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

Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of Nikon digital SLR cameras, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting, and landscape photography. The 30mm lens relies on two special-low-dispersion glass elements and a glass-mold aspherical lens. Combined, the construction details correct for all types of chromatic and color aberrations. The lens is also equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that supports quiet, high-speed autofocus, but also turns off should you prefer full-time manual focusing. Other features include a maximum aperture of f/1.4, a 62mm filter mount, and a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 30mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.4
• Lens construction: 7 elements in 7 groups
• Angle of view: 45 degrees (SD format)
• Number of diaphragm blades: 8
• Minimum aperture: f/16
• Minimum focusing distance: 15.7 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:10.4
• Filter size: 62mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Nikon
• Dimensions: 2.97 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches long
• Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

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

Great lens with only one flaw, and a serious one it is
FYI I just got my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 today. Everything's GREAT about it and it's like shooting film with 50mm again. I love lens. Color contrast etc looked GREAT. Bokeh is soft and beautiful (soft & creamy, not donut shaped, not harsh). However, it's got one serious flaw, one that's well reported on Amazon's review-- focus problem. Auto focus system tends to focus in front (like myopic) so whatever I'm aiming at is blurred. It's really GREAT in manual focus mode, but unusable in AF. Apparently, many people have had to send the lens to Sigma back for recalibration. I'm just going to return to the store tomorrow.

Too bad. I was thrilled about it... it was like shooting film with my good 'ol 50mm lens. I guess I'll wait a while for Sigma to flush out problems. Otherwise, it's a really really nice lens.

Three stars only because I've NEVER in my life had to send a lens back, and considering how common this problem is, I'm surprised Sigma hasn't done the responsible thing even after releasing this lens for a while-- recall and better quality control.

By the way if Nikon or Canon step up and create a 30mm f/1.4 lens (EF-S/DX), I'd buy it in a heart beat even if it costs more. There is an obvious hole in the DX/1.6 half frame lens lineup where it's missing a 50mm equivalent focal length prime lens. The only reason why people flock to this problematic Sigma is because Nikon and Canon fail to step up and create something that people have asked for for a very long time.

Fits my needs exactly
So far the lens exceeds my reduced expectations after reading as many user reviews as I could find. I have not noticed any focus issues under any conditions so far using it on a d40. The pictures are sharp and the lens gives the 'normal' perspective that I was missing with my Nikon 50 1.8. The biggest downside is the lens is much much larger and heavier than I expected. The d40 with the Sigma 30 is heavier than a d70 with the Nikon 50mm... Bonus exercise I guess.

Poor low light performance in D40/40x/60
I just wanted to chime in on one point. I rented this lens, because I was looking for (i) a prime lens, (ii) at the 1.4 speed (fast), (iii) for taking pictures at parties (read: low low light), and (iv) that would autofocus in the D60. I have the D60. The D60 comes with a fine kit lens, but at f3.5 it is just not fast enough for shooting real people in low light.

When I took this 30mm to a bar though ... the AF never locked. Never. I had to switch to manual mode to get anything at all. This may be "no big deal" to some, but the 50mm AF Nikon f1.4 lens (which is manual-only on the D40/40x/60) can do the same trick for more than $100 less. I am not sure if this is the "autofocus issue" other have spoken about, but I can verify that there are times in low light where my kit lens locks-on, but the 30mm Sigma does not. Disappointing for a lens that I personally consider a little pricey (no comments from pros on my high level of price-sensitivity please).

In real light, the lens is great. Nice soft focus and shallow depth of field. At night though, it is manual-focus or nothing in my experience.

Personally, I recommend renting the lens first to be sure it suits your needs. In fact, that is good advice for all lenses that you personally consider pricey (your sensitivity to price may vary). For me, I am waiting to try the just-announced 50mm AF-S Nikon f1.4 which is due out for Christmas 2008 (and is virtually the same price as this lens).