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Thread: Lens Choice: Sigma 30mm f1.4 vs Nikon 35mm f1.8?

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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Lens Choice: Sigma 30mm f1.4 vs Nikon 35mm f1.8?

    I think I've come to the conclusion that I prefer the 35mm focal length over 50mm, so I had kind of gotten my heart set on the Nikon 35mm prime, but I've also heard good things about the Sigma, not the least of which is better bokeh and 2/3 of an f-stop (so even better low-light performance). Unfortunately, the Sigma is twice the price.

    Have any of you tried it? Do you think it's worth it?
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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power f86sabjf's Avatar
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    Hmmm for me the Nikon would be better . I don't know about Sigma but I believe the Nikon has a better warranty .

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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    For comparison, here are a couple photos:

    The Nikon:


    A Flower for You by Photo David, on Flickr

    The Sigma:


    You... Living beside Me by Andrea  LD, on Flickr
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Thank you for the review links. I'd watched a couple of videos on DigitalRev:




    Based on what I've read (I read Ken Rockwell's reviews of both the Sigma and Nikon) and watched, the Nikon's image quality makes up for the bokeh (which is still not bad). Even though the Sigma does a little better in lower light, it doesn't seem to focus as quickly and has problems with overexposure (one review mentioned a yellow cast on all images). I've kind of got my heart set on it, but I was basically wondering if someone could talk into the Sigma instead
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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    STAR Sponsor smaeda's Avatar
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    I would buy the 1.8, and use the saved cash on a nice flash.

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    I have the Nikon 35mm and I love it. I tried it and a 50mm out at the same time and found I liked the 35mm more. I have not tried the Sigma so I can't offer a comparison between them.

    Have you seen if anyone in your area has equipment that they'd let you borrow?
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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by smaeda View Post
    I would buy the 1.8, and use the saved cash on a nice flash.
    That plan makes sense. I was just surprised that the Sigma doesn't lose hands down to the Nikon and, depending on who you ask, is actually better.
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! LOL's Avatar
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    If you want the lens for Bokeh, I'd skip the 35mm focal length because you will have to get significantly closer to your subject than a 50 or 100.

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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LOL View Post
    If you want the lens for Bokeh, I'd skip the 35mm focal length because you will have to get significantly closer to your subject than a 50 or 100.
    Two considerations for sticking with a < 50mm focal length (for me):

    1.) In experimenting with focal lengths on my 18-55 kit lens, I found the 35mm focal length to be more comfortable for shooting things from my son (where I'm barely more than arm's length) to cars (where I'm a little further back, but still find myself wanting to be a little closer because the lot is crowded) than 50mm.
    2.) Since I'm shooting on a DX/crop sensor camera (Nikon D3100), the 35mm is equivalent to a 50. I like it because framing is easier because it's close to what my eyes see.

    Does that make sense?
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! Ted7's Avatar
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    I took pictures of my son with a 50mm and it turns out great




    It was a bit weird at the beginning but once you get used to it, you don't want to come back, well most of the time.

    Now if you're not sure why not trying to borrow or rent the lens from someone?
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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ted7 View Post
    Now if you're not sure why not trying to borrow or rent the lens from someone?
    I'm going to borrow a 35mm 1.8 while I'm at MATG later this month. I'll have to make some other arrangements to try out the 50.
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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    I've used the Sigma. It's fantastic. I'd not give purchasing it a 2nd thought.

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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by revlimiter View Post
    I've used the Sigma. It's fantastic. I'd not give purchasing it a 2nd thought.
    Wow...that's an endorsement I wasn't expecting to get! Have you tried the Nikon as well?
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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    Super Moderator Bryan's Avatar
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    What's now confusing me is that as the little guy gets bigger, I'm suddenly appreciating the fact that I can stand back a little further using a 50mm and get the same shot. So that brings the Nikon 50mm f1.8g and Sigma f1.4 into the equation...

    Dang it!
    Quote Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
    I dont know a word you just said, but that **** sounded COOL.

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