.

You can read the test done on these 2 lenses by Lightrules
http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/30v35_2nd

+1 for the Sigma 30. I love my sigma. Probably the only thing keeping me from selling my cropped body is that lens I'm sure the 35L is a fantastic lens, but hey, for the savings, you can get two fantastic lenses. Or one fantastic lens and a whole lot of lens cleaning paper.

Got the Sigma, great lens. However, you mention CA is a killing point for the 28 1.8, and guess what: it can be pretty bad on the 30mm. Lately though, I don't see much of it anymore, since DPP is ever so efficient at removing it without allowing me to turn it off so I might see how the lens really performs...

Before I got it, I read an article on DPreview and basically they ended up even. Only the Sigma goes at 1/3 of the price... Edit: correction - it was Lightrules' review mentioned above. I remember it after seeing
Build quality is great if I do say so myself. Now I don't know the feel of Canon's L line, but I do know that there's a significant difference between Sigma's non-EX and EX series.

Have a play around with the controls on this web page and roll your mouse over the test image. The Canon is the default image, the Sigma the mouseover.

My brain threw the 35L out.

Now I'm reconsidering the Canon 28 f/1.8 USM. Compared to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, I'm in a huge dilemma! They're both good...

foxbat wrote in post #7091781
Have a play around with the controls on this web page and roll your mouse over the test image. The Canon is the default image, the Sigma the mouseover.

I'm waiting for the brown truck to show up with my 35L. That link shows the 35L to be pretty awesome. I loved my Sigma 30mm (Except for the focus issues that took the lens for 3 trips to Long Island), but unfortunately, it doesn't cut it on a full frame camera. Now I just want my 35 to get here

read Lightrules tests on the sigma 30.
It really is a nice piece of glass for the price. It takes some great pictures wide open.

24L all the way..
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=405

Check out the CA on the 30 also...

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …396&SampleComp=​0&Lens=121

Heres the 35L and the 30...

And heres a review of the 30
http://www.photozone.d​e …sm-dc-test-report--review

I had both of these lenses until I went FF. The Sigma 30 was my favorite lens to use. Why would you hate the Sigma finish? Are you sure you're talking about the new EX finish? I think the high-end Sigmas actually feel extremely well built. Mine focused 100% perfectly.

The 35L is much larger and has a lot more Longitudinal CAs.

Go for the Sigma.

Wow people. Why are you so good at convincing me of the Sigma's quality?

I'm now debating Sigma 30 f/1.4 versus 50 f/1.4, and supplementing the 50 with a UWA like the 12-24 or something.
It all comes down to which focuses faster because I need this for sports. 50 or 30?

dshankar wrote in post #7093112
Wow people. Why are you so good at convincing me of the Sigma's quality?

I'm now debating Sigma 30 f/1.4 versus 50 f/1.4, and supplementing the 50 with a UWA like the 12-24 or something.
It all comes down to which focuses faster because I need this for sports. 50 or 30?

I guess if you want a lens the exhibits significantly more CA and isn't as sharp but you will save money.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #7093235
I guess if you want a lens the exhibits significantly more CA and isn't as sharp but you will save money.

Nothing personal man, but several reviews have showed the Sigmas to have better CA control. Sharpness is given to the 24L/35L, especially for corners, but the Sigma isn't too "dreamy" either.
It's people like you (airfrogusmc) that have me still considering the 24L/35L combo! grrr decisions decisions. Why isn't there a $400 24L..

Honestly, I'm thinking the Sigma will be sufficient since this isn't my full time profession, and because I don't pixel-peep for sharpness.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #7092300
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …396&SampleComp=​0&Lens=121

Heres the 35L and the 30...

And heres a review of the 30
http://www.photozone.d​e …sm-dc-test-report--review

Wow, the 35L wins at all apertures and down right slaughters the siggy when its stopped down to f/2.0+