p.41 #1 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
I wanted to love this lens and was really happy that there was a genuine challenge to Canon but I've been so disappointed.
My Sigma 35mm arrived at the weekend and after being disappointed with most of my initial photos, I finally did some tests today and the autofocus is all over the place. Mostly, the lens front-focuses massively but sometimes it back-focuses a little.
This is my tenth lens purchase, I've never sent one back before but this one is being returned tomorrow. I know it's possible to do micro-adjustments on a 5D3 but there are times when I may want to use it on my 40D and it's just as bad on that. Also, I don't see why I should spend hours of my time correcting the lens when I could be working.
p.41 #2 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
12monkeys wrote:
I wanted to love this lens and was really happy that there was a genuine challenge to Canon but I've been so disappointed.
My Sigma 35mm arrived at the weekend and after being disappointed with most of my initial photos, I finally did some tests today and the autofocus is all over the place. Mostly, the lens front-focuses massively but sometimes it back-focuses a little.
This is my tenth lens purchase, I've never sent one back before but this one is being returned tomorrow. I know it's possible to do micro-adjustments on a 5D3 but there are times when I may want to use it on my 40D and it's just as bad on that. Also, I don't see why I should spend hours of my time correcting the lens when I could be working. ...Show more →
Mine is flat out fantastic. It sounds like you got a dud. Exchange it for another Sigma. It is an astonishing lens.
p.41 #5 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
I just picked this up today after reading about it for weeks, my dealer allowed me to do some test shots there, and I didn't find focus an issue on my 5DMKII. It was just as reliable as my 50L.
I took this of my wife (6 months pregnant) on our way home. So far, i'm impressed. Wide open has some nice color/contrast and look to it. Like the 50L, critical focus is important, and I have to watch my dof.
p.41 #6 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
Still really enjoying this lens. No real issues with AF in indoor/lowlight/bright sunlight. I trust the AF as much as my other L lenses. Love this lens!
Here are some samples wide open. No editing except for resize under LR.
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_8862-2.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_8879-2.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_8929-2.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_9351.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_9354.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_9363.jpg
http://stanc.net/sigma35/IMG_9374.jpg
Apr 24, 2013 at 10:04 PM
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p.41 #7 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
Just noticed that Ken Rockwell has, in his own words, "soiled his bag with this Sigma". http://www.kenrockwell.com/sigma/35mm-f14.htm
Unsurprisingly, he finds it optically superb, the AF is fine, but... "its mechanics seem to be the poorest of any other 35mm f/1.4 lens I've ever seen". Without ever elaborating on that claim. A fair amount of his usual Sigma bashing ensues, but is never really substantiated. So I would take that with a grain of salt.
p.41 #8 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
Snopchenko wrote:
Just noticed that Ken Rockwell has, in his own words, "soiled his bag with this Sigma". http://www.kenrockwell.com/sigma/35mm-f14.htm
Unsurprisingly, he finds it optically superb, the AF is fine, but... "its mechanics seem to be the poorest of any other 35mm f/1.4 lens I've ever seen". Without ever elaborating on that claim. A fair amount of his usual Sigma bashing ensues, but is never really substantiated. So I would take that with a grain of salt.
His main gripe were with 'future' compatibility issues. He's got a point, but honestly, if this $900 lens can give me great images for the next 5 years, i'll be happy.
p.41 #9 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
I trust Ken's opinion on photography about as much as I trust my local Burger King to not give me food poisoning. Plenty of haters around on here and elsewhere towards him.
Regardless, for $900, this is the best lens that honestly matches both the Canon and NIkon in many ways (except weather sealing with the Nikon). Again, you'd easily pay $900-$1000 for a used 35L that's many years old (even in great condition), upwards of $1100 for a mint+ condition 35L. For the type of shooting this will do, it's a no brainer to get a NEW LENS with a WARRANTY, for a lot less given that it performs equally, or slightly better, than the professional counterparts.
I've been working with this one for awhile, and it's a tank. It's one of those lenses that, if you don't already have a 35L, you buy if you want a 35 1.4, but if you already have a 35L, not really worth selling to buy this one... Just my $.02.
p.41 #10 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
Snopchenko wrote:
Just noticed that Ken Rockwell has, in his own words, "soiled his bag with this Sigma". http://www.kenrockwell.com/sigma/35mm-f14.htm
Unsurprisingly, he finds it optically superb, the AF is fine, but... "its mechanics seem to be the poorest of any other 35mm f/1.4 lens I've ever seen". Without ever elaborating on that claim. A fair amount of his usual Sigma bashing ensues, but is never really substantiated. So I would take that with a grain of salt.
Poor mechanics? I own this lens, and I have no idea what he is talking about. The only problems I've had with this lens is AF-inconsistencies, but after a quick trip to Sigma it is now spot on.
I have owned the 35L in the past, and I think the S35 is way way better.
Apr 26, 2013 at 11:42 PM
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p.41 #11 · Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM first impressions
Funny thing is, his copy didn't even have any AF issues, so I had no idea what he was talking about. Maybe you'll be luckier with understanding it; but even he had to acknowledge that this lens is fine optically.
Again, his writeups are a joy to read most of the time, but painful at times, and this one is somewhat a case of the latter.
