Sigma announces the first 50/f1.4 standard lens with an ultrasonic focusing motor. Will Nikon and Canon follow suit before this becomes the new “normal” lens for D3 and 1Ds Mk III owners? Based on my experience with the 30/f1.4, I think this lens will be a keeper. (Image courtesy Sigma USA.)
My fellow Nikon users have been clamoring for some AF-S remakes of classic “normal” primes such as the 50/f1.4 or 85/f1.4. Alas, we’ve only seen specialized primes such as the 105/f2.8 Micro from Nikon. When Sigma put out their 30/f1.4 HSM prime, I gave it a try, and it soon replaced the venerable 50/f1.4 AF-Nikkor in my camera bag.
See the full Sigma USA announcement.
1 response so far ↓
1 Aqualung // Mar 25, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Totally agree w/ you, for BB the Sigma became my mainstay for shooting along the baseline. The HSM (AFS) really helped me to get the shot better than my 35f2 or 50f1.4. I too would love to see Nikon offer this lens, but if it’s not out by next fall and the reviews on this lens are good it’s going in my bag. My only complaint was its (and it’s a factor of the 30mm, not the Sigma in particular) was the DOF; I wasn’t able to isolate the background crowd as much as I’d like.
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