Sigma 35 f/1.4 Available for Preorder

[elflord]

Prices are going so ridiculous lately. Which lenses am i supposed to get if im an "entry level DSLR photographer" ? Just the kit lens?

YMMV but as an "entry level" DSLR photographer I had the Rebel XS, the 50mm f/1.4, the Canon 15-85mm and the 430EX. Note that the body was only a small part of my initial budget (and I deliberately went cheap there).

There are plenty of other low cost options for APS-C users (the 35mm f/1.8 for nikon users, the 30mm Sigma, the numerous 50mm f/1.4 lenses and the cheaper 50mm f/1.8 lenses, third party macro lenses, and the non-IS 70-200mm f/4L). 

While the newest releases from Canon are expensive, the older lenses aren't getting any more expensive. Also, the brand new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is vastly cheaper than its aging Canon counterpart. The Sigma full frame prime trio (35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4) are a nice budget alternative to the more expensive L counterparts.

[EOBeav]

Folks, I hate to state the obvious, but IS has become the feature du jour with lenses these days.  I think photogs with some experience under their belt (even just a few years of it) realize it's not a must-have thing like they once thought, especially on relatively wide and fast primes. Photogs just starting out are perceiving it as useful, and I think that's what is driving the market research for these companies. Yes, one can just turn it off. But unfortunately, it adds $$ to the final price tag. I'm afraid that we're going to see a 50mm f/1.4 IS coming soon for ~$899USD for the very same reason. Non-L glass that approaches the $1000USD mark. I wish they would just make build quality improvements on the glass they already manufacture.

Just my 2/5 of a nickel.

[RLPhoto]

I like this sigma. Perfect Price, Great MTF, Looks good, a proper Aperture for a prime, and No IS.

I will buy this lens when the reviews are finally out. Is this lens weather-sealed by any chance?

[neuroanatomist]

I like this sigma. Perfect Price, Great MTF, Looks good, a proper Aperture for a prime, and No IS.

I will buy this lens when the reviews are finally out. Is this lens weather-sealed by any chance?

You'll buy it?  But...but...it's not a 135mm f/1.8L IS...   

[RLPhoto]

I like this sigma. Perfect Price, Great MTF, Looks good, a proper Aperture for a prime, and No IS.

I will buy this lens when the reviews are finally out. Is this lens weather-sealed by any chance?

You'll buy it?  But...but...it's not a 135mm f/1.8L IS...   

I have a large hedge fund for the 135mm 1.8L IS Because thats what it will take. 

So this sigma will be a completely seperate issue.

[hanifshootsphotos]

Sample pictures from the Sigma 35 1.4 here:

http://www.petapixel.com/2012/11/15/first-batch-of-sigma-35mm-f1-4-sample-photos-released-shows-impressive-iq/

[dirtcastle]

I just ordered a refurbished Canon 35mm f/1.4 L. It arrives tomorrow. So I figured I would torture myself and read up on this new Sigma lens.

If the Sigma is tack sharp at f/1.4, and with 9-blade bokeh... sheeeyiiiit. Now, I'm sure if I would sacrifice robust AF performance, but I'll give Sigma the benefit of the doubt (I mean, my 85L has crap AF, and I still love it). Thankfully, the resale value on my Canon will be high enough that I won't lose much if I go for the Sigma.

I gotta say, though... it feels weird to be considering a Sigma lens that competes directly with a Canon lens.