Any one got the Sigma 20mm f1.8?

[Mr Jones]

Hey guys! Anyone here got this specific lens? How do you find it, especially the AF-speed, noise, the quirky clutch focusing and sharpness?

I was looking for fast prime and this is now on my potential short list. Thanks

 

[D.P.]

I would avoid, wide open I doubt it is really usable, stopped down it will perform the same as an 18-50mm kit lens at the same apertures.

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/297-sigma-af-20mm-f18-ex-test-report--review

 

[Alex53]

I've had it for a while now (~6 years). Have no complaints.

If you use it for landscapes (especially seascapes) like I do you'll find yourself straightening that horizon in post-processing. PTLens does a good job of it.

I also use it for rock concerts at small venues, where I can get close and the large apertures come in handy.

That said I'm not a gearhead and don't really analyse my gear too much. The focusing makes a noise, louder than my L lenses and less loud than my 50mm f1.8. Not sure if thats too loud for your needs.

These are all taken with this lens;
http://www.53digital.net/blog/2009/10/18/dawn-at-punta-carnero/

 

[Mr Jones]

Thanks for the images Alex, very nice as a wide angle but on my crop body, it'll be around 30 to 34mm, which is the region I am aiming for, otherwise, it's the Sigma 30mm f1.4...

Thanks for the link D.P, have a good read around, seems like a half decent lens from all other reviews... but mind you, this lens is 'old'...

 

[D.P.]

I think the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is a much better lens, the Nikon 35mm 1.8 better still, but these aren't anywhere near the same focal length.

The Canon and Nikon 20mm & 24mm 2.8 lenses do better, but 2.8 is not so fast.


The Sigma 20mm f 1.8 lens was something I considered because I also wanted that focal length, but for me a prime lens is about ultimate IQ when stopped down, and respectable quality when wide open. Otherwise a lens like a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 makes more sense to me if you have to stop down 2.8 or or less to get critically sharp photos.

 

[Mr Jones]

I understand the Sigma isn't any where near 35mm I'm looking for but damn it, there isn't anything fast and close without me forking out L lenses in the Canon range!

 

[D.P.]

I don't get it, if your ideal lens is the Canon 35 1.4L, then why not get either the Sigma 30mm f1.4 or Canon 35mm f2.0?

The 20mmm Sigma gives a very different perspective, not just a little, but pretty huge.

 

[Mr Jones]

Sorry if it's confusing but my idea would be 35mm (at FF equiv.), on my cropped sensor it'll need to be around 20mm. Sigma fits the bill for a fast sensor but for a price and some negative criticism. Otherwise, it's the 24L!

The sigma will give near 50mm and the 35mm f2.0 will give just over 55mm. Mind you, both of these lenses are in my list of possibles. Just wanted something a little wider for travel gallivanting. I used my Olympus Trip 35 at 40mm and a little wider will suit me better if I can shoot in digital.

The Fujifilm X100 fits perfectly but for £1000, it's a little hefty for now.

 

[adamau5]

Mr Jones, i dont think i could take it if you got a good copy of the 30mm F1.4, the jealousy would be too great.

 

[Mr Jones]

I HAD a good copy when I shot Olympus... (60mm @ FF equiv.) And right now, I finally have the funds for fast primes under £500 or sell my current Sigma 18-50mm EX Macro for the Canon EF-S 17-50mm f2.8!