Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

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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. The lens comes in mount fittings for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, FourThirds, Sony and Pentax D-SLRs.

The 50mm optic was a firm favourite with many 35mm film photographers as the angle of view it offered is often likened to human vision; prime lenses are usually much faster too, with a wider maximum aperture than their zoom counterparts. This lens opens up to f/1.4: ideal for low light scenarios where you can’t use a tripod or flash.

Its actual dimensions – measuring just 59mm long – makes this an unobtrusive lens, ideal for candid photography. The focusing ring is well-positioned too, so your fingers fall naturally to it when focusing, offering a positive action that allows you to make fine adjustments with total confidence. The fast aperture means the viewfinder is particularly bright for greater focusing accuracy; AF is fast and silent thanks to the HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor).

Results show some barrel distortion around the edges when shooting up close, but you’re unlikely to spot it in most situations. Edge sharpness isn’t perfect below f/5.6 but at f/16 results are pin-sharp. There is a tiny amount of chromatic aberration around some high-contrast edges that becomes more evident as you stop the aperture down. However, when shooting with the lens wide open, there’s a lovely quality to the out-of-focus areas that is quite unlike anything you can get with even a fast zoom lens.