Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM is a useful prime lens for the D-SLR owner with a cropped format APS-C type sensor. Essentially it takes on the role of prime standard lens, effectively offering 45mm (1.5x), 48mm (1.6x) or 60mm (2x) - depending on which camera you use it with.

There is really no beating a prime lens for low light photography. Even the fastest zoom lenses are never faster than F2.8 (aside from the two very impressive and very expensive Pro level zooms from Olympus that are F2.0) and such, the best bet for dim rooms and night shots is a real quick prime...

First and foremost, the headline feature of this lens is the exceptionally fast 1.4 aperture; Wide open you will be able to shoot with shutter speeds 4 times faster than even the quick zoom lenses with their 2.8 apertures, The image quality is very good all things considered.

As expected, the lens is a bit soft wide open, the problem is really only apparent however towards the edges; It is however well within acceptable tolerances, The focus on my example back focused by a few millimeters at a distance of about a foot and a half.

This is one of my favorite lenses!! I love how fast the lens is and how close you can get to things. The images are amazing!!

Last year I made the switch to full frame and parked Sigma's 50mm F1.4 Art lens on my 5Diii. I thought full frame was the most amazing thing, and I could never go back. Then I started doing a little bit of video work, so I dusted off my SL1 to use as camera 2.

I wasn't even looking for a new lens when I stumbled on a review of this one while enjoying my Canon

Great build quality; perfect focus; fast and quiet

There isn't a 20mm 1.4 at the same price level

Some may use it for landscape shots due to the slightly wide angle aspect to it, although having said that I think it is aimed at indoor shooting where there is an inadequate amount of lighting due to the very bright aperture. It's one of Sigma's DC range of lenses.

indoor shooting where there is an inadequate amount of lighting due to the very bright aperture

funky with depth of field

price of this lense is pretty awesome already, and i got an open-box for even cheaper $. very happy with it. large aperture makes need for flash is not always necessary. perfect for pix of kid around the house. a bit on the heavy end, but that is just an indication of quality lenses.

solid feel; good price

none so far

This lens must weight as much as my Nikon D40 and is excellent for taking candid photos of my 16mo old son. This is the best investment I could have made for my Nikon D40. Since is has HSM, it works with the Nikon D40 which needs to have the motor in the lens.

Huge optics

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This is a very nice lens for the price. Heaps cheaper than a nikon comparable product, nice and sturdy and produces nice bokeh at open aperture.

I wanted a crop sensor lens that was close to a 50 mm full sensor. I read a lot of reviews, then settled on this lens. I'm a newbie and and still working on my ideal stills but this lens rocks for video

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Excellent Field Of View; Great for Video; Lightweight; Love The Sharpness

Slight Auto Focus Issues