sigma 30mm f1.4 or nikon 35mm f1.8?

[fontmoss]

OK seems like there are a few people interested in buying my 30mm f2 but i need to find a lens to replace it if i do sell it. The options are really between the 2 above, the sigma offers a half stop more (and lovely shallow dof) whilst the nikon is a chunk cheaper (new)

The only reason to sell my lovely 35mm is to get a faster lens, as Im not a fan of 50mm on crop then i had discounted the nikon 50mm f1.4D but i might yet be swayed.

any opinions gratefully received, my flickr shows what i use my camera for

[puddleduck]

Its worth mentioning that as soon as D700 comes up on the Classified you post on the thread without fail, which tells me a D700 is in your future...

In that case.. are you sure you want to sell it? As neither of the crop lenses will work on a D700.

Personally I like both the 35/2 and the 30mm and would choose one depending on the camera (DX or full frame)

No idea about the new 35/f/1.8!

[fontmoss]

Its worth mentioning that as soon as D700 comes up on the Classified you post on the thread without fail,

what an embarassing reputation :nuts:

yeah i will get a D700 but it will have to wait as to buy one now would mean selling my medium format plus s5 and then paying another 300 to afford a d700 with just a 50mm lens-its not really feasible. In a year or prob 2, esp if can get some paid work then perhaps but in that case id sell on the sigma 30mm too.

i wasnt that sure that going from f2 to f1.4 would be that important but have been using mates canon with sigma 30 f1.4 and been pretty impressed, esp for the stuff I use it for. i am half thinking about the 50mm f1.4 but i need to go play with a 50 again to remind myself why i didnt like it as much as 30/35mm. also considering getting a 80-200 f2.8 which is another chunk of cash so full frame will have to wait.

anyway going out for a few hrs so ill mull it over and sort the classifieds thread

[puddleduck]

what an embarassing reputation :nuts:

True though :lol:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1635160&postcount=2

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1564663&postcount=3


http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1562093&postcount=6

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1520120&postcount=8

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1476468&postcount=3

Seriously - my point is that while I would quite like this lens again, if you are contemplating a D700 then this lens is going to be very useful.

Although on a crop camera, IMHO the Sigma 30mm is a better lens. Its certainly sharper wide open in the center ... 35/2 wins in the corners.

[Boldonian]

Just picked a new 35m f1.8 and have to say I'm in love with it! The hype about this lens is certainly to be believed. For £180 or so brand new you can't go wrong.

[Paulie-W]

Having had both, I found 30mm a little too wide and sold it. I really like the 35 1.8 for what it is. Nice lightweight little lens. But in real terms, is there really that much difference between f1.8 and f2?

[fontmoss]

jeez PD, I know it's true but please :O
D700 is on the radar so maybe Ill rethink parting with the 35mm but tbh its such a big step financially it would probably have to give way in almost any circumstances and i would use the 50mm f1.4 (hopefully with a 80-200) pretty much exclusively

paulie, not a big difference bw f1.8 and f2 but with f1.4 then instead of using f2 at 60 and ISO 1000/1250 I could use f1.4 at 60/80 at ISO 800, could make quite a difference given noise levels.

[fontmoss]

paulie's post has made me think, i dont think its worth parting with such a lovely lens for a half stop. Ill either get the sigma f1.4, nikkor 50mm f1.4 or stick with the 35 f2

so much easier to make a decision when you write it down and ask others to pick holes in it

[Paulie-W]

paulie's post has made me think, i dont think its worth parting with such a lovely lens for a half stop. Ill either get the sigma f1.4, nikkor 50mm f1.4 or stick with the 35 f2

so much easier to make a decision when you write it down and ask others to pick holes in it


Sorry to throw a spanner in the works mate :) With a D700 on your radar, personally I would wait, then go for a 50 1.4.

[fontmoss]

lol!

well tbh on the radar means lusting after but can't afford. i cant justify over a grand on a body plus only having 1 lens when i start med school in september, so realistically a D700 will eithe rhave to wait until i start working again (4 years) or if i can wangle some portrait/paid work-hence thinking of getting a 80-200 f2.8 rather than a d700

[Paulie-W]

Ahhh I see :lol:

In that case I would keep your 35 f2. You could always rent a 30mm for the weekend and compare, before you make a rash decision.

[StewartR]

You could always rent a 30mm for the weekend and compare, before you make a rash decision.That might not be so easy. I'm not aware of any hire companies which stock this lens. It's only £300 to buy, and it's hard to make money at that level. (You'll appreciate that the amount of work a hire company has to do is the same regardless of whether you're hiring a £300 lens for a weekend or a £3000 lens for a month....)

[fontmoss]

can't hire out here anyway

If I bought a D700 i would in all likelihood sell the 35mm anyway so whether I sell a sigma 30 or nikkor 35 isn't really that big a difference.

[Paulie-W]

That might not be so easy. I'm not aware of any hire companies which stock this lens. It's only £300 to buy, and it's hard to make money at that level. (You'll appreciate that the amount of work a hire company has to do is the same regardless of whether you're hiring a £300 lens for a weekend or a £3000 lens for a month....)

can't hire out here anyway

If I bought a D700 i would in all likelihood sell the 35mm anyway so whether I sell a sigma 30 or nikkor 35 isn't really that big a difference.


Fair points :thumbs:

[fontmoss]

lol, you're just going with the flow now!


EDIT: thoughts on 50mm f1.4 as replacement/to compliment 35 welcomed

[puddleduck]

lol, you're just going with the flow now!


EDIT: thoughts on 50mm f1.4 as replacement/to compliment 35 welcomed

Simple - you don't like 50mm on crop.

Don't buy one for a crop camera then :)

[Paulie-W]

lol, you're just going with the flow now!

Thats because I keep forgetting you're in Spain :D


EDIT: thoughts on 50mm f1.4 as replacement/to compliment 35 welcomed

Sussed it. Keep the Fuji, keep the 35mm and get a 50 for when you get the D700. Sorted :thumbs: :naughty:

[fontmoss]

you could be onto something paulie ;)

PD you're right, 30/35 is so much better on crop.

ok back to the drawing board

[puddleduck]

PD you're right, 30/35 is so much better on crop.


Its nice on the D700 as well :lol:

[sdb123]

Stick with your 35mm f/2 and get the 50mm and 85mm primes of your choice. You're sorted either way then. :p

[fontmoss]

funny you should say that! one of the (many, many) possible routes was to get a 50 f1.4 and/or 85 f1.8 in the short term and see how it and the bronica fair over the summer, possibly sell them if necessary and get the 80-200. so many lenses so little time

[sdb123]

funny you should say that! one of the (many, many) possible routes was to get a 50 f1.4 and/or 85 f1.8 in the short term and see how it and the bronica fair over the summer, possibly sell them if necessary and get the 80-200. so many lenses so little time

I have a Nikon 35mm f/2, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 85mm f/1.4 and a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8. Suits me down to the ground if I'm honest.

[rdh]

True though :lol:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1635160&postcount=2

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1564663&postcount=3


http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1562093&postcount=6

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1520120&postcount=8

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1476468&postcount=3

Seriously - my point is that while I would quite like this lens again, if you are contemplating a D700 then this lens is going to be very useful.

Although on a crop camera, IMHO the Sigma 30mm is a better lens. Its certainly sharper wide open in the center ... 35/2 wins in the corners.

LOL :D

PD - is the Sigma sharper at 1.4 then the Nik at 2? If so, might have to reconsider lens choice...

[puddleduck]

LOL :D

PD - is the Sigma sharper at 1.4 then the Nik at 2? If so, might have to reconsider lens choice...

Yep, in the center, not the corners..

The last time I really shot with a 30mm f/1.4 was on my S5 Pro and it was razor sharp wide open.

Test shot:

http://www.odysseus-software.co.uk/LensTests/sig30mm-full.jpg

100%:
http://www.odysseus-software.co.uk/LensTests/sig30mm-crop.jpg

Real world example:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/278917399_1a40d4f833_o.jpg

[rdh]

Wow, thats impressive - thanks.

Looks like a great copy.

[fontmoss]

sdb thats my ideal set up! but dont have the money for an 85 f1.4 never mind that plus 50 and 80-200. The 50 would take the place of the 35 for most of my use but that'd be a f1.4, the prob is I would like a f1.4 to use until i get a D700.


Looks like a great copy.

that's the thing, i feel you're always trying to find one thats sharp wide open which either means getting test shots from folk here or buying new (for a premium) and returning if necessary

[sdb123]

that's the thing, i feel you're always trying to find one thats sharp wide open which either means getting test shots from folk here or buying new (for a premium) and returning if necessary

I've owned two different copies of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and one Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (all purchased new). All of them were excellent out of the box, no calibration or returning necessary.

[cowasaki]

True though :lol:

I'm surprised I haven't got that reputation too :lol: Still saving........ Just about to hit 4 figures and closing in on the 2nd hand value of the D700

[puddleduck]

I've owned two different copies of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and one Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (all purchased new). All of them were excellent out of the box, no calibration or returning necessary.

I think I've had 3 Sigma 30mm's (flipped between that and the 35/2 a couple of times) and all have been exactly the same, all sharp and focus properly.

Ditto with my 50mm f/1.4.

I think a lot of the "problems" with fast glass are user error - frankly if Sigma had half the QC's probably that are suggested they wouldn't be in business...

Having said that, I still think their 24-70 f/2.8 HSM absolutely stinks :lol:

[fontmoss]

now i just need to find a sigma 30mm f1.4 2nd hand...

[sdb123]

I think I've had 3 Sigma 30mm's (flipped between that and the 35/2 a couple of times) and all have been exactly the same, all sharp and focus properly.

Ditto with my 50mm f/1.4.

I think a lot of the "problems" with fast glass are user error - frankly if Sigma had half the QC's probably that are suggested they wouldn't be in business...

Having said that, I still think their 24-70 f/2.8 HSM absolutely stinks :lol:

:D

Sigma's primes certainly seem to cut it more so than their zooms. I'm surprised they've never released an 85mm prime tbh.

[rdh]

I had a Sigma 50/1.4 and it had terrible focussing problems. Changed it for the Nikon/1.4G which is excellent (especially at f2), focuses accurately in really low light.

Not as well as the 24-70 of course, but that's magical.

[puddleduck]

Not as well as the 24-70 of course, but that's magical.

The 24-70 is probably Nikon's fastest focusing lens.

The speed of the AF-G is embarrsing, they must have used the motor from the 18-55 kit lens I think :lol:

[sdb123]

I had a Sigma 50/1.4 and it had terrible focussing problems. Changed it for the Nikon/1.4G which is excellent (especially at f2), focuses accurately in really low light.

That was unlucky. :(

My Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is spot-on wide open (used it at a Christening the other week).

[fontmoss]

so did everyone buy new? they're a a hell of a chunk of cash, think id stick with nikkor rather than buy new

[puddleduck]

so did everyone buy new? they're a a hell of a chunk of cash, think id stick with nikkor rather than buy new

My Sigma 50mm f/1.4 I bought used from here.

My first Sigma 30mm I got in 2005, and I bought that from OneStop - no problems.

Sold that for a 35/2, then missed the 30mm so sold the 35mm and re-bought. Warehouse Express - again perfect.

I think my final one might have been used... not sure. Again perfect. I've seen no variation in performance, either for sharpness or focusing.

Bearing in mind that its the camera and user that decides where to focus, I tend to distrust "focus problem" reports on the 30mm....

[rdh]

The 24-70 is probably Nikon's fastest focusing lens.

The speed of the AF-G is embarrsing, they must have used the motor from the 18-55 kit lens I think :lol:

Can't argue that, it's slow in the full range. Thing is, if you're using AF-C on moving people, it's more than enough and keeps focus very well indeed, so it's not an issue (personally).

Will try the 30/1.4 at WEX this weekend :¬)

[kevin612]

I have a 35mm F1.8, want to sell
Don't know if you are interested?
Image Quality of the lens is very good.!

[fontmoss]

i think ive set my sights on the sigma but pm me by all means, pics and price, and ill get back to you

Cheapest place i can find the sigma new is one stop but at £271 id need to sell my lens and put another ton to it! not sure its worth it really

[rdh]

i think ive set my sights on the sigma but pm me by all means, pics and price, and ill get back to you

Cheapest place i can find the sigma new is one stop but at £271 id need to sell my lens and put another ton to it! not sure its worth it really

Do you plan to use it professionally?

[fontmoss]

Do you plan to use it professionally?

no :nuts: - have you seen my flickr?


well id like to but going to wait till back in UK till try and find some portrait work on the side (and wont be with this lens tbh)

[Richie15]

I am selling a 50mm 1.4 G under classifieds if you are interested?

[fontmoss]

thanks but ill probably go for the 80-200 rather than a 50 at this stage, as PD pointed out im not a fan of 50mm on crop sensor. Plus im drawn to the af-d rather than g, not sure why

[Richie15]

No probs.

I tried the 80-200 on the S5 the other day and couldnt believe how heavy it was, I ended up with a 70-300 instead which whilst not a pro lens will suffice and is loads lighter.

[fontmoss]

how come you're selling the 50 out of interest?

A 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8 might be a viable alternative to 80-200 (although i dont mind the weight really)

[Richie15]

Want to try 24-70 but that may be further down the line. I also fancy a new Panasonic Compact.

Main reason is that I got a 28-105 Macro under PD recommendation so 50 and 60 can both go, I am that happy with it.

I will then have Tamron 17-50, Nikon 35mm F2, Nikon 28-105mm and a Nikon 70-300 VR

I use my 28-105 as my walkaround lens, it does everything I want.

[fontmoss]

ok fair enough. I think we're in a similar boat-both looking to full frame future :)

[Richie15]

Agree, I have thought about it and the only body I would buy is the D700 its just to expensive at the moment. There is a fair amount of sense though in buying FF lenses so you are future proof. Problem FF lenses are not always the best on the S5!

Happy hunting.

[cowasaki]

I would have bought the AFS 35mm f1.8 had it been FF compatible as I too am saving for a D700. Making it DX seems a little short sighted to me.

[SuperAP]

I would have bought the AFS 35mm f1.8 had it been FF compatible as I too am saving for a D700. Making it DX seems a little short sighted to me.

TBF I think it's a cost effective lens aimed at DX users who want an equivalent to 50mm on FX. I've just bought the Sigma 30mm 1.4 on here for precisely that reason - the Nikkor 50mm 1.4D I have is a wonderful lens, but simply too long on a DX body when you're trying to shoot a lunatic 2 year old indoors :)

[puddleduck]

Got the new Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 AF-S today..

First impressions - sharp!

But.... focus is much slower than the older AF-D, its also bigger (although not full frame), and doesn't focus as close. Amazing how DX is supposed to allow for compact designs, yet this is bigger than its full frame brother!! :lol:

Seems to be squarely aimed at D40, D60, D5000 owners - anyone one else will be better served by the 35/2 AF-D I think.

-Andy

[rdh]

Andy - there are rumours about a Nikon 1.4 (24 or 35, can't remember) - have you heard anything or is it just wishful thinking? :¬)

[puddleduck]

Nope... although my usual source has gone very quiet after being a bit leaky NDA-wise last year - I don't think we'll see fast versions of either. But that just because I don't think Nikon are going in that direction, the reason being is that Canon have these already and Nikon tend to avoid going head to head.. I think the 14-24 and the 24-70 point to the way they are going. Prime performance in a zoom...

I also think "AF-S" in a lot of lenses isn't needed at all, but thats just me. Especially with the mickey mouse AF-S we've in the 50mm f/1.4 G and the 3mm f/1.8 G that are slower than the AF-D versions!

[cowasaki]

Seems to be squarely aimed at D40, D60, D5000 owners - anyone one else will be better served by the 35/2 AF-D I think.


I suppose it is aimed squarely at that market in order to give them the nifty fifty feeling !

[puddleduck]

I suppose it is aimed squarely at that market in order to give them the nifty fifty feeling !

I think so - although its a bit hard to tell on my D50 which is really sharp with pretty much any lens (weak AA filter), it seems incredibly good wide open.

[cowasaki]

I don't know how much more expensive it would be to have made it FF though. I know several people who have said that they would have bought it had it been FF compatible. I for one would have bought it when it came out but I am avoiding anything that is not FF due to my impending purchase. I already have a lot of money tied up in a DX lens (the 18-200). I will keep the other DX lenses as they go with the D1x which I use separately.