Which one and why ?

[MKhead72]

Out of these three choices of lenses, which one would you buy and why ? ( You guys will be helping me make a final decision... ) First lens is a Sigma 30mm 1.4, Second choice is Nikkor 35mm 1.8, and last but not least the Nikkor 50mm 1.4. Please let me know why you the lens you do ! Thanks to all for your help

 

[KarenAylwood]

Sigma 30mm f/1.4, hands down. I LOVE love love this lens, and I went through the same decision making process in June (only it was with Canon and not Nikon). It gets really great reviews and is a favorite on this board. I like it because the 30mm allows me to use it indoors more- I even sometimes find myself wishing I had a bit more room. I do find that I often need the 1.4 vs the 1.8 as well. Great for dark ride shots at Disney too!

 

[ukcatfan]

I cannot comment on the 35mm vs. the 30mm, but the 50mm is enough different. If you plan on doing indoor shooting with it or rides at WDW, then the 30mm or 35mm would probably be better. If you are planning to shot things like kids sporting events, you would probably enjoy the 50mm more. You can see the difference in the focal lengths with your standard zoom.

 

[zackiedawg]

Sigma 30mm F1.4 would be my first recommendation...probably 35mm 2nd choice. Nothing against the 50mm, but I have found my 30mm F1.4 much more useful than my 50mm F1.7. I started with a 50mm F1.7 because it was the cheapest way to get a low light lens, and still occasionally find use for it, but in general the Sigma suits better as an all-purpose walkaround lens, because of the 'normal' 45mm-equivelent focal range for general shooting, and for the wider perspective it can give in indoor low light scenes.

I also find that it is a very sharp lens, very well built, and a quite reasonable price.

 

[annnewjerz]

Another vote for the Sigma 30 f/1.4!

Of all the lenses I have owned, this is still my favorite. The focal length is perfect to use as a walk-around lens, as well as on those dark rides in Disney. I am in love with the color rendition and contrast this lens produces. When shooting wide open, the bokeh is nice and creamy and when stopped down, the lens is extremely sharp.

Yes, it costs around twice the amount of Nikon's 35 f/1.8, but if you have the extra $200 or so to spend, I think it's well worth it in the long run.

Happy shopping!!

 

[MKhead72]

Thank you all for your input. I have been reading reviews on all three of the lenses and really leaning towards the sigma 30mm f/1.4. But there are some reviews that were stating when this lens first came out that it had issues that required it to be sent to sigma for repairs. Have they worked out the bugs on on it now ? Any problems with yours ? Thanks again !!

 

[lovespring]

I also go with Sigma 30mm F1.4.

 

[Golf4food]

30mm if you are thinking about dark rides at WDW - wider angle is definitely better for those since a lot of the focal points are pretty close to your cart/boat and a 50mm might cut off too much of your intended shot.