Don't avoid this Weird Lens - Sigma 60mm f/2.8 Photowalk

[@teresitorabaya6401]

I have the dynamic duo. The MZuiko 17mm f1.8 and the 45mm f1.8. I used the 17mm for street photography while the 45mm for portraits. Both are very sharp. For me I would prefer the Sigma 56mm f1.4 over the Sigma 60mm f2.8, great for low light scenario. But that just me... BTW..Nice pictures...loved it. Good work.

[@cameraexplorations]

It's great to hear that you're using the wide-tele prime lens duo too! I agree, the Sigma 56mm f1.4 is a better choice than the Sigma 60mm f2.8, especially for low light situations. I got the 60mm prime simply out of curiosity, and it turned out to be a good experiment as I'm quite pleased with the results. I'm happy you enjoyed the photos! Keep having fun with your dynamic duo - in my view, it truly enhances the joy of photography!

[@majamogens]

I had Olympus's 12-40mm and have replaced it with their new 8-25mm which is my new favorite. If I want to get closer, I am the happy owner of their 75 mm, which is really sharp. A really good combination - and no - I don't miss anything 'in between'.

[@cameraexplorations]

That is a good combination, 8-25mm and 75mm! I now only use the 17mm f/1.8 and this 60mm f/2.8. Same thing for me too, I am also not missing anything "in between".

[@ericgonzalez2638]

Super video! Straight to the point to what i am looking for! Awesome

[@cameraexplorations]

Thank you very much for your feedback! I'm happy to know that you enjoyed my video!

[@tompickering]

The 60 f2.8 is sharp sharp sharp and is fast enough to both serve as a decent portrait lens (one of my "goto"s) as well as being great for unobtrusive street shooting. It's a real favorite of mine to be sure. A complete bargain for the price.

[@cameraexplorations]

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying your 60mm f/2.8 lens and that you make use of its benefits!

[@guycohen14]

What makes it not for video?

[@robertwlivings2362]

@@guycohen14I love this for video. Shot a feature film ‘weekend healer’ where the majority of our OTS shots were with this lens.

[@alangauld6079]

I used to have the 19mm Sigma and it was sharp but I didn't like how the focusing mechanism rattled when the power was off. I do have the Olympus 60mm f2.8 macro lens and sometimes take it out on street walks, but the 45mm f1.8 is my goto companion for my 17mm.

[@cameraexplorations]

Yes, the Sigma 60mm's focusing mechanism also rattles when the power is off, but it doesn't bother me. I`m glad to hear that you also use a 60mil! Indeed, it's bigger and the 45mm f1.8 is more suite for street photography - good companion for the 17mm!

[@kaleid1990]

Ha, what were the changes to stumble upon a conational, I recognised the park :D awesome video!

[@cameraexplorations]

It is a nice park and a small world. Glad to hear from you! Have a beautiful spring! Thanks! 😀

[@krizzia_joy]

I am using the same lens and it is so fun! I am using it to capture moments of people as well. Thank you for this review! I feel validated 😅

[@emilianoramos4386]

Excelent video. I have several lenses for mft, including pro zooms and non pro primes, but if I have to pick (price/performance) I think I agree with Robin Wong and has to be the 25mm F1.8 and second the 45mm F1.8. I don't have the F1.2 Pros and think that the Pro Zooms (7-14 or 40-150 F2.8) are a little specialized. The 12-40 F2.8 is an excellent general purpose lens. I have the Sigmas 30mm and 56mm F1.4. Honestly, size/weight/performance/focal the Olympus 25mm F1.8 is a better purchase than the 30mm. Regarding the 56mm I think it could replace a 75mm F1.8 (although this is a very interesting focal length for theater or indoor sports, very useful for kids presentations and be able to contain ISO numbers) or 45/42.5 F1.2, otherwise, the 45mm F1.8 is a better value purchase. Best regards.

[@cameraexplorations]

Thank you, Emiliano! I also watch Robin Wong's videos and, indeed, when it comes to price/performance, the 25mm F1.8 and the 45mm F1.8 make a good team. I also encourage this idea of buying lenses that bring good value at a lower price. We can enjoy photography even if our lens doesn't have an F1.2 on it. F1.8 lenses are also great! All the best!

[@robertwlivings2362]

I love this lens for video. Creates beautiful intimate moments for OTS shots.

[@cameraexplorations]

Yes, it is great for video/intimate OTS shots!

[@RKSudan]

This lens is sharp but I haven't shot more than ten photos with it since it was purchased some four years ago. Why? Because I couldn't find any reason to mount it on my A6000 other than portrait photography - something I rarely do. Thank you for this video. It encouraged me to pull out the 60 mm Art and start shooting while moving around. Suddenly, this lens has become useful.

[@cameraexplorations]

I'm glad to hear that! It has happened to me too! Sometimes, all we need is an example to grasp the different possibilities. With a quick glance, we can easily determine our next steps. Enjoy your Sony A6000 and Sigma 60mm Art lens!

[@TecnologiacreativaMario]

I really like Sigma 60mm 2.8, I use a lot in concerts and specially in portraits because it is really so sharp that I can count the veins in the model eyes, I used in street photography too with good results but now it's hard to find and buy this lens (I have the Sigma19mm f2.8 too but I prefer the 15mm Leica 1.7)

[@cameraexplorations]

The Sigma 60mm 2.8 is a great choice for concerts/portraits/street - it brings so many benefits thanks to its 120mm FF equivalent and its f//2.8 aperture. Glad to hear you're enjoying it! Unfortunately, yes, this lens, that was released back in 2013 is hard to find nowadays. Between the Sigma 19mm and the Leica 15mm that you have, I would also prefer the 15mm :D

[@markhoffman9655]

I had the original Sigma lens years ago -for a little while -and then sold it. As a prime it was it was neither fast, nor especially sharp nor compact and didn't close focus My Olympus kit zooms covered the range with zoom versatility and the slower stop was offset by the excellent IBIS.

[@cameraexplorations]

Thank you for mentioning this! Indeed, for the more pretentions photographer, this is not one of the best lenses. I found it at a low price, bought it and made a video. As mentioned in the first seconds, the topic is also about "Why we shouldn't avoid a telephoto prime lens for Street Photography". The Sigma 60mm f/2.8 is the only telephoto prime lens that I have at the moment, so this is what I used.

[@HistoricMetals]

"Scary, but I like it!" - that made me giggle, those evil damn ducks! Awesome.

[@cameraexplorations]

Those red eyes don't give them a friendly look. :D Glad you liked my video! Thanks!

[@HistoricMetals]

@@cameraexplorations I did like it, very enjoyable. Also, I got my Sigma 60 in the mail today from my eBay find, so I had watched this before deciding to order it, and then again today once the lens arrived. Actually, I'm a Sony nerd, with a few sony cameras, but went lens shopping and found this bundle "Sony Alpha NEX-C3 16.2MP Digital Camera - Black with Sigma DN 60/2.8 lens & External Sony Flash module" for just $209!!!! I think I scored, I wasn't looking for this lens in particular, but that bundle was too cheap not to buy. I can always use another sony system based camera for something anyway, even if it's a bit old and limited in capabilities. So your video got me actually excited about the lens. So one question, its my first sigma and the autofocus sound is very different from that of the other AF zooms I have. Does yours also sound somehow... "different" than your other zooms? Like it sort of has more of a buzz than a rumble. This is incredible hard to explain in text of course, but I guess I am asking, if it works and focuses well, is the sound it makes, sort of motor like, sort of buzzy, normal for sigma AF motors? It doesn't sound "broken", and it works fine, it just sounds vastly different than my other AF lenses.

[@cameraexplorations]

Yes, I can confirm the Sigma DN 60mm f/2.8 does sound differently. If the camera is turned on and you place your ear next to it, you can hear a constant "humm" . It is like a laptop cooling fan (sort of); and when you press the shutter button halfway the lens noises get even a bit louder. Also, when the camera is turned off, and you shake it, the elements inside the lens move as if the lens is broken, but it's not - as soon as you turn on the camera, everything's fine - no more sounds while shaking. So there's nothing wrong with your Sigma DN 60mm f/2.8 - those are the sounds it produces.

[@HistoricMetals]

@@cameraexplorations Thank you! I appreciate the detailed response very much!

[@Superz3ro]

I have been walking around lately with the M.Zuiko 75mm/1.8(S) paired with the Leica 15mm/1.7(S), or the Leica 9mm/1.7. My attempts at keeping it somewhat light and simple (not really, using a GH5II plus battery grip). Every lens has its purpose, but the real fun is in discovering unintended uses… 🤔

[@cameraexplorations]

There, my friend, you wrote a good piece of wisdom: "Every lens has its purpose, but the real fun is in discovering unintended uses" . Good one! I agree, 100%!

[@prizepictures1]

Nice video. Good message. Enjoyable pictures. I pair the 17mm F1.8 with Zuiko 45mm F1.8. I did contemplate the Sigma 60mm F2.8 at one point. Also wondering if the Olympus 60mm 2.8 Macro could work.

[@cameraexplorations]

Thank you! The 17mm and the 45mm also make a good pair! Enjoy them! I don't know if the Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro would be a good substitute for the Sigma 60mm f2.8. It all comes down to the focusing speed. Some macro lenses focus fast at normal distance and some lenses don't. Also, there's the price and the size difference. I got my used Sigma lens for just 100 USD.

[@prizepictures1]

@@cameraexplorations : Right. The Sigma is tempting especially for the price. I like the smaller size as well. I don’t have any good zoom lenses but have been thinking of getting one. Do you recommend I stick with primes or do you think I should get a cheap zoom instead? Maybe the Panasonic 35-100mm F4-5.6? Do you only shoot primes or do you also have zooms?

[@cameraexplorations]

I have two zoom lenses that came with the camera: 14-42mm and 40-150mm, but most of the time, for what I like to do (street photography), I use prime lenses. One of the main benefits of owning a Micro Four Thirds sensor camera is the 2x magnification (crop factor). This being said, I would go for a zoom lens with more reach, like the Olympus 75-300mm, that gives a Full Frame equivalent of 150-600mm. If you don't want such a big reach, then yes, the Panasonic 35-100mm is fine - a good-decent lens.

[@alangauld6079]

I have the 45mm and 60mm macro. The 60mm is noticeably slower to focus, although better if you use the focus limiter switch. But it's not really worth buying for street work, it's only a good option if you already have it for macro.

[@alangauld6079]

@@cameraexplorations The Lumix 45-175 is a good lens for street work if you want something long because it has an internal zoom so doesn't change size when zooming and its faster than the 75-300 too. It's also very light and compact to slip into a pocket. When I go on holiday I take a Lumix GX80 plus 14-42 pancake and the 45-175. The whole bundle fits easily in a small bag or even into a big pocket and covers 28-350mm FFE. Coupled with my 9mm fisheye lens cap I've never felt like I was missing anything.

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I have this lens and can testify that it is one of the very best MFT lenses you can pair with your Olympus body . For most of my wide angle shots I use the 28 mm on my phone and use the Sigma 30 mm 2.8 for just about everything else when walking about . The 60 makes a great portrait lens and much more besides , so do not be afraid to use it outside of its traditional role . I enjoyed the video - thank you .

[@cameraexplorations]

This is an interesting combination: smartphone camera for wide angles paired with the 30mm of a MFT camera. This really allows you to enjoy photography whenever you want and that's great! I avoid using my iPhone 11. Even if it sound counterintuitive, I don't have the drive to pull out the phone if I don't have one of my "big" cameras with me. You are enjoying both and I appreciate that! Glad to hear that you also like the 60mm! Thank you too for the kind comment!

[@carmenfissenden2530]

@@cameraexplorations I look forward to reading more about how you capture your images and how your workflow has adapted to maximised your best work .

[@cameraexplorations]

There's not much that I can say about it, but to sum it all up in one word: practice. I bought my first dslr in 2008, so I've been photographing for a while now. I also am a collaborator in a photo-video team that does weddings. Been doing weddings for more than 10 years and became the main photographer of that team. There are a lot of moments that happen in a wedding and this definitely was a good training for me.

[@Superz3ro]

@@cameraexplorationsIf you are using any of this gear for weddings, then I am impressed… All you need to take a good photo, is a camera, and the confidence to snap the shutter button… Paraphrasing Maitani 🤔

[@cameraexplorations]

I take photos at weddings with gear that a friend provided, Canon gear, but I agree... All you need to take a good photo, is a camera, and the confidence to snap the shutter button. 😀

[@imunain]

I agree

[@cameraexplorations]

Thank you for commenting!

[@marksmodellingmadness]

I like my 45mm f1.8 Olympus and F2.8 Leica macro lenses.

[@cameraexplorations]

It seems that the Olympus 45mm f1.8 is very popular. I will probably try one soon. Interesting combination, 45mm + the macro lens!

[@marksmodellingmadness]

@@cameraexplorations Yes, they are both 45mm but they do very different jobs. I use the Leica F2.8 for macro (obviously :) and product shots for work. The Olympus F1.8 I use mainly for portraits. It focuses faster than the Leica which is an old lens now, so is better for getting the shot.

[@froreyfire]

I looked at this lens recently, but the Sigma 56 1.4 (contemporary) seems about the same price and length but much faster. What's the advantage of the 60 compared to the 56?

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

The Sigma 56mm is a beautiful lens. I bought 2 of them one for my wife and one for me

[@cameraexplorations]

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 is definitely a better lens. It was released recently, while the 60mm hit the market 10 years ago. On top of that, the 56mm has a much brighter aperture (much needed for crop sensor cameras). I just picked the 60mil because I found it at a low price (100USD) and made a video about it. Long story short, go for the 56. There is nothing else to add from my side. :)

[@tompickering]

The 60 is a good deal smaller and lighter - and the FOV is noticeably wider. The main difference though is cost. I have both and use both - but to be fair only ever pack one or the pother in my bad at a time. If you're rich get the 56, poorer, then the 60 is a great substitute.

[@horeica]

What about the macro capabilities?

[@cameraexplorations]

It can focus at a minimum distance of 0.5m/1.64 feet away from the sensor. I have some photos, they look good, but haven't integrated those into this video. I'm planning to create another channel, dedicated only to lens sharpness tests. When that will be up, I'll definitely test this lens.

[@Fotznerwin27]

Seriously, using a tele lens for landscape is a complete game changer! Once you're getting used to it, you'll laugh at everyone praising ultra-wide lenses as the perfect landscape lenses... They're not perfect! Try a 135mm prime on full frame and we'll talk!

[@cameraexplorations]

Only in this video I tried a tele prime lens for landscapes, but I can definitely see the benefits. Indeed, there's this misconception that we should use wide and ultra-wide lenses for landscapes. There's also a so-called "ideal" prime lens on full frame for landscapes, the 28mm, but that isn't true. 135mm, on full frame, works great and it definitely deserves a place in the camera bag!

[@godsinbox]

that 60mm lens was the worst Ive ever used. I bought it new. it didnt work with oly 3 axis stabe. I just googled it and turns out I wasnt alone. anti shock of 1/8 may have helped. pity

[@cameraexplorations]

Thanks for sharing this! It will be useful for people reading the comments section.

[@bamsemh1]

Why not just oly 60mm f2.8? 🤔

[@cameraexplorations]

The Olympus 60mm f2.8 is also good. I just found the Sigma lens at a low price and decided to buy it. If I were to find the Oly 60mm at the same price, I would have bought the Oly. This video is also about why we shouldn't avoid telephoto prime lenses for street photography. So, if its the Sigma 56mm f1.4 or the Oly 60mm f2.8, both of them are good options.

[@Diffusion8]

I have this lens. I've only ever taken about 10 photos with it in 9 years. It's nice and sharp. I'm just lazy.

[@cameraexplorations]

It's ok. I'm also lazy sometimes. Planning to get an Olympus 14-40mm f/2.8, to avoid charging lenses often, for ultimate laziness.

[@Diffusion8]

​@@cameraexplorations😂