Current Opinions on the Sigma 30mm 1.4

[Enkil]

Have done a great deal of reading on Nikonians re this lens, and even some here at Dis, and have convinced the keeper of the bank accounts that this is the primary addition to make before our trip to WDW in early December.

That said, what do those who already have this lens think about it ? Are the focusing problems still an issue, how is the build quality, etc.

I will likely be using it as a general walking around normal lens stopped down a bit, as well as low light indoors / parade lens wide open.

Thanks all
Bryant Lucas
D200, SB-800, 50mm 1.8, 18-200, 80-400

 

[handicap18]

I bought this lens to use on my D50. I got it before our trip the week after Thanksgiving last year. While in Disney I took over 1,000 images with it. Mostly because I dropped my 18-135mm lens and the front lens element fell off.

I used it mostly in EPCOT, but also for the night parades (Spectro and MVMCP). I took some OK handheld fireworks shots too.

I've acutally been using this lens quite a bit recently for the past month or so. Mostly for candids of the kids around the house. It is very sharp and fast focusing. Its built well too.

Right now I have it mounted on my D300 and will use it more today.

Here are a few various shots:

I got a good copy. There copies out there with front or back focus issues. People who have come across these copies have sent the lens back to Sigma and had it fixed for free under the Warantee.

 

[oogieboogieman]

It's on the top of my wishlist. I'm just disappointed that it just recently went up in price by about $50.00. When you snooze,you loose!

 

[Quicklabs]

I haven't had any problems with mine. I haven't used it much yet, though. It'll definitely be in my bag when we go to WDW 2-10 December.

Handicap18--is that nighttime parade shot handheld?

 

[handicap18]

I haven't had any problems with mine. I haven't used it much yet, though. It'll definitely be in my bag when we go to WDW 2-10 December.

Handicap18--is that nighttime parade shot handheld?

Yes, all these shots are hand held. For the nighttime parade we got a great spot in front of the Diamond Horseshoe. There was an outside light on the building that was helping light that section of the parade route so I got great shutter speeds. I was at ISO 1600, f/1.4 and was getting around 1/125th for a shutter speed on average. That parade shot was 1/100th at f/1.8 (I think I also used the 50mm f/1.8 right before this part of the parade came by, but I liked the wider focal length of the 30mm better, either that or I was using a smaller aperture since I was getting good shutter speeds. Hard to recall at this point. I know I used the 50mm for a short time).

 

[Quicklabs]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what this lens will do for me this December. You were shooting with your D50 at the time, weren't you?

0

Yes, all these shots are hand held. For the nighttime parade we got a great spot in front of the Diamond Horseshoe. There was an outside light on the building that was helping light that section of the parade route so I got great shutter speeds. I was at ISO 1600, f/1.4 and was getting around 1/125th for a shutter speed on average. That parade shot was 1/100th at f/1.8 (I think I also used the 50mm f/1.8 right before this part of the parade came by, but I liked the wider focal length of the 30mm better, either that or I was using a smaller aperture since I was getting good shutter speeds. Hard to recall at this point. I know I used the 50mm for a short time).

 

[handicap18]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what this lens will do for me this December. You were shooting with your D50 at the time, weren't you?

0

Correct.

On the Diamond Horseshoe, there are a few steps that go up to the entrance. On either side there is a small tree. I stood in front of the small tree so I had plenty of clearance over the people in front of me and I also wasn't blocking anyone's view.

 

[Code]

I owned a Sigma 30mm before I switched systems.. and then I bought it a second time Guess that's an endorsement from me! Just got back from WDW and it got used quite a bit more than my 50mm.

My first one had front-focus issues, and it took about 2 1/2 weeks in transit and repair time which was frustrating, but it did get fixed correctly the first time.

The only problem is the recent Sigma price increases put it just under $500 and that's pretty steep. I paid $400 for my first one, and got an insane used deal on the second.

 

[Gdad]

The Sigma 30/1.4 is Fabu!

HERE is a thread I started on it a while back....