Bought the 35L, Sigma 24mm 1.8 gets similar results if not better, advice?

I also posted this in the sample lens forum but desperately need some advice.

I bought the 35L lens yesterday because of all the great things I've heard but am finding out that my Sigma 24mm f/1.8 macro is achieving nearly the same image quality (35L is better with color but the Sigma has almost zero CA)

So now I'm thinking of exchanging the 35L for an 85L. I've been wanting a prime L lens for awhile as I've grown to love my 24-105L and was either wanting to go somewhat wide or somewhat tele.

I have some weddings lined up this year (3 to be exact) and have heard great things about both lenses. I went with the 35L thinking I would sell the Sigma do help the cost but now I'm thinking keep the Sigma and put in a little bit more towards the 85L.

So anyway, check out these sample jpegs from both lenses. Do you think it's too close to call? Download a full size jpeg from my sigma lens here as well as one from my 35L: http://migsvuitton.com …wnloads/sigma1.​8canon35L/

I'm not trying to be a jerk (with thinking the sigma lens is close to the 35L), but I just want to make the right decision with my second L glass and that I'm not crazy over here... besides, they only have one 85L left in stock at my local shop so ideally, I'd like to make the exchange asap.

Thanks in advanced for any input!

First off, I find the Canon image to have much better colors, a bit better sharpness and smoother bokeh. Just a cleaner looking image, IMO. I am not an L snob either. I was hoping you were right about the Sigma because I like cheap lenses. But I am just not seeing it.

Second, pretty hard to compare lenses this far away in focal length. 24 and 35 are not close at all. 35 is almost 50% longer.

Boy, that's a tough call! I don't own the 35L nor have I used it before, but it's surely on my wish list of primes. The Sigma surely holds its own in the test shots you've conducted. I think the CA is negligible since you can correct that easily in post. To my eyes, the bokeh or background blur from the Canon is preferred to my eyes over the Sigma and I see some bad nissen bokeh from the Sigma in that shot. Personally, I'd rather ditch the Sigma in this case and go with the Canon lens.

I agree that the colors are better on the canon, as i've stated... so you're vote is I'm crazy haha.

And this wasn't an actual test I did to really compare lenses. These were shot on different days and it was just similar enough for my to compare with my naked eye. Took both shots completely unaware that they would be compared. I guess I should have said that

Oh and lastly, also take in consideration what I would be trading for.

This isn't me just choosing the sigma over the canon... cause I would in NO DOUBT choose the 35L if that were the case... BUT my dilemma is if I do return the 35L I will be able to get the 85L while keeping the Sigma 24mm... yea 35mm is a different focal length and probably more ideal for weddings but I won't say that I'm not tempted to own an 85L

Decisions, decisions... the worse part of photography for me.

Why not sell the Sigma to offset the cost of the 85L?

I just bought the 35L, so exchanging it for the 85L would only mean more money out of my pocket. I can't purchase 2 L's right now... but I'm leaning towards getting the 85L over the 35L since I'm almost done convincing myself the Sigma is close enough... or at least close enough for now until the 35L II comes out hah!

Last I checked, the 85L costs more than the 35L by a considerable amount, so I think you'd be spending money either way.

Sell the Sigma and buy some lighting gear - filters, strobe head, gels, or other light modifiers!

k1n3t1k wrote in post #8316472
Last I checked, the 85L costs more than the 35L by a considerable amount, so I think you'd be spending money either way.

Sell the Sigma and buy some lighting gear - filters, strobe head, gels, or other light modifiers!

I tthink he means he's spending a lot less to get the 85L instead..

To be honest, i think its hard...Yes the Sigma looks good, and it definately makes me want one [I cant justify the cash for the stunning Canon 24 f/1.4L]

Given the choice between a 35L and a 85L, if i already owned the Sigma 24 i'd go for the 85L easily...

To me the 35 mm shot looks better, as others said better colour, better bokeh and also sharper.

Maybe your conundrum is caused by the fact that you are not a 35 mm FL person?

Personally I like 24, 28, 40, 45, 50 mm, but 35 mm I just don't gel with.

Other than that, I guess it is always wise to extend your shooting range first, before upgrading the same or similar glass, especially if it does its job, so if you don't have an 85L yet, that may well be the way to go.

Kind regards, Wim

the 35L definitely looks better hands down. Now ask yourself which focal length is more important to you, 35 or 85? For me it was more important to have a better quality 85 than a 35, so I opted for a 35mm F2 and the 85LII. I think you want somebody to tell you to get the 85 so yeah get the 85. I absolutely love the images that lens produces. Good luck.