New Lens

[handicap18]

Finally got the latest addition to my lens lineup, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM. Took a while to get it. I originally ordered it on amazon through adorama. After 5 days with no emails, I sent them an email to find out the status. No response. So I sent another email this time pretty nasty as I paid extra for expedited shipping and it was pasted the delivery date. Apparently just after I ordered it adorama had it go out of stock, but the never sent me any communication stating this. So I had them cancel it. Refund took 2 days. In that time period amazon had it come through in stock for themselves, so I reordered it directly through amazon and got it in 2 days.

Haven't had a lot of time to play around with it, but it is nice. I was surprised how heavy it is. Focus seems to be in fine shape and its auto focus is very quite.

Here are a few shots wide open at 1.4 in natural light at ISO 1600, 1st one at 1/40th, 2nd one at 1/50th:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Thomas/DSC_9110.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Thomas/DSC_9113.jpg

I've found it to be pretty sharp at the mid apertures. I like the focal range with the crop factor. I'm going to use it this weekend as a general purpose lens for DD's birthday party. I'm also hoping to get some real good use out of it at WDW in 2 1/2 weeks.

So far so good.

[deletedpenguin]

Congrats, enjoy!

[Code]

Cool, congrats! I really love mine :) Can't wait to see how it works for you @ WDW.

[AndrewWG]

Cool new lens, Kyle! I was wondering, do you have any specific uses in mind for it? No matter what your uses will be, it is a great one to have in the collection! :thumbsup2

[Groucho]

I'll be very interested to see how it performs on the dark rides at the parks. Good luck! :thumbsup2

Any thoughts yet on the conventional wisdom on this lens, that it's sharp in the center but subpar around the edges?

[YEKCIM]

Kyle,

Congratulations on the new "family" member. Good luck with it, and keep us posted, with examples, of course!

~Ed

[handicap18]

Cool new lens, Kyle! I was wondering, do you have any specific uses in mind for it? No matter what your uses will be, it is a great one to have in the collection! :thumbsup2

I always liked the idea of having a general purpose prime. The 50mm on a crop dSLR is just a bit to long, though I love it for portraits. I plan on using the 30mm for candids this weekend.

I'll be very interested to see how it performs on the dark rides at the parks. Good luck! :thumbsup2

Any thoughts yet on the conventional wisdom on this lens, that it's sharp in the center but subpar around the edges?

I'll be looking for that supposed issue of sharpness. I haven't had much time to give it a good workout yet. I too am looking forward to its performance on the dark rides. I might test it out one night this week outside just to get an idea.