I could hand hold with S1 at 1/5S get reliable sharpness in this case if there is no wind. (I tested that real world result can go even lower speed, but I just don't like the sound of sluggish shutter and Chimp to make sure the images are sharp)
Just like with the CV 40/1.2 Nokton, the Sigma 45C is not optimized for close distance and lacks a focus floating system.
So, at distances shorter than ~1m, IQ deteriorates compared to mid and infinity distances.
One solution is to stop down the lens to f/4 or f/4.5 but there is also a trick many of us have been using with the Voigtlander 40/1.2. It's called achromat close-up lens. Basically it will force the lens to focus at "infinity" when shooting at close distances and therefore increasing IQ substantially.
I've just tested the Sigma 45C with the Leica Elpro 3 (55mm) achromat and it's a powerful combination. I can use AF and get much higher performance up to 1m where the lens thinks it's infinity. (It also matches the lens filter thread)
Thanks for the tip. You remind me I also have that Leica Elpro. I will give it a try and report back after that. With Elpro, this can be a truly macro lens (1:1?)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Just like with the CV 40/1.2 Nokton, the Sigma 45C is not optimized for close distance and lacks a focus floating system.
So, at distances shorter than ~1m, IQ deteriorates compared to mid and infinity distances.
One solution is to stop down the lens to f/4 or f/4.5 but there is also a trick many of us have been using with the Voigtlander 40/1.2. It's called achromat close-up lens. Basically it will force the lens to focus at "infinity" when shooting at close distances and therefore increasing IQ substantially.
I've just tested the Sigma 45C with the Leica Elpro 3 (55mm) achromat and it's a powerful combination. I can use AF and get much higher performance at the shorter range up to 1.2m where the lens will think it's infinity. It also matches the lens filter thread....Show more →
zhangyue wrote:
Thanks for the tip. You remind me I also have that Leica Epro. I will give it a try and report back after that. With Epro, this can be a truly macro lens (1:1?)
Remember that we are not trying to get higher magnification with the achromat close-up lens.
For this purpose, we are basically tricking the lens to focus near infinity while the actual distance is much closer (best from 0.5m to 1m). Basically the achromatic close-up lens acts like a floating element.
Make sure to use the Elpro “3”. (+1.66). If you want a stronger MFD, perhaps a Marumi +3 or +5 may be a better choice.
zhangyue wrote:
Thanks for the tip. You remind me I also have that Leica Epro. I will give it a try and report back after that. With Epro, this can be a truly macro lens (1:1?)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Remember that we are not trying to get higher magnification with the achromat close-up lens.
For this purpose , we are basically tricking the lens to focus near infinity while the actual distance is much closer (best from 0.5m to 1m). Basically the achromatic close-up lens acts like a floating element.
Make sure to use the Elpro “3”. (+1.66). If you want a stronger MFD, perhaps a Marumi +3 or +5 may be a better choice.
Hi, Fred, thanks for pointing out. I must have misconception. Can I assume this will equivalently changed focal length? We do get much closer focus distance, do we?
What do you use on the CV 40? Is there one you recommend (link?) for the CV that I could use a step up on the Sigma to have just one. I have the Marumi +5, but that's more for a poor man's macro. Looking for hopefully one option to enhance both lenses close focusing.
Any update on the AF-C issue at close distances? Would be tempted to replace both my 35 2.8 and 55 1.8 ZA with this one, as the 55 sees not much use (too long) and I really like an aperture ring on the lens and then I would not have duplicate focal lengths anymore (my 35 1.4 ZA is here to stay until the GM version of that lens). Main subject are small(ish) kids (aged 5 and 7), so good EYE-AF in AF-C is a must have.
In addition, how bad would the close up-sharpness be at typical environmental portrait distances (e.g. compared to the 35 2.8) ? I am on an A7III, I reckon the tests with the flashlight at the beginning of this test were made on an 'r'-Model?
Aug 28, 2019 at 03:20 AM
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Can't speak to the AF-C issue, but if you look through the thread, you will find many such examples and can judge for yourself. Depending on your intended output format (e.g. Large print vs 1080p web display) it's more than sharp enough, especially at 2m. At 1m it's not quite as sharp, but PP (or an achromat) can fix that. If you just want to pixel peep, there are probably better lenses...
Flaxx74 wrote:
Any update on the AF-C issue at close distances? Would be tempted to replace both my 35 2.8 and 55 1.8 ZA with this one, as the 55 sees not much use (too long) and I really like an aperture ring on the lens and then I would not have duplicate focal lengths anymore (my 35 1.4 ZA is here to stay until the GM version of that lens). Main subject are small(ish) kids (aged 5 and 7), so good EYE-AF in AF-C is a must have.
In addition, how bad would the close up-sharpness be at typical environmental portrait distances (e.g. compared to the 35 2.8) ? I am on an A7III, I reckon the tests with the flashlight at the beginning of this test were made on an 'r'-Model?...Show more →
I wanted to thank everyone for contributing to these threads. I've been a long time lurker and example photos along with issues such as the AF-C really help me understand if I want this lens!
Received today. Definitely like the size. Tested out AFC, felt like it was hit and miss. Some seemed to grab ok the burst series, others might have some back focus, but it could be user too.
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