This small fixed focal length for APS-C has a permanent place in my camera bag as a fast normal focal length. I like the lens very much for all situations where it should be beautiful or creative or in dark surroundings. Here is my review of the little Sigma 30 / 1.4.
The lens : Sigma introduced the 30mm f / 1.4 DC DN Comtemporary in February 2016 . The focal length is 30mm, so 45mm equivalent to 35mm. The lens is very fast with f / 1.4. It is only 73mm long, has a 52mm filter diameter and weighs 264 grams. The closest focusing distance is 30cm. The new price is currently around 300 euros. So much for the numbers, data and facts. I've always liked to use 50mm lenses on full-frame cameras. So I was looking for something with my APS-C camera. Sony has the E 35mm f / 1.8 OSS , which has an image stabilizer but only f / 1.8. So I chose the Sigma lens because it offers f / 1.4.
Sigma : I have to say that for many years I wasn't a fan of Sigma lenses at all. Back in the days of the Canon 5D / 5DII, Sigma lenses had an uncomfortable finish, some problems with front and back focus, and poor image quality. So I avoided them and used Canon lenses instead. At the time of the Canon 5DIII, Sigma's Art series came onto the market. It had a good finish and a very good image quality, but the lenses were very large and bulky. So they weren't of interest to me either. If I use a prime lens, it should be reasonably small and compact. I don't need a piece of rubble weighing 1kg.
Setup : There aren't that many people taking photos with DSLRs anymore. Many have mirrorless cameras and, due to the system, there are no problems with front or back focus because the focus is directly on the sensor. When I bought the Sigma 30 / 1.4, I had the Sony A6000, now I use the lens with the Sony A6400. One reason for downsizing / reducing my photographic equipment was to be traveling with a compact setup that is versatile. I only have three lenses left: the wide-angle 10-18mm, the standard zoom 18-135mm and the 30 / 1.4 as the only fixed focal length. So the small lens is pretty important to me and has to deliver well.
Sample images: Here are some photos that I took with the Sigma 30 / 1.4 over the past year:
Properties : I am very satisfied with the image quality of the Sigma 30 / 1.4. It is compact and delivers razor-sharp images with harmonious bokeh. This in combination with the handy dimensions and the light weight makes it my favorite lens. For portraits, because such a small lens does not look threatening and the portrayed person tends to relax. For low light, because the light intensity f / 1.4 makes it almost a night vision device. For portraits of the surroundings, because the focal length corresponding to 45mm can be used universally and still shows the context. For creative pictures, because with the high light intensity and the small close-up limit, the shallow depth of field can be used well.
Features : Outwardly, the Sigma 30 / 1.4 Contemporary is simple, chic and black. The focus ring is easy to grip and the lens is balanced with the Sony A6400 and is light in the hand. The Sigma is my only lens without an image stabilizer, but in terms of light intensity I haven't missed it yet. In addition, the price is quite cheap, so it is an attractive offer.
Focus : I find the autofocus reliable, but with Sony's Eye-AF it doesn't jump into focus quite as quickly as some Sony lenses. You should make sure that you have the latest firmware for the Sigma lens installed.
Rating : Here are some votes from various reviews:
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 DN is an exceptional performer (...) Sharpness is not just high wide-open, it's also pretty well maintained across the field (...) In fact, the Sigma is one of the sharpest lenses available for Sony E- mount, outperforming much more expensive options (...) The result is a lens that deserves no less than the highest praise.
DPReview
The technical image quality is very high; F / 1.4 is totally usable even for landscape photography in low light, and there is no noticeable coma in the far corners! (...) I should also mention the very reasonable price, especially for this kind of performance.
PhotoJottings
Featuring a bright f / 1.4 maximum aperture, it's a great option for low-light shooting environments, too, and the fast aperture, combined with its 9 circular aperture blades, can produce attractive background bokeh and shallow depth-of-field effects (... ) The Sigma 30mm f / 1.4 DN is the highest-ranked Sony E-mount lens we've tested.
DXOMark
Conclusion : The Sigma 30 / 1.4 Contemporary is for me the standard fixed focal length for Sony APS-C. Whether as a portrait lens, for available light, street photography or in a restaurant / cocktail bar / party, the small lens is practical and powerful. It has a permanent place in my minimalist three-lens setup and I will hopefully take a lot of nice photos with it 🙂
Tip : Sigma also offers a 16 / 1.4 (corresponds to 24mm) and a 56 / 1.4 (corresponds to 85mm) for Sony E-Mount from the same contemporary series . The 56 is also a very good lens. This video gives a small overview of the lenses.
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