...I would definitely go for the Nikon 35 f/2....I have one and it is excellent. I have read some "back focus/front focus" situations with the sigma...I like the idea of getting a lens, putting it on the camera, and everything works normally right off the bat.
My opinion: this lens is fantastic - great HSM, very sharp in the centre of the image - VERY sharp! I had a pic somewhere showing that off, but I cannot find it. It is softer at the edges, but to be honest I only count on test charts so much. This is a lens which hasn't been off my D1x for 3 weeks now. I love it! And f/1.4, yes, win! I am definitely considering an 85mm f/1.4 now! (my bank says NOOOOOOOOOO!)
Do not hesitate to ask any questions. Remember f/2 is a whole stop slower than f/1.4.
Mike
PS - do remember that these are web quality images, about 200-400kb. They do not represent the quality of the final TIFFs which are 30MB.
My vote is for the 30 1.4. F1.4 vs 2 is one stop. I just got this lens today. I must say I am impressed. Heres a 100 percent crop at 1.4 out of camera jpeg from D300. I am a raw guy and forgot to switch to raw. But the Jpeg is good never the less.
I have both. The plan was to sell the 35/2 after getting the Sigma. As it turns out, the 35 resolves sharper images with more pleasing color. Aside from some occasional flare(I don't have a hood for it), it's the most impressive lens optically that I have. But sometimes there is just no substitute for a f/1.4 lens. My Sigma stays on the D1H. It is a great low light combo. If you need the wider aperature or you plan to use it on a D40/60, your choice is easy. You say you just want a normal lens on the D1x, I would go with the 35.(Though I still consider a 50 normal)
So do I, but it can be dangerous to admit that around here
My vote is still for the Nikon. My SIgma was very jittery when focusing at distance (although admittedly it was a macro lens), it would hunt for ages before locking on.
I'm also sure flesh tones were a bit too yellow through it, never really tested it out though.
Also worth considering is that if you sell either the Nikon will recover a lot more of its original cost. I've sold Nikon lenses for 80% of the price I paid, Sigma were more like 50%.
Well thanks to everyone for thei replies, I will eventually get the Nikon, but it will have to wait a little bit now because I picked up a 17-55, the 35 will definatly make it into the bag as a walk around though.
