Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

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Archive 2011 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #1 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Hey guys,

Thanks for helping me narrow it down in my last thread and I have come to a decision between these two lenses. The purpose of this purchase would be for indoor shooting. It would be mostly still life but occasionally people shots or group portraits. While the Nikon is definitely cheaper with sharper edges and less focusing problems, the Sigma is 7.5mm wider as well as having 1.4. However, I've heard about front-focusing problems with regard to the Sigma and am concerned about the quality or hassle of the lens.

Thank you in advance!

Dec 08, 2011 at 04:47 PM

froda
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p.1 #2 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I have only done test shots with the Nikon, and it was a very nice lens. I own the Sigma 30 and absolutely love it. Especially with a DX camera, getting every mm wider is key for indoor shooting, and that extra 2/3 stop for auto focus is great.

Dec 08, 2011 at 05:52 PM

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #3 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Thank you for your input. Did you have to re-calibrate your lens to your camera? Also in your opinion does the lack of edge sharpness in the Sigma affect your photos greatly?

Dec 08, 2011 at 06:13 PM

VTHokiEE06
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p.1 #4 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I've never shot with the Sigma, but I love the Nikon 35mm f1.8. Most of the time it is glued to my D7000, great lens.

Dec 08, 2011 at 06:52 PM

panos.v
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p.1 #5 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

froda wrote:
I have only done test shots with the Nikon, and it was a very nice lens. I own the Sigma 30 and absolutely love it. Especially with a DX camera, getting every mm wider is key for indoor shooting, and that extra 2/3 stop for auto focus is great.

1.4 vs 1.8 is 1/3 stop.

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:11 PM

panos.v
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p.1 #6 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I had the 35G. Compared to the Sigma it is lighter, smaller, cheaper, focuses closer, is very sharp and I never heard of focusing issues with it so I never really looked into the Sigma to tell you the truth.

Personally I find that now that Nikon has the 35G, the Sigma only makes sense in Canon-land, where the closest competitor is the 28/1.8, but that's a whole other discussion.

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:12 PM

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #7 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Hm, I see. I think the only advantages that I've heard Sigma has over the Nikon is better bokeh, wider range, and extra 1/3 stop. I'm most concerned about the calibration aspect with Sigma. I'm leaning towards Nikon right now. Still indecisive.

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:15 PM

lou f
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p.1 #8 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

had both at the same time. nikon.

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:26 PM

froda
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p.1 #9 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Ah yes, don't know where I got 2/3 stop. I haven't had to calibrate mine, and it is bang on sharp in the center at 1.4. Two things I don't care for on my copy is the MFD, and I don't get edge to edge sharpness by stopping down. Given I use this lens primarily between 1.4-2.8 for photographing people, that never really bothers me.

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:33 PM

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #10 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Alright, thanks guys for your advice!

Dec 08, 2011 at 08:37 PM

Nijay
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p.1 #11 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 belongs in just about every DX shooter's bag, almost w/o exception. It's just that good and that cheap.

Dec 08, 2011 at 09:01 PM

wcowan
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p.1 #12 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I've owned both and the poor focusing of the Sigma is enough for me to keep the Nikon. I don't care how sharp a lens is if it is nearly impossible to nail a good shot.

Dec 08, 2011 at 09:24 PM

Keopele19
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p.1 #13 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I haven't tried the nikon, but the sigma is great. People complain about the focus - mine is accurate. People complain about the sharpness, mine is sharp at 1.4 in the center. Unless you need edge-to-edge sharpness and plan on spending a lot more, I'd buy the sigma

Dec 08, 2011 at 09:48 PM

Tobin28
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p.1 #14 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-eLPEPw4Vk&feature=channel_video_title

Dec 08, 2011 at 10:05 PM

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #15 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Hm, thanks I saw that video already, but still couldn't decide. It seems that both lenses have their pros and cons, but everyone is to their own, Nikon or Sigma.

Dec 08, 2011 at 10:14 PM

froda
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p.1 #16 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Mine nails the focus without hunting.... don't know what all the fuss is about. Perhaps a Nikon sticker of the Sigma brand would change a few opinions.

Dec 08, 2011 at 10:20 PM

Keopele19
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p.1 #17 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

froda wrote:
Mine nails the focus without hunting.... don't know what all the fuss is about. Perhaps a Nikon sticker of the Sigma brand would change a few opinions.

Agreed. The sigma is amazing, it's the ultimate 'normal' lens on DX.

Dec 08, 2011 at 11:28 PM

Gaylon Holmes
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p.1 #18 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

I believe f1.4 to f1.8 is indeed 2/3 stops.

Dec 08, 2011 at 11:36 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #19 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Gaylon Holmes wrote:
I believe f1.4 to f1.8 is indeed 2/3 stops.

yeah, I was gonna WTF the bad math but thought "let it go" That 2/3 of a stop is HUGE as is the aforementioned 7.5 mm wider. F' the corners...who needs 'em

Dec 09, 2011 at 12:08 AM

nightlinedrive
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p.1 #20 · Nikon 35mm f/1.8 vs. Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Haha oops. I'm kind of an amateur at this so... Anyway, I think I'll give the Sigma a shot after I (hopefully) get my D7000. First, I need to sell my D5100 and my 70-300mm f/4.5 lens though...

Dec 09, 2011 at 12:57 AM

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