Since Jason Ng (appleguy on Flickr) let me try his Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens on February 28th, it was in the back of my mind. I know I rented and talked about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, but I think I’ll get more use out of this one.
Once my tax return got deposited, I ordered the lens. While I’ve only had it for three days, I’m pretty much in love with it.
Initial thoughts and observations
- It’s solid. My Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II feels like a toy compared to it.
- Focusing is quick, smooth and quiet.
- Taking portraits wide open (f/1.4) creates awesome bokeh.
- Lighting which would usually require ISO 1600 with my 50mm f/1.8 lens is doable at ISO 800.
- The lens and hood look slightly glittery.
- The lens cap design is better than Canon’s.
- I don’t think I have focusing issues. That’s a relief.
I’m glad I got it over the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. On a crop body (1.6x), 30mm looks good.
The first photos from my new lens
I know, right?
Time to get out of this funk and make some more awesome photos. 🙂
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All Narfed Up 
Aha, good work, Bryan. Have fun with that, it looks like a good one. I recently got around to buying a 50mm f/1.8 and already I notice the huge difference in shooting with my aperture wide open simply in cases where I’d need a high ISO before. The bokeh is simply irresistible too.
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@Harrison: I’m sure you’ll exhaust that lens before you get another to supplement it.
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This was the first lens I bought for my DSLR almost two years ago and you bring up all the points that I love about it. I use it all the time and I hope you continue to enjoy the lens.
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