Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG Sets New Benchmark for Excellence

[brad-man]

I picked up this lens in the middle of December and can't find anything that needs improvement. People keep complaining about weather sealing. The only Canon L prime I have is the 100 macro and it is sealed. Are the others? In any event, I don't care. This Siggy is sharp in all circumstances, focuses very quickly, is built like a tank and is most beautiful to look at. I am more than satisfied with the bokeh. 'Nuff said.

[brad-man]

Regarding weather sealing...do any 35mm primes offer it?  I didn't think they did.  The Canon 35mm f/1.4L doesn't appear to offer weather sealing.

I am heavily considering buying a full frame body soon, and am torn between buying a zoom and buying this Sigma 35mm prime.  The IQ of this Sigma, along with its aperture speed...absolutely blow away all zooms other than perhaps the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 version 2...where the resolution might either be equal, or not much different (at various apertures from f/2.8 and smaller).

Ideally I wanted to wait until a true deal was offered with a body plus 24-105 kit, because that lens is a world beater, given its IQ at its price.  But obviously it would be very inferior to the Sigma 35mm prime (at that focal length), for not much less money (especially absent a true deal on the kit).  The advantage is the zoom ability, obviously...and to a lesser extent, the IS.

I don't recall the 24-105 I used, having weather sealing of its own, but I could be wrong.  Certainly some dust will enter the internal elements via the telescoping zoom...but I think it might have had a small amount of foam or felt at that joint as well (might be wrong on that too).  However, even if it did, it wouldn't be 100% effective.

Regarding resale value, I happen to think this particular Sigma lens will hold its value very well for many years to come (especially considering the price when new, is a true value, as opposed to Canon's aging offering.)   It looks like I'm not alone.

I have owned, and currently own, several Sigma lenses of various types, and have only had autofocus issues with one of them.  I've had no other issues at all.  I also own, and have rented, top quality L glass, including supertelephotos.  All of the Sigma lenses I've owned or used, have been either the equal of comparable Canon lenses (including L lenses), or else offer 97% of the image quality for anywhere from 75%, down to 50% of the price.  Snobbishness towards the Sigma brand is becoming less relevant all the time nowadays.  The redheaded stepchild of Japanese camera and lens companies, is rapidly rising to prominence.

There can surely be no serious doubt, that this Sigma 35mm f/1.4, is superior to Canon's current 35mm f/1.4L.  Perhaps Canon will be forced to finally bring their updated version to market.  Or perhaps not, they seem to be more interested in making cheaper, smaller, less useful rebel-like bodies for the masses.

The 24-105 is weather sealed. Mine sits in my bag though, since I picked up the SP24-70VC. It was my first L and I don't know if I can part with it...

[RS2021]

I had thought that Canon would have released a 35mm f/1.4 L MkII by now, but I wonder if they had to go back to the drawing board when Sigma released this lens? Canon would look pretty silly releasing a new MkII L lens that does not even meet, much less beat a current Sigma lens available for well less than half the (likely) price!

I think Canon will come back with a strong upgrade...not just because of the Sigma's entry, but also because it is a key focal length for photojournalists.

The arrival of the sharp Sigma does not make the old workhorse 35L suddenly any less useful. The 35L is no less sharper than it was the day before the Sigma release. In fact, when the 35L was first released 15 years ago...yes...that long... it was on top of the pile, ages ahead in its category by every measure. Even today, the 35L is no dog...it still continues to perform well. I will not deny, however, it is a bit dated today and could stand an update.

I am sure the upgrade from Canon will be equally stellar as the original ground breaking 35L was at its release ...of course it will also carry a bloated price

[callmeasyoulike]

I tried two copies and on both autofocus was accurate and pretty fast (5D II / 7D) - nothing to complain about.
Optical the lens is perfect to me, never saw such a great performance at 1,4.
The first copy had a squeaking HSM so I returned it. The second one ist much better in terms of squeaking :-))
I heard that  HSM sometimes can be "squeaky".
Some samples if you like: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62909363@N02/sets/72157632986987422/

[Apop]

I really want this land for 'street' photography when i am at home

The price is very attractive but, I wonder if the 24-105 would be a better choice for me as it can also serve a purpose on safaris.

Maybe the 35 mm can also..., It must be lovely on a 5dIII or d800

[YuengLinger]

We should ALL be grateful to Sigma for making such great lenses at half the price of Canon.  Competition is good for putting a little price pressure on Canon, and it should push them to work harder on quality too.

I always carry a two gallon Ziploc in case of rain, and it's big enough to hold my 5D3 with a 70-200mm 2.8 IS II.  Weather sealed or not, I ain't shootin' in the rain, thank you.  Singin' maybe, but not shootin'.

Now, Canon, please stop worrying so much about lenses and give us a new flash commander that has radio and optical and AF, and some alternatives to the lovely but massive 600ex-rt.

[RGomezPhotos]

This is great!  It's great to have these great lenses coming out by 3rd party to compete with Canon.  Competition is excellent.  I think Canon products have been overly-pricey and they need to come down a notch.

If I didn't have my Zeiss 50mm f1.4, I would totally consider this lens...

[BruinBear]

I tried two copies and on both autofocus was accurate and pretty fast (5D II / 7D) - nothing to complain about.
Optical the lens is perfect to me, never saw such a great performance at 1,4.
The first copy had a squeaking HSM so I returned it. The second one ist much better in terms of squeaking :-))
I heard that  HSM sometimes can be "squeaky".
Some samples if you like: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62909363@N02/sets/72157632986987422/

My sigma 35 doesnt squeak but i have a 17-40 that sounds like there's a small mouse inside operating the AF. Works perfectly otherwise though.

[wickidwombat]

warning the sigma 35 has a major problem!



... it makes all your other lenses look bad

but seriously it's an amazing lens fast and accurate AF
the best AI servo performance i've seen from a sigma lens
razor sharp wide open and just gets sharper when stopping down

I'm really looking forward to seeing what they release next I hope they upgrade the already great 85 optically as from f1.4 to f2 it could use some improvement and it's AF in servo mode could do with an improvement

[RS2021]

Sorry, couldn't resist...

My sigma 35 doesnt squeak but i have a 17-40 that sounds like there's a small mouse inside operating the AF. Works perfectly otherwise though.

Did I hear "there is a small mouse inside operating the AF???"

[BruinBear]

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Did I hear "there is a small mouse inside operating the AF???"

How long have you been waiting for a chance to use that picture hahaha. 

[RS2021]

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Did I hear "there is a small mouse inside operating the AF???"

How long have you been waiting for a chance to use that picture hahaha. 

Bwahaha...that's why I couldn't resist! It was a discard from some time ago...and I was dyin' to put it to some use. LOL

[Axilrod]

Canon version didn't do as well...Is the D800 making the difference here?
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/(lens1)/1056/(brand)/Sigma/(camera1)/483/(lens2)/797/(brand2)/Canon/(camera2)/436

[verysimplejason]

Canon version didn't do as well...Is the D800 making the difference here?
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/(lens1)/1056/(brand)/Sigma/(camera1)/483/(lens2)/797/(brand2)/Canon/(camera2)/436

Most probably.  Here's the extended version using a D700 comparing it with the 5D2 version for Canon.


http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/%28lens1%29/1056/%28lens2%29/797/%28lens3%29/1057/%28brand1%29/Sigma/%28camera1%29/483/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28camera2%29/436/%28brand3%29/Sigma/%28camera3%29/441

You'll notice that almost all characteristics are the same except the sharpness.  Camera resolution have an effect to the lens performance.  Lens sharpness for a D700 is 10 but for a D800, its 23.  But this doesn't discount the fact that the lens outperformed the Canon 35mm considering that its price is lesser.

Sharpness scores:
Sigma 35mm + Canon 5D2 (21MP) = 17
Sigma 35mm + Nikon D700 (12MP) = 10
Sigma 35mm + Nikon D800 (36MP) = 23
Canon 35mmL + Canon 5D2 (21MP) = 14

It seems there's a correlation between MP and sharpness.

[infared]

I'm really thinking about picking one of these up.  As far as primes go, the 35mm range would be a pretty attractive addition to my prime kit (currently have the Sigma 50mm, Canon 85mm and 135mm).  I was going to go with the Canon 35mm f/1.4L, but after reading a bunch of these reviews that praise Sigma's 35mm, for a 50% cost savings and performance boost it almost seems stupid to not go for the Sigma.

Perhaps I can get some hobby paint and put a red ring on it.  ;-)

Red pinstriping tape..it's a LOT easier...
http://moreinstore.ecrater.com/p/12753234/1-8-red-pinstripe-tape-for-model-cars-r-c