Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsPhenomenal 35mm 1.4
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2013
My Background
I shoot with a Canon 7d and prime lens only(35mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8). I have had this lens for 2 months. Since then I have used this lens for prom shoots, portraits, indoor volleyball games, Landscape, and a lot of day and night street photography.
Thoughts
This lens is everything I needed from a 35mm. I decided I needed, not wanted(for all you fellow gear lusters out their) this lens because I started to feel limitations of my 50mm on my 7D. Just in case you did not know, 7D is a 1.6x crop sensor camera. On this camera, 50mm = 80mm and 35mm = 56mm focal length. I realized that I needed to get closer to my subject in my my street photography and it was impossible with my 50mm. There truly is a substantial difference in the feel of street photography pictures when you're farther away from your subject. Sigmas 35mm is stunning. Jaw dropping sharp wide open. The focus is fast and accurate. Construction of this lens looks beautiful and professional. This lens does not have weather sealing, but I did not need it. Balanced well on a 7D and felt commanding on a rebel body.
In Use
It was great for group prom shots, wide enough to get everyone in the shot and still created smooth bokeh for great isolation. Did a fantastic job in portrait shots for added context. I had a photo shoot for a family with children and it was fast enough to capture them running around. Very useful for full court shots with the team and fast enough to capture the quick movements in the game. Beautiful sublime color rendition in landscapes. And finally, it has made all the difference in the quality of my street shots. This lens has delivered and has be come my standard lens.
Conclusion
This lens is fantastic. Everything about it is so desirable for just about any photographer. I am glad I added this to my collection as it will still be a great investment when I move to a full frame. Get out and shoot! I hope this review was helped. Fell free to ask any questions