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Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens
Jul 9, 2018 11:22:36   #
shieldsadvert
 
I have heard some comments about focusing issues with this lens. I have a Sony NEX-6 and am looking for a "normal lens" and wonder if this would be a good choice?

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Jul 9, 2018 11:28:15   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
shieldsadvert wrote:
I have heard some comments about focusing issues with this lens. I have a Sony NEX-6 and am looking for a "normal lens" and wonder if this would be a good choice?

That is a typical Sigma issue, their focusing just plainly sucks, it did improve with their introduction of the Global Vision-series of lenses, but it still lacks behind!

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Jul 9, 2018 12:00:51   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
shieldsadvert wrote:
I have heard some comments about focusing issues with this lens. I have a Sony NEX-6 and am looking for a "normal lens" and wonder if this would be a good choice?


Which version of this lens are you referring to, the original version or the newer ART version? I have the pre-ART version that I used on various Canon cameras. While it missed focus when shooting wide open at f/1.4 much more often than I would have liked, it was still dead on most of the time. Stopped down to f/2.8 it only missed focus occasionally. At f/4 it rarely missed Focus. The new ART version of this lens is supposedly an improvement in every respect including auto focus, although I have no personal. experience with that version.

Auto focus at f/1.4 with any lens can be problematic when the target is small and/or has low contrast, especially in low light. I learned how to get much better results shooting wide open with that lens by focusing on hard edges or higher contrast portions of my subjects. With f/1.4 the depth of field can be very thin especially if your target is really close, so there is a learning curve to get the best out of any lens at that aperture.

Since Canon's AF algorithms are not available to third parties, Sigma had to backwards engineer them and there have been a number of reported auto focus issues with various Sigma lenses on Canon bodies. However, my understanding is that those AF issues are less prevalent on other camera systems like Nikon and Sony. Additionally, Sony's in body image stabilization may be very helpful for nonmoving subjects since this lens that does not have its own built-in stabilization when used with other camera systems. Without stabilization shooting at f/1.4 handheld at a slower shutter speed can be very problematic.

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Jul 9, 2018 13:34:22   #
HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas
 
I have that lens and shoot it on my A6000 and really enjoy it, the only problem I have had with focusing is when shooting flower close up's, sometimes if you get to close it will say it's in focus and it's not, other than that no problems, it is my #1 lens for street shooting and well worth the price.

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Jul 9, 2018 13:41:11   #
brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky
 
shieldsadvert wrote:
I have heard some comments about focusing issues with this lens. I have a Sony NEX-6 and am looking for a "normal lens" and wonder if this would be a good choice?


If it is the ART lens, I will state that I have those lenses in 24mm, 50mm and 85mm. I have no focus issues on my Nikons (D610 & D7100). From what I have read, the focus issues seemed to be more prominent on the Canon bodies.

I truly don't think you'd be disappointed.

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Jul 9, 2018 14:03:44   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
speters wrote:
That is a typical Sigma issue, their focusing just plainly sucks, it did improve with their introduction of the Global Vision-series of lenses, but it still lacks behind!


B.S. I've had Sigma lenses for years and have experienced zero focusing issues. I know several Pros who use the 35 mm and 50 mm ART lenses for portrait sessions.

To the OP, go to a camera store with your body and try. Or rent one from Lensrentals or Borrowlenses and see for yourself.

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Jul 9, 2018 14:06:10   #
shieldsadvert
 
Thank you. I was thinking of upgrading to the 6500 from the NEX-6 for the in-body stabilization which would work with this lens.

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Jul 9, 2018 14:18:44   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
brucewells wrote:
If it is the ART lens, I will state that I have those lenses in 24mm, 50mm and 85mm. I have no focus issues on my Nikons (D610 & D7100). From what I have read, the focus issues seemed to be more prominent on the Canon bodies.

I truly don't think you'd be disappointed.

That's always been my understanding as well. Besides a older Sigma 30 mm f/1.4, I have the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8. This lens also misses AF more than I would like at its widest aperture, but it is so damn sharp and contrasty from edge to edge across the frame, with great color rendition, that I'm willing to overlook the occasionally frustrating AF. And when I stop that lens down to f/2.8 it misses AF much less frequently and is even sharper from edge to edge.

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Jul 10, 2018 14:14:22   #
Bigbeartom44
 
I have had the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for my Sony a6000 and have never had a problem. In fact I have a number of Sigma lenses for my Sony a6000 and I find them superior to the Sony line of lenses for the a6000. And much less costly.

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Jul 10, 2018 15:15:46   #
shieldsadvert
 
Thank you; I've heard that too.

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Jul 10, 2018 15:16:15   #
shieldsadvert
 
Thanks for the input

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Jul 10, 2018 19:33:05   #
Dennis833 Loc: Australia
 
If you don't need an F1.4 lens then I would recommend the Sigma 30mm F2.8 art lens. It would be a great lens for your NEX-6. It's also very reasonably priced.

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Jul 10, 2018 23:16:03   #
cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado
 
I have the Sigma 30mm DC-DN 1.4 on my Sony A6000. I specifically got it because I was under the impression that a 30mm on a crop sensor was very close to the revered 50mm on a FF and every test and evaluation of this lens I read was excellent. It's the best, sharpest lens I have and has been on my A6000 since I got it back in the spring. I have zero complaints. Well, not a complaint, but I'd love to have that quality lens in a nice variable zoom. :)

ron

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