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01/13/2008 07:37:46 AM · #1 |
I'm setting in nicely with my new D80 and as expected the lens acquisition syndrome is flaring up. I'm quite happy with the 18-135mm kit lens I got with the camera and the 50mm f1.8 is brilliant as well.
However, the 50mm is a bit too long for some of the shooting I like to do in low light (i.e it's hard to get unobtrusive low light candids of my friends) so I'm wanting a wider but fast lens. I don't want the super wide angle look, more of a normal focal length when put on the D80.
Browsing around I've found those two lenses. The sigma is a bit more expensive and I am on a budget so I'm tempted to just get the Nikon but the f1.4 seems very nice and also being slightly wider is quite handy on the Sigma.
So anyone know which one is more like the 50mm f1.8 when it comes to sharpness and general "I am an awesome lens"-ness? |
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01/13/2008 09:12:38 AM · #2 |
I have none of these but I was researching this some time ago to buy a fixed lens. From all the reviews I read it sums up like this: At f1.4 sigma is very soft in the corners, has a lot of vignetting and CAs. At f2 is comparable with Nikon and at f2.8 and above both lenses are fine. Also, Sigma is only for cropped sensor (DC/DX) and weights twice at 430 grams. I would look for samples @1.4.. might be fine for the work you want it else there's no reason for it, imo.
FYI: I bought the 85/1.8 instead and I love it :)
Message edited by author 2008-01-13 09:13:33. |
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01/13/2008 10:17:28 AM · #3 |
Here are samples from the 30mm f/1.4, fullsize: My Sigma Gallery
It is still my favourite lens and I use it often in low light between 1.4 and 2.0
I hate flash and will at any time choose shallower dof over flash.
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01/13/2008 10:49:33 AM · #4 |
| I don't have the sigma, but I do have the Nikon 35 f/2 and I like it alot. However, two more stops would be nice at times. I guess it depends on how often you feel you'll need the two more stops. |
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01/13/2008 11:12:27 AM · #5 |
About 50% of my comercial work is done with the 30mm f1.4 from sigma. Once you try out big appertures you will never go back.
I'm still consireding if the new Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 is worth it because when light get dim f2.8 will not be enougth.
People that don't have the lens or never tested it (this or anolher one)and talk about corner softness or other tech arguments and didn't do a real life test are people more worried with graphic test boards that with photography.
I use mine all the time at f1.4 and it's great. The sarpness is in pair with the nikkor 50mm f1.8.
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01/13/2008 11:27:35 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Nuno:
People that don't have the lens or never tested it (this or anolher one)and talk about corner softness or other tech arguments and didn't do a real life test are people more worried with graphic test boards that with photography.
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Whatever lens does fits you and does what you intended to do is the right lens.
Originally posted by Nuno:
I use mine all the time at f1.4 and it's great. The sarpness is in pair with the nikkor 50mm f1.8. |
No, is not. I have the boards to prove otherwise.
-N.
Message edited by author 2008-01-13 11:27:57. |
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01/13/2008 12:56:38 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by nikolaos:
Originally posted by Nuno:
I use mine all the time at f1.4 and it's great. The sarpness is in pair with the nikkor 50mm f1.8. |
No, is not. I have the boards to prove otherwise.
-N. |
Correct. My 30 1.4 beats the shit out of my 50 1.4.....
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01/13/2008 01:05:56 PM · #8 |
I have the Sigam 30 1.4 and have had no complaints. Although I do not use it frequently it has performed well when I needed a low light lens like at family weddings. I can't speak for the Nikon as I have never used it. I'm sure you have looked here for some examples of shots taken by memebers:
Sigma 30 f1.4
BTW - Here is one of  hotpasta's at 1.4:
Message edited by author 2008-01-13 13:10:32. |
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01/13/2008 01:11:11 PM · #9 |
Might I suggest the Sigma 20mm
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=770
or
Sigma 24mm 1.8 macro
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=713
30-35mm is still considerably long on a crop sensor.
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01/13/2008 03:00:17 PM · #10 |
Thanks everyone for your responses. I've not made up my mind yet but those sample pics and stories are helping.
I've been testing out if that's the focal length I want. I've tried zooming on my 18-135 and stopping when I hit the "sweet spot" where I want the prime focal length to be and it's pretty much always at 32-34.
So really what I should do is get a D3 and use the 50mm f1.8 :D ('cos that's in my budget, yeah right..) since I'm obviously wanting the old school full frame 50mm focal length.
A 24 or a 20 might do but I'm not really looking for a wide angle lens. I just want something a bit wider than the 50mm which I'm finding a bit limiting for some of the shots I want to make (it's a fantastic lens though and I've taken all my favourite photos so far with it).
Message edited by author 2008-01-13 15:01:46. |
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01/13/2008 03:03:49 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Siggav:
I've been testing out if that's the focal length I want. I've tried zooming on my 18-135 and stopping when I hit the "sweet spot" where I want the prime focal length to be and it's pretty much always at 32-34.
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That's the best way to tell what you need :-D
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01/24/2008 07:58:04 PM · #12 |
I ended up getting an unexpected bill so can't buy a semi expensive lens for a bit now.
However I got a 24mm f2,8 old manual Sigma lens off ebay for well under $50 and I've been playing with it today and I'm really happy with it. It's a lot sharper and better than I expected. Only problem is I can't find it in the lens list so I can't really add it to my equipment list in the profile. Anyone know what's the protocol for using lenses that aren't on the list if you for example submit a photo to a challenge etc?
Example shot wide open at f2.8
Message edited by author 2008-01-24 19:58:48. |
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01/24/2008 11:57:49 PM · #13 |
I have the 30 1.4 and it's on my camera 75%+ of the time i'm shooting available light indoors.
2.2 is tack sharp on my copy on par w/ the nikon 50 1.8 at 2.8 or so.
One problem is sketchy low light auto-focus with an outer focus point.
Not a deal breaker, i switch to center then recompose.
Originally posted by breadfan35:
two more stops would be nice at times. I guess it depends on how often you feel you'll need the two more stops. |
Btw, 1.4 is 1 stop faster than f/2 not "two stops more".
ETA, I've been eyeing that Sigma 20mm 1.8 though... looks sexy.
Message edited by author 2008-01-24 23:58:21. |
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01/25/2008 12:23:29 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Siggav:
Anyone know what's the protocol for using lenses that aren't on the list if you for example submit a photo to a challenge etc?
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//www.dpchallenge.com/help_contact.php
Click Equipment Addition/Change and give info about the lens... might want to send a pic too :-D
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