Canon 35mm f2 vs. Sigma 30mm f1.4

[xil3]

What are your thoughts on Canon 35mm f2 versus Sigma 30mm f1.4?

I would buy the Sigma 30mm in a flash if it wasn't for the fact that it only worked on the 1.6 cropped sensor cameras... which leads me to this general comparison...

My personal opinions from reading articles about the 2 lenses:

Canon 35mm f2

• Works on any of the EOS Canon cameras
• Good resale value since it's a canon lens
• Can take good quality photos
• Decently priced (lower than the sigma)
• Small and light weight

30mm f1.4

• Only works on 1.6 crop sensor eos cameras
• Very good optical quality
• Comparable to the canon L series
• Larger and heavier than the canon

What do you guys/gals think?

 

[King_Boru]

Might be of assistance: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=58499

 

[xil3]

Might be of assistance: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=58499

Yeah, I went through that thread already. They didn't really compare the two lenses though.

 

[kmlc]

Which camera do you have xil3?

 

[King_Boru]

On that then I would personally go for the Sigma as it has the better max aperture and provides a better standard FOV on a crop body (assuming you use a crop body). I would also guess (not having used a Canon 35 f/2) that the build quality is much better.

You can compare reviews of each lens using the following links. Reviews supplied by Photozone.

Canon 35 f/2

Sigma 30 f/1.4

 

[xil3]

Which camera do you have xil3?

400d

 

[FranchiseJuan]

Actually you are wrong to say that the Sig 30 only works on 1.6 crop cameras. You can use it quite happily on a 1.3 crop camera.

The Sig 30 has one weakness, and that is focus in low light. Otherwise you are getting something that is probably 85%-90% of a Canon 35 F1.4.

 

[King_Boru]

Actually you are wrong to say that the Sig 30 only works on 1.6 crop cameras. You can use it quite happily on a 1.3 crop camera.

Not sure on that, surely it would have some heavy vignetting?

 

[FranchiseJuan]

Not sure on that, surely it would have some heavy vignetting?

I would not have made that statement without having used it in that situation myself.

 

[King_Boru]

I would not have made that statement without having used it in that situation myself.

Its a question or do you need me to highlight and bold the question mark for you to see that?

 

[xil3]

Actually you are wrong to say that the Sig 30 only works on 1.6 crop cameras. You can use it quite happily on a 1.3 crop camera.

The Sig 30 has one weakness, and that is focus in low light. Otherwise you are getting something that is probably 85%-90% of a Canon 35 F1.4.

I need something that's good in low light. Would this exclude the 30mm? Still trying to weigh the benefits of each...

 

[FranchiseJuan]

I need something that's good in low light. Would this exclude the 30mm? Still trying to weigh the benefits of each...

How good do you need? If you need it to focus in low light every time, and be quick about it, there is only on option I am afraid - Canon 35 F1.4.

 

[fallen_mathi]

any other opinions?
+ where would you say a good, cheap, place to buy a lens is?
thanksnathan

 

[xil3]

I was also considering the canon 28mm f/1.8 as an option.

How is the DoF on the 28mm? Anyone have any pictures that they can show as examples?