New Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ART Hands On Review - Plus a comparison with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4

[@learningcameras]

I used to own the old version, and my biggest problem was not that it was always soft, but that it slightly missed focus sometimes which made it soft. It was never super sharp at f/1.4, but most lenses are not. AF is so far is not even offered in most DSLRs and thus I would not worry about the softness from missing focus. As far as general softness, video in DSLRs resolves significantly less resolution than photos thus making the sharpness less of an issue.

[@rosecardamom]

This is the best review of this lens I've seen! :)

[@learningcameras]

You may consider the Canon f/2 IS for video (if you shoot Canon) if you are hand holding the lens and need IS and don't need with wider aperture. Otherwise, go with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 if you shoot with crop cameras only or go for the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 if you think you will ever be using a full frame camera. If you shoot Nikon, I would go with the Sigma lens for video and photo.

[@learningcameras]

If you want to shoot video in daylight at f1.4, you will need a ND filter. Unfortunately the cheap grad filters suck and the good ones are $200-300 starting. If money is a concern, just by a .6 or even .9 fixed ND filter which are around $30-50 starting for a decent one, and use your ISO to fine tune your exposure.

[@learningcameras]

I had no problems with the 18-35 right out of the box. On older Sigma lenses, they were hit and miss but all the new ones I have had (the 18-35, 30mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4) performed awesome right out of the box. If you are shooting video hand held, stabilization is probably important. For video, my setup usually involves a Manfrotto fluid monopod with a fluid head and I have no issues with needing stabilization. For photos at wide angles with wide aperture lenses, stabilization is not as important.

[@AntonioSorlozano]

Good job Dan! I have it since 4-5 years and I think that it's a forgiven lens from sigma to APSc, practically the same quality than most expensive 35mm FF.

[@learningcameras]

Couple things, You can do firmware updates on the lens which is huge. Also, you can fine tune to focusing on the lens if the lens more so than you can on the camera body, and you can limit the focus distances if you wanted which could be great for sports or wildlife photographers who know they will never be focusing on anything closer than 50ft for example. You can also adjust the focus of zoom lenses at multiple points in the zoom range separately for super accurate focus adjustment.

[@learningcameras]

The lens is not large enough to cover a full frame sensor so you will see black around the outside of the image. Plus, the image will not be sharp as you move away from the sensor. Although, the Nikon D800 & D600 can use this lens because it shifts into a crop mode that only uses the center portion of the frame covered by the lens. Of course the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 will work on both a full frame camera and a cropped sensor camera.

[@learningcameras]

I used to own that lens and sold it when I upgraded to full frame cameras. It was a very good lens. I have not been able to compare it side by side, but to the best of my ability having shot with both, the new one is better, but only slightly. I did hear reports that the quality of the old 30mm was hit and miss and some complained about soft images. But mine was sharp. Sigma seems to have upped their game lately at quality control. If your version is good, I probably would keep it.

[@learningcameras]

I used to own the older 30mm model and thought it was a great lens. However, Sigma has really stepped up their game with the Art series. It has way better built quality, looks amazing, and has top notch fit and finish. On the quality side I felt it was better as well but I didn't have the old version to directly compare. The resale value on the new Art series will most likely be way higher than the old versions too because of the build quality.

[@learningcameras]

For video, I would stick with the older version most likely since you are not using AF and the sharpness of the old version lens is way sharper than the resolution that DSLR video can resolve. For photographers, I would get the new one. However, I bet the resale value of the new one if you sold it in a 2-5 years would be at least $100 higher than the old one thus making up most of that difference in price.

[@learningcameras]

I'm not seeing issues so far with the lens. It has been great. The Sigma 35mm 1.4 has almost no issues with it and I have been using that for several months now.

[@learningcameras]

I wasn't able to do a side by side but I would say it would be worth it to save for the new one. It will hold the value longer, take a beating, and stand a better chance of working with the new camera bodies. It also supports the new Sigma dock which allows firmware upgrades. Plus, it did seem a bit sharper with a faster/quieter focusing motor. As I remember, the old 30mm f/1.4 was fairly loud when focusing.

[@learningcameras]

Yes, I would either get the 30mm prime or the 18-35 range. I know the 30mm 1.4 is cheaper but the 18-35mm was an awesome lens ( I have a review of it) and probably worth it. The 18-35 was a much longer lens though so make sure you do not mind the extra size/weight.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! Sigma has the 35mm f/1.4 for Sony...although it is not available yet. Who knows, they might do a Sony mount for this lens.

[@learningcameras]

For the zoom lens, I would actually consider the Sigma 17-70 f/2.80f/4 OS Macro. It gives you Macro, a great zoom range, wider aperture, sharper images, and great build quality. A great all around lens. Look for a 70-200 f/4 used/refurbished if you need more zoom. For the prime, both are good choices. The Sigma is sharper and newer than the Canon though. The 50 would be better for portraits but the 30mm better for general purpose. Of course the Sigma 17-70 is a good portrait lens as well.

[@ogamov]

amazing review ! thanks Dan I own 35mm art but now after your review thinking of switching to this 30mm just because of smaller formfactor. Im on full frame btw. will it perform as good as 35? my old nikkor f1.8 35mm dx was giving me annoying vignetting, so im wandering how this 30mm will do. 35mm 1.4 art sharpness is just ridiculous :) never seen anything like it

[@learningcameras]

Thanks Alec! So this lens is specifically for APSC crop sensor cameras so you will not want it if you shoot full frame. It has extremely good quality though for the price but still just below the 35mm. That lens is ridiculously awesome!

[@justinbuice]

I really like this lens for video. The autofocus works great. However for still photos, the autofocus is seems to be hit or miss at anything wider than 2.8

[@alinabradulescu346]

I have a canon t2i with a 18-135mm kit lens - quite nice, versatile lens, but I've been always looking for that shallow depth of field effect and also I think I'm more into filming than actually photographing; Would changing the 18-135 for the sigma 30mm be a good choice?

[@learningcameras]

It is good but not great. I used to own that lens and it is a decent lens for the price...nothing else comes close for under $800+. However, I might consider the new Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-f4 OS lens just because it is way sharper and you won't take a huge hit on the aperture and pair it with a 30mm or 50mm f1/8 or 1.4 prime lens for a really wide aperture. The Sigma 17-70 also has better stabilization, quieter focusing, longer focal range, and better build quality.

[@learningcameras]

That is almost always true and the 18-35 by Sigma is one of the few exceptions. I'd say the Sigma 18-35 is about 1/3 a stop worse in sharpness than the Sigma 30mm 1.4 so the Sigma 18-35 at f1.8 looks like the 35mm at f1.6. And really, to see that, you need to be pixel peeping. The Sigma 18-35 was good at 1.8, great by 2.2, and amazing by 2.8

[@learningcameras]

I think so. I had the old one and although I was very happy with it, the new one has better build, a quieter AF motor, sharper image, and will have better resale. Well worth the $100

[@learningcameras]

Yes, both the Sigma 30mm & Sigma 35mm 1.4 work great on the Canon 700D. If you are not planning on getting/renting/borrowing a full frame camera, you might save some money and go with the 30mm 1.4. It's just as good as the 35mm 1.4, it just will not work on full frame cameras like the Canon 6D or 5D Mark III. Or check out my review on the new Sigma 18-35mm 1.8. It's an AMAZING lens and might be a better option for you for about the same price as the Sigma 35mm 1.4

[@learningcameras]

Well, you probably still want a zoom lens so if you are going to trade it, consider the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 as an upgrade to the kit lens or the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 which I just reviewed. I would definitely add the Sigma 30mm 1.4 to my kit (unless you get the 18-35mm 1.8 in which case you won't need it) to compliment a zoom lens but I always recommend at least 1 decent zoom lens and 1 wide aperture prime lens (the new Sigma 18-35 1.8 does both!) to start your lens kit. All work well with the T2i

[@learningcameras]

Probably, I rarely shoot at a wider aperture than f1.8 anyway (even when I have a 1.4 lens) so I would probably prefer the zoom range. The 18-35 is an AMAZING lens. I have a full review on it and it rocks. The only downside is that it is much larger than a 35mm prime. You can check out samples of the 18-35 on my website, LearningCameras

[@learningcameras]

The Sigma. There really is nothing better about the 28mm Canon except that it works on full frame cameras I believe. The Sigma will be sharper, have a wider aperture, and better build.

[@learningcameras]

I hope to get one soon so maybe I can show the value in a review. The bigest value is going to be on zoom lenses though.

[@ricardoriojas1229]

Hey! I'm renting it out from borrowlenses and will be recording in low light, and decided to grab myself a glide cam hd2000 so I can get smooth stabilization. Good move?

[@ricardoriojas1229]

Ricardo Riojas Might I add, it's for canon 70d

[@learningcameras]

Yep, great combo. I love the 30mm lenses on cropped sensor cameras such as the 70D and the Sigma is just about the best you can get...especially considering the price. For video though, you might also consider the Canon 35mm f/2 IS lens. It was way too expensive ($800 I think) when it first came out to make sense but Canon has dropped the price low enough to make it an interesting consideration at around $550. I have a review on that lens as well.

[@learningcameras]

I think the 35 1.4 is worth it unless you know for a fact that you will not be upgrading, borrowing, or renting a full frame camera for 3-5 years.

[@jessejae5820]

So has anyone notice the performance of the new Sigma Art 30mm 1.4 DC HSM better than the previous Sigma EX 30mm 1.4 HSM series?

[@learningcameras]

Sure is, in fact I would highly recommend it for the Nikon D7000

[@victoriaheights2777]

This is a great review. There are so many bad reviews on YT, so I'm really happy to see someone get straight to the point.

[@learningcameras]

The Sigma is a great lens. I doubt you will regret it. I personally use the Sigma 35mm 1.4 the most.

[@learningcameras]

Nice circles! Some lenses though you can see what is referred to as Onion Bokeh where there are concentric distracting circles inside the Bokeh circles. My Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC does this a bit.

[@learningcameras]

Shot in RAW. You may consider trading in for another copy

[@marthajsfilms]

Thank you, I have another question. I'm considering getting a new camera and I'm thinking about the Canon 60D. Now I'm not sure whether I should get the Sigma 30mm or the Canon EF 50mm for portraits and general purpose. I'm also getting the Canon 18-200mm so I have a zoom lens, too. Which one of the two (30 or 50mm) would you recommend?

[@ionetworld]

Is there a lot of difference between this new version (DC HSM) and the old one (DC DN) in terms of portrait photography on a DSLR? Great video btw!

[@learningcameras]

Thanks. Yep, Sigma has really taken a step up in quality both build and optically on these new lenses so I would go for this newer one.

[@ionetworld]

Thanks! Quick last question, and again for portrait photography is the 35mm really way better than this one?

[@learningcameras]

Yes and no. Most of the extra cost is to make it full frame comparable which means a ton more glass but also much larger and heavier which is not ideal unless you are shooting full frame or plan to soon. That said the build quality on the 35mm is better and it has slightly better optical performance. But unless you were planning on getting full frame soon, I would get the 30mm. bhpho.to/2q9c8k1

[@learningcameras]

Thanks. It sure was.

[@borismikaeltaube620]

i have sigma 30mm lense. but i have big problem with auto focus. do you have some tips ? buying the usb to correct the problem ?

[@allanisip6302]

Can i use that in m series using viltrox ef m2?

[@BeautynStyleByVany]

Can I use the Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens with a Canon t5i camera?

[@danwatson5041]

Yep, it's a great lens for the T5i

[@BeautynStyleByVany]

OK thank you

[@learningcameras]

I’ll definitely take a look at your channel. When I do rent, I typically rent from lensrentals though I have also rented from borrowlenses with great results too.

[@learningcameras]

Hi, I also run a photography company and we are always testing out new gear so much of it I own and use for that. These reviews just give me an excuse to purchase the gear when it first comes out. Some of it I also rent though. No sponsors thus far.

[@marthajsfilms]

You said that it has a very smooth Bokeh, so does that mean you will be able to nice circles in the background or will it be all blurry? because I usually really enjoy circle bokehs when I shoot portraits.

[@ShlomiGreenPhotography]

Daniel, I received my lens recently and it's a bit soft at 1.4. I'm also experiencing some back focusing issues pretty often. I looked at your full res samples, were they shot in JPG or RAW? Thanks :)

[@campbells0ups]

Do you prefer the 30mm focal length to the 35mm on a crop sensor? I think the 30m is closer to a classic 50mm FF equivalent on Canon.

[@learningcameras]

Personally I prefer the 35mm for people as I like to be further away it's usually safer to get the 30 and crop in if you need to

[@GeorgeStanleyStan]

I have read though that the focusing ring is alot better on the new one, and for that reason alone it is worth spending a little extra for the new one for video.

[@y35n00b5]

TONS better. Hints why the new Art series of lenses are gaining ground. They may have a small premium tag on them but they are well worth the money. I would pair this with the 18-35mm f/1.8 and the 35mm f/1.4 so you have all three of their Art lenses. The 35mm becomes like a 50mm so you can swap between the 18-35mm and the 35mm to have a good focal range :D

[@chepeito]

Nice review. Would you recommend this lens for video?

[@fandi1770]

I'm looking for lens for my D7000 and thought of buying this Sigma 30mm...mostly for video although something like a manual aperture control (ie. Nikkor 35mm 1.8D). What do you think of this lens for my use as I'm on a budget?

[@learningcameras]

fandi1770 The sigma is a great lens for the D7000, especially if you want AF for photos. If you don't need autofocus, you may look at the Rokinon 35mm f1.4 which will also work with full frame cameras unlike the Sigma: @769577

[@glennshoemake4200]

Any difference optically then the refresh that Sigma did about 3 years ago with the subdued black Sigma 30 1.4? I have the previous version of that lens and i find it extremely good too.

[@edc5338]

Great video! I have this on my A6400. Very sharp.

[@VipulDK]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I am certainly thinking about buying this lens now! Glad to hear that you did not see colored fringes while wide open.

[@learningcameras]

Yes, it is worth the upgrade. I did like the my old Sigma 30mm but the new one is sharper, faster to focus, quieter, and built better. Plus it will have way better resale should you chose to sell it if you upgrade to a full frame camera.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome, hope you enjoy the lens

[@johnadams9044]

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens suffers from serious chromatic aberation. Even stopping down does not help much. Also, corner sharp wide open shows low sharpness. I find the need to close down the iris to F4.0 to finally sharpen the edges. In due respect, your review is way too optimistic. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens

[@FranciscoGuevarra]

is it big difference between 35 and 30mm for picture quality? i cannot decide if its worth getting the 35mm..30mm cost like 450€ and the 35m cost almost 700€.. pls help!

[@learningcameras]

A little but the 35mm is much larger, heavier, and more expensive so I would stick with the 30mm unless you were planning on buying/renting a full frame camera soon

[@D3athW1ng]

What is the difference between this, "Art", Lens and the older 30 mm model?

[@howtosober]

I just bought this lens used and I'm noticing tons of green longitudinal CA at f/1.4, green circles around anything shiny (sequins, for example), and magenta and purple CA on all the contrasting edges of background objects. How can I tell if this is just something I need to calibrate out or if it's a flaw with the lens?

[@LingBaneHydra]

This lens has too much C.A. (Color Fringe) as I saw on your video. I doesn't seem controlled as in others Art lenses. Can you tell more about It, please? Thanks!

[@MegaLeonidovich]

Hey I want to know if you by any chance took any video shots wt this lens 30mm f1.4 on a Nikon D5200 or any nikon in general. I Wana know if this lense will perform autofocus in video mode on D5200. That's the camera I have and really wana but it. I used a Canon 70D wt Sigma 50mm f1.4 and video is super sharp plus autofocus is prerry good too

[@craigmill5]

Thanks for the review. Did you need to use a grad filter when shooting in daylight at1.4, particularly for shooting video?

[@ShlomiGreenPhotography]

Thanks for the review! I ordered it from the importer in my country and was waiting for some reviews before it gets here. I heard exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks again!

[@n210s]

great review! any chance if you know if this will work on Canon 1d?

[@mjohnston39]

Great review! Was the review done with a Canon 7D?

[@learningcameras]

Thank you very much

[@ctesta11]

Thanks for the great review Dan!! Will this lens accept filters, such as a circular polarized filter?

[@learningcameras]

Sure will. Has a 62mm front filter thread

[@VipulDK]

This is exactly what I have been waiting for! Really wonderful review, as always, and covers what I have been wanting to know! I have a Nikon D7100 with 50mm f/1.8g and a 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5g. Both are OK indoors. I am thinking this 30mm 1.4 would be a great addition and probably stay on my camera as a normal walk around lens. I am hesitant to buy 3rd party lenses but seems like this won't disappoint me. How's your experience with chromatic aberration? That made me return Nikon 35mm 1.8g.

[@madmentoday]

Hi Dan, thinking of getting this Sigma 30mm f1.4 art for my canon 7D, because of the price. But in your experience, for portrait, is the sigma 35mm f1.4 art much better at it, and worth the $300 price difference? Thank you in advance.

[@learningcameras]

The quality is similar enough that you would likely not notice anything on the 7D. The big question is that the Sigma 35 will work with full frame cameras so if you were to ever upgrade your 7D, would you be more likely to go with a 7D Mark II or upgrade body wise to full frame like the 5D or 1Dx. If you plan on sticking with the cropped sensor cameras like the 7D, I would probably just get the 30mm unless you got a great sale on the 35mm

[@courtreezy2.0]

Can you record video with this lens using the Nikon D5100?

[@AGH331]

+stylebycourt Of course. Any lens can record video as long as the camera can.

[@larryzapata2614]

Good review!! I'll place my order today!! And about those highlights... How about a video light?

[@AI_InvestorTalk]

I have bought a Nikon D5200 recently. Choosing between a Nikon 35mm and Sigma 30mm lens.

[@odiolascebollas]

Tha most complete review , all the answers here !!! saludos desde México !

[@TheBakingBomb]

Can you record video with using canon 700d and this lens?

[@learningcameras]

The Baking Bomb Yep, will work perfectly for video though you might also consider the Canon 35mm f2 IS for video because it has stabilization: goo.gl/ZP0vky

[@TheBakingBomb]

+Dan Watson Thank you! I'm debating on whether I should get the 35mm f2 or the 30mm f1.4. Which would u recommend for both video and photography?

[@learningcameras]

+The Baking Bomb Both are great lenses. The Sigma used to be my favorite but now that Canon has dropped their price from around $800 to $600, the Canon ranks a bit higher for me. If you already have f2.8 zoom lenses, I would go for the Sigma but if you are mostly just using kit lenses right now, the Canon 35mm f2 IS might be a better choice. What lenses are you using now?

[@TheBakingBomb]

I'm using the kit lens, 18-55mm. I just bought my camera so I'm still looking for better lens options.

[@learningcameras]

+The Baking Bomb Ok, I might lean towards the Canon then. Having a max aperture of f2 would still be a drastic improvement over what you have, I prefer 35mm to 30mm anyway, and the stabilization never hurts. Plus the Canon will offer you better resale and works for full frame cameras if you ever upgrade/rent/borrow one. It's on a pretty good sale as well: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898726-USA/Canon_5178b002_EF_35mm_f_2_0_IS.html/BI/19484/KBID/11716/kw/CA352ISEF/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA352ISEF

[@kinjat561]

For D3200, would it fit well? i heard it had some autofocus problems, can you confirm if it will be a good fit?

[@learningcameras]

It fits very well with the D3200. I have not heard of any AF issues though I have not used it myself on the D3200. Often you hear of AF issues like this with more beginner cameras and wide aperture lenses not because the lens is bad, but because to use a lens at f1.4, you need to be dead on with your focus point since your depth of field is often only a few inches. That means you need to pick your AF point and place it right on the area you want to focus on. If the subject is moving, you need to be tracking with them...if they are still, you need to make sure you are not in a tracking mode. People are used to the kit lenses at f3.5-5.6 which gives them room to miss the focus point and still have a sharp image. When you shoot at f1.4, you need to be dead on so learn your AF system, how to choose and move your individual focus points, and practice.

[@marianapgomes]

Hi, Can you record video with this lens using the EOS Canon500D?

[@learningcameras]

Mariana Gomes You absolutely can.

[@KPAki1Ler]

Would this lens focus consistently on a Canon 70D? What with it's Dual Pixel AF system? I keep hearing about issues and these Art lenses not focusing accurately without focus MA. I want a lens with 30mm focal length for APS-C that is better than my kit lens for Photography only. I really hope this Sigma 30mm ART is the one. Thanks for any advice.

[@learningcameras]

I have not had any issues with these 3rd party lenses and the Canon 70D or 80D. Only thing to keep in mind is that this lens is a bit noisy. However, the Canon 35mm F2 IS has come down in price a TON so it may be worth looking at: amzn.to/2mygWOI

[@GeorgeStanleyStan]

Would you recommend the genus eclipise variable ND filter?

[@ShopperMandy]

URGENT QUESTION: I want to use this lens for my lookbooks, which are shot outside in video in the sun. Would this work for outdoor video filming in the sunlight? Would I need some kind of filter in addition to this lens? I want the camera to focus on me and blur the background entirely. Also, can I use it on autofocus or would I have to switch to manual? THANK YOU SO MUCH! New subbie!

[@learningcameras]

Thanks. Yes, you are definitely going to need an ND filter. You can get a single ND filter to block light and you will have several choices in how much light they block out. I would probably get a 0.9 ND if you are shooting in sunlight to block out much of the light. You can get a variable ND filter (although a decent one can run you $150+) that will allow you to change how much light you will block out. This lens has a 67mm filter diameter so you will want probably a 67mm 0.9 ND filter though you may check out your other lenses because if you have a lens with a larger diameter (72mm and 77mm are popular), I might buy a 77mm ND filter and get a 67mm-77mm step up ring to make it fit on the Sigma lens. You can still use autofocus (if your camera has good AF) and will want to shoot your video in manual mode with your aperture set wide (f1.4-f2.8) and try to get your shutter speed to somewhere between 1/30-1/60. ISO can be anything. Here is a decent ND filter: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/58714-REG/Tiffen_67ND9_67mm_Neutral_Density_ND.html/BI/19484/KBID/11716/kw/TIND.967/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xTIND.967

[@GeorgyAlekseev]

Hello! What happens if you put this lens on full frame?

[@maxysurvivorsucks]

Which is better for video: Sigma 30mm 1.4 Art or Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 Art?

[@learningcameras]

I prefer the 18-35 if you don't mind the extra weight. Great zoom range, amazing quality, I'm never wider than F1.8 anyway for video, and just an overall amazing lens. bhpho.to/2kz0BZe

[@maxysurvivorsucks]

Dan Watson Thanks. Based on your opinion, which lens is sharper or are they equally sharp?

[@learningcameras]

I have not compared them but both are good enough that if you have an issue, the issue is you not the lens lol. My guess is that the 30mm would be sharper given that it is a prime lens.

[@JerusOrtiz]

Does this lens have focusing problems/issues with D7200?

[@Raerawrspills]

When filming how far away from the camera do you have to be to get correct blurriness with this lens?

[@learningcameras]

+Rebecca S It depends on a few factors. A depth of field calculator can be used to determine this though....a good one is: www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

[@learningcameras]

They look decent but I have never used them.

[@teddybe4rsx]

can you use the sigma 30mm f/1.4 on the canon t4i? also what are the differences between the sigma 30mm f/1.4 and the sigma 30mm f/1.4 art lens?

[@learningcameras]

The Sigma 30mm 1.4 will work perfectly on the T4i. The Art series brings Sigma's new look and technology. To me, the Art lenses have been sharper with faster focusing so I would get the Art. Plus it will hold resale value much better since they have tested so well.

[@scottfromoahu2896]

I'd like to know if this lens is worth double the price of the Nikon DX 35MM if you don't need the 1.4. You won't be shooting portraits with a 30 Thoughts?

[@learningcameras]

Scott Morey If you don't mind the cheaper build quality, the Nikon 35mm is a fine lens for the cost. It's very plastic feeling by comparison and not super sharp at f1.8 but by f2-f2.8 things look very nice so if you don't need the super wide apertures, it should work well for you.

[@alexanderwong1608]

Is there any performance difference tho? Im thinking of getting the old 30mm cuz i dont have the extra $150 for this one...

[@PieroZanetti]

Great review, I hope this lens will be soon available here in Italy!

[@smaakjeks]

Important to note: On a canon APS-C body, an f1.4 lens gives results that are equivalent of f2.2 on a full frame body. You have to multiply the crop factor with the aperture.

[@learningcameras]

***** When it comes to DOF, yes you do need to multiply by the crop factor (but that's not what we are talking about)...when it comes to light, not really. I get that technically the light received by a smaller sensor is less than the light from a full frame sensor, but the fact remains that manufactures ALREADY account for this. Thus, take a light meter to your APS-C and a 35mm f1.4 set to the same settings as your full frame camera with a 35mm f1.4...you will get the EXACT same exposure. This is because manufactures already boost light levels in camera to match. You can argue that they shouldn't do it this way but the fact is they do so honestly, you really don't have to multiply by the crop factor with the aperture since the result is already compensated for. The fact is your 30mm f1.4 will act as a 30mm f1.4. Throw the same lens on a full frame camera and the light level will be the exact same. I know someone made this idea popular with a youtube video and technically it is true but since it's already accounted for, it really doesn't matter and is probably not important to note.

[@smaakjeks]

LearningCameras.com You agree that the DOF is different. It is different in magnitude to the crop factor. So, that's fine. You also agree less light hits the sensor (since the sensor is smaller). So, I'm not sure where the disagreement is. They boost the exposure, but that means more noise. Everything you described is what happens when you stop down the lens in aperture priority mode: The exposure gets boosted by ISO (or shutter speed). The ISO is boosted by the square of the crop factor, in fact. I can agree that the difference isn't necessarily huge, but it is real, and it is worth mentioning. Especially since everyone talks about the effective focal length. There's no reason to talk about one but not the other, except to let camera producers get away with selling slower glass. If you want the same pictures as a Sigma 35mm, f1.4 on FF, you need an APS-C lens that is 22mm f0.9. That's calculated for a Canon crop body, which is x1.6. I liked the video, though. Sorry if this is a bit off topic for the specific review this was. :-)

[@SUPERLYSAM]

Planning to get this lens because of the great quality. I have the 50mm 1.8g already but I do not like it as much because my camera is a crop sensor cam which makes the lens look like 80mm on my camera. This lens will be great but it is about $100 more than the older version. Can you compare the older and the newer version for me? I like the pros and cons. Thank you so much for a great video!

[@SUPERLYSAM]

Btw, I am a Nikon user, I have the Nikon D5100.

[@KarlEller]

Basically, the new version is sharper, has nice bokeh, faster and more accurate AF and better optical performance. Also the older Sigma lenses were noted to have some quality issues with AF, and back or forefocusing issues were kind of common, which the new lens lines such as the 30mm f/1.4 Art don't have. For $100 more, I'd say the Art is worthwhile.

[@arnoldgd84]

What's the difference between this and the 30mm f1.4 with the gold ring around the lens?

[@learningcameras]

This is the new version. The one with the gold ring is Sigma's older 30mm lens and the new one is much better

[@arnoldgd84]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@zuzkarory]

hi. great review. thumbs up! can you please tell me if the lens physically moves in and out when focusing? i'm trying to find a lens that doesn't extend or retract when focusing (like the canon 50mm 1.8 and 1.4 do) those two lenses won't work for me, the reason is because i want to use it with a steady cam and can't have it changing size AT ALL when focusing. i know people say don't use this long a lens for steadycam, but i want one lens i can blur background with on steadycam, and use the 70d amazing autofocus to track subjects. thanks for your reply!

[@learningcameras]

It barely moves if at all. I don't have the lens anymore though so I can't say 100% but I don't remember it moving. Steadycams still have issues with movement and the longer focal lengths will show more of it. Wider focal lengths are easier to stabilize which is why most people would say shoot wider lenses.

[@JaneDillonHorner]

What is the difference between the ART and EX DC HSM lens? (same in terms of 30mm and f/1.4)

[@learningcameras]

+itsjanehorner The ART is the newer one with big improvements to design and quality. I'd highly recommend the ART lenses

[@JaneDillonHorner]

That's great! Actually just received it as a gift and I am loving it :) thank you!

[@artisticpurity4893]

a gift man can you adopt me ??

[@kunaltripathi1]

Hello, I am just wondering if this lens is available for Sony Alpha A77(Sony "A" mount)??? If not, is it possible to use just the normal SIGMA mount lens version???

[@learningcameras]

It is not. The Sigma 35mm 1.4 is though which is basically just a better version of the 30mm that will also work on full frame cameras in case you ever upgraded to one. You can check that one out here: www.amazon.com/dp/B00A35X6XK?tag=learncamer-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00A35X6XK&adid=0VDNB6WTAS6F2YJ65VE5

[@samkinstone2067]

excellent video ! what camera did you use ?

[@learningcameras]

+sam kinstone Thanks! Canon 7D

[@Janguyencz]

Thanks a lot for this review! Helped with choosing 😊

[@kiyashko86]

try flare without sun, lol.

[@konczyke]

Great review, one simple question, for nikon d7200 I did not succeeded to calibrate my sigma 18-35, so no I'm thinking to take this lens or the 35mm version, if the price difference is not an issue, what would you pick, I'm interested in close up shots and the quality of the bokeh is very, very important, also the flare resistance, thanks in advance your advice!!!

[@learningcameras]

The 35mm is a bit better quality. It is larger and heavier but if that isn't an issue, the 35mm is amazing

[@konczyke]

Dan Watson thank you for your quick reply, but I don't think that is bigger and heavier, than the 18-35, maybe vice versa :)

[@SkullysPlace]

Hey Dan, if I am purchasing this lens to use with my Canon 7D Markii will i need to update the firmware for the lens??

[@learningcameras]

Nope, should be good out of the box