The older 30/1.4 is not a bad lens, in fact I think it's likely to go back up in value as the newer version replaces it in the market. The old lens is maligned for the very thing that makes it great IMO. It has very unusual rendering, that when used right makes stunning images, and when used wrong is visibly not good. I don't know that Sigma has ever made any statements about their intention with that design, but it's almost like the old soft lenses. The center sharpness is exceptional, and peaks pretty early probably around f2, but the field curvature is so strong that it gives the illusion of even narrower dof. The corners aren't great at any aperture, but approach acceptability around f8. If you shoot landscapes with this lens you'll hate it, but for closer more portrait type shots it has rendering in line with the FA limiteds, namely an emphasis on perceived depth, micro contrast,, and tonal clarity. It's not a test chart type of lens and seems way out of character for Sigma, but it has a well loved place in my kit. I like to carry around the Sigma and the the FA35/2 at the same time, they each have a completely different role despite similar focal length and aperture. The 35 is a classic landscape lens with low distortion and consistent across the frame performance, the Sigma is a special effect lens that makes stunning environmental portraits in situations where the FA might render a little flat. Its no 31 Limited, not by a long shot, but it has it's own look and I find that far more interesting than the bland rendering of most modern lenses. I'm not saying technology hasn't improved lenses greatly, just that in my experience there's more to the perceived sharpness of a print than resolving power. And most lenses are designed with the goal of conquering the test chart without much consideration for creative rendering. Here's an example of an image shot with the sigma that isn't really that sharp, and probably should've been stopped down a little more, but it prints far better than what pixel peeping would suggest.