i've been thinking of getting this lens for quite some time now...

has anyone tried this lens? it sounds amazing on paper.

f/1.4 + HSM pa! quick to focus and can capture with higher shutter speeds. sounds yummy for badminton shots hehehe.

anyone?

:Grin:

Hi Chewy, once you get this one, I'll buy your your 28mm =).
Anyways, this lens according to Dpreview Nikon Lens Forum posters, is fast and a good copy with focuses dead on, is sharp. CA isn't as high as the Nikkor 35mmF2. Ghosting and flare is also good.

sounds like a deal :D

will check it out first @ JTphotoworld

it's either this or a dedicated macro lens. ;)

My friend has the Sigma 105 f2.8 macro and we tested in indoor-bar-concert conditions in my brothers place at it was cool!!! Focusing isn't as fast but the images were sharp even wide open.

hi chewy, hahaha, sawa ka na sa 28mm mo ha. pila nga ako.

i think ditoy has a copy of that 30mm, but it's for canon.
[from what i read] sharp wide open, but only in the center. please post your findings/test.

from flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sigmaprimes/ (30mm 1.4)

chewy what 28mm do you have the 1.4d? anyway the 30mm f1.4 is a highly rated lens and is one of the jewels of sigma

hi carlo, i have the 28mm f/1.8 macro. it's a highly capable lens, but i'm just too curious about the 30mm f/1.4 sigma.

as they say, curiosity killed the...

piggy bank.

hi carlo, i have the 28mm f/1.8 macro. it's a highly capable lens, but i'm just too curious about the 30mm f/1.4 sigma.

as they say, curiosity killed the...

piggy bank.

if you ask me the 30mm f1.4 is the premiere wa low light lens next to the 28mm 1.4d. i suggest it to anyone looking for a light magnet prime under $800:Grin:

I've been using this lens for more than a year already and I'm very happy with it. Focusing is fast compared to other sigma lenses but I feel not as fast as Canon L lenses.

It's my favorite prime lens for my 20D or 350D.

Dino

hi dino, how close can you focus using the 30mm f/1.4?

Not very close. Around 15in away from the subject.

thanks dino. rather disappointing, but still promising.

I visited JTphoto world today to purchase a Tamrac and ended up testing 3 lenses as well.

For this thread here are my impressions on the new Sigma 30 f1.4 EX
1. small and light - feels solid
2. focusing isn't as fast as HSM should be... (the 50-150 was really fast)
3. the unit was really beat-up - the body's special coating was peeled off.
4. widopen tests shows acceptable sharpness center only - borders are soft. as intended to be i think.
5. tend to overexpose on my D50 using matrix metering. dunno why.
6. Bokeh dunno i don't see any overlapping or harsh edges. should be considered good enuf?
7. at 1.8, i felt IQ was so much better.
8. can't focus close enuf.

shooting at 1.4 is really a dream. at 30mm the focal length is just perfect for the typical
indoor shoot. I'll buy it if i had the money ( versus I'll buy it even via credit) - don't need it yet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiniko/tags/sigma30mmf14hsmex/

appreciate some comments.

This lens has been haunting me ever since I read Lightrules (fstopjojo) review of it on pbase. Any 400D shooters out there that have this lens in their stable? Would most appreciate your feedback as I'm seriously considering getting one as a birthday gift (to myself, that is). I've read of several misfocussing issues on the 300/350Ds but some of the feedback points to more consistency on a camera with better AF abilities (ie 400D and 30D).

This is P24,500 right? This will AF on a D40. Mahal lang nga.

I visited JTphoto world today to purchase a Tamrac and ended up testing 3 lenses as well.

For this thread here are my impressions on the new Sigma 30 f1.4 EX
1. small and light - feels solid
2. focusing isn't as fast as HSM should be... (the 50-150 was really fast)
3. the unit was really beat-up - the body's special coating was peeled off.
4. widopen tests shows acceptable sharpness center only - borders are soft. as intended to be i think.
5. tend to overexpose on my D50 using matrix metering. dunno why.
6. Bokeh dunno i don't see any overlapping or harsh edges. should be considered good enuf?
7. at 1.8, i felt IQ was so much better.
8. can't focus close enuf.

shooting at 1.4 is really a dream. at 30mm the focal length is just perfect for the typical
indoor shoot. I'll buy it if i had the money ( versus I'll buy it even via credit) - don't need it yet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiniko/tags/sigma30mmf14hsmex/

appreciate some comments.

They have stocks already? Maaaan! I was there 2 weeks ago, they didn't have it on stock. I was looking for this one. Bought 2 other lenses na lang.... hmmmm :(

Got this lens a couple of months ago to use primarily for low-light situations for my Nikon D40x because it will auto-focus. So far I'm satisfied but still learning to get the most of it. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/1807456450_c4624f2a6e.jpg

Got this lens a couple of months ago to use primarily for low-light situations for my Nikon D40x because it will auto-focus. So far I'm satisfied but still learning to get the most of it. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/1807456450_c4624f2a6e.jpg

Nice lens Emmanuel. I'm not sure why this lens isn't popular here in DPP considering that it is the only current low-light wide-angle lens in production for the Nikon mount.

Thanks Zandy! I guess they all got the nifty-fifty of Nikon which I also had before until I sold it. Nothing wrong with the Nikkor 50/1.8, it's just that I find the range limiting because it becomes a 75mm when attached to the D40x and that it also does not auto-focus. :)

November is just ahead, I guess you're excited getting your much-awaited new gears.

November is just ahead, I guess you're excited getting your much-awaited new gears.

Counting the days Emmanuel, counting the days....:)

@Emmanuel

How's the performance so far on your D40x? I'm considering getting one for my D40 when budget permits.

This is P24,500 right? This will AF on a D40. Mahal lang nga.

that's almost the same price here in the uk

Nice lens Emmanuel. I'm not sure why this lens isn't popular here in DPP considering that it is the only current low-light wide-angle lens in production for the Nikon mount.

that goes for all sigma.. nikon users in my guess are loyal to nikkors more than other brands.. IMO.. the sigma line-up is pretty much competitive e.g.. 10-20,18-50,50-150,70-200 for a factor of the price.. :D

but its all a matter of preference.. for emmanuel it just works.. and we are all happy shooters..

emmanuel, please post those sigma 30mm pics.. we are all waiting :D

http://www.pbase.com/fjp/ts_2005_07_jul_20&page=1

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=278

sample shots by other users

@ Paolo - I'm very much satisfied with this lens. As with any other lens you get to experiment a lot to get the nuances of the lens.

Here's some test shots:

@f1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/1813243256_0af4746402.jpg

@f1.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/1813244308_ccde7b9e12.jpg

some more . . . .

@f2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/1812401307_119582fa38.jpg

@f4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/1812400257_8d5c099b37.jpg

more . . . .

@f5.6
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/1813244664_db745dd9dd.jpg

@f9
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/1813243622_fa2ef057d5.jpg

last set . . . .

@f11
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/1813242896_9810fdb2b5.jpg

@f16
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/1812401693_cb9ee206ac.jpg

that's almost the same price here in the uk

Price has already been lowered by JT Photo to P19,800. I got it when the price was still 24,500 with 10% discount. Even then it's still 2K over than the current price. :Mad:

Very nice samples Emmanuel. Looks like your copy is a keeper!

Looks like it is Zandy. Thanks!

Price has already been lowered by JT Photo to P19,800. I got it when the price was still 24,500 with 10% discount. Even then it's still 2K over than the current price. :Mad:

that's a good price. i just ordered mine from amazon uk and it cost 22k in peso equivalent.

actually just received the lens via post this morning. so far it looks ok. the af is fast and silent, and at 1.4 it's great. what i like is that at 30mm x 1.6 it's like what you see is almost what you will get on the viewfinder - not much need to step forward or backward...also as with sigma it comes with a lens hood...hahaha

Congrats Hochi, I'm glad you're liking your new lens.

Price has already been lowered by JT Photo to P19,800. I got it when the price was still 24,500 with 10% discount. Even then it's still 2K over than the current price. :Mad:

Wow, that's the reason I did'nt get the lens rin before since it wast just supposed to be in the 19K range. Hmmm napapaisip nanaman ako haaay. I already spent my budget on an iPhone and Tokina 50-135.... haaay :(

Any sample pics of this lens in low light conditions? Is the 1.4 usable?

OT: Pete, how's your Tokina?

Congrats Hochi, I'm glad you're liking your new lens.

thanks...i just used it today in a nude shoot..will post a sample later

- the model was dressed while i was nude...haha

studio shot
1/100 f/13 ISO100

(just minor PP w/o sharpening and resized for web)

http://www.pbase.com/image/88588310.jpg

studio shot
1/100 f/13 ISO100

(just minor PP w/o sharpening and resized for web)

http://www.pbase.com/image/88588310.jpg

VERY NICE....VERY SHARP makes me wanna buy 1 too! Just a request can you test it on dim or ambient lights only. Thanks:)

VERY NICE....VERY SHARP makes me wanna buy 1 too! Just a request can you test it on dim or ambient lights only. Thanks:)

taken from my stove top with the range blower light and al other lights in the room tuned off

1/60 f/1.4 iso200 AEB+1 tungsten WB

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/88598961.jpg

taken from my stove top with the range blower light and al other lights in the room tuned off

1/60 f/1.4 iso200 AEB+1 tungsten WB

http://upload.pbase.com/image/88598961.jpg

Very nice...thanks. The review was right. Wide open at f1.4 it is sharp at the center and a bit soft at the edges....but the bokeh is NICE! I think the sweet spot is around f/2.2 ( am I correct?). What the heck...I will still get one myself. Imagine for only P 19,800 for six months interest free:). Thanks again

Very nice...thanks. The review was right. Wide open at f1.4 it is sharp at the center and a bit soft at the edges....but the bokeh is NICE! I think the sweet spot is around f/2.2 ( am I correct?). What the heck...I will still get one myself. Imagine for only P 19,800 for six months interest free:). Thanks again

enjoy the lens!

Oh man, that's just P3,300 a month for a wonderful lens.

I think its due to the narrow DOF at 1.4 is the reason for a sharp center (focused area) and soft edges.

studio shot
1/100 f/13 ISO100

(just minor PP w/o sharpening and resized for web)

http://www.pbase.com/image/88588310.jpg

Great picture Hochi along with the banana. The more I'm enamored with the 30mm. Now where's the picture where you siad you're nude? :Grin:

I think its due to the narrow DOF at 1.4 is the reason for a sharp center (focused area) and soft edges.

if i remember correctly, the test charts (or whatever you call them) on reviews confirms the soft edges. those are flat so the DOF is even throughout the pictures in their test shots (hmm did that make sense?)

Diego - Thanks. I think you are right. Since its Depth of Field then it should apply to 3D and not 2D. I was thinking DOF is like tunnel vision.

Great picture Hochi along with the banana. The more I'm enamored with the 30mm. Now where's the picture where you siad you're nude? :Grin:

i think the 30mm is great i find i use it more than my 50mm

i think the 30mm is great i find i use it more than my 50mm

Yah me too... its more wider than the 50mm, it focus faster ( HSM) it has the normal perspective close to the human eye. I only find it soft at the edges when its wide open to F1.4 and can focus only for a short distance of 9-12 ins ( not suitable for macro) but its OK for me for headshots portraits. ( kya lang sometimes Im too close to the model already...hehehe:)

1/80s f/2.2 iso100

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/88739632.jpg

Great shot Hochi! Is that your dog? I like how you framed it and the focus on the eyes. That dog makes a good model. :)

Hochi - great shot! Nice siberian husky. Those dogs are cute.

nice photo :)

1/80s f/2.2 iso100

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/88739632.jpg

Nice captue and good bokeh. I think U got a good copy of the lens:)

Nice captue and good bokeh. I think U got a good copy of the lens:)

hahaha..thank god cuz i got it on-line...just relied on rating of seller

You're one lucky guy! :)

Nice shot! Does justice to our 30mm f/1.4. Oh and I want that doooooog!

i want one! where can i get this?

i want one! where can i get this?

You can get one at JT photo in Pasong Tamo.

But, its currently out of stock and there is a line for the lens! and i'm currently in line awaiting and hoping for a good, sharp copy of the lens!

Good thing I got one already from Joy 4 weeks ago....hulugan pa for 6 mos. Here is a sample shot taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand. An indegenous people selling her ware at the night bazaar

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/jigsdoh/THAILAND/DSC_0453R.jpg

Nice shot. what aperature & iso was used?

Nice shot. what aperature & iso was used?

F 2.5, 1/40s. ISO 400 ( no flash)

F 2.5, 1/40s. ISO 400 ( no flash)

Great detail, very sharp! Any PP?

Finally got my own copy of the Sigma 30mm.

But focus is a bit finicky, my pictures go back and forth from tack sharp to soft as butter. Though HSM is quiet, it hunts to AF in low light situations.

But overall, the extra wide aperture allowed me to shoot good photos in low light.

Not sure if my copy has a focusing problem or the softness I've read about when wide open. Here are my test shots. Hope you guys can comment if my copy of the Sigma 30mm is any good.

I focused on the Nikon Logo of the Nikon Speedlight SB-400, Aperture Priority, ISO 400, No PP just resizing.

At 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2129266984_4a469b359f.jpg

At 1.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2128489511_1a810e3d41.jpg

At 2.2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2129267616_4f04a901c5.jpg

At 2.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/2129267938_8ec0047027.jpg

CROPPED at 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2128488463_e4a9c1138a.jpg

Cropped at 2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2128488887_f43289b358.jpg

Finally got my own copy of the Sigma 30mm.

But focus is a bit finicky, my pictures go back and forth from tack sharp to soft as butter. Though HSM is quiet, it hunts to AF in low light situations.

But overall, the extra wide aperture allowed me to shoot good photos in low light.

Not sure if my copy has a focusing problem or the softness I've read about when wide open. Here are my test shots. Hope you guys can comment if my copy of the Sigma 30mm is any good.

I focused on the Nikon Logo of the Nikon Speedlight SB-400, Aperture Priority, ISO 400, No PP just resizing.

At 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2129266984_4a469b359f.jpg

At 1.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2128489511_1a810e3d41.jpg

At 2.2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2129267616_4f04a901c5.jpg

At 2.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/2129267938_8ec0047027.jpg

CROPPED at 1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2128488463_e4a9c1138a.jpg

Cropped at 2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2128488887_f43289b358.jpg


Congrats on UR new lens and welcome to the club:). Yah ALMOST all big aperture lens hunts in lowlight conditions and it is sharpest or has it sweet spot at a higher aperture. Mine is at its sharpest at f 2.2....but still a better performer than UR regular kit lens when it comes to lowlight condition compared to at f3.5 to 5.6. HAPPY SHOOTING:)

@ Dexter....to add,use spot metering when shooting in lowlight condition ( this is what I do & what I have been told to do in this forum). Spot metering only meters a portion of UR subject compared to matrix w/c meters a wide area of UR subject. In this way UR wide aperture lens will not have a hard time hunting or focusing to UR subject in very lowlight condition. I do this several times and it works. BTW dont foreget to pump up UR ISO settings

@ Dexter....to add more, always use your AF assist lamp and press your AF-lock button to lock the focus when shooting in lowlight conditions. Pick or choose something with HIGH contrast ( easier said than done!!:() in lowlight situations. This will ease your lens "focus hunting".:)

@diegodanila

thanks for the tips! At very low light even at spot, it still hunts a lot. Just need to learn the quirks of the lens and work around it! Or, bring a small flash light handy and use it when the AF assist lamp can't help!

Yah ALMOST all big aperture lens hunts in lowlight conditions

actually baliktad :) big aperture lenses should focus easier compared to small aperture lenses in lowlight conditions because they let more light in. but of course you have to factor in the camera body's ability to focus etc.

if it's just too dark, mahirap talaga to focus no matter what lens you use. use the af assist lamp to help, and the assist lamps on the nikkor speedlights are freakishly accurate in almost any conditions :)

this lens is really cool...:)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd297/happycath/sigma%2030mm/DSC_0078.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd297/happycath/sigma%2030mm/DSC_0070.jpg

congrats on the new lens Cathy. Nice Shih Tzu!

Anyway, an observation on the Sig 30. It partially obstructs the AF assist lamp, and that causes some front or back focus, or whatever the AF assist lamp illuminates. It can be annoying, but I can live with it. Might bring a small flash light the next time, or just grab the focus ring.

But I am getting anal on its inconsistent results on the focus charts, some front and back focus. In real world pictures, It really isn't a big deal, but its there and it bugs me. hahahaha, lesson here is must be less anal.

dexter - what body are you using?

@ryan

I'm using a Nikon D40. By the way, great line up of gear... I'm planning on the sigma 18-50 and the 50-150 2.8... but that's next year....

dexter - Thanks. Planning to get a 10-20 and 50-500 next year or so to finish it.

Also, when I used my d40x on my sigma 70-200 2.8 it gave hit/miss focusing wide open but no problems w/ my d80 and d200. Weird isn't it? Have you tried it on a diff. body?

@ryan

Unfortunately, the D40 is my only camera body. I guess the AF assist lamp of the D40 is meant for "sexy" lenses. Although cute, the Sigma 30mm has a fat ass.

Wow! 50- 500! and 10-20! Post some sample shots when you get your hands on those babies!

dexter - Thanks. Planning to get a 10-20 and 50-500 next year or so to finish it.

Also, when I used my d40x on my sigma 70-200 2.8 it gave hit/miss focusing wide open but no problems w/ my d80 and d200. Weird isn't it? Have you tried it on a diff. body?

the added focus points maybe?

diego - I don't know but I usually assign an AF point when I use the lens wide open. Strange talaga.

dexter - I know what you mean about the D40/x, I had a Sigma 14mm 2.8 and it was huge. The AF lamp is partially blocked. I almost got my hands on a 50-500 Bigma. Still waiting on some cash for those two lenses to become a reality.

Ok, after using the Sigma for a week or so, here's my gripes on the Sigma 30mm 1.4 EX HSM on my Nikon D40:

1) Slow to autofocus at low light conditions, and it is very evident in action shots.... the sigma hunts a lot at Auto Focus Continuous mode, and in effect, I lose some of the good moments, on the other hand, my kit lens is very quick on AF-C mode.
2) Related to above, Focus is really really finicky. It can't make up its mind. At very large apertures, 2.8 and above where the DOF is shallow, i get back/front focus of my subjects when they move, making it a bit difficult to get candid shots.

The sigma, being the only fast prime that is capable of AF with the D40 and there isn't really a Nikkor alternative at the moment. But due to its finicky Auto Focusing nature, it is more practical to use MF at low light, therefore negating the AF feature! But overall, I am happy with the Sig30, and learning its strengths and weakness is key to effectively maximizing the lens.

Basically here's what I see as the Sigma 30mm's strengths: Still Life Photography, general low light photography with limitations, Portraits and basically anything where your subjects are big.

and here are the weakness I perceive that the Sigma 30mm exhibits: Low light action shots due to finicky AF. Small Subjects due to its relatively long min. focus distance.


Here are some of my sample shots with the Sig30:

Still Lifes/Low Light Photos:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2130390641_3b367b6b98.jpg
The fish photo has some PP done, crop, color correction, levels, sharpening.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2148224791_3e0a5ba9c2.jpg

The Xmas Lights Photo has No PP:

Action Shots:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2148225127_cf364e88d6.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/2148225579_875563390c.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2149021184_4342298cdf.jpg

The action shots are 1/100, f/8, ISO 400, rear synced, bounce flash (SB-400) off the ceiling.

have you tried other units of the sigma 30/1.4? it's supposed to perform well in focusing

have you tried other units of the sigma 30/1.4? it's supposed to perform well in focusing

Unfortunately no.... the first unit I tested, it performed ok with the Focus chart. My lack of experience did not make me fully test the lens at all shooting conditions.

But it is a few weeks old, I wonder if JT will give me a hard time if I have them service it....

Any other Sig30 owners have comments?

why not go back to JT and compare it with the other 30/1.4s they have? then if you see a difference, have them change or service it

@diego

Yep, that will be what I will be doing when 2008 rolls in! Happy New Year everyone!

:)@diego

Yep, that will be what I will be doing when 2008 rolls in! Happy New Year everyone!


i think that won't be necessary. this lens takes time to master. it behaves quite differently for my d50 and d80. finicky focusing is normal, misfocusing is indeed an issue at wide open because of dof. whats weird is that when my battery is low, i misfocus a lot with my d80 at af center. with my d50 it doesnt, but since the focus bracket or box, whatever u call it, is quite large, difficult subjects with low contrast the chance of getting the right focus is not 100 percent.

whats weirder is that if i use a different focusing point other than the center, the focus is much more accurate in my d80 at low battery. weird ideed.

still, i have quite have gotten the feel of this lens that i its the one i use indoors all the time. just spend time with it. u will be rewarded.

@Marty

Thanks for the input. But I'm just having a hard time differentiating operator error or a lens issue.

Anyway, here's an example about my focus issue/Operator Issue with the Sigma:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2153199349_b9000f3729.jpg
This is my nephew. I shot handheld with the right and held the flash with my left hand, to bounce the flash off-camera from the ceiling. EXIF data is 30mm, F/2, 1/30, ISO 400 shot in manual mode. (not intentionally though, I just took my camera and didn't change the settings). Anyway, I used the center focus point of the D40 to Auto focus on his eyes. But instead, It seems to me it focused on his hands, (note that this picture has been PP'd with Mr. Librodo's PS Sharpening Workflow). In any case, Im not sure if the front focus/blur is from the camera shake though... also, using a focus chart, i get inconsistent results... sometimes it dead center sharp, sometimes it has front focus, and sometimes is has back focus.... but more often than not, gets it right 6 out of 10 times.

Anyway, just sharing my experiences.... but it can't hurt to bring it to JT and ask them to calibrate it, whether the lens needs it or not right?

won't hurt to make sure :)

As to my case I use only my 30 mm f1.4 for portraits and enviromental shots because of the peculiarity to its DOF. At larger aperture it seeks focus but at f 2.2 there is no problem. I focus it on subject with HIGH contrast and with AF asist light ON.

i was referring to comparing with other available sigma 30mm units as unnecessary as u would probably see the same behavior. if u want to test for front or back focus, try the charts. the d40 focusing might have been tricked by the higher contrast made by the bucket's edge. i have seen this behavior with the nikor 35mm f2 as well.

i have tried to focus on flat objects with high contrast face on at wide open apertures and focus has not shown any issues. i shall post some focus test shots later

some focus test shots. this was at shortest focusing distance. dof is a few mm thin!
click on the image to see it bigger.

Focused on the nose. See the eyes begin to be oof. The dog by the way is as tall as an ordinary-sized mug.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2171778064_2683610775.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiniko/2171778064)



the next shot is focused on the dog's left eye... see the nose a little oof already?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2171777790_5feb17db7c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiniko/2171777790)

how much is this lense in hidalgo?

@dexterchua - How much did you get this lens? Are still encountering trouble using this lens?

@jay

Just some intermittent focus problems in very very poor light, but easily compensated if you know where to point. The lens? I got it 19800 (if i remember correctly) @ JT with 6 months 0% interest.

recent feedback (http://martiniko.multiply.com/journal/item/3/Low-light_photography_with_the_Sigma_30_)from using this lens

1/5 handheld.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/2346218641_83b605c9a5.jpg

Can you post more info??? like aperture setting and ISO setting and body used? This is a nice shot! :) I am tempted.

Can you post more info??? like aperture setting and ISO setting and body used? This is a nice shot! :) I am tempted.

this gem is a light-sucker! very nice bokeh too!!!!

D50
ISO:400
Av: F1.4
Tv: 1/5

was it hard having the subject on focus at f1.4??? I have heard that at f1.4 not the whole subject will be in focus, it is either a part of the subjects body will be in focus.

was it hard having the subject on focus at f1.4??? I have heard that at f1.4 not the whole subject will be in focus, it is either a part of the subjects body will be in focus.

easy and hard are relative...

like any other lens, you need to use them and get used to them. This is the fastest lens I have owned the next were the nikkors 1.8's ( 50 and 85), all exhibit thin DOF. you just have to learn the intricacies of each and focusing is one thing
you'll get the hang of after a few tries.

for this shot, I didn't find it difficult but my companion who tried shooting with my cam and lens did.

Very true Marty! I wonder if this is common with primes or any other particular lens that exhibit such characteristics. I also experience the same with my Sigma 30/1.4. Sometimes I get the pictures that I want, sometimes I don't get the right exposure. There's a lot to be discovered and experimented on and get to know the nuances of this lens.

Very true Marty! I wonder if this is common with primes or any other particular lens that exhibit such characteristics. I also experience the same with my Sigma 30/1.4. Sometimes I get the pictures that I want, sometimes I don't get the right exposure. There's a lot to be discovered and experimented on and get to know the nuances of this lens.

Same here! Very true. It takes one to know one. I have mastered the intricacies and idiosyncracies of this lens. Now it never leaves my D 40. I like this Sigma prime very much:)

Also works well with the PS Fish-eye Adaptor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2380036524_50ded29610.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2379186305_db18fdd349.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/2379191911_1e8526cf66.jpg

Sometimes, my focusing hunts especially when in AI Servo (action) mode (400D/40D) even when the subject is still. I guess it's because it really wants to focus on one particular spot at wide open and when the camera expects the subject to move, the lens expects it as well (???). So, I just put it back to One Shot mode if it acts up and all is well. I am very, very happy with my Sigma 30mm f/1.4! It got me addicted to primes.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2342815197_afaaed3f27.jpg

Now I am in the hunt for another wide Sigma prime! The 20mm f/1.8!

i haven't really had the chance to use this in a while but i bought it out for a dog show. Crisp and smooth :Shock:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2406632005_67f5dcf307.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2407464092_5d9518f247.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2406631817_81c89d9ff2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2406632333_6c0b8afb51.jpg

My share using a Sigma 30 mm f1.4. While everybody else was using a wireless strobes I was only using my Sigma 30 mm f1.4 w/out strobes...just ambient light and the model light from the softbox

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/jigsdoh/Lani%20de%20la%20Cruz/Lanie5.jpg

i haven't really had the chance to use this in a while but i bought it out for a dog show. Crisp and smooth :Shock:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2406632005_67f5dcf307.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2407464092_5d9518f247.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2406631817_81c89d9ff2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2406632333_6c0b8afb51.jpg


@Marty

Super sharp images! :D Nice to know your prime was calibrated by JTPhoto, how long did it take?


Got to resist SAS... (Sigma Acquisition Syndrome).

@diego - perfect!

@nat - 1 day

Nothing to do but was encouraged by your pics using this lens. Shot this inside the house.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2419786913_fee780506d.jpg

Marty - dang sharp images!!!

Got my first copy and had terrible back focusing... Will be sending it back to amazon for replacement.

here's some near good shots... that i get it dead spot, sometimes with a little focus over ride.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n94/engr_mariano/IMG_4186.jpg

sold it after a week, i can stand the back focus.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n94/engr_mariano/IMG_4349.jpg

Got my first copy and had terrible back focusing... Will be sending it back to amazon for replacement.

This lens is on top of my list right now... and I am reading a lot of reviews and found out that it is hit or miss on focus. Others have it like 2-3 trips to sigma for service and once fixed they said it was worth the hassle... not everybody would be willing to go through this hassle though.
So if you guys have this lens and the focus is spot on... considered yourself sooooooo lucky :)

A lot of times when fast lenses are tagged with back focus issues steps from using a wide-open aperture while using focus-recompose techniques. Such a technique isn't as advisable when the DOF is really thin and the subject is close to the lens's closest-focus-distance.

A small shift in camera lens position is enough to throw focus off by an inch or two, which is critical when wide apertures are used as the DOF is so thin already.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n94/engr_mariano/IMG_4349.jpg

wow bokeh!! :)

I am a newbie and plan to get this lens. How do I know if I got a lens with a problem or not? What do I do when I get it to know if it has a problem?

I am a newbie and plan to get this lens. How do I know if I got a lens with a problem or not? What do I do when I get it to know if it has a problem?


do this http://www.focustestchart.com/chart.html

Any of the owners of the sigma 30mm f/1.4 encountered issues using flash for Nikon system?

Looks sharp for my use, no FF BF on my copy. Sample shots from my copy using D40:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2999955876_a19c7904a8.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2999966018_2a9a8d69c3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2999104497_953220325a.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2999098361_2bbb42574d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2999122149_cf0f3eaa23.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2999950516_123a4788a2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2999953520_9c1149855b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2999959184_14ca97207f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2999127021_4f4bdfdba5.jpg

jaybee - what apertures were those shots taken?

jaybee - what apertures were those shots taken?

I think f/1.6 - f/1.8

I think f/1.6 - f/1.8

Wow! Then thats sharp :)

Wow! Then thats sharp :)

I love it when you don't have to have long shutter speeds and do-with no flash shots. I am starting to like uber sharp lenses, I even got a tamron 90mm to complement as a macro and mid-telephoto lens, which is also uber sharp!. Now my 70-200 VR collects dust on my storage. hehehe

My share for today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/3012317106_eb553a02f5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3012312056_d3ff1f0617.jpg

wow, how much does this goody cost?

wow, how much does this goody cost?

I think its around Php 19k at JTPhoto.

Where's my freakin fries?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2999235713_5a37a82a76.jpg

Shop-a-holic trainee

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3000087236_485a7d4977.jpg

Wow.. I've just read this thread all the way from the first post and it seemed that this lens is really worth it. I may have to start saving up for this. :)

OMG!!! i have to get my self one.... super wow!!!!

Where can I buy this lens locally?
Any reliable shops?

JT photo also has this den at 19,800. check the dponline website I showed you. :)

i love this lens..

I dunno if it's a good idea to buy this online.
Most reviews state that we have to check for front/back focusing.



JT photo also has this den at 19,800. check the dponline website I showed you. :)

I dunno if it's a good idea to buy this online.
Most reviews state that we have to check for front/back focusing.

In the case of a bad Sigma copy, JT photo can calibrate the lens for you for free.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2972139164_0aea6c8d12.jpg

sample photo from this lens..

I'm not sure if this will still be handy for those looking to buy this lens. I got mine a few months ago and after using it extensively, I realized that I should have purchased this lens earlier. :D Oh well.

Here are some photos to help sway those still on the undecided boat. :)

Sunset at Mt. Sto Tomas, Baguio
f/11
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dcercado/DPP/Dec2908114.jpg

But of course, people don't normally acquire this for landscapes.

This lens is really useful in events.

f/1.4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dcercado/DPP/Dec1108251.jpg

f/1.8
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dcercado/DPP/Feb140984.jpg

And also surprisingly, for portraits. :)

f/1.8
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dcercado/DPP/Jan3109177.jpg

f/1.8
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dcercado/DPP/Jan310934.jpg

So? Still undecided? :Grin:

But the lens is not perfect. This lens:
Displays (yellowish) color banding when shooting at high ISOs and high shutter speeds under fluorescent light.
Misfocuses sometimes (even with proper focusing technique).
Misfocuses alot when a SB800 or SB600 is mounted on the camera.The first part is not the fault of the lens though. It's a function of the speed of the light wave emitted by a fluorescent light source. The workaround is to shoot at lower ISOs and lower shutter speeds.

The last reason is one that bewilders me. I'm wondering if others who own this lens also experience this. Any experiences guys?

an awesome piece of glass! got me a nifty one, i guess. :)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4786785945_cdfa024bb1_z.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4786785945_cdfa024bb1_z.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapness/


exif:

30mm - ISO320
1/40s - F/1.4

But the lens is not perfect. This lens:
Displays (yellowish) color banding when shooting at high ISOs and high shutter speeds under fluorescent light.
Misfocuses sometimes (even with proper focusing technique).
Misfocuses alot when a SB800 or SB600 is mounted on the camera.The first part is not the fault of the lens though. It's a function of the speed of the light wave emitted by a fluorescent light source. The workaround is to shoot at lower ISOs and lower shutter speeds.

The last reason is one that bewilders me. I'm wondering if others who own this lens also experience this. Any experiences guys?

Have your len's firmware updated by Sigma.... AF using Nikon speedlights uses IR, and unfortunately some Sigma lenses have trouble focusing with the IR assist on. Try turning off the IR focus assist... you'll see that the AF will be spot on again. cheers. :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4793908908_6e1f2b3119.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapness/

Base on what Daniel said, I'm getting interested with this lens. I have 50mm 1.8 but I'm not sure if its comparable with this lens.

Compared to the 50mm 1.8, this lens allows you to shoot in a darker environemnt without flash. It has a much more pleasant (to me, anyway) bokeh quality also.


http://i27.tinypic.com/esma76.jpg (http://i27.tinypic.com/esma76.jpg)

30mm - ISO720
1/30s - F/1.4

What about the sharpness of the images?

What about the sharpness of the images?

I think the strength of this lens is its center sharpness wide open. At the corners it loses some but having them not as sharp at these apertures is irrelevant.. they will be out of focus anyway. At f/2.8 though the edges of the frame are not at all bad and are totally acceptable.

I think the strength of this lens is its center sharpness wide open. At the corners it loses some but having them not as sharp at these apertures is irrelevant.. they will be out of focus anyway. At f/2.8 though the edges of the frame are not at all bad and are totally acceptable.

Cool. I'm thinking of using this lens for low light situations. But I also read a lot of FF and BF issues. Where did you get your copy?

Cool. I'm thinking of using this lens for low light situations. But I also read a lot of FF and BF issues. Where did you get your copy?

got mine here in Riyadh. yes, i read about those issues too that's why i tested mine extensively before opening the wallet. :)

i think i got a nifty one. if ever, JT calibrates/services sigma lenses over there right?

got mine here in Riyadh. yes, i read about those issues too that's why i tested mine extensively before opening the wallet. :)


Hi sir, sorry for the OT but where in Riyadh did you buy your lens? any contacts places you could share...i only know akariah..

@edward..

hello kabayan! got mine at Al Harthi in Batha.. look for Shamsan.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4805756603_f6814cf1f7_z.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4805756603_f6814cf1f7_z.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapness/

got mine here in Riyadh. yes, i read about those issues too that's why i tested mine extensively before opening the wallet. :)

i think i got a nifty one. if ever, JT calibrates/services sigma lenses over there right?

Yeah I think they're the official distributor of Sigma lens here in PH. I'm thinking of getting this or a mid-range zoom lens like Sigma 17-50.

:)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4843516697_42d7b8ea39_z.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4843516697_42d7b8ea39_z.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soapness/

i bought this lens for my wife and its amazing......you can even hook it up on your 5d....youll see vignettes but i think its workable from some of the samples i saw on the internet.....

my style was to buy it second hand so i can skip the frustrating recalibration trial and error. i still tested focus though and i needed a lil MFA to get it perfect....i think i need around +/- 4/5 on both 7Ds.

Just bought this lens today and all I can say is its great... The new ones with serial numbers beginning with 11xxxxxx have the new smooth Sigma finish unlike the previous ones with the crinkle finish. The one I got was the crinkle finish, although the also had the new ones with the smooth finish. The reason I got the older one was because it was a very sharp copy compared to the others. I tried 3 copies before I selected the one I got...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_2494-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_2482.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_2485.jpg

hmmm....your lens seems to be front focusing a tad....im assuming you were focusing on batman's head but if you see the stand critical focus is a bit before it. the 50d has MFA correct? maybe you should dial in a little

just playing with my lens again this evening...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_2745.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_2746.jpg

does this lens have the new coating of sigma like the 85mm 1.4? how much?

does this lens have the new coating of sigma like the 85mm 1.4? how much?

if the serial number starts with 11xxxxxx then it has the new coating. When I got mine I test 2 lenses, 2 had the new coating and 1 had the old coating. The one I got was the one with the old coating because it was the sharpest of the 3 that I tested.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_3658.jpg

:)

http://i54.tinypic.com/1264pit.jpg (http://i54.tinypic.com/1264pit.jpg)

This was my walk around lens in when I went to Singapore... all I can say is I don't regret buying it...

how can you not love this lens? :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5244398356_ba779b7ae9_z.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5144wtmk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5146wtmk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5147wtmk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5150wtmk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5153wtmk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/djradavies/Sigma%2030mm/IMG_5165wtmk.jpg

those are a work of art don!

http://i51.tinypic.com/211mhdl.jpg (http://i51.tinypic.com/211mhdl.jpg)

I was just wondering, is there an official "market" thread here in DPP forums? I have the nikon mount of this lens and I am thinking of selling it but I'm not sure this is the right place. Wouldn't want to make a mistake on my 1st ever post right?

The quality of pictures is superb, especially in low light conditions. My reason for selling though is to save up for a nice wide-angle lens. :)

Cheers!

I was just wondering, is there an official "market" thread here in DPP forums?

Cheers!

Selling isn't allowed here. Better edit your post before the mods sees it.

I was just wondering, is there an official "market" thread here in DPP forums? I have the nikon mount of this lens and I am thinking of selling it but I'm not sure this is the right place. Wouldn't want to make a mistake on my 1st ever post right?

The quality of pictures is superb, especially in low light conditions. My reason for selling though is to save up for a nice wide-angle lens. :)

Cheers!

Sorry but there is no market thread and selling is not allowed in our forum. Please see our guidelines again. Thank You.

This lens was a really good buy for me! It has just the right focal length for my needs. I was greatly influenced by this thread.

i have this lens as well, got it 2nd hand. here's a sample (i just skewed the colors and cropped it a bit but other than that no further edits were made):
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ly6QQyI2JU0/TWG5dg3mTfI/AAAAAAAAAGg/aQykqGdGMk8/s640/day+102.jpg

Very nice lens. Always on my camera.


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_mCSbOdVsmf4/TYdpfL7S4BI/AAAAAAAABhs/teYXuvB_Ab0/s800/20110304-IMG_9626.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_mCSbOdVsmf4/TYdpfL7S4BI/AAAAAAAABhs/teYXuvB_Ab0/s800/20110304-IMG_9626.JPG)

has anyone tried to compare this to the sigma 50 1.4?

Sorry but there is no market thread and selling is not allowed in our forum. Please see our guidelines again. Thank You.

Understood. Thanks much!:)

something to share.
my test shot of sigma 30mm f/1.4 ex dc
from JT-makati branch
sooc @ f1.8

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5652460264_83e4784d44.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/elyouch/5652460264/)
Sigma 30mm f1.4 ex dc hsm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/elyouch/5652460264/) by elyouch (http://www.flickr.com/people/elyouch/), on Flickr

hello sigma 30mm 1.4 users. Got this lens too, the purpose is just for video but to my surprise it is a sharp lens for taking photos as well, before I hated sigma, because most of my sigma lenses doesn't have any sharpness when I was still a hobbyist. Now I'm also using this 30mm 1.4 on weddings using our crop bodies like 7D, 60D and 50D, it matches our 5DM2s FOV at 50mm.

just some tips to share.

1. Lens AF is unpredictable. check it from time to time. Use a tripod an use Micro AF adjustment if your body supports it.
otherwise have it calibrated. My observation with this lens is that every month it changes its focusing capability like going back focus nor front focus. you have to calibrate it using Micro AF adjustment to nail the correct focus (it might be depending on the usage, we have 4 to 6 weddings a month and we're using this lens for photo and video). To test the focus, use the battery test, but this time to test the focusing ability, shoot the batteries in a quick random mode and check the focusing if it always nail the focused/targeted battery, if it fails to focus have them calibrated at JT.

2. If you are using the lens. avoid recomposing shots like center AF. choose the desired AF point according to your subject, hold still and take the shot without moving the camera

I've been already using this lens for more than a year I think, and It still deliver tack sharp photos when properly calibrated. Mine has a lot cosmetic issues already :) . solidly built, I don't remember how many times it hit the wall, table or a chair when strapped during events.

HTH

Hey Peter!

Wow, thank you for that. I appreciate it. :)


Have your len's firmware updated by Sigma.... AF using Nikon speedlights uses IR, and unfortunately some Sigma lenses have trouble focusing with the IR assist on. Try turning off the IR focus assist... you'll see that the AF will be spot on again. cheers. :)

sharing a shot from my only lens, the sigma 30 1.4 :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5924785601_d73d45cd76_z.jpg

sharing ;D shot @ F1.6 in broad daylight / nd filter
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5939209594_a99b90264b_z.jpg

sigma 30mm f1.4- bought last week at hk. very nice prime lens. works good on my 550d. very fast and so sharp. worth every sinko! =)

Good day! :) What is the current price of this lens?

Hi guys, You may call me Jun for short . I joined just recently in DPP. I would like to ask if someone could advise me regarding Tamrons lense? I am planning to buy either of the two. I have search the web regarding these new lense, since I'm here in KSA 3hrs away from Jeddah, I believe I am soon to buy one for my Nikon Camera. Hope you can advise me. Thanks a lot. regards

i'm excited about this lens. what is the current price of this lens in hidalgo shops?
tia.