New Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for Canon getting awesome reviews

[dswatson83]

I know lensrentals recently posted some awesome initial impressions of this lens and now another hands on that says awesome stuff. This is really shaping out to be possibly my next lens. The Canon 35mm f/1.4 is 14 years old and over $400 more and now that canon just took the cheaper 35mm, added IS to it, made it only an f/2, and priced it right along with the sigma at $850, I'm really considering the Sigma.

Check out this other hands on. You considering this lens? It sure looks nice and is built well too which is a good departure from what i'm used to from 3rd pary manufactures.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 HSM Lens Hands On & Impressions - Spoiler...WOW!	Small | Large

[Nishi Drew]

I just don't know if 35mm is the right length for me yet, I'm more than ready to abandon the Canon 50 1.4 for this, and price doesn't matter anymore, as everyone is saying, blowing the competition away~

[Harry Muff]

I think Sigma is having to up their game in order to have their bodies taken seriously.


Hopefully they'll be a major player in years to come. I wouldn't mind trying the SD1 with this lens to see how it compares with its Nikon and Canon counterparts.

[Bentley2012]

When do you think you will have your review?  I will be getting either this or the Canon 35mm L very soon.  I also have the 7D which the lens will be mounted on.  Hopefully the second part of this review is soon.  Thanks.

[dswatson83]

When do you think you will have your review?  I will be getting either this or the Canon 35mm L very soon.  I also have the 7D which the lens will be mounted on.  Hopefully the second part of this review is soon.  Thanks.

Already began the full review and have been taking shots all over the place. This lens is great thus far. Hopefully I will have it up Friday or Saturday. I also have the Canon 35mm f/1.4L so i'm putting them both in some side by side tests. Stay tuned.

[risc32]

Cool, i'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say about the two. I was hrs away from ordering the canon 35L, when i read Roger at lensrentals words. Then within minutes i ordered the Sigma, and i've very pleased. What I can say to anyone out there with Sigma doubt due to whatever they've seen from them in the past. forget it, this is something else entirely.

[Zlatko]

I've been a big fan of the Canon 35/1.4L, but I'm actually very interested in the new Canon 35/2 IS due to its smaller size and weight.  It is listed at $849 but I suspect the price will drop to under $700 like that of the 24/2.8 IS and 28/2.8 IS. 

However, I'm very impressed that this new Sigma 35/1.4 does look sharper at f/1.4 and f/2 than the Canon 35L:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=829&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=121&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0
The Canon seems to be sharper in the corners (at f/1.4 and f/2), but the Sigma seems to be sharper at center and mid-frame.

I wonder how the Sigma does in bokeh and autofocus speed?

[jeffabbyben]

I have had a chance to compare both canon and sigma 35 1.4 and my unscientific test (using my foCal chart) pretty much show what everyone else is saying.  Sigma is slightly sharper in the center wide open.  the edges appear evenly sharp to my eyes.  Chromatic abberation slightly less than canon.  I don't have a lens profile for the sigma in photoshop but the vignetting appears about the same or a little more than canon.  Bokeh varies so much between shots I really can't judge.  Both have the onion ring pattern that I now know is normal for an aspherical lens.  I haven't decided which to keep as the canon I know will last forever if cared for well.  I have never had an off brand lens so I feel I am taking a little more of a chance with sigma.  That said the sigma lens feels good and solid.  To a certain extent I like the lighter build of the canon for carrying around.  The sigma required +10 AFMA and the Canon 0.

[drjlo]

35L is smaller and lighter, which I appreciate very much for all-night shooting.  My copy of 35L is already super sharp, and I really don't need it any sharper in the center; if so, it might even be too sharp for people shots.  In fact, if I plan to shoot portraits, I may grab the 50L over 35L for a little softer rendition..

[Danielle]

I really like the fact both Sigma and Tamron are upping their game. Means there will potentially be really good things to come where you can save a few $ and still have top quality glass. Or at least more options.

Where's the new version 120-300? Thats still the same model on their site. - Off topic I know. We'll find out soon enough I guess.

[infared]

Can't wait to see the side-by-side with the Canon L 35mm. I have a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 that I am extremely happy with in performance and price point. (all my other lenses are L or Zeiss). Had read Roger's impression about the build and performance of this new 35mm and it seems that Sigma has upped the ante here!!!

[Micko]

The following quote was copied from a newletter email just received from DxO...

"Among the new lenses supported by DxO Optics Pro v8.1 is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM for Canon, the first very-wide-angle lens in Sigma's new Art line. DxOMark tests place this lens among the very best ever measured for Canon mounts, which will delight lovers of landscapes, portraits, and even macrophotography who are looking for the best resolution-to-price ratio. The complete results will be available soon on DxOMark."

Looking forward to seeing the full test results in due course.

Cheers,
Mick

[dswatson83]

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 full review is up! The comparison test with the Canon 35mm f/1.4 should be up tomorrow.

http://www.youtube.com/user/learningcameras

[Gino]

I just ordered this lens from Adorama today, but it is on back order....I can't wait to get it!

[EvilTed]

Zlatko,

I have a 24mm F/1.4 II L but I recently bought a 28 F/2.8 IS lens because I thought it would be a good, light weight contender given it's great reviews.

FAIL - What an ordinary (or less than) disappointment that was.
I think my 40mm F/2.8 gives better IQ.
One of the worst lenses I've ever mounted on my 5D MK3...

ET