Stuck on whether to return sigma 35mm for 35mm 1.4L or 35f2 is

[Loswr]

Definitely check your AFMA before you go any further. Here's an easy guide:

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html

I'd get FoCal or a LensAlign instead. I find the moiré pattern approach has too much 'slop' (camera can be moved quite a bit with no discernible change in the moiré).

 

[alexturton]

I have the sigma 35. focusses like a dream straight out the box. Servo performance is good and no AFMA needed on my 5d3.

I tested both the canon 35L and sigma 35 before purchasing and found the canon to be faster on AF but softer @ f1.4.

 

[pdirestajr]

My siggy 35 even rocks on my 5DII's "ancient" AF system. I was actually using it in servo the other day while catching clear bubbles floating through a bright blue sky. Not necessarily high speed action, but still tricky for such an "inferior" AF system nonetheless.


Bubble by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

 

[2n10]

My siggy 35 even rocks on my 5DII's "ancient" AF system. I was actually using it in servo the other day while catching clear bubbles floating through a bright blue sky. Not necessarily high speed action, but still tricky for such an "inferior" AF system nonetheless.


Bubble by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

Awesome shot

 

[pdirestajr]

^Thanks!

And some smaller bubbles

Beer by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

My siggy 35 even rocks on my 5DII's "ancient" AF system. I was actually using it in servo the other day while catching clear bubbles floating through a bright blue sky. Not necessarily high speed action, but still tricky for such an "inferior" AF system nonetheless.


Bubble by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

Nicely done. That is a strong image - subtle and beautiful!

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

^Thanks!

And some smaller bubbles

Beer by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

Nice looking image!

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

I never had an issue with the lens and it's focus on 5DII, if anything when focusing very close it seems to not be spot on sometimes, but I blame that on super narrow DOF + focus and recomposing, and this is the only lens I didn't have a need to AFMA. This shot below may not be perfect (F/1.4 anyways) but I put the camera up to my face, and took my first shot, and a winning photo popped out!
I also have done a lot of street candids shooting from hip, I've gotten quite a lot of tack sharp faces of passer-byers, and not to mention how sharp the lens is overall.

Very nice image!

 

[jasonsim]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

As others have also said, there is the MFA available on the 5D III itself. One or the other should fix it, but I'd prefer to fix it on the lens.

Kind regards,
Jason

 

[KKCFamilyman]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

As others have also said, there is the MFA available on the 5D III itself. One or the other should fix it, but I'd prefer to fix it on the lens.

Kind regards,
Jason

I did a +10 mfa and its better still not sure if ill try another copy.

 

[ddl]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

Yes it is but the USB adapter isn't available yet (delayed a month or two) so I assume the OP has to make his return or keep decision before then.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

So then is the canon 35l the better buy or should I pursue getting this lens adjusted? The quality is worth it not the money. I doubt I will shoot at 1.4 much more like 1.8 2.0 or higher just to have a walk about lens which is also why I was wondering about the 35 f2 is but the reviews do not seem so glowing.

I sent my 35mmL to Canon because it required +17 AFMA on my 1D MK III. Its now very close on all my cameras, and is excellent, even if not quite reaching the sharpness of the Sigma. It focuses fine as well.

You risk sending the lens in for adjustment either way.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

In luck

Talked to sigma and there is a repair facility 35 min away and i can drop off my body and lens for calibration. Perfect cannot ask for a better option.

 

[risc32]

keep us posted. i'm a very happy sigma 35mm user, but i've had some very poor exp with sigma sercive in the past, so i really hope they've turned things around.

 

[jcns]

are you sure it's front focusing?
at 1.4, your DOF can be minimal (depends on the distance of subject)
here is a calculator for you
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Update on Sigma 35mm. I took it in locally and they saw I was AFMA to +10 and they actually put it at about +15 internally so my camera is spot on and I am at 0 in camera. That makes this lens that much sweeter. Glad I took it in. If you buy a Sigma and it seems off send it in is my advise.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

Kind regards,
Jason

At some future point, you can pay $$$ for a tool that will let you adjust focus accuracy of the lens so that it may match what you already paid for. Sigma has promised it, but hasn't delivered it.

 

[brad-man]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

Kind regards,
Jason

At some future point, you can pay $$$ for a tool that will let you adjust focus accuracy of the lens so that it may match what you already paid for. Sigma has promised it, but hasn't delivered it.

About two weeks for $59 with software. Not too shabby.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909813-REG/Sigma_USB_Dock.html

Congratulations KKC. I know you're going to love that lens.

 

[drjlo]

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma? I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct.

Kind regards,
Jason

At some future point, you can pay $$$ for a tool that will let you adjust focus accuracy of the lens so that it may match what you already paid for. Sigma has promised it, but hasn't delivered it.

About two weeks for $59 with software. Not too shabby.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909813-REG/Sigma_USB_Dock.html

Congratulations KKC. I know you're going to love that lens.

It's nice of Sigma to actually deliver the USB dock, but the fact is Sigma should tighten up its QC process so we don't NEED to use the dock. Still, I am glad to see this safety net of sorts from Sigma..

 

[Viggo]

I finally got my hands on a Sigma and tried it today. I liked the sharpness , although that wouldn't alone be at all a reason to sell mye 35 L. I like the built quality, but not the weight and size
Compared. I really liked the color and contrast and the bokeh seemed similar. The
BIGGEST QUESTION for my wanting to test it was in terms of AF speed, all info I have found point to the direction that they are very much a like, but that's
Completely false, it's WAY slower, very dissapointing. I haven't done any research if the 35 L is faster on the 1dX and other people have tested on a 5d not seeing the difference. But on the 1dx at least the AF of the Sigma is much slower and to me, that will always be what I look for in a lens.

Get the 35 L sharpness is a result of a properly focused image.