Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC A-mount lens review by nokiamia

nokiamia#5433 date: May-22-2009
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.6	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	tamron 1750 minolta 50mm f/1.7 rs
price paid:	RM1800 (+/- USD520)
positive:	i love the size. not as petite as 50f/1.4, but it's just nice. sharpness is good at wide open (f/1.4). colors are great. nothing to fault here. focal length is PERFECT. *blazing fast focusing on my a350!
negative:	focusing noise is kinda annoying. min focus length is 1 feet. i wish it's shorter (like my tamron 1750) *for APSC sensor, it's expensive!
comment:	this focal length represents the TRUE 'standard' focal length given the 1.5x crop factor of an apsc sensor. so, it's very easy to get true-to-eye view shots. i'm quite amazed of the fact that i've not taken the lens off my camera, despite after almost a week of acquiring it, with >300 shots under its belt. for a person who owns a fast lens (tamron 1750), this is a strong statement to how versatile the 30mm focal length is. it's also perfect for photo journalism work. and with f/1.4, it has a superb capability to isolate the subject from the surroundings. i particularly like the fact that i can stay with iso 200 in almost all light conditions, without having to go to iso 400 (unless i have to), and still able to shoot within reasonable shutter speed. i truly recommend this lens to.... ANYONE!