Is it time to consider Sigma lenses seriously?? competitive to Canon?

[CarlTN]

Sigma makes, in certain categories, the best lenses 35mm lenses in the world, especially with their newer releases. They also used to make some really bad lenses. Being an extremely selective photographer who is picky about the details, I would like to see many more world class and ground breaking lenses released from any manufacturer and I really respect Sigma for refusing to compromise and release another budget piece of junk.

Your post is too long to read, but I'll say I'm surprised you think the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is sharper than the Canon 85mm f/1.2. I've only rented the Canon (not tried that Sigma yet). I agree the Canon has purple bokeh fringing, or longitudinal CA, if that is what you are referring to. Even its overall color rendition is quite cool, which I don't care for. And at f/1.4 the Canon very well could be less sharp than the Sigma. But how about at f/5.6? Surely you're not saying the Sigma is "lightyears" sharper there? There could be some sample variation I suppose. In any case, to each their own...I'm a fan of Sigma, myself. The price difference is like comparing an Acura to a Mercedes E class. Both cars will get you there at the same time, assuming you obey the law.

when i compared the 2 side by side I felt the canon 1.2 was sharper wide open than the siggy
by f2 they are pretty similar and stopped down further there is so little in it you wont see difference in prints
the siggy AF on 5D body was noticably faster, its smaller and lighter and 1/3rd the cost
for me the sigma was a clear winner on value for money but I still feel in absolute image quality the canon has a tiny edge and 1/3rd stop aperture advantage.
My lens had to go back to sigma to be recalibrated as it was heavily back focusing or front focusing I cant remember which but when it came back it was spot on and ive tried it on 6 or 7 bodies including rebels and its still great

I cant wait to see what a sigma art revamp does to this lens
wide open sharpness could be improved, if it ends up being anything like the 35 it will be amazing

No doubt about that. I just still wish we weren't locked into prime lenses being either 50mm or 85mm....95 to 110mm at f/1.2 or f/1.0 would be nice...Sigma could do that for under $2800 I bet, even with IS. But because people are so locked into 85mm, I guess it will never happen. Sure there are macro lenses in that focal length, but I want a fast lens in that focal length, and don't care if it's 2.5 to 3 pounds...that's still hand-holdable...and still lighter than the proverbial 70-200 f/2.8 (would also be way less front heavy than the 70-200). I prefer the angle of view...seems like a good compromise between 135mm and 85mm.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I would love a Sigma 100mm F1.4 OS. : Currently this is restricted to focal length F2 aperture ... :-\ However, it was only a distant dream to have a lens 100mm F1.2 OS. :'(

 

[CarlTN]

I would love a Sigma 100mm F1.4 OS. : Currently this is restricted to focal length F2 aperture ... :-\ However, it was only a distant dream to have a lens 100mm F1.2 OS. :'(

After I win the powerball, I will be putting some people on it and produce my own lens, and sell it to the world. Nothing else will compete with it because nobody else will ever build anything like that...it's outside the realm of what they want or can imagine. The outer lens body will be painted metallic auto colors similar to some highend stereo speakers...and the hood will have a built in taser, for when those wedding photogs get in my way!!

 

[Ellen Schmidtee]

No doubt about that. I just still wish we weren't locked into prime lenses being either 50mm or 85mm....95 to 110mm at f/1.2 or f/1.0 would be nice... <snip> I prefer the angle of view...seems like a good compromise between 135mm and 85mm.

If people were locked into primes being either 50mm / 85mm / 135mm, why would Canon keep producing the 100mm f/2 (which isn't macro)?

 

[sandymandy]

100mm f1.0 = 10 cm lens diameter ;D same as the 200mm f2.0. Are you sure you wanna carry that? 100mm f/2 from canon is a good alternative, no? What about using TC 1.4X ?

 

[CarlTN]

No doubt about that. I just still wish we weren't locked into prime lenses being either 50mm or 85mm....95 to 110mm at f/1.2 or f/1.0 would be nice... <snip> I prefer the angle of view...seems like a good compromise between 135mm and 85mm.

If people were locked into primes being either 50mm / 85mm / 135mm, why would Canon keep producing the 100mm f/2 (which isn't macro)?

Because it's an old lens and apparently not expensive to make, I guess. It looks like a fine lens to me though, I considered buying one. Or you could just lend me yours? In any case it's not an f/1.0...

 

[CarlTN]

100mm f1.0 = 10 cm lens diameter ;D same as the 200mm f2.0. Are you sure you wanna carry that? 100mm f/2 from canon is a good alternative, no? What about using TC 1.4X ?

Yes I want to carry that! It wouldn't be much heavier than a 70-200 f/2.8. I wouldn't say the 100 f/2 is a good alternative to such a mythical lens, no (is the 70-200 f/4 a good alternative to the 200 f/2? Not really, optics-wise anyway!)

But like I said above, I've considered trying the 100 f/2. However, if they can make a 135mm f/1.8, why can't they make a 100mm lens faster than f/2? Could it be because they think the consumer considers this focal length only good for macro photography, and thus Canon and all the others just keep making new f/2.8 macro lenses in this focal length? Well this consumer wants something different!

 

[Ellen Schmidtee]

No doubt about that. I just still wish we weren't locked into prime lenses being either 50mm or 85mm....95 to 110mm at f/1.2 or f/1.0 would be nice... <snip> I prefer the angle of view...seems like a good compromise between 135mm and 85mm.

If people were locked into primes being either 50mm / 85mm / 135mm, why would Canon keep producing the 100mm f/2 (which isn't macro)?

Because it's an old lens and apparently not expensive to make, I guess. It looks like a fine lens to me though, I considered buying one. Or you could just lend me yours? In any case it's not an f/1.0...

It isn't free to make, so it would still have to sell, and I'll be happy to loan you mine.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002. The content of the patented invention relates to technology wherein a vibration detection device, which detects the amount of camera vibration at angles around photographic objects, prevents the influence of vibration of a motor for lens and thereby allows more accurate photo shots. Sigma affirms that the scope of the patented invention does not include any functions which reduce the influence of camera shake. However, Mr. Osuga, the Judge in Chief, states that the effects of the invention in Nikon’s specification is described as “it allows image blur to be reduced” and that the specification clears that it includes camera shake. Thus, Mr. Osuga stands for Nikon’s assertion. In addition, Mr. Osuga points out that image blur prevention system requires various control functions, and he states that this patented invention of Nikon’s should be rewarded based on the contribution of the patent to the defendant’s products, that is 15%. Therefore, the Tokyo District Court calculated profits earned by Sigma to be a maximum of 10.1 billion JPY, and found compensation of damages to be 15% of the profits of the accused products earned by Sigma."

 

[wickidwombat]

i would like sigma to make the following lenses all full frame of course
16-35 f2 OS
35-85 f2 OS
85-135 f2 OS

if these were sharp wide open size be damned they would be flat out awesome
and i wouldnt need primes anymore

I believe if anyone can do it sigma can, and making wide aperture zooms seems to be the direction sigma are going
canon are going the exact opposite buy pumping out lots of new slow glass :

 

[Rienzphotoz]

i would like sigma to make the following lenses all full frame of course
16-35 f2 OS
35-85 f2 OS
85-135 f2 OS

Sounds great ... count my vote for your proposal

 

[Albi86]

85-135 f2 OS

That one is likely feasible

 

[wickidwombat]

85-135 f2 OS

That one is likely feasible

the 35-85 f2 shouldnt be too hard it would wedding and event heaven
the only one that would be hard would be a 16-35 f2 that is sharp all over

Personally i would find these zoom ranges much more useful i am sure many others would too

 

[CarlTN]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002. The content of the patented invention relates to technology wherein a vibration detection device, which detects the amount of camera vibration at angles around photographic objects, prevents the influence of vibration of a motor for lens and thereby allows more accurate photo shots. Sigma affirms that the scope of the patented invention does not include any functions which reduce the influence of camera shake. However, Mr. Osuga, the Judge in Chief, states that the effects of the invention in Nikon’s specification is described as “it allows image blur to be reduced” and that the specification clears that it includes camera shake. Thus, Mr. Osuga stands for Nikon’s assertion. In addition, Mr. Osuga points out that image blur prevention system requires various control functions, and he states that this patented invention of Nikon’s should be rewarded based on the contribution of the patent to the defendant’s products, that is 15%. Therefore, the Tokyo District Court calculated profits earned by Sigma to be a maximum of 10.1 billion JPY, and found compensation of damages to be 15% of the profits of the accused products earned by Sigma."

That really seems unjust! Canon has image stabilization too, how come Nikon isn't suing them?

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002. The content of the patented invention relates to technology wherein a vibration detection device, which detects the amount of camera vibration at angles around photographic objects, prevents the influence of vibration of a motor for lens and thereby allows more accurate photo shots. Sigma affirms that the scope of the patented invention does not include any functions which reduce the influence of camera shake. However, Mr. Osuga, the Judge in Chief, states that the effects of the invention in Nikon’s specification is described as “it allows image blur to be reduced” and that the specification clears that it includes camera shake. Thus, Mr. Osuga stands for Nikon’s assertion. In addition, Mr. Osuga points out that image blur prevention system requires various control functions, and he states that this patented invention of Nikon’s should be rewarded based on the contribution of the patent to the defendant’s products, that is 15%. Therefore, the Tokyo District Court calculated profits earned by Sigma to be a maximum of 10.1 billion JPY, and found compensation of damages to be 15% of the profits of the accused products earned by Sigma."

That really seems unjust! Canon has image stabilization too, how come Nikon isn't suing them?

I guess the little guys are easier to target ;D

 

[CarlTN]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002. The content of the patented invention relates to technology wherein a vibration detection device, which detects the amount of camera vibration at angles around photographic objects, prevents the influence of vibration of a motor for lens and thereby allows more accurate photo shots. Sigma affirms that the scope of the patented invention does not include any functions which reduce the influence of camera shake. However, Mr. Osuga, the Judge in Chief, states that the effects of the invention in Nikon’s specification is described as “it allows image blur to be reduced” and that the specification clears that it includes camera shake. Thus, Mr. Osuga stands for Nikon’s assertion. In addition, Mr. Osuga points out that image blur prevention system requires various control functions, and he states that this patented invention of Nikon’s should be rewarded based on the contribution of the patent to the defendant’s products, that is 15%. Therefore, the Tokyo District Court calculated profits earned by Sigma to be a maximum of 10.1 billion JPY, and found compensation of damages to be 15% of the profits of the accused products earned by Sigma."

That really seems unjust! Canon has image stabilization too, how come Nikon isn't suing them?

I guess the little guys are easier to target ;D

Indeed, amazing how things in real life translate back from the playground in school? Maybe this will make Sigma ripe for a takeover...by Canon!!

 

[tron]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002.
...

2002? Shouldn't Canon sue Nikon :

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Nikon has taken Sigma seriously and sued them for US$ 116 million and the Tokyo district court ordered Sigma to US$ 14.5 million, for patent infringement case for lenses with VR technology. Here is teh summary of judgement as posted by Nikonrumors site:
Here is the summary of the judgment:

"Nikon obtained the patent related to VR technology in 2002.
...

2002? Shouldn't Canon sue Nikon :

Actually Nikon was the first to come up with image stabilization in 1994, in a 38–105 mm f/4-7.8 zoom lens built into the Nikon Zoom 700VR (Zoom-Touch 105 VR) camera.
Canon produced their first Image Stabilized lens (EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM) in 1995
I think what Sigma copied was the 2002 "version" of Nikon's VR technology.