Full Review: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens
Way back in May of this year, 2007, I received my fancy new Sigma 30mm lens. It was only a few months prior that I had even learned about prime lenses. Photography was still very new, and I desperately wanted to learn and grow. A good friend had recommended that I pick up a prime lens, like the popular 50mm’s that many start out using. I have the Nikon D40, which has a small limitation on lenses it can use, so I had to stick with Nikkor AF-S and Sigma HSM lenses.
With a bit of research, I was able to find the Sigma 30mm, and it seemed like what I was looking for. I shopped and found a store selling them for $350, almost $50 less than Amazon, so I bit.
When the lens arrived, I remember being excited, like the first day of school.
I tore it out of the packaging and installed it immediately. Within minutes I was shooting away, testing the low light sensitivity in the dark bathroom and playing with the amazing aperture values. I was in love.
Since that day, the 30mm remains on my camera all the time. If I need to shoot something else, I make the switch. But, I always put it back on when I’m done.
Here’s a few examples of images I’ve shot with my Sigma 30mm…
Two good examples of portraits. I’m very excited to use this lens for the December Challenge.
These two images help demonstrate how nice this lens creates shallow depth of field.
These last two photos help you see how well the Sigma 30mm performs in low light situations. Not only does it capture great detail, it also helps bring out beautiful color.
Back in 2005, when this lens was released, DPReview covered it. You’ll find a lot of good technical information by reading their information, here.
Of course, picking on up is best done at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. Enjoy!
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Take a look at some similar posts:
- Portrait lighting help
- December Challenge
- I’m a portrait-making freak!
- The 2008 Challenge
- Pro Photo Expo, recap…
Comments
Comment from trevor
Time: November 22, 2007, 6:59 am
Miguel, yes you see vignetting. However, I add that in the processing. I like to go for that “lomo” look.
I have never noticed any vignetting with this lens.
Comment from Miguel Marcos
Time: November 22, 2007, 7:49 am
Got it.
I just recently bought a Canon 400D with kit lens and I also bought the 50mm 1.8 lens (unbeatable price) with the intention of practicing shooting with a standard 50mm lens. My first foray into the DSLR world.
While waiting for the package to arrive it dawned on me that I had bought an 85mm equivalent from the old 35mm film world! Still a great lens and all I’ve been using for a while, but now I’m on the lookout for a 28mm or 35mm to give that old standard lens focal length. I’ll keep the Sigma in mind.
Comment from Brian Auer
Time: November 22, 2007, 7:52 am
That’s an awesome lens, Trevor. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on one of those pretty soon. My fastest lens is only a 2.8, and I’ve often wished for another stop or two. Plus the shallow DOF is amazing!
Comment from Dave Roth
Time: November 22, 2007, 8:39 am
Trevor: I have the 50mm as my “fast prime”, and even though I love the lens, a lot of the time (esp with the 1.6x crop factor of my APS-C sensor on my 40D) the lens isn’t wide enough, especially indoors. I’m thinking that a 30 mm, which is equivalent to 48mm in full-frame sensor terms would be perfect. Your review here just reinforced that idea for me. Thanks for writing this up and sharing.
Comment from draconian57
Time: November 22, 2007, 9:26 am
This is a great post. I have been looking at the Nikkor 50mm 1.4 and 1.8 and I don’t know yet. This lens looks pretty good, I love the 1.4 aperture because I’ve tested it out on a Nikkor 50mm. Since this would give me close to the equivalent of a 30mm, should I go for this lens, or go for the 50mm 1.4?
Comment from Steven Lee
Time: August 18, 2008, 7:44 pm
I love all the pictures you’ve taken with this lens, simply beautiful. Currently I’m looking for a prime lens that can handle low-light situation and was recommended this. I was doing some research on my own & stumble on to your review which is very informative. Great review!
Comment from trevor
Time: August 19, 2008, 9:23 pm
Thanks for your comment, Steven. I’m glad you’re looking at a solid prime. I would make it the first required lens for ANY dSLR owner.
Comment from Miguel Marcos
Time: November 22, 2007, 4:47 am
I like the sharpness and the feel of the lens from your shots. But is that lens vignetting on the upper corners of the first photos?