Camera Labs

Pros: fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, quick and silent focus thanks to HSM (similar to Canon's USM technology), lens includes hood and padded carry bag

Cons:

Notes: You'll notice that I haven't listed any "Cons" for this particular lens, although it should be noted that some have noticed a slight yellowish cast and some have mentioned a lack of sharpness wide open. I can't say that either of those problems have plagued me and I would buy this lens again especially when you consider it a cheap alternative to Canon's beloved 35mm f/1.4L. This Sigma will give you close to a 'normal' lens on a cropped body.


30mm, 1/400th, f/9


30mm, 1/30th, f/2.2


30mm, 1/250th, f/1.4 Although photographically this image lacks a lot, it does show the remarkable control you have over the depth of field with fast aperture lens. See image below.


30mm, 1/6th, f/9


30mm, 1/20, f/1.4

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Leica M9, Nikon D300s, Leica X1, Canon S95, Zero Image 6x9

good shots, I was looking for a 30 prime, and I think you just made my mind for me. good review

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Back Window Productions
I can't sing, and I can't write, so the only thing I have to express myself is Photography.
www.backwindowproductions.com (UP!!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_lucas/

Thanks, I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. One thing that I forgot to mention is that when you mount the lens and don't use the battery grip it makes for a relatively 'compact' dslr rig.

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Leica M9, Nikon D300s, Leica X1, Canon S95, Zero Image 6x9

This diptych(both pictures) were shot at f/1.4.

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Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

Steve, do you have large originals of those shots?
I'd love to have a peep at the pixel-level quality of this lens

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

....... I have this lens and find it very good in low light. The sharpness of said 30mm, for what I have used it for has been very good, but yet to do a full test. I am on location tomorrow, subject to weather, and I will get a chance to use the 30mm and a Sigma 300 mm 2.8.

If I get some good snaps I am quite happy for you to play with some images Thomas

1/250s
f/8
iso100
shutter priority to slow shutter speed and increase dof
John

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Nikon D80, D40 and various lenses.

hi everyone,

regards John

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Nikon D80, D40 and various lenses.

Just thought I would add a few shots taken with my 400d and sigma 30mm 1.4. with a snippet of EXIF Data underneath each one.

Julian




Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 2/3 EV





Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 2/3 EV





Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 1 EV
Shot as a RAW file and processed to hell and back in Photoshop CS2 and cropped





Exposure: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 2/3 EV





Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
very very cropped!





Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 1 EV





Exposure: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 2/3 EV






Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 1 EV
Cropped in






Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 2/3 EV

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My flickr page
My kit: Canon 400d - Sigma 30mm 1.4 - Canon 50mm 1.4 - Canon efs-s 60mm 2.8 macro USM - Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM and a Canon 18-55mm

Forgot to mention that the shaded edges were added in within photoshop and were not present in the unprocessed originals.

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My flickr page
My kit: Canon 400d - Sigma 30mm 1.4 - Canon 50mm 1.4 - Canon efs-s 60mm 2.8 macro USM - Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM and a Canon 18-55mm

Indeed interesting and creative subjects. Enjoyed watching.
One question - how is the autofocus on this lens? Macro, moving, low light etc.

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Sonyian?

My Flickr - Comments very welcome
Gear: a200, Sony 18-70 3.5-5.6 DT, Minolta 50 1.7 AF, Lowepro TLZ Mini, GorillaPod SLR Zoom
Saving for Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM Macro II (50%)

Thanks

how is the autofocus on this lens?
The autofocus is nice and fast and easy on the ear.

Macro
This is not a macro lens as it's a 30mm so min focal distance is 40cm so when your too close the focus will hunt around to find the focus point!

low light
Although this is a fast prime lens the focus can struggle in very low light situations.


etc.?
Overall this is a fantastic lens to play with, well suited for portrait work on a cropped body.
If you're into shallow depth of field or bokeh shots, then take this lens for a spin at f1.4, you wont be disappointed.

My personal advice though is if you're considering buying the sigma 30mm f1.4, try before you buy, as there are few people who have had poor quality versions!


Julian

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My flickr page
My kit: Canon 400d - Sigma 30mm 1.4 - Canon 50mm 1.4 - Canon efs-s 60mm 2.8 macro USM - Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM and a Canon 18-55mm

Great for low light situations... like bars and clubs or urban night shots.



Exposure: 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 1/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire





Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 1/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

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My flickr page
My kit: Canon 400d - Sigma 30mm 1.4 - Canon 50mm 1.4 - Canon efs-s 60mm 2.8 macro USM - Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM and a Canon 18-55mm

Photos are taken with my friend's Sigma 30 f/1.4 all shots taken at f/2.8

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Soon.....

Just noticed this forum page - I figured I'd post links to my photos from this lens. I keep a section of my online galleries divided up by camera and lens, with all the shots from that particular lens or body copied to a single folder, as well as the subject-related folders.

Here's a link to my Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/sigma_30mm_f14

Mine's the Sony/Minolta A mount version, with no motor in the lens. All shots with either the DSLR-A300 or DSLR-A550. All EXIF intact under each photo.