authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

I recently acquired a like new Sigma 30mm 1.4 EX DC HSM lens. I almost did not by it as i have read reviews it has bad focusing issues. I have it on my Nikon D300 and it works fine. While it is not silent it sure is very quiet and so far focus is sharp. Anyone out there use this lens and what are your experiences? :thumbup:

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

I'm happy it is working for you -- that is all that matters. I had it and sold it -- just did not focus well but then I've had the same problems with 50 f/1.4 lenses. I'm on the other had very happy with my Nikon 35 f/1.8. Very sharp f/2 and above.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I love using my copy on my Canon 60D. I bought it new for $289 right after it was discontinued so it was a bargain. I've found occasional AF issues usually occuring in low light, and/or when shooting small low contrast subjects. And even then, the the AF is generally spot on once you stop down to f/2.8.

The first shot was taken at f/2.8, the second at f/1.4.

f/2.8

(Download)

f/1.4

(Download)

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Great shots, very clear. The 1.4 shots from this lens are better than the Nikon 50mm 1.4G I tried once, which were soft. I have had a situation in low light where I could not get a focus lock. I switched my D300 to spot meter, spot focus and got the shot. I have learned that all settings will not work in all situations. I can usually find a setting which works. If not I can always manual focus. So long as the photo is focused the rest can be taken care of post processing as I shot RAW. I believe many complaints about the Sigma 30mm EX DC HSM lens are based on unrealistic expectations. My copy of this lens is great and I am most happy with it. Focus is fast, quiet and accurate. I picked it from a local camera shop used with the box, zipper case, front/rear caps and warranty card for $250 cash. Obviously this lens was only used a few times as everything looks new. :thumbup:

On a crop sensor camera, 30mm is just right for general use. Give me about what my eye sees! The photo was taken with this Sigma 30mm lens.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Frankly, I think the majority of AF problems with this lens are on Canon bodies. Canon doesn't share their AF algorithms and Sigma has to reverse engineer them, with somewhat mixed results. When they are on Nikon bodies there seems to be fewer complaints. Of course that also may be a result of the number of Canon vs Nikon owners. Any issues you do have are also easily resolved using liveview or whatever Nikon calls this feature.

If you look at my two shots full size you'll see that at f/1.4 areas near the tail are more out of focus than at f/2.8, presumably because of the shallower depth of field. In general through, this lens is sharper in the center than at the edges when wide open. When stopped down, sharpness improves across the image, but the edges never get as good as the center. I'm not home now, but I'll post a couple of additional shots later.

Despite reported issues, for a long time this lens was very highly regarded based on its build and general IQ and the fact that there weren't any other affordable 30mm f/1.4 lenses available. Lots of folks tried to overlook the occasional AF issues because of all the things it did right. Many had a love/hate relationship with it. While I too am sometimes frustrated with the AF, I've never regretted this purchase. There were two versions of this lens. The original version had a speckled finish. The later version a solid black finish. Which do you have? Enjoy your new lens.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Here are a couple of additional shots

At f/8

(Download)

f/2,8

(Download)

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

My lens has a solid black finish. The focus being better at 2.8 than 1.4 is common on most lens. Center focus being better than the edges is common on all but the most expensive lens. I am not sorry I bought this lens either. It is a real gem in my opinion. Other than the one incident in low light, I have not had any focus issues. Some lens are better than others but no lens is perfect no matter how much it cost and will always have someone complaining. Lens is too heavy, too soft, too loud, bad focus and the list goes on and on. I am happy and get nice shots. Photos from your lens also look great! Photo below was taken with this lens.

Aperture Priority 30mm F2.8 - ISO 200 - 1/40 - No Flash


Aperture Priority - 30mm F2.8 - 1/6400 - ISO 200 - No Flash

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

From some comments I've read it seems the earlier speckled version apparently had more AF issues then the later solid black one. I enjoy this lens a lot. I use it much less recently because in late winter I acquired a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8. Its sharp from edge to edge even wide open and has the flexibility to go much wider to 18mm, all at f/1.8. However, it's huge and heavy as lead, and although the AF is more consistent than the 30mm, it still misses a bit more often than I like.