[hadi]

really itching for a 35mm that is wider than 2.8 (my 24-70 does cover it, but slow at 2.8).
i know there are reviews for this lens. i'm just wondering how this lens works with autofocus. and how big is the issue with this lens?
several reviews say that the lens misses focus. it either back focuses or front focuses, and wont let you micro-adjust.
if you dont have a USB dock, and calibrating the lens doesn't work, what are the solutions around it?


yes, i know pentax makes the FA35 f2. lens which would kind of be in the same vain, just smaller and slower at f2. and the 31mm, which is also the same money, just slower.

[robjmitchell]

really itching for a 35mm that is wider than 2.8 (my 24-70 does cover it, but slow at 2.8).
i know there are reviews for this lens. i'm just wondering how this lens works with autofocus. and how big is the issue with this lens?
several reviews say that the lens misses focus. it either back focuses or front focuses, and wont let you micro-adjust.
if you dont have a USB dock, and calibrating the lens doesn't work, what are the solutions around it?


yes, i know pentax makes the FA35 f2. lens which would kind of be in the same vain, just smaller and slower at f2. and the 31mm, which is also the same money, just slower.

The solution is buy it from somewhere with a good return/exchange policy. It’s flip a coin stuff where you just have to find a copy that works with your camera. Check out the photos from it and the 31ltd before deciding though, then go for the one with the rendering you prefer.

[hadi]

The solution is buy it from somewhere with a good return/exchange policy. It’s flip a coin stuff where you just have to find a copy that works with your camera. Check out the photos from it and the 31ltd before deciding though, then go for the one with the rendering you prefer.

yeah, i was debating on buying it used. sigma stuff doesn't come too often here. and sigma pentax is that much more rare. so either i buy it via amazon, new, which will cost a lot. or i buy used and try my chances with it.
if its the 31mm, i could buy that used, as i know what to expect with it.

[Adam]

really itching for a 35mm that is wider than 2.8 (my 24-70 does cover it, but slow at 2.8).
i know there are reviews for this lens. i'm just wondering how this lens works with autofocus. and how big is the issue with this lens?
several reviews say that the lens misses focus. it either back focuses or front focuses, and wont let you micro-adjust.
if you dont have a USB dock, and calibrating the lens doesn't work, what are the solutions around it?


yes, i know pentax makes the FA35 f2. lens which would kind of be in the same vain, just smaller and slower at f2. and the 31mm, which is also the same money, just slower.

If you get a good copy, it will work great.

Also, I'd get a dock as it will work with future Sigma lenses, and even a good copy may require adjustments.

Adam
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[Paul the Sunman]

Also, I'd get a dock as it will work with future Sigma lenses, and even a good copy may require adjustments.

For once, I must say "DON'T LISTEN TO ADAM"! I bought the dock when I purchased the 35mm Art f/1.4, thinking it would come in useful for firmware updates and all the future lenses I would buy from Sigma.

However,

1. There never was a firmare update for the K-mount version; it still runs 1.0.
2. There were no future Sigma K-mount lenses, and there never will be.
3. The lens didn't need any focus adjustment.

So the dock was the most useless piece of photo equipment I ever bought.

[Adam]

There were no future Sigma K-mount lenses, and there never will be.

I don't think that's true. Just not the expensive ones.

But who knows, maybe they are ditching us altogether.

Also, during sales you'll often see the dock thrown in.

[mikesbike]

I have often read that Sigma customer service is exceptionally good, just in case there is a problem which they can correct.

[hadi]

I don't think that's true. Just not the expensive ones.

But who knows, maybe they are ditching us altogether.

Also, during sales you'll often see the dock thrown in.

well, things can change.
if pentax does show a larger market share, sigma would want to start doing business again with pentax mounts.
its only in their best interest to make products that sell

[Adam]

well, things can change.
if pentax does show a larger market share, sigma would want to start doing business again with pentax mounts.
its only in their best interest to make products that sell

And that's why the lenses available in the K mount are also those they sell in the highest quantities, such as the 18-300mm superzoom, 17-70mm, and 30mm prime.

[clickclick]

I picked up the 35/1.4 on sale at B&H with a dock added in for free. If you can wait, it does come up a few times a year. Mine focuses fine, and it really is sharp wide open. I also find the bokeh very nice. I'd buy it again/won't be selling it.

[Ascencio]

I also bought it with a dock. I tried two copies exactly the same both needed plus 7 on my camera. Tried the dock had better luck with in camera adjustments. They both focus perfect in live view and acceptable with view finder. I don’t think image quality is matched by other K mount lenses.

[matroxication]

I have Sigma 35mm ART and also purchased an USB dock for calibration. The lens itself is very sharp wide open provided if you have a good copy without any focusing issues. Unfortunately I had worse experience and I had to send it to CR Kennedy three times to get the lens and my Pentax K1 calibrated for focus issues. I received the kit back from service today (lens and camera calibrated) and still taking few shots to see if all the issues are resolved. so far it seems good.


Having said that, if you still want to go with that lens, get the new one with warranty. USB dock will not help if it had serious focusing issues like mine. But if you ask me, I would go for alternate options since the time I had spent calibrating it with USB dock, is not worth the effort. It is sharp but I would spend time in taking pictures rather than fixing the focus issues on the lens.

[bwgv001]

i think currently you get the lens + dock combo as special

[yuenslhk]

I Bought one before , return to B&H immediately even I have a dock

it simply have focus issue , unless you just use live view

[schnitzer79]

in low light it can miss focus sometimes(couple of misses only out of 10 shots),but it is a superb lens. silent and fast focus, lovely bokeh... here u can check out my photos Sigma 35mm f/1. 4 Art | Flickr