11-22-2010, 05:57 PM
[quote name='Azo' timestamp='1289530478' post='4116']
Photozone rate this lens as sub-average (2 stars). I compared it side by side with Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 USM (a $1,600 lens, 4 stars) and I really cannot see from the graphs such a big difference. A f/1.4, 30mm @ $440 looks great for me, but I was disappointed by the review (I am still trying to convince myself to add it to my Christmas list). Maybe Henry's may let me shut some pictures to test it. I would appreciate the opinion of somebody who own this lens. I am interested mostly for the f/1.4 - f/2.8 range since I own a Sigma 17-70 mm that covers f/2.8 and up @ 30 mm.
[/quote]
I think it often comes down to quality control and sample variation. It seems that half of the reviews on the net from testing sites and users say it's a fantastic lens, razor sharp, etc. And the other half say it's not sharp and has focus problems.
I fall into the latter camp. Bought the Sigma 30/1.4 for my Nikons a couple years ago due to the rave reviews and found it unsharp and hazy until about f/4, and even then the corners were still blurry. Only at f/8 did i get a good clean image across the frame. I sent the lens back for refund and didn't want to play the "Sigma Lens Lottery" until i got a perfect copy.
Photozone rate this lens as sub-average (2 stars). I compared it side by side with Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 USM (a $1,600 lens, 4 stars) and I really cannot see from the graphs such a big difference. A f/1.4, 30mm @ $440 looks great for me, but I was disappointed by the review (I am still trying to convince myself to add it to my Christmas list). Maybe Henry's may let me shut some pictures to test it. I would appreciate the opinion of somebody who own this lens. I am interested mostly for the f/1.4 - f/2.8 range since I own a Sigma 17-70 mm that covers f/2.8 and up @ 30 mm.
[/quote]
I think it often comes down to quality control and sample variation. It seems that half of the reviews on the net from testing sites and users say it's a fantastic lens, razor sharp, etc. And the other half say it's not sharp and has focus problems.
I fall into the latter camp. Bought the Sigma 30/1.4 for my Nikons a couple years ago due to the rave reviews and found it unsharp and hazy until about f/4, and even then the corners were still blurry. Only at f/8 did i get a good clean image across the frame. I sent the lens back for refund and didn't want to play the "Sigma Lens Lottery" until i got a perfect copy.