Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $249 + free shipping

I wish they had this on their eBay store so we could get the eBay bucks too...

This is an amazing price for a lens that is great if you don't get an "iffy" one. Some of them have focus issues. I had to send mine it to get calibrated right out of the box as it would front focus terrible.

Quote from Lobbymonster : capable of taking in twice as much light (1.4 vs 1.8).

f/1.4 to f/2.0 is one full stop(twice the difference in light input)

f/1.4 to f/1.8 is 2/3 stop.

Quote from Lobbymonster : The Sigma here is slightly wider and is capable of taking in twice as much light (1.4 vs 1.8). I can't speak for image quality/sharpeness as I've never used this lens before.

1.8 v. 1.4 is only 2/3 stop difference.

**Edit: looks like 00dahc beat me to it.

Quote from kcast : Got excited thinking this was the new Art series 30mm.

The new 30 isn't even available yet.

Thanks for the deal link but reviews on this aren't so solid: http://www.bythom.com/Sigma%2030m...review.htm

I'll stick with my Nikon 35mm f/1.8
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm

Not surprised that the canon mount is not at this price. They (sigma) dont have to compete with the overpriced canon lenses. Nikon 35mm can be had for under $200.

Thanks for the post. Ordered this last week for 289. just called cs and they are crediting me $30.

Almost bought this for 290 yesterday.
So glad I didn't.

Isnt there a new generation of Sigma 30mm coming out soon?

Quote from rychastings : Isnt there a new generation of Sigma 30mm coming out soon?

Yeah, new Art series. Closer min focus distance, rounded aperture blades, better glass, USB programmable. If it's anything like the FF 35 Art, it should be a good one.

...which is why there has been such significant discounting on the 'old' Sigma 30s.

Damn, would definitely be in for Canon version.

niceeeeeeeeee

Quote from Dollar : Just starting out in DSLR photography and have a D5100. What advantage does this give over the Nikkor 35mm F/1.8, assuming the Sigma is better because his cost more?

this one is made for crop sensors i think

Quote from Dollar : Just starting out in DSLR photography and have a D5100. What advantage does this give over the Nikkor 35mm F/1.8, assuming the Sigma is better because his cost more?

In reality, very little. Both of these are in the "normal" range for a DX sensor, and will look like a 42-50mm on a full frame (or traditional 35mm) camera. The difference between 1.4 and 1.8 will likely be lost on all but the most extreme situations.

This is, imho, one of the most difficult lenses to use to make striking photos, and one of the best to learn to use. You're photos will have the field of view which somewhat mimics the human eye's normal focus range. As a result things will seem a lot like you were when you were there (which is to say "boring" for 95% of everyday subjects).

It took me a lot of years to appreciate the (FF equivalent) 28-50mm lens range, and I still tend to grab a shorter (20mm) or longer (85-105mm) range. Still, this is the cheapest way to get available-light, hand held shots because of the aperture. No amount of VR will stop your subjects motion, and even as good as sensors are, the lower the ISO you can shoot the more you'll have to work with in post processing and the smoother and sharper your images will be. Adding grain/noise is easy, taking it away is much harder. Great for indoors or night time with otherwise inadequate light - whether it's a table lamp, a campfire, or a small concert venue. You'll rarely shoot wide open, and even 1.4 is only 2/3 of a stop. Still, the shorter focal length will let you get a bit more in the picture if you're in a tight spot, but it will also increase the depth of field so you won't get quite the same shallow depth of focus you would from a 35mm f1.4.

It's probably a toss up, especially with this level (i.e. non-pro) of glass where the QA may result in more lenses which are out of perfect alignment and you're as likely to get a slightly softer lens as not (IOW - the Nikon may not be a guarantee of a top notch QA at this price point).

Edit: if it were me...I'd buy the 50mm f1.8 for the full frame slr instead. Now, that's a short telephoto on a DX body like the 5100, which you may or may not need. But it would be cheaper, you'd get the "center" of the image circle (the sharpest part). I *love* my 85mm f1.8 on my full frame camera (which is about 56mm on DX) - it's my second favorite lens after my 14-24/f2.8.

Quote from nsyv : Wow that's an incredible deal. Lowest I've ever seen. Too bad the Canon mount isn't the same price.

Price for Canon mount is creeping up.