Aghhhh Help!

[Disneygirl 792]

I remember reading a thread here posted either by thegoofster or SrisonS about these tow types of lenses. I think the post read that the 1.4 was better in quality than the 1.8. For the life of me, I can't find that particular post. Can someone help me please? Here are the two types of lenses I was considering.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens

 

[ukcatfan]

I have not personally seen these two lenses compared too much. The Nikon brand 50mm lenses have been though. One is f/1.8 and is a cheaper build quality for around 1/4 the price of the f/1.4. The f/1.4 is more solidly built and has better optics with better bokeh.

For the ones you are looking at, I would guess that the Sigma is a little better, but again is more expensive. The difference in aperture can help you get a slightly faster shutter speed when needed though.

 

[My2Girls66]

I really like my 35mm 1.8. Great little lens for $199 price
I am pretty sure there are quite a few on this board that have the Sigma that will chime in.
Here are some reviews and sample pictures for both.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Nikon-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U0H06/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-AF-S-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=pd_cp_p_0

 

[SrisonS]

Wasn't posted by me. ..... if that helps your search. Good luck!!!

 

[Disneygirl 792]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Autofocus Lens. It is $439.95 on B&H.

 

[DebºoºS]

I have the Sigma 30mm and LOVE it. Sharp and fast and not too tight for WDW. It's a bit big and heavy but well worth it. I stopped using my Nikon 50mm 1.4 after getting the Sigma. In May I brought my Nikon 50mm 1.2 AIS and used it one night using the Sigma the rest of the time.

 

[zackiedawg]

Have you looked through a 50mm lens vs a 30mm lens on your camera? Maybe you have a zoom that covers these two ranges - try setting your lens on the 30mm mark and the 50mm mark so you can see the differences in the framing. This might help you determine which might work better for your type of shooting.

Personally, like Deb I have virtually never used my 50mm again since getting the Sigma 30mm F1.4 - mostly because the 30mm lens works in just the right range that I prefer when shooting - on a crop-body DSLR it gives a neat 45mm framing, which is closer to the standard 50mm of yesteryear than the 50mm lens, which actually frames at 75mm on a crop body camera. Your camera is a crop body too, so whatever the lens says is multiplied by 1.5x for the equivalent framing view.

Since the Sigma 30mm F1.4 and the 50mm F1.4 you mentioned are very close in price, I'd try to determine what focal length you would get the most use out of and let that help you choose.

 

[mom2rtk]

Have you looked through a 50mm lens vs a 30mm lens on your camera? Maybe you have a zoom that covers these two ranges - try setting your lens on the 30mm mark and the 50mm mark so you can see the differences in the framing. This might help you determine which might work better for your type of shooting.

Personally, like Deb I have virtually never used my 50mm again since getting the Sigma 30mm F1.4 - mostly because the 30mm lens works in just the right range that I prefer when shooting - on a crop-body DSLR it gives a neat 45mm framing, which is closer to the standard 50mm of yesteryear than the 50mm lens, which actually frames at 75mm on a crop body camera. Your camera is a crop body too, so whatever the lens says is multiplied by 1.5x for the equivalent framing view.

Since the Sigma 30mm F1.4 and the 50mm F1.4 you mentioned are very close in price, I'd try to determine what focal length you would get the most use out of and let that help you choose.

I'm in the same boat. There's just something about the 50mm length that seems either too long or too short to me, never just right. I have only used the 50mm one time since buying the 30. I'm thinking of selling it, but it's a relatively inexpensive lens (I have the 1.8) so I'll probably just hang on to it. My issue has been with the focal length on this, not the aperture.

 

[Disneygirl 792]

It's funny you should mention the Sigma 30mm, it was my first choice. DH doesn't want me to get it because he doesn't "trust" it. I think he wants to stay with Nikon lenses but I don't know why. To me, if the Sigma is compatible with the Nikon D5000, I say why not...I need to talk him into it.
The 50mm does seem a bit long for me as well like the pp said.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

If this helps any, I have three Sigma lenses and two flashes. I am extremely happy with all my Sigma products. I did have a problem with my 70-200 f2.8 so I sent it in for repairs. It was sent last Monday, arrived in NY on Wednesday, repairs completed under warranty on Friday and it is currently enroute back to me. Customer Service has been great. My next lens purchase will be the Sigma 30!! I need a lowlight prime and for the money ,IMHO, you can't beat it.

 

[zackiedawg]

Not only would I not worry about Sigma, being as they are a huge company making lots of third party lenses for virtually every manufacturer (my 30mm F1.4 is on my Sony/Minolta mount)...but even Sigma has two levels of lenses - their 'EX' classified lenses are of a noticeably better quality and build compared to some of their bargain lenses. While all of them should be fine quality wise, the EX lenses are really built. The Sigma 30mm lens is built like a tank...noticeably better than the kit lenses and bottom-line plastic lenses you get from Nikon and other manufacturers. Once you see it and hold it, I'd be fairly confident anyone would stop worrying about its quality or durability!

 

[Disneygirl 792]

Thanks for the helpful info. I just put the Sigma 30mm in my cart and took the 50mm out. I need a lowlight prime and like Gianna'sPapa said for the price, you can't beat it!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I will second Zackiedawg, my 3 EX lenses are built like tanks!