Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Review

Sigma AF 30mm f / 1.4 EX DC HSM is a fast wide-angle lens for APS-C cameras. Produced from 2005 to 2013 for different systems – Nikon DX, Canon EOS, and 4/3 format version. In 2013, he was replaced by another lens with a different optical design.

This lens has an interesting combination of focal length and fastest. On APS-C cameras equivalent focal length is 45mm, which brings him closer to 50mm than a wide-angle lens. A maximum aperture f / 1,4 allows use in low light conditions. Some photographers use it for reportage photography in churches where shot with a flashlight is not permitted.

In this review, we consider the version for Nikon cameras.

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Specs

Focal length: 30mm
Aperture: f/ 1.4 – f/ 16
Weight (gr): 430
Length (mm): 59
Filter Ø (mm.): 62
Aperture blades: 8
Min. Focus distance (m.): 0.4

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Handling and Mechanics

The lens is solidly made. It has impressive dimensions, and the camera looks perfect. The barrel is made of plastic material pleasant to the touch.

Weight is bigger than the Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens.

Have a focus ring and a distance scale indicator.

The kit includes a hood, a fixed bayonet mount for easy transport, and put on a lens in reverse order.

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Focusing

The lens is equipped with an HSM silent motor. Focusing is fast and quiet.

The focus ring is rotated by 90 degrees. When there is a change in the focusing distance of the front element, the lens length does not change due to the barrel design.

Autofocus works on all Nikon cameras because the motor is built into the lens.

The review presented an early version of the lens, and it lacks a switch AF/MF from auto to manual focus. Later models already have such a switch.

A few words about autofocus:
I have used the lens in combination with Nikon D3100, so everything said below deals specifically with this camera.

In most scenes, t works well. But sometimes, when the light is not enough, he candidly sums and smears. Sometimes, you need to tinker with the focus manually, especially if you shoot at aperture f/ 1.4.

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Example Photos

All examples were taken on camera Nikon D3100, RAW export with minimal exposure correction.

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Sharpness

At wide-open sharpness more suitable for artistic subjects.

f/ 2

Starting from aperture f / 2 can be used quite, including reportage. On the aperture, f / 4 – f / 5.6 is sharp as a razor, the optical resolution of the lens is excellent, which allows you to capture fine detail.

f/ 5.6

f/ 5.6

f/ 14

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Character and Bokeh

On aperture f/ 1.4 – f/3.2 can achieve beautiful bokeh. It is delightful and pleasing to the eye.

f/ 3.2

f/ 3.2

f/ 4

Apertures have a clear and sharp image to cover the lens, suitable for reportage shooting, but for the art photo, it is dry.

f/ 16

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Contrast and Color Render

The lens has a good contrast, color and brightness.

f/ 3.5

f/ 3.5

f/ 5.6

Lens copes well with back lighting.

f/ 5.6

f/ 13

f/ 13

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Distortion and Vignetting

On the open apertures, vignetting occurs.

Distortion is also observed, but not much.

f/ 14

Summary
Sigma AF 30mm f / 1.4 EX DC HSM is produced for specific tasks. Reportage shootings in a confined space where a large aperture.

f/ 5.6

It is not suitable for shooting a full-length portrait of the small focal distance and perspective distortion. But it also will not good wide lens.

So before you buy it, you need to think carefully about whether you need it.

It will not work as a universal lens.

I used it for about 8 months, most of the time, he stood on my shelf and decided to sell it.

f/ 13

I used it for about 8 months, most of the time, he stood on my shelf and decided to sell it.