I've read some reviews that simply gush over how good this lens is, and I've also read some that say it's just OK. For the price, I was expecting it to be nothing less than perfect, but I'd like to get some opinions. Also, if anyone has any samples, they would be appreciated.
There was a good comparison on dpreview, comparing the 28mm f/1.4 with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 .... lets just say there was no comparison.
Its as good as you will get.. comparable to the Leica 35mm ASPH.. so considering there is nothing better on the planet at a similar focal length.. the price is justified.
Im waiting for mine to arrive (any day now).. I'll let you know if it lives up to expectations.
Do you have a link to that comparison? I'm just curious. I was thinking about geting the Sigma. The guys at my local photo store all love the Sigma. I don't think I want to spend the bucks on the 28 1.4, but I would like to see the comparison.
having fallen in love with my 50mm and 85mm f/1.4 nikkor lenses, i hunted down a used 28mm (as it was all i could afford) and have fallen in love with it every since. it is simply a joy to look through on my D70. the colors pop with such a spark, it's simply an incredible performing lens.
after shooting with my 85mm, 28mm, and 70-200mm vr lens for an afternoon or two, i find it really hard to go back to any of my "other" lowly lenses, as in those that don't retail for over $1k!
anyway, stop this wonderful lens down to f/2 and be amazed at the sharpness and performance. bokeh is super smooth and creamy, and what might be my favorite aspect of the lens, is that the minimal focus distance is very short, but on my D70 it's around 42mm focally. so dare i say i've used it to taken close up portraits, and gotten good focus, but also go to include some background.
this has become one of my favorite lenses, and i always carry it in my bag no matter what. this week, it's been the 28mm, 85mm, 45mm P manual focus lens, and my new 10.5mm fisheye. my bag isn't the lightest, but damn is it nice to have that selection.
edit: the only downside i've found with the lens, is that purple fringing crops up now and again with objects reflecting direct sunlight. i always use the hood with this lens, but it still happens if i'm using it in bright direct sunlight, so i try to stick to shade whenever possible.
Thanks for the updates guys. I'm debating on which lens I'm going to buy next - the 28 or the 85 1.4. I really love the 85, but much of what I've been shooting lately would make the 28 the more practical solution. I'll let you know what I decide on .
And grinch - isn't it a pain trying to use the lowly lenses after you have a taste of the REALLY good stuff? I initially purchased a good set of zooms so I can have some versatitily when I travel, etc. but I guess I knew in the back of my head that once I started buying the expensive primes, I would never be happy buying zooms again. I guess you could say I got the utilitarian stuff out of the way first, so now I can concentrate on the real sexy kit. When I was on the Canon side, I had a mild case of L fever as it's called, but it's nothing like the Nikkor sickness that I now have! I can't seem to get enough of the Nikon glass - it's truly an addiction, and each piece I buy is better than the last.
I'm also curious why does everyone always mention the 45mm P lens in the same breath as some of the other primes? What's so special about the 45? I've never used it, so I really don't have a clue about it's claim to fame.
rlcramer wrote:
And grinch - isn't it a pain trying to use the lowly lenses after you have a taste of the REALLY good stuff?
i was lucky in that i never ended up with any decent zooms, so my money has pretty much gone straight to my primes collection. i was unhappy with my last zoom, a 28-80 G lens that i got with my N80 years ago, for its low light performance and focusing, and that sort of stuck in my mind for these years. i've recently plugged it onto my D70 and it isn't too bad a performing lens (considering it cost me $90 around five years ago), but the primes just seem to suit me well.
I'm also curious why does everyone always mention the 45mm P lens in the same breath as some of the other primes? What's so special about the 45? I've never used it, so I really don't have a clue about it's claim to fame.
this is the review that made me go out and buy the lens, knowing that i could return it to b&h within 14 days if i didn't like it: http://www.digital-images.net/Lenses/body_lenses.html#45P
it's a true sleeper lens, an unbelievable performer that very few have heard of. it really is sharp wide open, and it's incredibly tiny. it makes my D70 feel like a p&s, plus it fully meters with it, and i can shoot in Aperature-priority mode (which is my favorite) without problem.
I don't know if this helps, but a French magazine just published a review of the Sigma this month and is NOT recommending the lens because of the sharpness issues (mainly in the corners, even in the center wide open...)
Cannot say anything about the Nikkor though.
