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Archive 2014 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?

  
 
rittrato
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


Hi guys! I just switched back to Nikon and I don't have any experiences with these lenses. I don't care much about critical sharpness but in this case, bokeh, distortion and overall characteristics or how the lends renders an image plays a bigger role.


With Canon, despite the Sigma being sharper, I've always preferred the 35L's rendition. To me, it just brings (I'm probably going to get flamed for this lol) "magic". While the Sigma is sharper, I find the micro contrast and sharpness a bit much for portraits, my 02 cents of course.


Do you guys feel the same when it comes to the 35 1.4G vs Sigma 35 1.4 for portrait usage?



Apr 03, 2014 at 08:14 PM
hijazist
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I don't mind the Sigma rendering, however, my favorite rendering is of the Zeiss 35 F/2. I never cared for the Nikon 35 1.4 whether in terms of AF speed, sharpness or rendering. If you need AF then have a look at the 28 1.8g.


Apr 03, 2014 at 08:19 PM
rittrato
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


hijazist wrote:
I don't mind the Sigma rendering, however, my favorite rendering is of the Zeiss 35 F/2. I never cared for the Nikon 35 1.4 whether in terms of AF speed, sharpness or rendering. If you need AF then have a look at the 28 1.8g.

I tried that before, never really liked it for portraits. It's too wide and distortion is a bit much for my taste.



Apr 03, 2014 at 08:26 PM
sonofjesse2010
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I"m sure I may get "beat" for my opinion, but for the price difference I would never personally get the Nikon over the Sigma. Even if the Nikon was a hair bit sharper (Which on what I hear its not). That;s just me though and if your wanting a certain look maybe the Nikon will work better for you. I seriously doubt if your a pro that any customer would be able to tell if you shot with a Nikon or Sigma. I think the Nikon runs about 700 dollars more just seems a bit much your budget may vary.........

P.S
I think the sigma is sharper But for portraits I would rather use the 50mm 1.4 ART thats w coming or an 85mm. YMMV



Apr 03, 2014 at 09:03 PM
JakeB17
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I had the Nikon for a while before the Sigma came out, and sold it within a week of getting the Sigma.

The only thing I liked the Nikon over the sigma for was creative use of flare. When the Nikon flared it created interesting shapes and had some character.

Otherwise the sigma wins in just about every category, especially AF performance.



Apr 03, 2014 at 09:27 PM
ADCOLE
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I've owned both lenses and currently I'm using the Nikon 35mm f/1.4g. I will admit that the Sigma is sharper especially wide open however, the two Sigma 35mm lenses I've owned were very inconsistent with regard to AF. The first one die after only owning it for a few weeks. I've never had any issues with the Nikkor. You can't go wrong with either imo. They both are excellent performers. I just prefer consistency and reliability versus the minimal gain in sharpness. I will be in DC on Saturday to see if I can get some shots of the cherry blossoms and I will have my 35 in tow for some street photos as well. If you are in the area you are more than welcome to try it out.


Apr 03, 2014 at 09:43 PM
James R
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


Which camera are you using? For my liking, the 35 on an FX is just too wide for portraits. Prefer the 58 1.4, 85 1.4, or 70-200 VR II. The 50 1.8 is OK. But, those other 3 are pretty sweet.



Apr 03, 2014 at 10:45 PM
scottiedds
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


Neither, just too far zoom out unless you get in their face. You would be in there face too much of the time and may get the models uncomforable. I definitely agree with SonofJesse, the 50mm f/1.4 Sigma, or the ART that's coming out or the Sigma 85 f/14 are much much better for portraiture than any 35mm lens. Hope I don't get beat up for this


Apr 03, 2014 at 11:00 PM
JakeB17
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


scottiedds wrote:
Neither, just too far zoom out unless you get in their face. You would be in there face too much of the time and may get the models uncomforable. I definitely agree with SonofJesse, the 50mm f/1.4 Sigma, or the ART that's coming out or the Sigma 85 f/14 are much much better for portraiture than any 35mm lens. Hope I don't get beat up for this


Why is your definition of portraits assuming he is shooting nothing but close ups? What about environmental portraits and full body shots? I often go well wider than 35mm for those, depending on the background and desired effect.



Apr 03, 2014 at 11:11 PM
static808
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


why all the hate for wide angle portraiture?

i use my 24/1.4 for portraits all the time!!








to the OP, if the lens is going to be solely for portraits, the softer look of the nikon may work to its benefit. however, if you intend to use for all-around use as well, the sigma would probably be a better bet.



Apr 03, 2014 at 11:13 PM
rittrato
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


scottiedds wrote:
Neither, just too far zoom out unless you get in their face. You would be in there face too much of the time and may get the models uncomforable. I definitely agree with SonofJesse, the 50mm f/1.4 Sigma, or the ART that's coming out or the Sigma 85 f/14 are much much better for portraiture than any 35mm lens. Hope I don't get beat up for this


I appreciate the input, but why are people so stuck with the idea that portraits are exclusively for head and shoulders?

There are tons of great portrait work with 35mm.



Apr 03, 2014 at 11:42 PM
ohsnaphappy
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I loathed the idea of buying a Sigma lens. But the 35 1.4 Art does live up to the hype. I like it very much. If I could get by with just the 35 and 85 1.4G that's about all I would ever shoot. Unfortunately I don't require a wide lens very often.

However, I've never owned or shot the 35 1.4G. So I have nothing definitive to say about it. If the 35 really is going to be the source of most of your income, as a primary lens, don't be afraid of the price of the 35 1.4G. I'd want to rent and shoot both if I was going to use a 35 a great deal.



Apr 04, 2014 at 12:27 AM
johnctharp
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


static808 wrote:
why all the hate for wide angle portraiture?


That moment when the bride has a big nose...






Apr 04, 2014 at 12:53 AM
recordproducti
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I had both Sigma and the Nikkor. I sold the Sigma. It was sharper and a tad faster to focus but I just didn't warm to its rendering. I take most of my portraits at 24-35mm, more environmental really, the sharpness is just one factor. Not that the Nikkor isn't sharp!

It is a taste thing, if I was on a budget I would look at the Sigma for sure.



Apr 04, 2014 at 02:16 AM
recordproducti
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


An example of a 35mm portrait

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/Music/Record-Producers/Stephen-Watkins/i-mVnrCkq/0/L/stephen-watkins-tape-studioDSC_3969a-L.jpg


35mm f/1.4 on D800e - Nikon lens



Apr 04, 2014 at 02:25 AM
Mr. Clean
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


I prefer the Sigmas to their Nikon counterpart personally. It is very much an opinion of the bokeh. Not to monkey wrench it, but the new 1.8 is no slouch. Yes, you do have to be CLOSE. 35mm1.8 on D600




Apr 04, 2014 at 03:19 PM
Jason_Brook
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


The Sig can be punchy with the colors and contrast sometimes, but it can be tamed. 35 is also my favorite portrait focal length.








Apr 04, 2014 at 07:16 PM
static808
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sigma 35 1.4 vs Nikon 35 1.4 G for portraits?


^^^ jason, LOVE the lighting and composition on #2. thanks for sharing!


Apr 04, 2014 at 08:29 PM





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