REVIEW of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 vs Canon 32mm f/1.4 EF-M / Which is the better buy?

[@ajwilliams7757]

This is one of the best lens reviews I have seen!

[@dominey]

AJ Williams Cool thanks!

Agreed! Sure its maybe a bit too much aimed for beginners, explaining every nuance but I'm fine with that!

[@DAVIDTHACH]

Cant agree more

[@preafos]

There are some issues I have with this review: 1. Some test shots don't have apparently the same focus point, as you can see with the gorilla. 2. The speed test is right and wrong at the same time. Focusing during video mode decreases the focusing speed of the Canon lens, because Canon wants to give videos a more natural focusing look. During normal photo shooting mode, the lens a as fast as the sigma. Have a look at the review of Christopher Frost!

[@hjmdhcndjskjfcl]

Had exactly the same two issues! Thanks for this comment...

[@YourMajesty143]

My issue with these speed tests is that reviewers don't realize that the slow autofocus is clearly intentional. Both lenses have the same autofocus speed when capturing still photos. The reason that Canon slowed it down during video is to offer 2 features: a cinematic look and a quiet feature. When autofocusing during a video with the Sigma, you can hear the motors which sound like a zipper, whereas Canon sounds like a low hum. Whether zipper noises or hums, either could be fine for B-roll or loud arenas (sport or city photography), it's distracting for vlogging or when trying to record in a quiet setting like wildlife photography. I'd prefer humming which is indiscernible to the ear as just background noise, vs a discernible noise like a zipper sound.

[@tkermi]

Also this ~50mm FF equivalent focal length isn't really that suitable for natural looking portraits. I like 85-160mm depending on the desired look.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I just bought the Sigma 30mm 1.4 EF-M lens for $289 on Amazon, so in less than a year its price has dropped that $50 you hoped it would. Since I use this lens for my videos, the speed of the autofocus and the price tipped my choice to the Sigma. This was an awesome review, thank you. You deserve way more subscribers, so I just did my part ;0)

[@extraordinaryminds483]

What do you use for lighting?

[@NateNakao]

Fantastic review! I think I'd have been more inclined to go with the Canon back when this review came out. But now that the gap between the lenses has grown from $90 to $190, the Sigma feels like a much better lens at just $289 compared to the current price of $479 for the Canon.

[@saudi4us]

Oh my God ... Your style, presentation and voice tone is amazing ... Great Review and great delivery .. Cheers

[@AugmentedGravity]

You remind me of a certain Kingsman...

[@dominey]

Lol - I've heard that before. If only I had an English accent...

[@prameeth_grey]

True

[@godspeedjourneys2661]

@@dominey You can be the American Version - The Statesmen.

[@luisbueno01]

Me too

[@StevetheBartender_]

Todd, that detailed comparison was impressive. Instant subscriber. I still find it hard to relate when people discuss camera lenses and their focal length.. especially when no one ever discusses or displays the physical length the camera is from a subject. I’m keen to buy a new lens for my vlog (Canon M6 MII) but I need to ensure the framing works with my shot as I have limited width and I’m quite tall - it can be a challenge to fit everything nicely in the frame..

[@bhgemini]

Steve. Did you get the Canon 32mm? I'm using the 22mm and Canon Adpated EF glass, but I was reading that the EF-M lens weren't sharp enough for the sensor in 4. Was hoping this lens was. I will say that my adapted EFS 10-18mm is doing great but it's horrible for low light.

[@abramnehemiah782]

instablaster...

[@adamgooder6077]

This is seriously one of the best lens reviews / comparisons I've seen. Very helpful--thank you.

[@justinkd]

Awesome video and review 🔥 thank you for this video

[@lucacivelli]

I decided to do without a 30 mm by opting for the 50 f1.8 ef + adapter for portraits and for the fantastic (and cheap) ef m 22 f2 for landscapes and street photography.

[@entremontanas7614]

im thinking in that desition, i think Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM is still a solid choice and sharpness is so near to the Sigma 30mm (and just a little near of the fantastic Canon EF-M 32mm), did you made the purshase?

[@markwiemels]

Man, all these video are so detailed and well produced. Well done and thank you.

[@kurodafamily2503]

Great detailed review! Prices have changed. It's almost a $200 difference. I will save the money, get quieter auto focus, and go with Sigma.

[@YourMajesty143]

My issue with these speed tests is that reviewers don't realize that the slow autofocus is clearly intentional. Both lenses have the same autofocus speed when capturing still photos. The reason that Canon slowed it down during video is to offer 2 features: a cinematic look and a quiet feature. When autofocusing during a video with the Sigma, you can hear the motors which sound like a zipper, whereas Canon sounds like a low hum. Whether zipper noises or hums, either could be fine for B-roll or loud arenas (sport or city photography), it's distracting for vlogging or when trying to record in a quiet setting like wildlife photography. I'd prefer humming which is indiscernible to the ear as just background noise, vs a discernible noise like a zipper sound.

[@DriveByReviews]

@@YourMajesty143 That's a good point. I did actually point out there's no speed difference in photo when I compared. My main 2 issues on the canon with speed is that 1) there's no option to adjust faster 2) it hunts and can't find focus when near min focus. Sigma at least doesn't hunt and if the speed is smooth enough for the user it's the clear vlog winner. As for audio I use a mic and it seems most quality audio setups don't have an issue with either lens unless shooting with a mounted mic and having silence/quiet recorded.

[@bryanbuff]

I’ve had both lenses, it’s a tough call. I know the video autofocus speed is intentionally slower on the Canon, but you should be able to change this in settings. More often than not, I prefer the faster AF speed in video mode, and I imagine I’m not the only one. The Canon is a little bit smaller and lighter, and a bit sharper wide open. But it also has an external focusing element, which is another moving part that can break (the Sigma is all internal). I like the Sigma lens cap (snaps on better than Canon’s) and filter thread size (52mm is easier to step up to 62mm or 67mm without looking ridiculous). In summary, the Sigma is $200 less in price, but not $200 less in quality. I’d have to say the Sigma is the better buy or value.

[@noblegendforever2052]

$200 can buy 22mm f2

[@dsx5036]

I bought the Sigma based on your review. SO PROFESSIONAL! I'd like to thank you so much for the time you put into these videos, you're setting the bar way up there.

[@Melissadacruzz]

How has it been so far? You enjoying it?

[@wparker8258]

Excellent comparison. I prefer using native lenses but now that the price gap between these two has widened to $190 ($289 for the Sigma vs. $479 for the Canon) it has become easier to overlook the Canon's edge in color and sharpness at f1.4 and go with the Sigma.

[@varanidguy]

This review actually has me leaning more towards the Sigma, because I'm using my camera to photograph my animals a lot, especially reptiles and fish. The faster focus speed and cooler color temp may make the Sigma a winner for this purpose.

[@StephenWashburn]

Great review, great video quality, just all around really helpful and pleasant experience. 20 min long videos for this kind of product are usually a bit too long for me, but in this case I found myself happy to stick around. Thank you!

[@Jerrywave_]

This was seriously one of the best reviews and comparisons i've ever seen. Perfect audio, perfect demonstrations, fantastic descriptions; each time I thought you were about to be done and I was satisfied you added a new detail I didn't even know I needed to the comparison. Please keep it up!

[@MichiMallu]

One year ago, during this review the sigma 30mm was $339 and the canon 32mm was $429 with a difference of $90, today they’re $289 and $479 respectively, sigma dropped prices by $50 and canon raised it by $50, so now the difference is $190!

[@ytj22]

Nice review, thanks. I would like to see the autofocus speed test again in photo mode rather than video mode. I believe manufacturers slow down autofocus transition in video mode.

[@surefirepictures]

Great review. All good points. I'd personally lean towards the Sigma in these tests because there's a bit more of an open-ness to the Sigma on skin tones (to my eye). Clearly there's a bit more contrast in this lens, which will account for a bit of that but also (like you mentioned) it's maybe more accurate color wise on the skin tones. We all love warmer skin tones for sure but a slight shift in white balance in post or even in camera would do a very similar effect and still give me a more accurate color when I needed/wanted it. Autofocus speed for me, faster is better (personal preference). However the color fringing you demonstrated is concerning on the Sigma for sure on those inanimate object shots. But I'll take that compromise given all the other benefits. It doesn't seem to be noticable elsewhere. And finally, price is a bonus. Thanks for the thorough video. Very helpful. 🙏

[@floridasaltlife]

I still believe the color fringing on the black and white chimp was a focal plane difference.

[@northseeker]

i really appreciate your review of these lenses. Truly defines the differences i wanted to know!

[@sn0rbaard]

Great review! I have and love the Sigma. Unfortunately at 11:34 the comparison is a bit poor for sharpness due to different focus points, making Sigma look weak. Contrast can be compared here but not sharpness.

[@monarrez]

Thanks for actually recommending one over the other. Other reviewers end every comparison with " it depends". I will go with your recommendation and use your referral link.

[@700nura]

One of the best lens reviews, covers all the factors color, sharpness, speed and sound. Thank you very much for this awesome content. You deserve more views.

[@Brandon-of1xl]

Hands down the best lens review with proper comparisons to allow the viewer to make their own determination because it is very subjective. Thank you.

[@frodoson]

I loved this review. You explained everything in a way I could understand and supported your information with solid examples. Thanks!

[@Max.527]

I have the 32mm. Don't think I'll ever let it go ❤️

[@stillhaze]

Have an M50 on the way and I'm so thankful for these videos. All your reviews for EF-M lenses are so well done!

[@craigcarlson4022]

Very helpful review! Thanks for considering and comparing factors other than just sharpness.

[@klaustontsch2236]

Excellent lens review and comparison. Among the best on KZbin. All topics of interest were covered comprehensively.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

how about three way battle with the standard nifty fifty with speedbooster

[@djben928]

Excellent and very informative review. I like how you test each lens and make a comparison.

[@stinkystealthysloth]

12:25 you should have compared the full frame set up at f/2.2, as you have to multiply the aperture by the crop factor as well to get proper equivalence.

[@SVNSET]

Probably the best comparison video of these lenses here on KZbin. Thanks for the review!

[@bhgemini]

Watched this again today and since the Canon is still near $500 went ahead and picked up the Sigma open box for $230. Thanks for a great review as always.

[@MrAyrit]

Well done. Great job with these reviews. The only note that I have is that some of the b-roll is a little dark. I’ll look forward to the next one.

[@charmespearl262]

Wooow! What a review! The best one ever seen so far! Looking for a vlogging lens. Thank you for this detailed review.

[@paulthehanna]

I very rarely comment but just had to say that this is a fantastic channel. Great production value in a succinct yet thorough review. You deserve more subscribers. Thank you.

[@dominey]

Thanks Paul!

[@sterling68]

Loved your video thank you so much. Unlike other peoples videos i like the fact you included image comparisons with the kit lens as this really helped me realise just how much better the other two are and worth investing in. Think i'm set on the Canon 32mm but need to get saving.

[@MrStojkovicj]

You've clarified the "full frame equivalence" in 30 seconds when I've been struggling to visualize and understand it for about a month now. Subbed and great video! - I'm gonna have to go with the Sigma on this one for the motor noise and slightly lower focal length..and price :P

[@alexis1959]

Excellent review - watched most of it (except your conclusion) so based on how many categories the Sigma was superior the decision to get the Sigma was an easy one - Thanks for making my mind up with your excellent, detailed, well narrated and shot review.

[@freddymiguelponce]

Great video! First time in your channel and i think this is BY FAR THE BEST review about this 2 lenses!

[@todanrg3]

Good review, except for the AF speed test. In video mode the Canon is intentionally slowing down for smoother focus transition.

[@bryanbuff]

Yeah, you can tell this is intentionally because in photo mode the autofocus is just as fast as the Sigma. I do wish there was a setting to change the speed of video autofocus in tracking mode.

[@beccoronado]

This is by far the best comparison I ever watched. Thank you Todd!

[@minifigjake]

Great video. I thought the example photos were great as well. I'm an engineer, so I like the tech specs, but I'm only a hobbyist in photography, so it was great to see the Sigma was such a great lens, especially at that price point.

[@actorjay]

Well made and educational. I learned a lot about the different lenses and didn't get bored for a second. Thank you.

[@thtgrldiana6388]

Thank you for such a great comparison review!! What lens do you find as a best all around lens for night time/evening

[@Osakah]

Thank you for your review ! A good one which is interested in all aspects. Really helpful !

[@macallanvintage]

No wasted words. Right to the point. Great useful info. SUBSCRIBED!

[@craigcarlson4022]

Todd, I just watched this again, as i'm thinking of getting an M50 mark ii as a small, light carry around camera. (And i'm really excited about the potential image quality one can get from this Canon option). Thanks again! Craig

[@jayog4576]

I'm considering the 32mm and the 55 to 200 EF-M for my M50 (Mark II)

[@Bourne15iveGaming]

I'm learning so much from your videos man thanks so much for the effort, quality and clarity you give us with the easy to understand information. My question, I'm building a KZbin channel focusing on app reviews and product unboxings in the classic top down overhead shot. I'm using the M50 at 4K 24fps so the huge crop factor is causing me a problem as I'm using the kit lens. The other issue I face is my room has little natural light so even with a lighting set up, the low light performance on that kit lens doesn't cut it. The first mistake I made was buying a Viltrox speedbooster as it doesn't fit the kit lens so I'm sending it back. The second mistake was buying the 22M F/2 as although it fixes the low light issue, I still have the huge crop problem when shooting at 4K. Given the type of video I am trying to create and mainly to fix the crop issue whilst retaining that great low light performance, can I get the results I need with the Sigma 30mm? As it's within my budget or is the Sigma 16mm the only option for me? Or do you have any better suggestions?

[@mb-watches]

Thanks for this review, just ordered the now discontinued M6 MII and am looking for additional good lenses. The Canon is more pricey but i think i will go with it. It’s a nice travel lens and will suit the M6 well. The M6 is going to be my backup camera and also second one for interview style videos. Look forward to it and thanks for this detailed review, helped a lot.

[@jeffdrew625]

Bowling alley pix? What a great idea! ☝️ thanks for a well-done video!

[@barnabylee8218]

Very very well done review, addressed everything I wanted to know. The skin tone and chimp nose comparison were the most useful piece. You just got a new subscriber!

[@catarinaricardo4871]

Amazing review with so many details!!! Just one detail to add, the distortion on the background of the canon (daughter's photo) was notably higher

[@Necron990]

Detailed and on task. Question, did you update the firmware on the Sigma at the time of shooting this video?

[@patricks5997]

Thank you for this awesome video! its quality and value is insanely good and helpful. You made my day!

[@Eanicus]

Amazing review and comparison. Bravo. 👍 keep it up.

[@ReZaBaik]

I love the way you put kit lens in comparation. Thankyou! 😁

[@womanandthesoul]

This is the best lens comparison video ever! Thanks Todd!

[@nozaku1191]

Deserves to be at 100k subs absolutely amazing detail work on the camera review and gave extraordinary examples to compare with each lens. This made me 100% happy with the Canon Choice.

[@mirzap2]

This is the best Lens review I have ever seen. Its also an amazing guide put together. His voice is so soothing and you don't get bored listening to it. Mr Todd, sir I must say you are really good and would love to learn more from you watching all your videos. Please continue making content!!!

[@dominey]

Hah - awesome! Thank you. Glad you liked the review.

[@DeniWassulmaier]

Great video. Thanks a lot. What mic do you use?

[@FeliciaAlston]

Thank you so much for this professional review. I have had the Canon 32mm for over a year now on my Canon M200, and I absolutely love it! I am expecting the Sigma 30mm next week to pair it with the Sony A6400. I am primarily using both setups for streaming video. You answered a lot of my questions! Thank you so much!

[@FetaCheeseLena]

I'm new to this, so bear with me. But I am confused. You said the lens was bad for vlogging and yet good for video. Aren't they the same thing? I want to use it for video vlogging/ youtube. It seems like a good option but am I wrong?

[@TheRealSimeon]

In my country the Canon lens is nearly double the price of the Sigma lens. For such small differences it may be better to go with Sigma, although I think I'd prefer the Canon lens. Edit: Also, this is THE video that I wanted to see when I started looking into these lenses. You covered everything I wanted to see (including how it compares to the kit lens!) Thank you so much!

[@ericdanthon2]

Awesome review. I think know I am still sold on the 15-45mm right now for my low light needs. Just to take one photo with flash especially since I'm not making any money! During daylight it is awesome. For a wedding gig I'd get the 32mm for sure. I will probably still get it at some point.

[@cierock04]

Should i get the sigma 16 mm or the canon ef-m 32 mm for portrait and landscape photography? What do you think? I just can't decide which one to get, please help me. Thank you 😊😊😊

[@mathiasjohansson7872]

16mm for vlog and 30mm for portrait.

[@okaro6595]

Get the 16 mm for landscapes and 56 mm or Canon 50 mm with an adapter for portraits. Same prime dos not work well on both.

[@Melissadacruzz]

Subscribed because this is such an amazing review that covered everything I needed to know! I would love the canon but my budget is telling me to go for the Sigma which as you said is a pretty good as well! Thanks

[@teamdelmonico2885]

Todd, Im a recent enthusiast to film and photography, mostly of my kids and family. I have updated my rig to the Canon 90d. I am looking for that everyday lens to take video and photo with. Budget is between $500-1000. I was looking at the canon 24 -105 new, or 24-70 refurbished, but then I saw the sigma 30mm. And with the crop of the 90d this lens gets me just around that 50mm on full sensor. Everyone is always touting how great the 50mm is for everyday use. For taking pictures and videos of my family I don't know what's the better purchase in the long run. Do i get the fixed prime lens or spend little more money up front and have like a 24-70 or 105 focal length. Any guidance would be extremely appreciated.

[@beccoronado]

Hi Todd, can you do review like this comparing EF-S 50mm + canon ef-m adaptor vs Sigma 56mm? Your videos are very informative. Thank you for helping us out decide which lenses to get.

[@MrBillyReubin]

The focus speed of the Canon could be due to its STM function, which I believe can be deactivated in the menu. It is meant more for video for smoother more natural looking focus.

[@raposadislexa]

Awesome review! I just have one question. I bought a M100, and I've been using the kit lenses, the 15-45mm one. For me who never had a proper camera before it's awesome. I've dialed all settings I could to make the colors to my prefference, trying to match irl colors with my monitor using Photoshop's RAW tool, all colors seem spot on on my profile... except for greens (and maybe some shades of red). I do painting on canvas and my green ones are always pale bluish instead of a strong emerald green they are, so I need a drastically different profile for these, but then every other photo is too green. I was thinking in getting the Sigma 30mm 1.4, but I wanted to know from your experience, since I want a more accurate color out of the box, wich lenses should I get? Or if I want a better color reproduction I should get something else? Thanks alot!

[@Mitcheb4]

Thank you for making this video! The key thing for me that stood out is the color and light/dark roll-off on the skin tones. The Canon is the clear winner, so that sealed the decision for me. Much appreciated!

[@randomguy9802]

Absolutely beautifully produced video

[@geekytechycool]

Thank you again for an awesome video, I was debating all on board with the sigma trio but this gives me something to think about.

[@yank1tonybats511]

Great video. Photography is a new hobby of mine and I learned a lot.

[@b.r.srihari4099]

Sigma 30mm f1.4 a good all-purpose lens for crop sensor DSLR canon cameras?

[@pavlomiklashevych1758]

Good review and comparison! Thanks!

[@arranpbrown]

Great review, Todd! Very clear and in-depth. Cheers! 👏

[@nomad062]

Would love to see the sigma 30mm Art lens vs the canon as they are more comparable price wise. Btw, I recently discovered your channel and enjoy your reviews very much. Thank you

[@Numb3r_47]

Brilliant review! Very clear and comprehensive. Thanks!

[@dominey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JohnArmwood]

I have loved using the Canon 32mm lens over the past two years. It has been my favorite lens on the M50. I also have the 22mm, the 11-22mm and the 15 to 45mm kit lens (which I never use).

[@Dzaen2]

Which one have you been using more? The 32 or 22

[@SuomyOna]

Hey Todd! I just stumbled onto this lens review, and loved the quality of your vocal in it. So I went and looked for a description of your gear and found your "studio equipment" video. It's good stuff. One thing I noticed, though, is that your voice doesn't sound the same in that video. Here, your vocal sounds noticeably more full and balanced. Did you use the same equipment between the two videos? If so, do you have any idea why they might sound different? Thanks!

[@dominey]

Thanks Su. TBH, I've messed around over time and experimented with different mics, different mic placements, processing in post, etc. I think when I recorded this video I had recently picked up my Sennheiser MKH416, which is what I'm using today. My audio was pretty bad in my early videos. 😂

[@gabrielbrito]

great video, thanks so much from Brazil Your channel is amazing!!

[@aevin_io]

after spending hours pondering which one to buy and watching one review video after the other, i must say, your review was an eye-opener. thanks for sharing !

[@melyann81]

This is PERFECT the 32mm is my go to. Thank you for this perfect put together video. Much better than any I've seen before.

[@TechnoShamanism]

Brilliant review, thank you so much for the work you put into this!

[@robinvarghese6478]

Todd, your presentation skills are awesome and enjoyed the video until the end. Thank you for sharing your expert advice. I use Canon M50 with 32mm Prime lens and as you said the image quality is far better than the kit lens.

[@dominey]

Thanks Robin! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@SaschaEausMG]

Awesome Video! Thank you for making the decision easier for me. I ordered the Canon now 💪🏻 Greetings from Gerrmany 😊

[@julieeeeee9]

Hi! Thanks for the video! I'm wondering how that lens would compare to the sigma 30mm ART HSM lens, and if the ART version is compatible with the canon m50? Thank you!

[@xFreyelis]

Btw, I switched from the Sigma to the Canon, simply because the violet chromatic abberation on the Sigma is ruining some of my supposedly key shots on a shoot I had... Which was absent on the Canon Lens.

[@METAL4K-UK]

I did have both. I kept the Canon. I thought it had smoother bokeh and nicer colours, though sigma greens are very pleasant. It didn't help that the sigma lens looked grubby after a few weeks.

[@shabie]

Very well explained and great review

[@michaelbrewington7746]

Great review. I did prefer the look of the Sigma photo over Canon's. And was a little surprised to hear that you preferred the softer less punchy look of the Canon. For me punchy and sharpness kind of go together. But even if I preferred the look of the Canon photos as far as I know there is no 32mm Canon lens for my Canon R7. But with my RF to EF Canon adapter I can use the Sigma 30mm. So for me since I already have the adapter to use with my EF "L" series lenses there is no additional cost.

[@EVOLUTIONFISHINGCHANNEL]

Great review, it's help me alot to buy the Canon lens for my Canon M6 mark ii. Thanks!

[@themcdonaldfamily1684]

Thank you for this review. It helped me decide which lens to buy. 😊

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

You made me get the 32 Canon 1.4, and I must say I am really impressed with it! It works great for photos and videos. Together with my Sigma 16mm and my Sigma 56mm, I have all I need now.

[@GrantMcWilliams]

How do you like the focusing on the 32mm Canon? I just bought a used 32mm Canon and a Sigma 56mm and I'm worried about the Canon, it jitters when I have the shutter button half depressed. It makes a zzz, zzz zzz sound and I can feel the focus motor in the body in what feels like tiny jerks. My 22mm Canon and my Sigma 56mm don't do this and continually autofocus without me feeling anything with virtually no sound. Since I bought the Canon used I'm worried about this behavior. However, in researching it there seems to be a lot of people complaining about the noise of the Canon 32mm while focusing. Maybe mine is normal. Does your's do this?

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

@@GrantMcWilliams This is normal and due to the construction of the lens. I use external mics for videos, so this is not a problem for my use case.

[@GrantMcWilliams]

@@ElBoyoElectronico In doing more testing I've used it both on my M6 and M6II and if I don't press the shutter halfway the autofocus is very quiet just like other lenses. If I press the button down halfway it sits and jitters like the motor is jerking back and forth between two very close focus points. None of my other lenses do this. Yours does this too? I can make a video of it.

[@drewmerklinghaus6988]

Well done. Informative Professional Great review/comparison