New Sigma 35mm f/1.4 HSM

Smeggypants · 09-22-2012, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I've seen great pics with the 30/1.4 and I'd love to have one. I chose the 35 ltd as my standard prime but the decision was tough. I understyand the 30/1.4, as well as suffering from poor corners, has significant barrel distortion, QC issues and AF issues. As my camera (K200D) doesn't have AF fine-tuning without hacking it, and anyway has a poor AF system, the Sigma would have been a very risky choice. Many others will be in the same position, and lens choices shouldn't be risky, hence my original comment.

As said, the 30/1.4 was optimised for shooting with shallow DOFs, and while it would be great to have perfect performance across the frame, personally I'm happy thatthey';ve optimised the centre for sharpness to squeeze the best out of the lens for the intended application.

Barrel distortion is easily fixed in PP, and it's no worse than most of my other lenses.

As for QC issues, hadn't heard about that, but AF tweaking, well, pretty much all my lenses ( including Pentax ) have needed the AF adjusting. My 30/1.4 needed +3 and 0 respectiveiyl on my two K-5s.

but as you say the pics taken with it can be great. I bought the 30.1,4 because I loved many pics taken with it. I didn't even bother looking at meaningless techspecs until afterwards.

If the 35/1.4 is as good then cool

Buschmaster · 09-22-2012, 06:23 PM

Looks like a very nice lens, and I agree that the style is very nice, but I think it is too close to the 40mm ltd to consider.

Freak · 11-07-2012, 07:55 PM

It would seem the 35mm f/1.4 is available for Pentax in early December for $899 USD.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 Lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras 340109

Adam · 11-07-2012, 08:11 PM

Yup, it was just confirmed that it's coming for Pentax and Sony:
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Coming for Pentax - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

JinDesu · 11-07-2012, 08:13 PM

Pentax is doooooooomed. They're losing third party support left and right.

Oh wait..

SyncGuy · 11-07-2012, 08:24 PM

Oh great.....

From photorumor, seems like it says:

Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM (Splashproof w/ quickshift)
Sigma MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (Splashproof w/ quickshift)
Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (splashproof w/ quickshift)

Oh wow...... Looks REALLY scary.... *shuts eye, turns and focus on Pentax glasses*

Kenn100D · 11-08-2012, 06:12 AM

The new Sigma 35 mm has a usb dock that can adjust its AF via sigma software per camera model.

-A newly developed USB dock, which will be sold separately and exclusively for new product lines, can be paired with new Sigma Optimization Pro software to update the lens firmware and adjust parameters, such as micro focus adjustment

Na Horuk · 11-08-2012, 06:28 AM

Sigma is becoming an interesting player in the third party lens category. They have a cool new look to their lenses, they are talking a lot about these new 'smart' lenses.. cool stuff. If this particular lens doesn't have triangular bokeh, I might actually think about it. I like my DA 35mm f2.4, but there is a huge difference between f2.4 and f1.4 (assuming everything else will be fairly similar, which it probably won't be)

Winder · 11-08-2012, 06:47 AM

I wonder about Sigma's strategy.

Pentax has 3 different 31-35mm options and Sigma is going to offer the 35mm on top of that.

Pentax has nothing between 100mm and 200mm, but Sigma wont offer the 150mm or the 180mm Macro in K-mount? It would seem that there is a greater opportunity for Sigma to sell 150mm macro lenses for K-mount than 35mm F/1.4.

TZH · 11-08-2012, 06:48 AM

I love my 30mm 1.4, and never have a look at 35mm 2.4, as I love the extra two stops.

RonHendriks1966 · 11-08-2012, 07:47 AM

Is it strange to say that I love to use my Pentax FA31mm/f1.8 lens?

I do wonder what Sigma means with "this is an art lens"?

**wtlwdwgn** · 11-08-2012, 09:48 AM - **1 Like**

If the rumored FF Pentax body comes out Sigma will be well positioned with a fast, moderately wide angle lens. Otherwise we get another choice in a normal POV lens. Maybe Sigma knows more than we do. Just my ¢¢.

Boris · 11-08-2012, 11:54 AM

Presently Sigma already is offering a number of lenses that are more interesting than similar lenses from Pentax. E.g. 30/1.4 (31/1.8 is slower), or 85/1.4 (FA* 85/1.4 is ancient and not produced any more) and now this lens which is also full frame. In zoom department Sigma has much to offer as well. Now, they boast the fact that all their production is done in Japan, which hopefully means also a bit better quality control and higher quality production.

All in all, Sigma poses both very viable alternative to Pentax glass and in general terms seems to have much to offer...

Pheo · 11-08-2012, 12:53 PM

Have a DA35 f2.4 quite fancy the 50mm f1.4 sigma

However this looks like a good alternative to the 30mm f1.4

ihasa · 11-08-2012, 02:03 PM

It's a tough one. The 30mm f1.4 is okay, apart from sometimes unpleasant bokeh in the corners (coma or astigmatism?) This one is full frame, and I expect nicer bokeh; but look at the size of it! I think I can live with the slower but harmonious DA35/2.4. At least its nice and small, so more likely to get brought along with me.

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09-22-2012, 06:00 PM	#31
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I've seen great pics with the 30/1.4 and I'd love to have one. I chose the 35 ltd as my standard prime but the decision was tough. I understyand the 30/1.4, as well as suffering from poor corners, has significant barrel distortion, QC issues and AF issues. As my camera (K200D) doesn't have AF fine-tuning without hacking it, and anyway has a poor AF system, the Sigma would have been a very risky choice. Many others will be in the same position, and lens choices shouldn't be risky, hence my original comment. As said, the 30/1.4 was optimised for shooting with shallow DOFs, and while it would be great to have perfect performance across the frame, personally I'm happy thatthey';ve optimised the centre for sharpness to squeeze the best out of the lens for the intended application. Barrel distortion is easily fixed in PP, and it's no worse than most of my other lenses. As for QC issues, hadn't heard about that, but AF tweaking, well, pretty much all my lenses ( including Pentax ) have needed the AF adjusting. My 30/1.4 needed +3 and 0 respectiveiyl on my two K-5s. but as you say the pics taken with it can be great. I bought the 30.1,4 because I loved many pics taken with it. I didn't even bother looking at meaningless techspecs until afterwards. If the 35/1.4 is as good then cool

09-22-2012, 06:23 PM	#32
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	Looks like a very nice lens, and I agree that the style is very nice, but I think it is too close to the 40mm ltd to consider.

11-07-2012, 07:55 PM	#33
Freak Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 361	It would seem the 35mm f/1.4 is available for Pentax in early December for $899 USD. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 Lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras 340109

11-07-2012, 08:11 PM	#34
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Yup, it was just confirmed that it's coming for Pentax and Sony: Sigma 35mm F1.4 Coming for Pentax - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-07-2012, 08:13 PM	#35
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Pentax is doooooooomed. They're losing third party support left and right. Oh wait..

11-07-2012, 08:24 PM	#36
SyncGuy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 821	Oh great..... From photorumor, seems like it says: Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM (Splashproof w/ quickshift) Sigma MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (Splashproof w/ quickshift) Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (splashproof w/ quickshift) Oh wow...... Looks REALLY scary.... shuts eye, turns and focus on Pentax glasses

11-08-2012, 06:12 AM	#37
Kenn100D Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Paranaque City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 697	The new Sigma 35 mm has a usb dock that can adjust its AF via sigma software per camera model. -A newly developed USB dock, which will be sold separately and exclusively for new product lines, can be paired with new Sigma Optimization Pro software to update the lens firmware and adjust parameters, such as micro focus adjustment

11-08-2012, 06:28 AM	#38
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Sigma is becoming an interesting player in the third party lens category. They have a cool new look to their lenses, they are talking a lot about these new 'smart' lenses.. cool stuff. If this particular lens doesn't have triangular bokeh, I might actually think about it. I like my DA 35mm f2.4, but there is a huge difference between f2.4 and f1.4 (assuming everything else will be fairly similar, which it probably won't be)

11-08-2012, 06:47 AM	#39
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	I wonder about Sigma's strategy. Pentax has 3 different 31-35mm options and Sigma is going to offer the 35mm on top of that. Pentax has nothing between 100mm and 200mm, but Sigma wont offer the 150mm or the 180mm Macro in K-mount? It would seem that there is a greater opportunity for Sigma to sell 150mm macro lenses for K-mount than 35mm F/1.4.

11-08-2012, 06:48 AM	#40
TZH Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kuala Lumpur Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 118	I love my 30mm 1.4, and never have a look at 35mm 2.4, as I love the extra two stops.

11-08-2012, 07:47 AM	#41
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Is it strange to say that I love to use my Pentax FA31mm/f1.8 lens? I do wonder what Sigma means with "this is an art lens"?

11-08-2012, 09:48 AM - 1 Like	#42
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,853	If the rumored FF Pentax body comes out Sigma will be well positioned with a fast, moderately wide angle lens. Otherwise we get another choice in a normal POV lens. Maybe Sigma knows more than we do. Just my ¢¢.

11-08-2012, 11:54 AM	#43
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	Presently Sigma already is offering a number of lenses that are more interesting than similar lenses from Pentax. E.g. 30/1.4 (31/1.8 is slower), or 85/1.4 (FA* 85/1.4 is ancient and not produced any more) and now this lens which is also full frame. In zoom department Sigma has much to offer as well. Now, they boast the fact that all their production is done in Japan, which hopefully means also a bit better quality control and higher quality production. All in all, Sigma poses both very viable alternative to Pentax glass and in general terms seems to have much to offer...

11-08-2012, 12:53 PM	#44
Pheo Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brighton, United Kingdom Photos: Gallery Posts: 311	Have a DA35 f2.4 quite fancy the 50mm f1.4 sigma However this looks like a good alternative to the 30mm f1.4

11-08-2012, 02:03 PM	#45
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	It's a tough one. The 30mm f1.4 is okay, apart from sometimes unpleasant bokeh in the corners (coma or astigmatism?) This one is full frame, and I expect nicer bokeh; but look at the size of it! I think I can live with the slower but harmonious DA35/2.4. At least its nice and small, so more likely to get brought along with me.