Sigma 28mm 1.8?

[jvz82]

I currently have an 85mm 1.8 lens and a 50mm 1.4 lens. I love these lenses but I really want something where I'm not constantly needing to back up for Disney. We have lots of character meals scheduled or even just standing around in crowded areas I don't want to be so limited.

I don't have a big budget because our budget is going to Disney! So I was looking at the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens for my canon. Have people used that lens? Will that be more versatile for indoor things or crowded areas? I was drooling over the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 but at closer to 500 dollars I just don't think I can swing it. The sigma is under 300.

 

[mom2rtk]

What camera do you have? Is it a crop sensor?

I just bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 used on Ebay and look forward to using it in the parks this fall. I'm looking forward to photographing the dark rides from a wider angle.

 

[jvz82]

What camera do you have? Is it a crop sensor?

I just bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 used on Ebay and look forward to using it in the parks this fall. I'm looking forward to photographing the dark rides from a wider angle.

Yes, it's a crop sensor! Just a Canon Rebel.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes, it's a crop sensor! Just a Canon Rebel.

I agree that the 28mm length is much better for indoor shots on a crop sensor.

If you're comfortable buying used, you can find the Canon brand 28mm on Ebay in your price range. You also might be able to find an older copy of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 in your price range. That was my go to fast prime when I had a crop sensor. The Tokina really is a spectacular lens, but probably outside your price range. Definitely worth it though.

I haven't used the Sigma 28mm so really can't offer an opinion on that one. I know that for a while Sigma had a reputation of being hit or miss on focus, so while I have owned some Sigma lenses and been very happy with them (especially that 30mm), I try to find other options first.

If you buy new from Sigma and find the focus to be off during the warranty, they should calibrate it for you at no charge. I did that a couple times and was very happy with their service.

 

[bob100]

I agree that the 28mm length is much better for indoor shots on a crop sensor.
If you're comfortable buying used, you can find the Canon brand 28mm on Ebay in your price range. You also might be able to find an older copy of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 in your price range. That was my go to fast prime when I had a crop sensor. The Tokina really is a spectacular lens, but probably outside your price range. Definitely worth it though.

I haven't used the Sigma 28mm so really can't offer an opinion on that one. I know that for a while Sigma had a reputation of being hit or miss on focus, so while I have owned some Sigma lenses and been very happy with them (especially that 30mm), I try to find other options first.

If you buy new from Sigma and find the focus to be off during the warranty, they should calibrate it for you at no charge. I did that a couple times and was very happy with their service.

I occasionally use the older Sigma 30mm 1.4 on a crop model but the 22mm f/2 pancake gets a lot more use (on a mirrorless)
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[jamez2014]

I agree that the 28mm length is much better for indoor shots on a crop sensor.

If you're comfortable buying used, you can find the Canon brand 28mm on Ebay in your price range. You also might be able to find an older copy of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 in your price range. That was my go to fast prime when I had a crop sensor. The Tokina really is a spectacular lens, but probably outside your price range. Definitely worth it though.

I haven't used the Sigma 28mm so really can't offer an opinion on that one. I know that for a while Sigma had a reputation of being hit or miss on focus, so while I have owned some Sigma lenses and been very happy with them (especially that 30mm), I try to find other options first.

If you buy new from Sigma and find the focus to be off during the warranty, they should calibrate it for you at no charge. I did that a couple times and was very happy with their service.

i used the sigma 30mm 1.4 last year on a 60d and it was fantastic all rounds lens. i wouldn't hesitate to recommend a few others tho, the 28 and 40mm pancake lenses are great even tho you have 'only' F2.8 makes the whole DSLR alot smaller.

from personal experience i like using primes they can be very creative and alot of fun, but for family shots etc they can be a bit ruthless on the DOF meaning something you did want to be in focus wont be opening up to 2.8 still gives you a nice DOF but keeps more of the key elements infocus, IMO.

 

[mom2rtk]

i used the sigma 30mm 1.4 last year on a 60d and it was fantastic all rounds lens. i wouldn't hesitate to recommend a few others tho, the 28 and 40mm pancake lenses are great even tho you have 'only' F2.8 makes the whole DSLR alot smaller.

from personal experience i like using primes they can be very creative and alot of fun, but for family shots etc they can be a bit ruthless on the DOF meaning something you did want to be in focus wont be opening up to 2.8 still gives you a nice DOF but keeps more of the key elements infocus, IMO.

That Sigma 30mm f/1.4 does even better at f/8 than it does at f/1.4. I agree that wide open the DOF is razor thin, but I generally only use it at that aperture for the darkest of dark rides.

I love the fast primes coupled with the high ISO I can use on my 6D. It's a killer combination.

 

[jamez2014]

That Sigma 30mm f/1.4 does even better at f/8 than it does at f/1.4. I agree that wide open the DOF is razor thin, but I generally only use it at that aperture for the darkest of dark rides.

I love the fast primes coupled with the high ISO I can use on the 6D. It's a killer combination.

I actually now use a 6d and have to admit it's a killer camera

 

[jvz82]

i used the sigma 30mm 1.4 last year on a 60d and it was fantastic all rounds lens. i wouldn't hesitate to recommend a few others tho, the 28 and 40mm pancake lenses are great even tho you have 'only' F2.8 makes the whole DSLR alot smaller.

from personal experience i like using primes they can be very creative and alot of fun, but for family shots etc they can be a bit ruthless on the DOF meaning something you did want to be in focus wont be opening up to 2.8 still gives you a nice DOF but keeps more of the key elements infocus, IMO.

Any thoughts on the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8?? I found that on eBay for 300, which isn't too bad! I'd love a zoom, I don't have one.

 

[jvz82]

I'd really like something where I can take indoor pictures easily, like pictures of my kids with characters at restaurants. My 50mm is just too hard because I have to back up too much. The 17-50mm 2.8 sounds appealing, but do you think 2.8 aperture will be low enough for indoors?

 

[jamez2014]

yes that's a nice lens and would certainly give you a more flexible setup, also consider the tamron 17-50 2.8 that's a great bargain lens there are two variants the VC and non-VC the non-VC is much cheaper but still great lens. it gets a lot of praise for its optical performance for the price.

i personally when using crop sensor used the 17-55mm 2.8 Canon, that was a very nice lens just a tad expensive. HTH

 

[mom2rtk]

The 2.8 mid range zooms are great for a crop sensor. I did a lot of research back when I was shooting with one. I ended up with the Canon and loved it.

I think generally the Tamron is better reviewed than the Sigma. The non VC version is very sharp. Some of that sharpness was lost when they added VC but it was still very good. Here's how I ended up making my decision. I have unsteady hands so wanted some sort of stabilization. I almost bought the Tamron VC version, then checked it out on Youtube. The focus motor is fairly loud and that just broke the deal for me. The Canon is much quieter, not even a comparison. I used that lens for years for about 95% of my shots. I still have it even though I rarely dig out the old T2i.

I still have not gotten to a point where I use a fast lens without flash for character meals. I just don't like the lighting in most of those restaurants to go flashless. Some of it is harsh, some of it is backlit, some leaves shadows on faces. PP is right though, the 50mm length is too tight for most character meal shots.

 

[jvz82]

The 2.8 mid range zooms are great for a crop sensor. I did a lot of research back when I was shooting with one. I ended up with the Canon and loved it.

I think generally the Tamron is better reviewed than the Sigma. The non VC version is very sharp. Some of that sharpness was lost when they added VC but it was still very good. Here's how I ended up making my decision. I have unsteady hands so wanted some sort of stabilization. I almost bought the Tamron VC version, then checked it out on Youtube. The focus motor is fairly loud and that just broke the deal for me. The Canon is much quieter, not even a comparison. I used that lens for years for about 95% of my shots. I still have it even though I rarely dig out the old T2i.

I still have not gotten to a point where I use a fast lens without flash for character meals. I just don't like the lighting in most of those restaurants to go flashless. Some of it is harsh, some of it is backlit, some leaves shadows on faces. PP is right though, the 50mm length is too tight for most character meal shots.

Would I be better off purchasing a speedlite or something?

Looks like I can get the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for under $300 used. That is not bad. I'm really going back and forth between that and a prime with a lower aperture. I'm trying to decide what would be best for the parks but also just for my photography in general. Such a tough decision!

 

[bob100]

Would I be better off purchasing a speedlite or something?

Looks like I can get the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for under $300 used. That is not bad. I'm really going back and forth between that and a prime with a lower aperture. I'm trying to decide what would be best for the parks but also just for my photography in general. Such a tough decision!

you should be able to get a Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc for less, check the buy/sell listings on these sites
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/

you have an 85mm and 50mm and no zoom?

 

[mom2rtk]

Would I be better off purchasing a speedlite or something?

Looks like I can get the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for under $300 used. That is not bad. I'm really going back and forth between that and a prime with a lower aperture. I'm trying to decide what would be best for the parks but also just for my photography in general. Such a tough decision!

At least in my opinion, if you don't have an external flash, I would be finding a way to get one. Pop up flash is nearly worthless, and the fast lens can only do so much. I love my fast lenses, but for people and characters, there are some situations where I just want a flash to take shadows off the faces.

And that's from someone who loved the heck out of her 2.8 zoom.

I'm not generally a prime shooter. I just love the flexibility of a zoom, but even more so at Disney. There are some situations where a zoom just gives you the flexibility your feet can't. Just too many people for you to always move closer or farther away to frame your shot better.

 

[jvz82]

you should be able to get a Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc for less, check the buy/sell listings on these sites
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/

you have an 85mm and 50mm and no zoom?

85, 50 and the kit lens (which is like 18-55mm 3.5 I believe). Last Disney trip I mostly used my kit lens and it was fine but I have been wanting a nicer zoom lens for a while now.

 

[jvz82]

At least in my opinion, if you don't have an external flash, I would be finding a way to get one. Pop up flash is nearly worthless, and the fast lens can only do so much. I love my fast lenses, but for people and characters, there are some situations where I just want a flash to take shadows off the faces.

And that's from someone who loved the heck out of her 2.8 zoom.

I'm not generally a prime shooter. I just love the flexibility of a zoom, but even more so at Disney. There are some situations where a zoom just gives you the flexibility your feet can't. Just too many people for you to always move closer or farther away to frame your shot better.

Are the external flashes difficult to use? I mean more so for my husband. Like if we're in a restaurant do I have an option to put it on auto somehow with the external flash so he can take a couple quick snaps or will he not be able to use it?

 

[bob100]

Are the external flashes difficult to use? I mean more so for my husband. Like if we're in a restaurant do I have an option to put it on auto somehow with the external flash so he can take a couple quick snaps or will he not be able to use it?

for the most part flashes are always on "auto" so yes, you can put your camera on auto mode and the flash on "ETTL" and the pic look fine but like many things a little bit of knowledge will go a long way (camera settings, ability to swivel the flash head and 'bounce' the light, etc.) So if you get an external flash be sure to practice with it before a trip

 

[mcraige]

So if you get an external flash be sure to practice with it before a trip

I second this! I did not practice enough, and didn't get may keepers when taking portrait photos that were back-lit. When I finally changed my metering mode to spot, and metered on the face in the shadow, the flash started firing correctly and I got some keepers.

 

[Spork3127]

What camera do you have? Is it a crop sensor?

I just bought a Canon 28mm f/1.8 used on Ebay and look forward to using it in the parks this fall. I'm looking forward to photographing the dark rides from a wider angle.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Canon 28. I remember recommending it.


I've bought and sold about 8 lenses on FredMiranda.com. It's a a great community and their buy/sell forum has almost everything you could look for.