| PRODUCT DETAILS | | Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras |  | |
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration. Glass mold aspherical lens at rear group of lens reduces color aberration and provides high-quality image results. From 40cm (15.7 inch) minimum focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with high contrast. The HSM models provide quiet high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as full-time manual focus. Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4 can perform superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portrait, indoor shooting and landscape photography. Minimum Aperture - F16 Minimum Focusing Distance - 40cm, 15.7 inches Maximum Magnification - 1 - 10.4 Filter Size - Diameter 62mm Lens Hood DiaPetal Hood Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and an hybrid aspherical lens, provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations Dimensions - Diameter 75.5mm X Length 59mm, 2.97 inches x 2.3 inches Weight - 15.2 ounces (430 grams)
Manufacturer: Sigma
Price Range: $385.00 - $439.99
 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
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| User Reviews |  | Great lens with only one flaw, and a serious one it is
rating: 3
FYI I just got my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 today. Everything's GREAT about it and it's like shooting film with 50mm again. I love lens. Color contrast etc looked GREAT. Bokeh is soft and beautiful (soft & creamy, not donut shaped, not harsh). However, it's got one serious flaw, one that's well reported on Amazon's review-- focus problem. Auto focus system tends to focus in front (like myopic) so whatever I'm aiming at is blurred. It's really GREAT in manual focus mode, but unusable in AF. Apparently, many people have had to send the lens to Sigma back for recalibration. I'm just going to return to the store tomorrow.
Too bad. I was thrilled about it... it was like shooting film with my good 'ol 50mm lens. I guess I'll wait a while for Sigma to flush out problems. Otherwise, it's a really really nice lens.
Three stars only because I've NEVER in my life had to send a lens back, and considering how common this problem is, I'm surprised Sigma hasn't done the responsible thing even after releasing this lens for a while-- recall and better quality control.
By the way if Nikon or Canon step up and create a 30mm f/1.4 lens (EF-S/DX), I'd buy it in a heart beat even if it costs more. There is an obvious hole in the DX/1.6 half frame lens lineup where it's missing a 50mm equivalent focal length prime lens. The only reason why people flock to this problematic Sigma is because Nikon and Canon fail to step up and create something that people have asked for for a very long time.
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Fits my needs exactly
rating: 5
So far the lens exceeds my reduced expectations after reading as many user reviews as I could find. I have not noticed any focus issues under any conditions so far using it on a d40. The pictures are sharp and the lens gives the 'normal' perspective that I was missing with my Nikon 50 1.8. The biggest downside is the lens is much much larger and heavier than I expected. The d40 with the Sigma 30 is heavier than a d70 with the Nikon 50mm... Bonus exercise I guess.
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Poor low light performance in D40/40x/60
rating: 2
I just wanted to chime in on one point. I rented this lens, because I was looking for (i) a prime lens, (ii) at the 1.4 speed (fast), (iii) for taking pictures at parties (read: low low light), and (iv) that would autofocus in the D60. I have the D60. The D60 comes with a fine kit lens, but at f3.5 it is just not fast enough for shooting real people in low light.
When I took this 30mm to a bar though ... the AF never locked. Never. I had to switch to manual mode to get anything at all. This may be "no big deal" to some, but the 50mm AF Nikon f1.4 lens (which is manual-only on the D40/40x/60) can do the same trick for more than $100 less. I am not sure if this is the "autofocus issue" other have spoken about, but I can verify that there are times in low light where my kit lens locks-on, but the 30mm Sigma does not. Disappointing for a lens that I personally consider a little pricey (no comments from pros on my high level of price-sensitivity please).
In real light, the lens is great. Nice soft focus and shallow depth of field. At night though, it is manual-focus or nothing in my experience.
Personally, I recommend renting the lens first to be sure it suits your needs. In fact, that is good advice for all lenses that you personally consider pricey (your sensitivity to price may vary). For me, I am waiting to try the just-announced 50mm AF-S Nikon f1.4 which is due out for Christmas 2008 (and is virtually the same price as this lens).
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Best "prime" lens for the D80
rating: 5
I have beena photographer for over 40 years, including serious professional work when I was younger. I used Leica M-series cameras, with the 35 and 50 Summicrons, and the 24 and 90 elmarits. These are all SHARP, and better than anything Nikon ever made - until recently. I borrowed a Sigma 30 from a friend, and liked it so much I bought it! It equals my 17-55 in resolution, and the color is better. Since the 17-55 rivals all my old Leitz lenses, this is high praise, indeed. Perfect at 6.3-8.0, but still impressive wide open. Good build quality, much lighter than the old Nikon 35 f1.4. Equals the 35 f2 Summicron, and costs just $100 more than the plastic Nikon 50 f1.4.
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no flash allowed lens
rating: 5
Wanted a lens for low light no flash situations.Went to northern Europe and took 1250 pics with this lens & Nikon d40. All the museums and cathedrals are NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. Only had 4 out of focus,the rest were clear vivid & sharp as a tack. Did not experience any of the front or rear focus issues that were posted. The f 1.4 did its work and work it did. No problem autofocusing in low light. So if you have a d40 d40x or d60 this is the lens.Build quality is excellent.Makes a great package with the d40.
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Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
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