![]() We evaluated two different copies of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art: one for Canon (on the 7D Mark II) and one for Nikon (on the D5500). A perfect lens would render the finest details accurately, wouldn’t distort straight lines or produce ugly fringing around high-contrast subjects, and would create smooth out-of-focus areas. When evaluating any lens, we focus on four key areas: sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration, and bokeh. Photographers who need something more specialized-for architecture, portraits, sports, or wildlife-may want to invest their dollars elsewhere, but this Sigma is an excellent value otherwise. That’s valuable, especially for beginners who want better image quality than they can get from a cheap zoom but don't want to carry a whole arsenal of lenses. ![]() Its 45mm effective focal length (48mm on Canon APS-C cameras) isn’t perfect for any one kind of photography (except maybe street shooting), but it’s the utility infielder of the camera world. In the field, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art was a valuable asset in lots of different shooting situations. Though larger and heavier than some rival lenses, the 30mm f/1.4 Art is also far better built. That last point is particularly important for the 30mm f/1.4, since the older version suffered from well-publicized focusing issues. The upgrades include improved optical designs, much better build quality, and new autofocus systems. Lately, the company has been redesigning many of its older lenses, bringing them up to snuff. ![]() Look and FeelĪs we mentioned in the intro, this is actually Sigma’s second attempt at a 30mm f/1.4 lens. You can mount it on full-frame Canon and Nikon bodies, but the results will have heavy vignetting. It's a "DC" lens, however, so it'll only really cover the APS-C image circle. In this case it's designed to fit Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Sigma DSLRs. Like most Sigma lenses this can be used on multiple mounts. Which kit lens it's replacing will depend on your system. And the image quality? It easily outstrips anything you'd get from your average kit zoom lens. ![]() It's not a specialist by any means, but it’s useful in just about any scenario, making it an excellent investment for novice photographers who are still figuring out what they like to shoot. It's also workable as a portrait lens in a pinch, especially since its fast f/1.4 max aperture can effectively separate your subject from the background, making faces pop. It's perfect for party shots, street photography, reportage, and even some landscapes. Lucky for you, the one focal length you get is a very useful one, good for a wide variety of subjects. The focus scale is a nice touch, particularly given the new 30mm f/1.4's improved focusing capabilities. That means you need to "zoom with your feet," as the saying goes. And it's a "prime" because it offers only one focal length. It’s "normal" because the focal length (on a crop-sensor camera) closely approximates the field of view that your eyes normally take in. It’s “fast” because its unusually wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 lets in lots of light, which lets you use faster shutter speeds in dim lighting. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is what's known as a fast normal prime lens. It also arrives at double the price, but lenses are one category where you generally do get what you pay for. It includes more lens elements, more aperture blades, a closer focusing distance, and superior build quality. If you had previous experience with the older, non-Art version of this lens, know this: The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art is a ground-up redesign. Designed for crop-sensor cameras like Canon’s Rebel lineup and Nikon’s DX cameras, this is an ideal choice for someone who wants an all-purpose lens that’ll get the most out of their sensor without breaking the bank. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (MSRP $499) isn’t quite on par with the best Art-series glass, but it’s nevertheless an excellent sub-$500 option for shooters who need a "normal" prime lens that produces sharp images and creamy bokeh.
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