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Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM  Hot PDF Print E-mail
Lenses Sigma
User rating
3.9
out of 5
Editor's rating
1.0
out of 5
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Reviewed by:
Editor
Monday, 04 February 2008
Average user rating: 3.9 
110 User reviews
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Lens Summary

Overview

Digital Camera Lens
30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

This is a fast F1.4 aperture standard lens for digital cameras. SLD (Special Low Dispersion and ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements are used to obtain the best possible correction for magnification and chromatic aberrations, which are particular problems for digital cameras.

From 40cm (15.7”) minimum focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with high Contrast. The HSM models provide quiet, high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as full-time manual focus override. Large maximum aperture of F1.4 can perform superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography.

- - -

Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4
This lens is perfectly suited for a wide range of subjects, portraits, indoor shootings etc. It is fast aperture makes this lens desirable for use with Digital SLR cameras. The shallow Depth of field produces an outstanding image, sharply outlined from the blurred background.

SLD and Aspherical lenses
Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification Chromatic aberration. A molded glass Aspherical lens at the rear lens group reduces colour Aberration and provides high-quality image results.

HSM Auto Focusing
The HSM design provides quiet high-speed auto-focus with full-time manual focus override.

Minimum Focusing Distance and Fast Aperture
The lens creates exceptionally sharp images of high contrast from its minimum focusing distance of 40cm to infinity. The large maximum aperture of F1.4 produces a versatile lens that performs superbly in a great range of applications including portraiture, indoor and studio work and landscape photography.

 

Lens Construction
 
7 Elements in 7 Groups
Angle of view (SD Format)
 
45 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades
 
8 Blades
Minimum Aperture
 
F16
Minimum Focusing Distance
 
40cm
Maximum Magnification
 
1:10.4
Filter Size
 
62mm
Dimensions
 
Diameter 76.6mm X Length 59mm
Weight
 
430g
SRP
 
£319.99

30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
 
SIGMA
   
CANON
   
NIKON (D)
    FOUR THIRDS
30mm f/1.4 EX DC
 
SONY
   
PENTAX

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications
Lens Type: Prime
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal length (mm): 30
Max Focal Length (mm): 30
Number of Elements: 7
Element Groups: 7
Max Aperture: 1.4
Minimum Aperture: 16
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.4
Maximum Magnification: 1.1
Filter Diameter (mm): 62
Diameter at widest (mm): 77
Lens Length (mm): 59
Weight (g): 430

Details



 

30mm f/1.4 EX DC
Lens Hood
Fitted Padded Case
Front and Rear Caps
Instruction Manual
1 Year Warranty Card
2 Year Extended UK Warranty Card

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Editor review :  Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM
Overall rating (weighted)
1.0
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
Editor review following shortly
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided

User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 110 user(s)

Overall rating (weighted)
3.9
Sharpness
3.8
Build Quality
3.9
AF Speed
3.9
Value for Money
4.0
 

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Fantastic, Sunday, 15 August 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Many people talk about the back focusing issues, I own the 85 1.2 and have had 2 of the 85's with front focusing issues. It seems to be able to happen to the best of them.

As far as the 30 1.4 goes it is a great lens. Mine has no focusing problems. It is super sharp, mine seems to be only slightly less sharp than the 85. I would not worry about the potential focusing issues because at this price it is incredible. If need be send it back and get one without the issue. For this price it is worth it. Obviously this is for a camera with a cropped lens, something to keep in mind.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Good lens, slightly overhyped?, Monday, 26 July 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I was looking to buy a lens in this focal range, and eventually it came down to the choice between this lens, Canon 28mm 1.8 and Canon 35mm (not the L one, obviously). I decided against 35mm due to its bokeh and the lack of USM, and ordered Canon 28 and Sigma 30 to test. I got both lens "used as new", Sigma - from Amazon. I don't know if it was sheer lack, or the fact that my lens was used (and therefore calibrated by previous owner), but I did not experience any front or back focus issues with Sigma that a lot of other users report.
However, I've heard so many people say that Sigma 30 is SO SUPERIOR to Canon 28, that I was expected to notice a huge difference. Yes, I would say that Sigma 30 is slightly better than Canon - the bokeh is slightly smoother, and the focus seemed slightly sharper. But the lenses are very very comparable, and both became easily overcome by the bright light (got more washed out skies with both of these than with my Canon 85mm).

In the end, I decided to keep Canon. Sigma's advantage was so minimal, that I just could not justify keeping it, given that it's for crop-cameras only. Not that I plan to get a FF camera any time very soon, but I love my primes, and when I do get a FF, I will likely not have the budget for L-grade primes for a very very long time, so I like to invest in lenses that will last me a while, and not until I upgrade (especially when they are the same price, almost to the dollar).
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

My Go to Lens, Wednesday, 21 July 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have had this lens for a while and decided to finally make a review. I have to say the build quality of it is amazing. As soon as you take it out of the box you feel that it has a sort of flat black fuzz on the plastic that keeps it from ever looking greasy from hand oils. Also unlike Canon lenses Sigmas come with a glare guard and a small canvas zipper case. I don't use the case granted but if you ever sell the lens it is nice to have. Anyway have a lens with this wide of an aperture is indispensable. Once you get anything below a 3.5 you don't go back. I had this lens, my kit 18-55mm f3.5 and the canon 75-300mm f4-5.6. I can say that I used this lens almost 80% of the time that I shot. Also you fall in love with prime lenses because of the sharpness you can get for the money. Long story short if your like me and you were considering the Canon "nifty fifty" or 50mm 1.8 but have extra cash to spend on a lens, get this one instead you will be very happy you did. I swear by Sigma and have had no problems with this lens.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

FANTASTIC.. if you can get a good "copy"., Wednesday, 21 July 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
3.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I've had this lens for a few months now and LOVE IT. I've always stuck with the Canon-branded lenses and have a little over half a dozen (the 70-200L, 28-135, 18-55 (IS and Non-IS), 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8) and have been a Bit disappointed with all but the higher-end ones (like the 70-200L). I've also heard very mixed reviews about the 3rd-party lenses like Sigma and Tamron, but decided to give it a chance (the Canons around this range - the 28mm and 35mm - don't rate so high, whereas this one did)

Right off the bat - it's not entirely cheap, especially considering its a 3rd-party lens and for digital-only (EF-S cameras, meaning no full frame of 1.3x crop cameras).

One nice change compared to Canon though, is that it includes a hood and carrying case (something Canon only includes with their L series lenses).

I bought this as a wide(r)-angle lens compared to the 50mm and 85mm - sometimes they're just too much of a reach on a crop-sensor camera sometimes.

The 30mm works very nice on compatible cameras - it's very sharp and has that wonderful 1.4 aperture for those low-light or short depth of field shots, and that's where the lens really shines. For sharp shots you'll probably find yourself using 2.2 or higher (although 1.4 is definitely usable and I find myself using it all the time to get that cool look it produces). I've been a photographer for years and some of my best shots have been from this lens - it gives me a look that just isn't possible on any of my other lenses (either because they're too much (50mm), or the aperture is too slow (18-55 / 28-135). For that, it made the lens totally worth it. If you can find a good copy.

Now, the problem with Sigma and Tamron is that the lenses can be very hit or miss.. not just in whether a particular lens is good, but if the one you end up with is a good match with your camera. You can buy 5 of these lenses and each one might be different - one might focus perfectly, one might focus behind the subject, some might focus in front of it. At f/8 it's not much of an issue, but at f/1.4, if it focuses half an inch in front of your subject you're out of luck (as at that depth of field, your subject is out of focus). It's not only a matter of getting a "good one", as you might have different results on different cameras. If you can get a good one, you'll love this lens.

My only gripe (besides the big one above of "hoping it works"), are that it's "Digital Only" (EF-S), so it won't work on a camera like a 5D II. Image Stabilizer would have been awesome as well, but you're already getting an f/1.4 lens (and the IS would drive up the price).

Build quality is solid. It doesn't feel like a cheap plastic lens. Image quality is fantastic (I haven't noticed any distortions either). I love the lens and can highly recommend it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

good lens, Friday, 09 July 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
the edges are indeed soft (even if focus is on the edges prior to recomposing). however, as an amateur photographer, I am happy with the quality of this lens, especially in indoor pictures when I photograph children. I think this lens will stay on my pentax kx as the default lens
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

The perfect movie lens for the emerging filmmaker., Sunday, 04 July 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
The Sigma 30mm 1.4f is the lens that hits the sweet spot on focal length, aperture and price. This lens was made to fit a cropped sensor like the Canon T2i (550d) Digital SLR body. The cropped sensor is 1.6x, so 30mm x 1.6 = 48mm equivalent on a full frame 35mm sensor like the Canon 5D Mark II. Because 48mm is very close to the natural focal length of the human eye (50mm) it is the perfect lens that is easy to work with on film and stills.

I was looking for a movie lens for my Canon T2i that would have a nice wide aperture for incredible depth-of-field that cinema cameras have. I was really going for the Canon 1.4f or the 1.8f 50mm lens because of the popularity and the price. However, I soon discovered that these lenses were made almost 20 years ago, and were made for full frame sensors. If I put a 50mm lens on my T2i, it would become an 80mm lens. This bothered me because I would have to move the camera farther away from the actors and would result in lower sound quality. Also, because cinematic movies are cropped again, it's best to give your subject lots of free space around the frame because their head might get cut off.

After researching videos on YouTube and [...]and some other lens review sites, I found that the Sigma 30mm was the lens I was looking for. Although it was not in my price range and more expensive than the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens, I wanted a lens that I wouldn't have to upgrade to get that perfect human eye focal length, and also because of the crop factor. The Sigma lens was introduced into the market half a decade ago because no lens manufacturer had really filled this niche for DSLRs with a cropped sensor. Canon has lens that are 28mm and 35mm, but are quite expensive, considering that they were L (luxury) series lenses. This lens was the best bang for the buck.

As an emerging filmmaker, I wanted to upgrade from my kit lens which was the Canon 18-55mm 3.5/5.6f lens. I knew that most people would complement this lens with a telephoto zoom lens for less than $200, but what will that benefit me for filmmaking? Also, most lenses out there are Zoom lenses. However, zoom lenses have higher apertures, and won't really give me a good DOF. That is why I just went for a prime lens instead of a zoom lens.

In filmmaking, light is always a problem especially for low-budget films. However, this lens will just "gobble light up". You don't have to sacrifice ISO and slow shutter speeds anymore with this wide aperture lens.

Now if you are going to get this lens, here are some things I discovered:

Auto Focus - It's a problem that plagues all lenses that have a wide aperture because the DOF is super shallow, and the camera will have a hard time to discern what it should focus on. If you want a sharper image, you can stop down to 2.0 and will be much more adequate for shaper photos. If you are using this lens for video, you won't really notice how sharp it is. However, if you really want a super sharp photo, this lens won't be what you are looking for.

Full-time Auto Focus - You can override auto focus if you decide to focus on something else without switch the mode to manual.

It's not a kit lens - It is professional lens (EX) that is completely made metal and glass. On my T2i (which is a plastic body), you can feel the difference in weight!

It comes with a case and a lens hood! Make sure you get a UV lens filter. I got the Sunpak 62mm UV Filter. It's cheap but durable.

If you haven't upgraded your audio, you should look for the RODE Shotgun VideoMic (which is Mono) or the RODE Stereo VideoMic SVM. These microphones by RODE are professional quality mics that are specifically made for camcorders and DSLRs that capture film. Both of them have a hotshoe mount and use the 3.5mm audio minijack that can plug into your DSLR's mic in. However, if you want to use professional equipment that uses XLR jacks, you will need to get an audio recorder like the ZOOM H4N.

Hope that helps! Thanks for reading!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Sigma 30mm 1.4 VS. Canon 50mm 1.4 (tested on XTI), Monday, 14 June 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Got this lens today and got it to tests and to work 20 minutes later. It's easily wins over Canon 50mm 1.4 if you play your ISO right and know how to focus. Mono-tri-pods are recommended as always. I also recommend to use CLEAR digital filter with it.
Good luck!
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Sad purchase..., Thursday, 10 June 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
1.3
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
I used some Sigma lenses on Nikon DSLR for few years. It produce very good images with a reasonable price. I love it. The lenses haven't got any problem...

I just recently got the new Canon DSLR(T2i/550D). Because I had good experience with Sigma, I'm confident to purchased two Sigma lenses, which are 30mm F/1.4 and 50mm F/1.4. However, "both" of them have serious front focus problem... I tested almost a thousand shots. Literally, anything I aim for are blurry. Therefore, I need to send it to Sigma and see if they can calibrate them...

Since both lenses have front focus problem, I ifwonder it's incompatible with newer Canon dSLR systems. Beware when you purchase it. Maybe I should have get Canon branded lenses instead...
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

This is the one attached to my camera since I rece, Tuesday, 11 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have been one of the lucky ones who received a good copy. Although I own other lenses, I used to have a Nikon 10-200mm zoom attached to my D300s. Since I receive the sigma 30mm f1.4 this is the one I currently have. No focus issues, fortunately, after intensive check under controlled and field conditions. Yes, it is a bit soft at f1.4 though sharpness increases and is great starting at 2.8. I compared its sharpness to that of my Nikon 105mm micro at f11 (sweetest stop for the 105 in my opinion) and their sharpnes are comparable. Great construction and focus speed.

I gambled and were lucky, I think it is worth a try. If you get a good copy you would love this lens.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

The Perfect Night-Club Lens, Sunday, 09 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
There are ultimately some locations where you absolutely cannot use flash. These locations are places like in nightclubs where you cannot disturb the artists. There are three other solutions which are the Canon 24mm&35mm 1.4L (both lenses cost about $1400 per) and the Canon 28mm 1.8.

The main difference between the Canon 1.8 and the Sigma 1.4 is the Sigma will be able to let in almost twice as much light. That difference of .4 may not seem like a lot, but there is a lot more light being let in with the Sigma then the Canon. Ultimately, you will be able to obtain more usable photos with the Sigma in a dark nightclub then with the Canon.

Of course, there have been known and widely documented problems with Sigma lenses and Canon cameras. It is always a good idea to get the manufacturer's lens then the aftermarket lens. However, I had a great time with this particular Sigma lens and did not encounter the same problems that others have had. I was able to get many impressive and usable shots. In the reviews I have read on the internet, some professional photographers love this lens saying its at least as good as the Canon 28mm 1.8 and then there are others that hate it and compare it to the Canon kit lens 18-55.

I suspect this Sigma lens is a purpose built lens. I believe the purpose this was built for was nightclub photography and APS-C photographers who do not have the resources or the motivation to buy the Canon L lens variants...

In conclusion, the Canon L lens 24&35mm are better lenses, however, at about 3 times the cost. The Canon 28mm 1.8 may be a slightly better solution, but it will not let in as much light as the Sigma 30mm 1.4. The Sigma will get you shots in some of the lowest lit venues where other cameras will definately fall off the map...
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

great Sigma Lens, Wednesday, 05 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I have had the Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens for a couple of months and I love it. It is on my Nikon 300s. Its performance in low light is amazing, group pictures indoors are lush without the washed out appearance of on camera flash units. Some reviews knock its focus, and assuming the lens not defective,I believe these reviews miss an important point. Focus is the responsibility of the autofocus system on the camera. Where this lens excels, i.e. low light, difficult situations, the lens may just be outperforming the camera's autofocus system's ability to get a good reading. The 300s handles it beautifully at all apertures. The problem may lie with the camera's inability to fine tune the focus in darker settings. Also, when the lens (any lens) is wide open, the depth of field is very narrow when focusing close. For about 20-25% of the cost of a 1.8 Nikon, this lens is a bargain. Mine came from Amazon and carries a 4 year warranty too. Highly recommended.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Excellent Indoor lens, Saturday, 01 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
2.5
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
3.0
I just purchased this lens after being very impressed while trying it out at the local camera shop. Of all the lenses I tried in my price range, this one had the clearest, most crisp focus. Later, I tested it outside. I took a shot of a tree branch against the sky. HORRIBLE purple fringing on my Canon EOS 50D. I tried various settings to no avail. I put my cheap Cannon zoom back on, took the same shot - no fringe. I really, really, wanted to like this lens. I traded in a perfectly good Cannon 50mm for it, and will be returning in the morning to reverse this decision.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Excellent optics when it worked, Saturday, 01 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
2.5
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
3.0
I just requested a return from Amazon for this lens. As always, Amazon rocks.

Here's my two day experience with it attached to my Canon T1i:

I bought this lens wanting more light/speed and a more natural focal length compared to my Canon 50mm 1.8 (cropped sensor). Like most, I read tons of reviews and forum entries around this lens before purchasing. I was a little anxious when I first received it due to all the mixed reviews out on the web. I bought it knowing there was a chance I'd get a bad copy.

Everything about the packaging, exterior, weight, fit and finish of this lens is excellent. It just feels like a quality product during first impression. The included case is nice, the hood fits well, the lens connects snugly to the camera with a snap of confidence. The focus ring is nicely sized and has a proper amount of resistance.

The optics of this lens are impressive. The 2/3 extra stop compared to the Canon 50mm 1.8 will instantly spoil anyone. The reduced focal length was also fantastic. I shot my kids in my living room at night with a single light source in the room and was able to take great shots at ISO 400. The bokeh is beautiful.

I processed the first Batch of raw images and noticed some missed shots from overall softness. Some were tack sharp and others weren't. I know with this DoF any slight change in distance from the target will cause this. There was also some distortion and Vignetting, but nothing major. Other than that, the images were everything I had hoped from this lens.

As I continued shooting, I noticed more and more soft images. I think this got progressively worse over time as I used it. I tried out manually focusing and realized this lens wasn't auto focusing correctly. The manually focused shots were remarkable. I confirmed the lens was front focusing using a tripod and focus chart. This was very disappointing. I really hoped to get a good copy of this lens.

The second day I used it, the autofocus completely failed. My guess is the HSM stripped or something. As I was using the lens, the focus system stopped working and I was unable to take any more shots. I was able to keep turning the focus ring without it ever stopping. So that was it... I'm one of the unlucky ones to get a bad copy. I can understand how there are so many mixed reviews on this lens. When it worked and focused correctly, it was awesome for the price.

I think I'm going to save up and get a Canon 35mm 1.4L.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

I don't recommend this lens, Thursday, 15 April 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
2.0
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
I had 3 copies of this lens. None of them were focusing correctly. Most of time it will front focus by 1 inch. It's kinda random, hit or miss. It's probably okay for many people but I am spoiled by other good prime lenses. Even when it was in focus, it wasn't sharp enough for me. You get what you paid for. It may work in certain situations like shooting in extremely low light. If you are picky about sharpness and image quality, stay away.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Very happy with this lens, Saturday, 27 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have a Canon 40D and take lots of indoor sports shots. My 50mm 1.8 Canon (the inexpensive $120 lens) is great but I needed a prime lens that could capture more of the action and was still somewhat affordable. I was trying to decide between the Canon 1.8 28mm and this Sigma 1.4 30mm and am really happy that I chose this. Turns out that extra f-stop (or 2?... I'm still learning all the lingo) is totally what I need. I was worried about the focusing issues that people mention but seemed to get a good lens and also took people's suggestions to use 1.8 to get that "sweet spot". The images are really creamy and rich and would def recommend this.
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