Product Description

This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration. Glass mold aspherical lens at rear group of lens reduces color aberration and provides high-quality image results. From 40cm (15.7 inch) minimum focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with high contrast. The HSM models provide quiet high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as full-time manual focus. Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4 can perform superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portrait, indoor shooting and landscape photography. Minimum Aperture - F16 Minimum Focusing Distance - 40cm, 15.7 inches Maximum Magnification - 1 - 10.4 Filter Size - Diameter 62mm Lens Hood DiaPetal Hood Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and an hybrid aspherical lens, provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations Dimensions - Diameter 75.5mm X Length 59mm, 2.97 inches x 2.3 inches Weight - 15.2 ounces (430 grams)

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0007U0H06
• Dimensions: 4.90" h x 5.40" w x 5.60" l, .95 pounds

Features

• Designed to fit Nikon digital SLR cameras
• 30 mm focal length
• 2 low-dispersion glass elements; glass mold aspherical lens element
• 45-degree angle of view
• 15.7-inch minimum focusing distance

From the Manufacturer

This large aperture 30 millimeters f1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration.

Glass mold aspherical lens at rear group of lens reduces color aberration and provides high-quality image results.

From 40 centimeter (15.7 inches) minimum focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with high contrast.

The HSM models provide quiet high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as full time manual focus. Large maximum aperture of f1.4 can perform superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography.

• Large maximum aperture of f1.4
• The most appropriate coating for digital SLR cameras
• Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and an hybrid aspherical lens, provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations
• Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system

Note to customers: Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

Customer Reviews

Unusual but fantastic lens
I have the Sigma HSM version of this lens, using it on a Nikon D40x. The Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens is not easy to use, but that is down to the unique characteristics of an extreme wide aperture lens - the user needs to understand photography technique well to get the most out of this type of lens.

Once that is done, i.e. you know what you are doing, the lens is fun to use. Great capabilities in low light and takes great pics wide open. Is fine in daylight, but that isnt what you get it for really. The build quality is rock solid and it comes with a nice lens bag too. HSM works very smoothly and quietly

A highly recommended purchase. The Sigma 30mm f1.4 isnt going to be the only lens you use or your main lens, but will be a valued and cherished friend nonetheless.

Good value
Bought this lens for indoor photography on my D40. As-received lens had significant front focus problem so returned to Sigma for calibration. Came back much improved with the only issue being repeatability. The same thing happens with the kit lens; comparing 55mm at f/5.6 and 18mm at f/3.5 shows the subject is more likely to be re-acquired (and focus less repeatable) when at 18mm at f/3.5 and less forgiving with the shallow DOF. With the Sigma at f/1.4 it's even worse, also seems that a UV filter messes with AF even more so I don't use one. Given the how the AF compares with the kit lens I don't believe AF repeatability is the Sigma lens' fault but a limitation of the camera's AF mechanism. I have a Haoda focus screen on order to touch up the AF when required (easy to correct AF just by grabbing the Sigma focus ring when if AF-S mode). I would have given the lens four stars but there is nothing else that compares to it. Build quality is excellent and SIgma customer service outstanding. There is apparently a good chance of having to send a new lens back back to Sigma for AF calibration based on what body someone intends to use it on; works great on my D40 now but front focuses on a friend's D200 and D300 (at the D300 default setting).

A Word of Caution
I'm an "advanced amateur", I've owned photo equipment for 30 years, digital cameras for about 10 years. I generally use a Nikon D200, but have a Nikon D40X as a backup camera. For the latter, I bought this lens.

The Sigma 30MM F1.4 HSM lens is a good lens. The build quality is very good, the finish is well done, graphics are clear. It's weight tells me it has few plastic parts. Due to HSM ("Hyper Sonic Motor") it will auto focus attached to my D40X, unlike all other auto-focus lenses except Nikon's AF-S line.

Secondly, for a camera like the Nikon D40 or D40X, the characteristics of this lens make it the only game in town. The highest utility of this lens is that one can use it indoors often without a flash due to it's speed (F1.4). This is meaningful 1) in a museum, 2)where a camera flash would bother the subject (animals, kids, grumpy old people, etc.), or 3) where a (reflective) glass panel separates the subject from the camera. For the D40X, or any other dSLR without a camera motor to drive the lens focus, one can only purchase Nikon AF-S lenses; and Nikon does not currently offer a fast lens with this speed. Further, Nikon lenses are generally more expensive than Sigma offerings.

I've read reviews (some below) that discuss the sharpness of the images from this lens. A point in response. . . one must remember that depth of field is dependent upon aperture, the larger the aperture (smaller F number), the narrower the depth of field will be. At F1.4, the resulting depth of field won't be as good as it would be at F1.8, F2.0, etc. In many situations, this would not matter anyway.

Bottom line, I am very satisfied with the images from my D40X/Sigma HSM combination; in fact, its my third HSM lens for this particular camera.