Thread: Sigma 30 1.4 or...?

My wife has been appreciating the low-light, indoor capabilities of my Canon 50 1.4 so I decided its time to get her something fast for herself.

She has a Rebel XT with the kit 18-55 and a 70-200 f/4 that I "bought for her."

Since I already have the 50 and it can get a little close in cramped indoor spaces I want to get her something wider..

Without going over $500 my research is leading me towards the sigma 30 1.4, is there anything else I should be considering?

Canon 28mm f/1.8?

Sigma 20mm f/1.8?

As soon as I can swing it I will be picking up the 30mm f/1.4. I've seen a number of used ones around $350, but having the warranty and buying new in case you need to go through the sigma lottery makes me want to buy new. I tested the sigma 30mm and canon 28mm f/1.8 and preferred the sigma, so as soon as I have some spare cash I will be picking it up.

Shooting it made me want to upgrade my canon 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8 to the sigmas as well, but it is a ton of cash so probably just going to stick with those plus the 30mm for awhile.

I really like my Sigma 30 1.4, and have used it on both a Rebel and a 40D. It's basically the only lens I use for around the house, family type shots and for travel. The pictures it produces have a really nice quality to them.

However, I did have to send the lens back to Sigma Canada to be recalibrated as it was front focusing. Worked great once it was back, but definitely a little annoying. Would still recommend the lens though, even with the hassle.

Anyone else have experience with one of the wide-angle Canon primes (or Sigma)? I'm looking to get one in the 24-30mm range, but don't want to spend a ton since I'm just experimenting with my 5D. I was thinking about the Canon 28mm 1.8, but at $400 it seems a little steep for me. If only I could find a Sigma 30mm 1.4 for $300...

Originally Posted by smmokan

'm looking to get one in the 24-30mm range, but don't want to spend a ton since I'm just experimenting with my 5D. If only I could find a Sigma 30mm 1.4 for $300...

Have you thought about renting some lenses to test before buying? Also, as far as I know, the Sigma 30/1.4 is for crop bodies.

Originally Posted by smmokan

Anyone else have experience with one of the wide-angle Canon primes (or Sigma)? I'm looking to get one in the 24-30mm range, but don't want to spend a ton since I'm just experimenting with my 5D. I was thinking about the Canon 28mm 1.8, but at $400 it seems a little steep for me. If only I could find a Sigma 30mm 1.4 for $300...

17-40 F4L? L glass that can be picked up pretty cheap. Very happy with mine.

edit: nevermind. just re-read and noticed you are looking for a prime

I like my Sigma 24mm 1.8 on my 5D.

Fuzz's suggestion to rent is a good one.