Sigma 30mm f1.4 Lens Review (with samples)

The Sigma 30mm f1.4 is a popular lens for a lot of reasons. Everyone wants f1.4...and 30mm is a focal length you can use for just about anything - wide enough to get lots of action into your picture, and zoomed-in enough to get a narrow depth of field.

But this particular lens is getting pretty old now. How does the picture quality stack up on the torture grounds of an 18 megapixel pixel camera, the Canon 60D?

[jacob_s]

Watching your latest videos compared to this one, you seem to be one of the few youtubers who has learned to not put loud background music over your narration. Much appreciated.

[fotografstenberg]

I used this lens at a wedding. Photos were excellent only a few ones out of focus. It was really bad light but this lens saved the day. I would not use a filter of any kind when shooting at 1.4 or near. It could mess up things even if it's a Hoya filter. I do agree corners are a bit soft but mine got very nice sharpness at 1.4. I use it with 7D mark II and new EOS M3.

[christopherfrost]

I don't know really. It seems like Sigma's quality control is just all over the place with this particular lens (which isn't the case for all their lenses). There seem to be more bad reviews of this lens out there than good ones. You definitely have a point, but it's ultimately Sigma's responsibility to make sure every camera lens they sell works properly - so I have to stick by my review. Thanks for watching my reviews!

[NathanBuildsRobots]

I was looking for some cheap lenses to gift to someone just getting into photography. I've been following your modern content for a while, and this throwback video is too funny. Keep up the good work Christopher!

[dvdhng]

Thank you so much for your reviews and sharing your opinion, greatly apreciated! I will definately take a look at both lenses. Please keep up the great work!

[wonderboy]

This review confirms my experience with this lens, which I had for 2 years on my Canon 1000D, but have now sold (cheap)! I was really dissappointed by how soft it was at 1.4 when correctly focused and also how often it missed when using the autofocus.

[MaximoLuke]

Your video reviews are EXCELLENT! Keep up the good work!

[christopherfrost]

But just to let you know, this Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens (in the review) is sharp enough for video work (1080p is only the equivalent of about 3 megapixels)

[christopherfrost]

Depends on what kind of photos you want to take

[christopherfrost]

This lens is probably your best option then. If you have some extra money, and want the same thing with much better picture quality, then go for the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4

[navid_ahmed]

I have this lens and i am pretty happy with it. Its not as soft on f1.4 as you have mentioned. | have taken quite a few awesome shots at f1.4

[AbaddonLXXI]

I use this lens on a Sony a77, the pictures are supersharp. Even down at 2.0 or 2.8 i can crop down to maximum magnify and still get a desent picture. Dont know if the Sony process the image better but the only downside i have noticed is the autofocus to be a bit jumpy.

[obikenbi]

you make the best reviews. Just great! big ups!

[silvrArrow]

What would you say this vs de Nikkor AF-S 35mm 1.8?
I can't make up my mind. I will use this 90% of the time for photographs (very little video). 
Do you think that @ f1.8 both of them perform the same?
Because it would be nice to have that extra stop at f1.4 for like concerts. Also, it has the distance meter and seems a lot tougher and has a better focusing ring. However the Nikkor is a newer product and, well, it's from Nikon....
Any tips?
(btw, I'm on a Nikon D5100)

[StevePotgieter]

I don't know why but I find your voice very calming. Content is good too. I bought some of my lenses based on your video reviews and I'm a happy camper.

[Leahsickofthis]

It’s weird tho I shoot with this lens on my 80d and my photos are quite sharp with a small amount of softness in the corners ... but I tested it out on a 700d and the image is not as sharp much like the photos shown in your video

[christopherfrost]

It's just a UV filter. Sigma also make a 35mm f1.4 lens which is one of the sharpest around. It's brand new and will cost about twice as much money. I'd highly recommend that.

[Silverstarb]

I have been using this lens for over a year. Mostly I use it when it gets dark...this is when it shines and leaves any kit lenses behind. I recommend it.

[paulb]

I hope you returned it and got a new one.
If you did you should do a mini follow up.

[johanreinink]

Your copy of the 30 1.4 has a serious decentering issue. I had an older sigma 30 1.4 that was sharp at 1.4, much like the new art version if not better. But the AF motor gave problems so I bought a new one but it had the decentering issue just like the one you review here. I sent it back under warranty. Unfortunately replacements had the same issue so I was given the art version which is a good lens without issues. But this older EX DC HSM version has an unbeatable heavenly soft bokeh even in harsh backlight conditions. I'm considering getting one second hand that is old enough not to have the decentering issue that came up in newer copies just for it's bokeh and excellent center sharpness.