The Sigma 35 1.4 DG HSM

[PatrickONeill]

the name is a mouthful, but the images from this lens is stunning.

I've been shooting it for over a month now and I'm really impressed by its performance for the price.


Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 2013 by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr


Trinity River Vision by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr


Trinity River Vision by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr


Trinity River Vision by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr

no focus issues on a 5D classic and the "onion ring" bokeh is completely overblown. my only gripe is its size and weight, but thats a minor issue when I get excellent results.

 

[raid]

What is the cost?

 

[PatrickONeill]

at $899 USD.

 

[agoglanian]

I keep wondering if it would be worth selling my Canon 35L that I've had on and off for so many years. This lens does appear to be rather impressive, but the sad truth is that it drove down the price of the 35L so I'll probably not switch. I bought my latest one just last year at nearly $1400, yet not even 8 months later I'd be lucky if I got $1100 for it. Kind of a steep hit to me so this Sigma would have to decimate it for me to be willing to write off $300.

 

[redisburning]

I keep wondering if it would be worth selling my Canon 35L that I've had on and off for so many years. This lens does appear to be rather impressive, but the sad truth is that it drove down the price of the 35L so I'll probably not switch. I bought my latest one just last year at nearly $1400, yet not even 8 months later I'd be lucky if I got $1100 for it. Kind of a steep hit to me so this Sigma would have to decimate it for me to be willing to write off $300.

it's good enough I would do it.

YMMV of course.

 

[Range-rover]

Sigma is making some nice lenses now. They look better built and the glass is
better, and offer a nice range.

range

 

[PatrickONeill]

The Sigma receives nice reviews but I must say that the photos you showed, don't really require a 1.4 lens, do they?

yes and no. I like the sigma for more reasons than its fast speed.

yes, for the color I get out of camera is wonderful.
yes, for the non-existent distortion.
yes, for AF speed
yes, for image contrast.
Yes, for its sharpness.

I hardly shoot faster than ƒ2... and to be honest, I was going to buy the canon 35mm ƒ2 IS USM. I like its size and weight. and ƒ2 is fast enough for most of my work and I don't mind its price if it delivers the goods. I had the canon in my shopping cart, and on a lark, decided to check out the sigma. But after comparing sample images, the canon just didn't impress me. Which sucks, because I've waited for the lens for a long while.

I love the sigma because of the overall image quality and sharpness. the fast speed is nice too. Its great for isolating subjects for portraits or when that light gets low, but I've yet to really exploit its fast aperture, but I completely plan on it when I can. I picked up the canon Ee-s screen for my 5D so I can shoot wide open a bit more confidently.

 

[PatrickONeill]

I keep wondering if it would be worth selling my Canon 35L that I've had on and off for so many years. This lens does appear to be rather impressive, but the sad truth is that it drove down the price of the 35L so I'll probably not switch. I bought my latest one just last year at nearly $1400, yet not even 8 months later I'd be lucky if I got $1100 for it. Kind of a steep hit to me so this Sigma would have to decimate it for me to be willing to write off $300.

what did it for me was the fact that my 5D doesn't have micro-adjustment for focus. the 35mm sigma is compatible with their USB dock, so, if I needed to adjust anything, I could. whereas, with the 35L, I just have to hope that the body and lens are a good match.

 

[Glenn2]

Glad to hear your positive report. I have one ordered to use on a D800e. Word on the grape vine is that it exceeds the big name 35 f/1.4 lenses optically but isn't weather sealed as well, so be careful in the rain.

Glenn

 

[PatrickONeill]

its not a picture thread unless there are cats involved. 🙂

at ƒ1.4

IMG_8982-as-Smart-Object-1 by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr

100% crop

IMG_8982-as-Smart-Object-1_crop by lightcapturestudio, on Flickr

 

[agoglanian]

I decided to go for it. I have a connection with Sigma through work so the cost of switching is minimized for me.

Well I should say, I will be going for it, once someone buys my 35L 🙂